Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) 2004 4/4

I am looking at buying a 2004 4/4 with 1.8 zetec engine, after a moron wrote of my 2012 Plus 4 by crashing into the back of us and nearly writing us of as well. Not to sure if we will be staying in Switzerland or possibly moving to Aus so do not want to spend on a new car. Any known problems to look out for with this model, it has been main dealer serviced, cam belt changed and only 20k on the clock, so should be reasonable, not afraid of a bit of work. Just would like to know if anything is known to give trouble with this model. Thanks in advance to all the knowledgeable folk on this forum.

I may not be typical and certainly not a mechanic but have had my 2003 4/4 for three years now, it has been really good to me, also changed the cam belt last year, also about 20k on the clock, I have a rear fog light that comes on exactly when it wants to, a horn that packs up exactly when it wants to and a leaky hood - so, no problems to speak of other than a fan relay switch last year!

I have driven over 30,000 miles in mine and (touch wood) only had three issues; two failed relays (1 x fuel pump, 1 x cooling fan) and a faulty instrument control module.
I had new tyres at 24k, a cam belt changed when the car was 8 years old and a new battery (the first) last year.
The gearbox that was fitted to this model is not the best and tend to have a slight lay-shaft noise when idling, but according to the knowledgeable "they are all like that"** and it is not an issue unless the noise is really excessive.
The "black top" Zetec engine is not as smooth as a Duratec, but it does have really good torque characteristics.
**PM me if you would like more details.

Sorry to hear about the loss of your car. I hope no one was hurt.

Sounds good to me... I have had a 2002 4/4 (Black Top Zetec) for 5 years and it is a little 'screamer' goes well and a decent exhaust manifold transforms it. I would have recommended the cambelt change so that is done already so 'fill your boots'!

Check out my website for some tips on air filters and rev hanging issues. www.LeMans62.org.uk/tips

Safe travels and try not to keep looking into the rear view mirror (sounds nasty and hope no one was hurt)

I was rear-end twice in two consecutive Audi 80s, so you have my sympathies. I've had a 2003 4/4, zetec black top for about 10 months and the only issues so far were seized rear brake cylinders (probably something to do with the previous owner storing the car rather than driving it) and a failed brake light switch. I love the car and am happy with a small-engine Mog.

Ditto rear break cylinder.

Also the rear brake switch, another tip on my website

www.LeMans62.org.uk/tips

I believe the addition of the high vis brake light (21 Watts) actually aggravates the old style brake switches so have introduced a relay to take the load off the switch. (Tip from MG Car Club site)

The relay comment makes sense.

Or use an LED version of the high level brake light...

Thanks for the replies, it seems no major problems with this model, good, because I bought it today, looks good, sounds ok, slight layshaft noise when idling, normal I am told, drives good, so will be putting some kilometers on it once the army of paper shufflers here have crossed the t's and dotted the i's and dreamt up any new rules to delay giving me the paperwork to use the car.
As far as the previous 2012 one that was written of, the car was written of with a slightly bent chassis and some body damage, I spent a week in hospital with broken ribs, shoulder blade and some colourful bruises and unfortunately the better half wacked her head on something hard and has spent 2 days short of 6 months in hospital and rehab, now home and making a fair recovery, memory a bit dodgy and walking a bit wobbly but 3 days a week as an outpatient with all sorts of therapies. Hospital treatment here has to be seen to be believed, 5 star plus. yes we pay a fair price, but worth it.