Talk Morgan Forums Community Vehicle Talk (non-Morgan) 1000 Mile Report

A great objective report on your new car - very useful as none of us know when the Morgan will outgrow us for whatever reason and it's nice to know of alternatives.

First I would like to thank Philip for his great write up. John I can fully affirm your expectations regarding the Honda S2000. I had one from 2002 to 2005 before I purchased my first Mog. After the honeymoon the joy turns into heavy headache and being hacked of. You have no alternative, you have to rev because nothing happens below 5000 rpm.

GT86 - looks a nice motor, but I guess if the dealer can't be bothered.
I understand the later S2000 isn't so peaky engine wise. Not something I would live with either... Give me a nice fat, flat torque curve - probably why I like diesels. And such as the XK8

For example a turbo diesel SLK

But with more luggage space...

Enjoyed the report MonteZooma but it has left me a little disturbed. Having read of a few 'defections' recently and then your 1000 mile report and Howard's 'Just doesn't get Morgan' thread it got me thinking. I am ready to move on my Mark II TT and am carrying out due diligence accordingly, current favourites are an order for a spanking new TT Mark III for delivery in the Spring or a Golf R (I have had a couple of examples of the Golf R32 so know what to expect). While at the same time just arranged for the Mog to go in to my local dealer on Friday for 'nipple greasing' and a full on discussion about suspension and brakes upgrade while I am there. Phillip's report on the non squeaking, non rattling SLK kept going around my head, what is it about a Morgan that makes me accept all of that plus the need for regular greasing and the very thought of a suspension and brake upgrade on a 12000 mile car. I know these discussions have taken place before and you either 'get' Morgan or you don't but when making the comparison of what I will demand from either the Audi or the VW versus what I put up with in the Mog is making me uncomfortable. Sure the Mog is an iconic design, it's British, quirky and fun but I will pay about the same for one of the German's without having to play 'pot hole hop scotch'. Maybe I'll take the winter to consider it's future....help!

IMHO, the Boxster is the 2-seater cabrio that all others can be measured against. Even the original 2.5 was a cracking car, with enough grunt to make it fun and more than enough poise to ensure you could use all the 2.5 had to offer. Each new model has been equally impressive to drive and a used Boxster Spyder played heavily on my mind when I bought the Roadster.

I can understand why people gravitate to the SLK - the metal folding roof does make it the perfect antidote to our weather. On the downside (and I do hope Philip fares better), I have found Mercedes after sales to be the worst among all the brands and this alone would put me off owning a nearly new one. Having to return to Mercedes UK, for warranty work, has been far more painful than it should have been.

Philip, there are plenty of non-owners on this forum (hence the title being "car owners & enthusiasts"; therefore, there is no reason for you not to continue dropping into the virtual pub.

The good thing about freedom of choice and the ability to put it into practice, is that you can do what you want not everyone agrees with what we do but hey ho.....

Do what makes you happy....

Me I have gone from a gadget fest to a Morgan (still drive the smart Roady)

Totally different experiences (long journeys in the smart Roady have you wondering what dohicky will let you down this time or will the rain get in?)

Most people think I'm crazy but if a car was to go it'd probably be my Audi Estate

Three soft tops in the family (although the other two do have a hard top for winter comfort)

It'd be nice to have buckets of moolah to play with alsorts of cars but we don't so that is that.

The Mog was a long term wish, I have it now, will I keep it as long as my other cars?

Never really hankered after another car (apart from maybe the SR but that was as a realistic affordable choice fun car at the time - have still got the SR 11 years on) Being a relatively young spritely MOG owner I hope my body will allow me to enjoy it for a time.

And to think I almost bought a BMW i3 instead of the Mog!

Back in 2000 I put my name down for a Honda S2000. At the time it was going to be a limited addition, small production, sportscar out of the NSX factory.
When it arrived I took it for a test run. I had it airborne off a roundabout and over a ton on the straights.
I decided it was serious risk to licence, life and limb.
My 4/4 at the time was more fun at 60 than the Honda at 120.
On long journeys the thought of wafting along in a BMW or Mercedes has its appeal especially when it starts to rain and you can't find the hood button in the Morgan.
Titus

The Mog is fun, without a doubt, although for our annual pilgrimage to Cornwall each December we always take the TT, just not sure the Mog is equipped to cope with 5-6 hours journey in December weather....and always worried the weather will turn on us while we are there, the TT will get us home....but I can accept that, I can accept the lack of press button technology for the hood, I think the hoods fun, I can accept the lack of gadgets, what I am struggling with is constant squeaks, rattles, poor suspension, poor brakes, poor clearance............various instrument malfunctions and that rough ride, should I accept that for the money, are they not basic expectations?