Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms first Morgan - which?

Dropped in to Cwmbran Morgan this afternoon. Seriously thinking of buying a trad despite my misgivings over things like solid rear axle.

So for someone new to Morgans, which model would you recommend xand why. Would you recommend buying new or secondhand. Private or dealer? And if buying new which are the extras that are a must for resale and which are optional.

Howard, I thought you had asked this before.

Anyway, i depends what you want in a Morgan, if a nippy runabout that's agile and fun a 4/4. If you want more power a Plus 4, and then a Plus 4 Sport. If I wanted a quick light car that was good for touring then I would go for a Plus 4 Tourer Sports with Suplex, the one I test drove at Williams was lovely.

If you like burbly V8's and a car that feels planted on the road then its a Plus 8 but will feel heavy on the steering compared to the above.

If your bag is screaming acceleration then a Roadster, the ultimate being a 3.7, but the earlier ones are quick as well. they can also be driven sensibly and are good tourers. Feel is between a Plus 4 and Plus 8 IMHO.

With respect to new or secondhand depends on your finances, if I had the dosh I would be tempted to by a new one at some point and just accept the initial depreciation, as I would keep the car long term. However I would say a one to two year old car thats done around 4-8k miles is a good option. I personally think a car that has done around 3k miles minimum a year is better than one that has sat on it suspension for most of its life.

I have brought both mine through dealers, both because I could not find one privately that I liked. The second one I also got a very fair deal and the dealer has been great. If you can find a cherished and cared for one privately at the right price for you then go for it.

I was new to Morgans late last year. Drove a 4/4 and a +4 (already decided a Roadster would be too far up the scale for my first Morgan) and really enjoyed both. To me, the +4 felt more planted on the road and had more torque to pull away, but the 4/4 felt more 'nimble' and very enjoyable to drive in a different way as you had to work the engine/gearbox more. But these are only my personal views - I suggest you try them both to see what you like and enjoy. And do visit the factory.

Still undecided on 4/4 or +4 (would be happy with both I think) we looked around. Surprisingly, there was not a huge difference in price between a 6-18 month low mileage and new car of either type. Eventually saw and bought a +4 with a colour and spec that we wanted (and was a 'typical' Morgan colour/spec combination to ease resale - if that ever happens! ) . Also, there was a certain spaniel involved ...

But not looked back since - just got back from another sunny afternoon run round the Chilterns - miles of smiles yet again!

As has been said on TM before - and I confirm it's true - if you look around the right car will find you.

The spaniel will show you the car it knows is right for you!

Start by looking at used cars - you have less to lose if it doesn't work out. Visit more than one dealer, because customer service does vary considerably.

Don't even think about resale value because you will be trying to predict what someone you don't know wants at some future date that you can't predict and potentially compromise your enjoyment of the car whilst in your ownership.
Buy what your heart wants, whatever that may be, and you will love every minute.
The best Morgan is the one that we own, I am on my third and whilst different have enjoyed them all and would be happy with any of them.

Plus4 is my choice - mainly as it doesn't cost a fortune to tax each year here in Ireland! ( mind you, you lot would faint at the €720 per year!!!! - a roadster is €2200)
But I do luv my plus4 anyway - a vote too for Peter Constable in Cwmbran - was really great when I bought mine in 2009!!

I bought my narrow bodied + 4 from Peter at Newtown. You couldn't wish for a better dealer. After sales service is first class.

I think you need to do some test drives Howard.
A big step from moving from an Elise! If you are concerned about depreciation, don't buy new and don't buy from a dealer. But for peace of mind I'd go for something from a dealer perhaps 3 to 4 years old. Mileage will generally be low as apart from Jeremy, most owners do low miles. The model will very much depend on what you want out of it. Extras? Again it depends on what you want. Walnut veneered dashes are nice, M-K ones even nicer, stainless wheels, easy up hood, door pockets, bumpers or overriders, luggage rack etc. I never wanted the latter; its stored in the garage but handy on holidays! Supplex is nice to have but not essential, decent dampers better and panhard rod, but that depends on how you want to drive it. That and front brake reaction bars are easy and cheap to add later.
Finally...you do need to have a look around the factory to get the Morgan vibe. If you fancy it, send me a PM.

Narrow bodied +4 is my choice as you get the power/ torque with a nimble response the best go both worlds.