Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Three Wheeler & Super 3 Used 2012 Three wheeler for sale advice needed

A 2012 model is for sale, is it safe to buy?
It's had a new bevel gear box, new exhaust, anti bump steer modification, and new charging system.
It's done only 3000miles.

Will the chassis break or crack? Or is it only for some?
The compensator will it fail? Is timing belt failure common?
Thhe rear sprocket is said to be in good condition, how fast do they wear out?

I would suggest that you go and have a look.

It is inevitable that the compensator will need replacing at some stage thats why the factory no longer fit them.

What does it cost to fit ? I would deduct that cost off the asking price as a starter.I would think £1000?? Maybe others can give you a better fix on the cost.

Check the chassis on the top/ all round the engine bay - it is probably ok.

What to pay/offer?

Well I would think in the UK £23K ????Not sure about Norway but the approx equivalent off list new price.

Good luck!!

My 2012 is still running on the original compensator unit - The only mods having been done are the "Urban Cooling" mod - how that name makes me laugh! & some bonnet latches
As for the chassis - There appear to be different levels of triangulation and bracing as the cars have progressed.

These cars will still fetch good money and you'll love it/hate it regardless of year.

I liken them to a problem child you want to give to social services but simply can't.

The Centra compensator is just over £1,000 (inc VAT) plus fitting.

An alternative is to fit a grease nipple to the original compensator. This involves a jig and drilling a hole in the bell housing so I don't know if it's a realistic DIY job or must be done by a dealer.

There must be about 500 2012 cars out there and the issues are pretty much fixable so if you like it go for it!

Chassis is the main problem
I would say that are quite a few out there with cracks that no one has noticed. Mine cracked at the upper wishbone mounting nearest the gearbox if that makes sense.
i have been to two 3W get togethers and at the first one i found two other 2012 3 W's cracked at the same place. I recently wen to the Blenheim meet and found another 2012 in the same condition.
If the car has no welded bracing between the engine mounts and just has a bolt on brace it will break at some point 4000 miles is about the time they go.
Run you hand all around the chassis tube araound the wishbone mounting points.
Ring Morgan and ask if they will repair or replace a cracked chassis at any age becuse these early chassis will all fail at some point. I have seen too many failures at too few meetings for these failures to be one offs.
I would change to a centa compensator. Makes a huge difference to the feel of the old girl but I do get a rattling of rubber at 2800 rpm.
If you buy a 3w with your eyes open and are happy to finish the car that Morgan were brave enough to start building you will love it.