I liken my M3W to a problem child -
I really object to hearing perpetuated negative comments but would accept more a balanced argument given the issues and not to be aware of the issues simply shows a total lack of preparation prior to purchase.
Well MarkH, here is the other side of the argument.
My experience is an example of why there is so much commentary on poor product and customer service.
I ordered a new 4/4 for delivery in August 2011 to Australia. To say there were issues from the start would be an understatement but leaving that aside for the moment the big problem was severely sagging rear suspension.
A professional inspection of the first attempt by Morgan at repair was found to be illegal and could render the vehicle un-roadworthy for the purposes of registration.
You can imagine how I felt to be also told the car was NOT ADR (Australian Design Rules) compliant.
The second Morgan fix also failed.
With the end of the warranty looming (even with an extension) I had no confidence it could or would be fixed locally particularly after been told there was a strong prospect the dealership could be closed.
At this point I felt I had two main options. Pursue an action with NSW Fairtrading on the grounds of “fit for purpose” or contact the Federal Department of Infrastructure and Transport on non compliance.
I did have some useful but not decisive contact with the factory in the process of sorting out problems so I thought a direct call to the new MD would be worth a try.
I rang the factory and asked to speak to Mr Steve Morris.
By now they would have digested my detailed letter of issues and questions and had time to consider a response. Incidentally that some letter was later delivered to Graham Chapman at Morgan via TM as a submission to the Classic Forum – No response
Reception put me on hold then returned to advise Mr Morris was not available to take my call and invited me to leave my details which I did.
I think I waited around six weeks and got nowhere. I decided to follow the advice of my motoring and legal contacts and involve the Department.
Their response was swift and took Morgan by the scruff of the neck.
The result - my car and others who raised their hand around Australia with similar compliance issues were lined up for repairs, hooray!
As it often happens, these things tend to snowball and now that the interest of motoring Mandarins had been piqued some began to ask how these cars were being registered?
One State authority coincidentally decided to rewrite their training manual for those who wished to be accredited Authorised Vehicle Inspection Station examiners.
The authors of that manual made contact asking for permission to use photos of the work done on my car by Morgan as examples of modifications that would cause the vehicle to be “Rejected” at registration inspection (your MOT)
I’m not sure how far this proceed but I should be able to find out.
The real disappointment is that all this grief could have been avoided by the simple act of honest, direct communication.
The assertion that disgruntled customers make the most noise disproportionate to the majority is undoubtedly true. These statements are usually trotted out with a veil of sneery distain implying you’re just a whinger. Like it or not, that’s how society works today especially in a world of social media and why there is such attention to whistle blower policy and support.
Look what happened at UBER. A small number of employees (as a percentage anyway) managed to change staff structure and corporate culture simply by speaking out against the majority.
Had no one made a stand against non compliant Mongans in Australia other owners would have suffered and the Department of Infrastructure would not know where to look, and we know how successful that has been.
On the charge of
“not to be aware of the issues simply shows a total lack of preparation prior to purchase” – I plead guilty, but with the extenuating excuse that at the time I believed the 4/4 was probably the most simple but beautiful, uncomplicated vehicle commercially available in the world and Morgan had been building them since 1936 – what could possibly go wrong.......?
Like you, I’m thoroughly enjoying my problem child now that I have managed to sort it out but right now I need to make a phone call.
Long live TM....
