Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Aero 8, 2012< Plus 8, SuperSports, Coupe & Aeromax What is your ownership experience

Hello All, This is my first post!
Im interested to know what the general owner experience is of an Aero eg a Series 1. I am a long term Lotus owner so I expect quirks, but are there any real downsides?
I think my budget wont stretch more than circa 45k so I know I should get a series 1, but what about a series 2 or 3 ie would they be in this price range? Is it really worth pushing for the later car?
Many thanks in advance!

Shaun

Shaun,
I owned a S1 for 6 years having had a couple of trad Morgans before.
The plus points from me are :the look, the sound, the drive, comfort compared to trad cars, practical space ie behind the seats and boot,
The minus point IMHO, The dreaded starter click, it consumed 5 batteries and a starter motor. The removal of wings,lights,cowel and bonnets for servicing, centre lock wheels, i had one come off, Parts can be hard to get..
On balance, ownership was a good experience and I would get another one.
I might add that I have no Morgan dealership handy which made some of the above more relevant to me, I returned to a trad a couple of years ago
Dave.

'ello

Though I bought my Aero new, I'd say that building a solid relationship with your dealer is going to pay dividends - not least at MOT time when a dealer will get a Morgan through the test, in spite of the car's quirks

Will

Hi Shaun and welcome

I came from Lotus (Series 1 Elise,111S) to a Morgan Aero 8 ,series 1 (complete with squint eyes!).

My S1 -







No regrets from me (or my wife who found the Elise too track focussed).

You will get different opinions ,but personally, I like the S1 'original' look complete with 'gangster' roof, centre lock wheels and lower boot lid.

After the S1, the cockpit was widened slightly and the boot lid was raised (a la whale tail) together with other revisions.You can search TM for a 'buyers guide' which is very informative and useful.

My advice is to get a car with a few miles and regular use on it rather than a 'garage queen' as they don't like sitting around unused.

Any other queries, fire away - there are several S1 owners on the forum who will be happy to help....

James

Welcome Shaun, my experience has been fantastic albeit mine being a later series car. I came back to Morgan ownership after many years peddling a Caterham around and have a good friend with both a S1 and a SS Coupe. Much as with James's experience, my wife loves the Aero after hating the 7. Everybody seems to love the Aero too, every trip out brings appreciative comments and discussions.

They are fantastic grand tourers and swallow up the miles, in relative comfort. You have a "usually" sound hood, electric windows, air con, a boot and a wonderful soundtrack - what's not to like. The engine and drivetrain is pretty strong, designed for a heavier vehicle. A S1 will now be headed for 20 years old, so expect some issues with various parts and the Factory I believe don't now stock all of the parts. Though there are a number of independent companies who source or remanufacture many of these bits.

I'm not sure where you are based, but as Will suggests, I would talking to your nearest dealer(s) about the pros and cons of ownership. They often will know of good cars that may be available as well.

They are not perfect by a long way, but I wouldn't swap it for anything else.

Thank you all for your responses, much appreciated.

I have seen a 2003 S1 with around 20,000 miles for sale for £44k :- https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1286004. Is this a reasonable price? What do series 2 or 3's go for?

I want to go touring with my wife, whats it like on motorwys? I went to Scotland a couple of years ago in my Lotus and hated the motorways as it is so uncomforatbale and you feel particularly vulnerable in heavy fast traffic.

These cars are great mile munchers.

Im on my 3rd S1, I keep selling and regretting.

It’s an S1 or nothing for me though, just personal taste. I lobe the Clarence look, centrelock wheels and low roof line. It’s the original concept.

Biggest issues for me is getting them waterproof inside. The hood design can mean they leak around the windows.

They have immense torque, engines are so unstressed.

I know people have suffered wheel loss but not sure how when the grub screw should prevent that.

I have done Hampshire to Hilversum in both the Coupe and the S2. You do feel low and so when passing Artics it is a bit close but that is about the worst of it. The car has the comfort, power, handling and general ride quality to make it quite reasonable for long distance given it is a small lower open 2 seater. Hood up is noisy as it drums a bit. Hood down means some ear defenders make it a lot less tiring but consider the safety. The ride and high gearing means it is a lazy and easy rumble with enough torque to pick up and get out of the way if needed. Economy when sitting around the speed limit is surprisingly good at about 25mpg.

Series 1 limitations for me were tight cabin, older and so in need of more bits which are becoming less easy to get, they are 20 years old after all. Limited but usable boot and rear shelf. They do need a bit more servicing as the work needs bonnet and wings off for a lot of things. The later cars also did have more power and brakes etc. All models are fun so drive some and find the right car without worrying too much on the model, unless you don't fit in an S1! (Like me)

Do they all have air conditioning as standard?

yes, should all have air con. - but check that it is working and has been re-gassed, etc.

There is quite a bit of heat soak into the cabin so air con. is a welcome addition.

You will probably need to do a bit of work sealing around the bonnet/air intake as it can suck too much under bonnet, hot air in for the air con. to cope with.

Motorways are no problem (and light years comfier than the Lotus!)

I don't know where you are based (?), but I use an ex-factory mechanic to service mine (and travel Newcastle to Malvern for the service) .

It's quite a trek, but he worked on the line building the cars so knows them inside out.

James