Talk Morgan Forums Community Welcome Forum New member and potential owner

Thanks for all the encouraging replies.
Main worry is how the suspension would feel over our semi rural, potholed roads. Although not a magic carpet ride, our family's Lotuses have been acceptable although still could crash and bang over poor surfaces. The Caterham had a Xflow and you could tell you had a cast iron lump up front. The light Sigma engine appeals for that reason.

Browsing the internet I have seen a couple of possibilities but am obviously waiting for Covid to settle down so I can view and test drive. For the moment I am trying to get as much as a feel for the cars and possible problems as I can from the comfort of my armchair!

Harry

Hi Harry

Any Morgan is a fantastic car, mine is a late 2012 4/4 Sport with the Sigma engine and it has the excellent Mazda gearbox though many 2012 cars dont.

The sweet spot for the 4/4 Sigma in my opinion therefore is the Mazda box cars from late 2012 to 2016 as after 2016 you will be paying an additional road tax of £320.00 a year (total £485.00 per year) for 6 years from new which doesn't sit well with me for a third car.

When I test drove my car I was surprised how comfortable the car was though the front suspension was crashy over potholes. Brake Reaction bars for the front suspension do firm up the front end with much less 'crashing' at and i would say are essential, they cost less than £50 a pair from Sifab. I also changed my tyres like Heinz did for Vredestein T Trac 2's for around £200.00 for four mainly because mine were 8 years old but they are a better wet weather tyre than the standard Contis.
I have also fitted a Sifab Panhard Rod at around £200.00 and AVO adjustable shocks at less than £400 for four.

After owning classics for years Im always amazed that my Morgan always starts and drives perfectly even after not using the car for weeks. Im always also amazed how well the car drives and how much fun it is to drive. I have had big V8 engined classics which were nice but you cant drive them to their limit. I cant compare the Plus 4 as I haven't driven a Plus4 but I like the narrow body and narrow wheels of the 4/4 and a couple of Morgan mechanics I have spoken to have said the 4/4 is the one they would buy.

If you drive a 4/4 Sigma with Brake Reaction bars and a Panhard Rod you will surprised how comfortable the car is and how well it drives.

Should have added that I am in Lancashire on the Fylde Coast - Lytham. My nearest Official Morgan dealer is Oakmere in Northwich, although Life’s Motors are just across the estuary in Southport.

I have been to a few Breakfast Meetings at Oakmere but, although they were always Lotus and Caterham Club events, I was usually able to have a quick look at the Morgan’s tucked away in the showroom.

Craig, you forgot to mention how shiny it is

Harry, welcome to TM, although officially dealers showrooms are closed, most will do a video 'walk around' of a specific car for you

Hi Harry

I would say that the Sigma engined 4/4 is much less common used than the Plus 4 though Oakmere do have an 2018 4/4 in at the moment which Im sure you could have a drive in unless it is bought online unseen like Morgans were in the first lockdown.

I bought my 4/4 from Lifes though they no longer sell Morgans. Mine was almost an impulse buy (Not like me) as my wife dropped me off at Lifes to browse whilst she was shopping and I was offered a test drive in the 4/4.

It was so much more comfortable and better riding than expected that I had bought the car when my wife came back from shopping!

Rob, these are the best stories! I would have loved to see your wife's face when she came back from shopping:)

I have a 2010 4/4 sport and love it to bits. I have had front & rear suspension stiffened and it is a much better ride. Join the MSCC and you will get the monthly mag and also they will put you in touch with your local centre. I did this a year before I got my Mog and it was a source of very useful information and expertise.

Yes, had enquired about that one. Ex demo car then sold to a customer who has now traded it in to buy a Caterham from them. Not sure what condition it is in, looks shiny😀. Buying a car now would mean it would probably not be used for a while and by then any warranty will have expired.

Hi Heinz

Luckily my wife likes Morgans after we hired one for the day years ago. I knew that I wouldnt need permission and it was her fault for dropping me off at the Morgan dealers in the first place

Hi Harry

The white 2018 4/4 is a nice car, I dont think the lack of use will be detrimental and 4/4s were only built until late 2018 so any 4/4 you look at will only have the dealers warranty. Mine had 3 months though I didnt need the warranty.

Heres my car at Lytham Hall before lockdown.