Talk Morgan Forums Thread Like Summary - Tell me about Roadsters

I am flirting with the idea of changing from my GDi Plus 4 to a Roadster. I have tried to find info on the interweb but can't really find what I am after.

Can anyone explain to me when the different versions of the 3 litre Roadsters came out - S1, S2 and S3? And what the main differences are? l aso I understand there were different VED rates (even though some had the same engines) - is there a concise table or chart that depicts these. Is the insurance on a Roadster that much more than a GDi, and what average mpg can I expect from a Roadster?

Has anyone changed from a GDi to a 3 litre Roadster, if so what are your opinions please.

TIA.

My S1 2004 Roadster in easily the best Mog I have owned; came from its previous Yorkshire owner on this Forum.As all say potters along at a speed good for Wales but goes like stink once your over the border
Try one if you can, Mine is just over 62kmiles with no trouble. Highly recommend

Stewart. Does your car have the Ford gearbox?
If it does try this oil. The gear box is a Ford transit box, which also is “ tight” getting into 1st & from 1st to 2nd, especially when cold.
Ford have been trying to modify the oil to help. I changed to it with a vast improvement.
Make sure it is this exact oil. Number bottom right on bottle.
Worth a try.

Les, if you find a nice 3.7 the later ones fall under the new VED system that after 5 yrs old (in the 6th yr) flat rate tax is paid at just £180 ish

There's no rev hang issue with the 3 litre S3: that was an unfortunate feature of the early 3.7 (S4?) from 2012 I think. The MT75 gearbox's recalcitrance is somewhat overplayed IMHO (unless I'm lucky and have a particularly good one). Yes - the 'box doesn't like selecting first from cold: as already mentioned, it's often best to select 2nd at standstill and then immediately move the stick forward into 1st. When warm there are no selection difficulties whatsoever. And my VED is £395 - pricey enough - but not, perhaps, "extortionate"! A good 3 litre S3 is a wonderful thing: I don't think you'll regret it if you find one.

Yes, I installed my SSL front kit with the spacers at the top which results in a slightly higher ride height and thus gives a little more clearance under the sump. Makes me sleep more easily at night., but might consider fitting a shallow Mulfab sump some time.

Hi Les,

My very early S1 Roadster, 2004 with the Getrag 5 speed gearbox was purchased from Berrybrook (nice people to deal with) last December. I upgraded it straight away with the SSL front and rear suspension kits. It's a lovely car to drive - easy to potter along at 20mph when required but having startling acceleration too. It gives well over 30 mpg on basic unleaded. If you'd like a drive, message me. I live in North Somerset, presumably not too far from you.

Incidentally, the road tax on Roadsters registered before 23 March 2006 id £395. After that date it rises to £675. At some time (late 2007? can't be sure) the Roadster emissions reduced so that it fell back into the £395 category. If that is relevant to your decision-making, then check the emissions of any Roadster offered for sale by entering the registration number onto the DVLA Vehicle Enquiry facility.

Hi Les. I think I have one of the last S3's produced (march 2011). Dash layout isn't any different (rev counter in front of drivers, speedo & tri-gauge in the middle). I don't think there are many visual differences - but one to watch out for is the tubular exhaust manifolds: on the more powerful S3 engine the three branches each side are longer - they extend outside the engine bay sidewalls (I've forgotten the correct term for them) before they merge into one. In terms of performance and torque the S3 has quite a Jekyll and Hyde character: it has a big wave of torque at lower revs and can pootle around very happily from around 1500 revs: wind it up above 5000 - 5500 and it goes like the proverbial! Hope this helps!

You don't change much in 3.7l Vs the S1. The 3.7 on A and B roads can be left in the grin gear aka 3rd. Where the 3.7 box scores is 6th is great as an overdrive on long runs. It is also flyby wire so you can fit cruise control for all those AVG speedzones

I highly recommend the V6 Roadster.
The power reserve is very pleasant
I will never take a 4 cylinder again
In France, comprehensive insurance is €600 per year