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Re: A Morgan virgin !

To: Steve Harman - SHA <SHarman@ideal.co.uk>
Subject: Re: A Morgan virgin !
From: Jeremy Edwards <jeremy@jmemee.demon.co.uk>
Date: Fri, 27 Aug 1999 23:05:34 +0100
Steve Harman - SHA <SHarman@ideal.co.uk> writes
>Having never driven any its difficult to know where to start. The +8 sound
>great and if money grew on trees would be first choice. Correct me if I'm
>wrong but I'd guess it would put my Fronteras petrol consumption to shame
>and present some large bills when serviced?

For an injected car 25-29 mpg, last time I asked £150-350 per service,
insurance about double a 4/4- not that bad really. The biggest problem
is likely to be the considerably higher purchase price and the ease at
which you can get a speeding ticket.
>
>For looks only (and no kids)- it'll be a 2 seater.

My favourite

>Is there much difference between a +4 and 4/4 in terms of reliability,
>running costs and performance?

I cannot speak from experience, but the more recent +4 Rover M16 or T16
engine and 4/4 Mondeo engines are not known for too many problems. The
+4 has more torque, (=easier to drive), the 4/4 more nimble and can be
quicker on a demanding road.
>
>One of the most important factors is protection from depreciation. Partly
>because of this and budget, it will almost certainly be a used car but not
>more than 10 years old. Maybe £15K to £20K tops.

None of them depreciate much compared to tin boxes. From the trade
adverts in the current issue of Miscellany. £20k will get you a 1995
4/4, a 1993 +4, £17k an 1986 +8. From the private adverts a '97 4/4 for
19.5k a 1991 +8 3.9 pre-cat for £22,750.
>
>As ever, the suggestion of renting one first sounds a good idea.

Most of the rental cars will be current spec, i.e. 1800cc 4/4 or 1998cc
+4 or 3.9 or 4.2 +8s

For older cars some history might be a good idea.

Morgans built before 1986 may have very little protection against rust
or rot, so after 7-10 years will be tatty. Good 70s cars will have been
rebuilt at least once. An 80s car could need it badly. An early 90s car
could be mint or need wings. It may not be obvious and it can be bodged
to look good, but a competent inspection will show up most faults. More
modern cars will have better initial rust and rot proofing, but after
40-50k miles will start to loosen up panel wise unless looked after.
Cracks around the front side light, engine mounts and bubbles in the
wings are the most common symptoms. Bringing a run down car up to
scratch can be an expensive operation, the unlucky could spend £15k on a
car and a further £4k getting it right. Buying from a dealer will give
you some rights and everyone I have bumped into has been basically
honest, (if horrendously expensive- you have to pay for the preparation
and the consumer protection).

My personal choice is a 1972 4/4 2 str that has been comprehensively
rebuilt. You could pick up a similar car for £13,000 or have one built
up to your own specification for £15-17,000 away from London.
        Advantages:     Lower costs, can be staged
                        No Road Tax, historic vehicle
                        Mechanically simple- many problems can be fixed  
                        with a hammer
                        Classic insurance
                        Fast- it will frighten a Golf GTI to 60- forget 
                        top speed, a 4/4 will be lucky to beat 100mph 
                        with the hood off, anything above 80 will feel   
                        heroic anyhow.
                        Infinitely tuneable- 100 bhp to 200bhp-just add 
                        money
                        It may have just started to appreciate in value

        Disadvantages   Poorer ride
                        If you have one restored, unless you know what's 
                        involved you could be stung. Basket cases are
                        only just commercially economic
                        More frequent servicing
                        1800cc Slightly quicker out of the box
                        A newer one will depreciate slowly- any mog in 
                        any condition seems to be worth at least £3k. 
                        It it's really new, you can have an airbag

Talk to as many owners as possible, scrounge rides-offer to map read.
Experience can be got without a car.

Incidentally, about pre-purchase car inspections, don't bother with
AA/RAC inspections as these are not geared up to specialist cars. You
will need a Morgan Specialist to do a good job. It needn't be expensive,
the agents will normally be helpful or there are some non-franchised
specialists who can be excellent. In the Midlands, I would happily
recommend Martyn Stendall in Nottinghamshire (01623) 22720, mobile 0973
696895
-- 
Jeremy Edwards
1972 Morgan 4/4 2str
Melton Mowbray, England

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