IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2004 Morgan Plus 4 / Plus 8 / Roadster (Classic)

Following the retirement of the Rover V8, Morgan launched the Ford V6-powered Roadster in 2004 and revived the Plus 4 in 2005 with a 145bhp 2.0-litre Ford Duratec engine, bringing modern Euro-compliant reliability to the classic chassis.

What changed for 2004

  • •Morgan Roadster introduced in 2004 with a 226bhp 3.0-litre Ford Duratec ST V6 replacing the Rover V8 Plus 8
  • •Plus 4 re-launched in 2005 powered by a 145bhp 2.0-litre Ford Duratec 4-cylinder mated to a Ford/Mazda 5-speed gearbox
  • •Improved 'Easy-Up' pantograph folding hood mechanism replaced the traditional lift-the-dot stud frame from 2005
  • •Upgraded instrument binnacles, revised seat runners, and improved stainless steel exhaust routing

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Cracked bespoke aluminium radiator cores and top mounts caused by front cross-member flex on bumpy UK B-roads
  • !Seized front sliding pillar suspension or worn damper blades on low-mileage cars stored over winter without greasing
  • !Lambda sensor faults and catalytic converter degradation on low-use weekend cars failing MOT emissions tests
3
Known Issues
1
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Ash Frame Rot

SeriousBodywork & Rust

The body panels are tacked to an ash wood frame. Moisture trapped behind the panels or under the wings can rot the wood.

Est. Repair Cost: £1,000–£5,000 (depending on extent)
Warning Signs:

Soft spots in the wood, Loose body panels, Doors dropping

What to Inspect:
  • Check the bottom of the "A" pillars and the rear wheel arches.
  • Look for "black" wood through access holes.
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

King Pin & Bush Wear

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The traditional sliding pillar suspension relies on manual greasing. If missed, the pins and bushes wear, leading to poor handling and MOT failure.

Est. Repair Cost: £400–£800
Warning Signs:

Heavy steering, Steering "shimmy" or vibration, Uneven tyre wear

What to Inspect:
  • Jack up the front and check for vertical play in the hubs.
  • Verify the greasing history.
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Galvanic Corrosion

ModerateBodywork & Rust

Aluminum body panels reacting with the steel chassis or fasteners can cause "bubbling" in the paint.

Est. Repair Cost: £500–£2,000
Warning Signs:

Bubbling paint on the wings or bonnet, White powdery residue at panel edges

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect panel edges and where the wings meet the chassis.
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2004 Morgan Plus 4 / Plus 8 / Roadster (Classic)

  • Inspect the aluminium radiator side tanks and mounting brackets closely for weeping pink coolant stains
  • Prefer post-2005 cars with the Easy-Up hood if you want quicker weather protection without detachable frame bars
  • Ensure annual servicing has been carried out by a Morgan specialist rather than based purely on low mileage
1969–20032005–2011
Check a 2004 Morgan Plus 4 / Plus 8 / Roadster (Classic) by Registration