Mike Edroff, Advertisement Representative, drives a Morris Marina 1.3...
Page 29
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
Now with 21,000 miles registered, the Marina was delivered in September 1976. Fuel consumption has worked out at 30mpg on four-star with a nil oil consumption between services. At oil changes, six pints are required.
There has been no untoward downtime recorded, all spare parts having been routine replacements. Only major problem has been centred around the windscreen which leaked very badly at first. This took several attempts before it was finally sealed,. all of which came under warranty. Another unplanned maintenance charge cropped up when the main beam/indicator stalk broke. But the gimbal at the stalk base broke only in one plane so the indicators could still be used, though the lights were stuck on dip.
Brake lining wear has been satisfactory with the car still on its original set at the time of going to press.
Comment My feelings about PWL 332R have been influenced recently by the fact that I have had five punctures in six weeks! Apart from that, I have been very pleased with the car. It handles well and if you make full use of the available revs in each gear, you get a good degree of acceleration.
Interior noise is satisfactory up to around 60 mph. Above this speed, the combination of wind noise and mechanical noise make it tiresome to drive on motorways.
The windscreen leak was serious and allowed rain to pour in — not just the odd drip.
I find the Marina very comfortable. On a recent trip to Ireland, I did 1,400 miles in four days with no discomfort at all, although I would appreciate having fully reclining control for the seat so I could get the right angle of the backrest. The more luxurious versions have this, I think.
All the controls are within easy reach except one and it is a very surprising exception — the hazard warning light button. With the seat belt fastened this is virtually impossible to reach from the driver's seat. I found this out on the motor way when there was a pile-up in front and I wanted to warn following drivers.
One well-thought-out feature is that the fuses are mounted at the back of the parcel shelf so you don't get soaked if one blows on a wet night. M.E.