He doesn't want a Noble M400! He must be mad

[miken]

Hello. I have strayed across from the the relative safety of the Noble forum to ask you venerable Porsche gents and ladies a quick question.

I have a mate who wants to go Porker shopping tomorrow, and try as I might to sway him towards the fantastic, mind blowing new Noble M400, he still has his heart set on a 996. He seems intent on purchasing an early 3.6 or maybe late 3.4 - but wants the GT3 look...

I've done some searching on here for the differences between the 3.6/3.4 - and found some good stuff, but I'm not too sure which garages to try in our area that have a reasonable reputation. We are in South West London (Wimbledon), and I've found Cridfords but not too sure where else to go. Any suggestions would be gratefully received.

Also pointed him towards Peter Morgan for a pre purchase inspection (again gleaned from a forum search)

Any time any of you want some advice on buying a Noble I would be only too happy to return the favour with some advice. Or failing that. maybe some great pictures of my Noble the next time it is on the back of Mel's trailer going back to the garage.

Thanks in advance. Cheers

Mike

[Glenn McMenamin]

Mike,


Camtune seem like your best bet, i think they're around Guildford way.
They are one of the bigger independents.

Or, there is Autobahn in Coventry

I would certainly stretch to the 3.6 if you can, as i think it is a better looker, and noticable extra mid range punch, you don't see many 3.6's with the GT3 body kits though, but there are quite a few of the 3.4's about with them on.
These kits can be bought and fitted quite easily though by the many porsche parts specialists out there.

Happy hunting

G.

[toppstuff]

A new M400 is not far short of 996 Turbo money.

Some nice ones here usually:

www.rsjsportscars.co.uk

[miken]

Topps - M400 is excellent value at 56k which includes nearly everything you need for a track focussed road car. Bargain.

Thanks to you and Glen for your suggestions. Good stuff.

Cheers

[cyrus1971]

I am in Putney and faced the same question a while ago. Try Charles Ivey in Chelsea and also RSJ in Slough. Cridfords is a good outfit I got my old Boxster S from them and was very happy.

[fergus]

Have a friend who has a GTO-3R and I can say that it is a far more involving drive than the turbo. It is not a case of use right foot and steer in the noble - it'll have you in the hedge quicker than you can adjust the climate control in the porsche. They do seem to 'move around' on the road a lot, which not everyone likes or wants in a car. hey must be a blast on track though -very drivable car.

PS anyone interested in a mint 964RS? Am going down the caterham route.....

[poorcardealer]

Which Caterham you planning on Fergus??

[poorcardealer]

Which Caterham you planning on Fergus??

[miken]

Thanks Cyrus - nice car by the way!!

You too Glenn - just noticed your profile! Now your GT3 is the kind of motor to get your hands perspiring. Marvellous stuff. I *really* hope that in the course of looking for my friends car I don't see a GT3 with my name on it!

Cheers fergus - you're right the Noble is a very good drive. Had one trouser changing moment when I first got the car (my own stupidity at low speed thankfully), but since then have taken my time to learn to drive it properly. It is very communicative, and rewards good driving (punishing muppet like largesse with no mercy)

Thank you to all who have replied. It is much appreciated.

Cheers

Mike

[fergus]

a bit off topic - but either an SLR, or an R3/4/500 or may look at the new CSR, with the more robust duratec engine. OK, they're a tad heavier, but have about 30% more power than all but the 500/evo. Have to see what crops up.

[miken]

I can vouch for the Duratec - 3 litres worth in the back of mine plus a couple of hairdryers - still *only* amounts to 352 horses though. Can't imagine a 260 version in a car that is half the weight of mine.

Insanity - pure and simple. Marvellous!

[Marquis_Rex]

miken said:

Topps - M400 is excellent value at 56k which includes nearly everything you need for a track focussed road car. Bargain. Thanks to you and Glen for your suggestions. Good stuff. Cheers

Each to their own I suppose, I would never ever consider or look at a Noble M400 so I must be "mad" as well. I've driven one and put on through its paces.
There are all sorts of performance car owners out there. I could design and develop a faster car myself for track use and it wouldn't use a Ford Taurus engine that's been blown either ( it even uses the the same "lost core" plastic intake manifold, not a new design).
You might say " It handles and is incredible on the track"- which it is or perhaps " it will put your lardy 993 TT to shame" which again I'm sure it would (with me driving especially!), but ultimate track performance and speed weren't the primary reasons I bought the 993. I guess we're all car enthusiasts and look for different things in cars.
Good luck and happy hunting for your friend BTW.

>> Edited by Marquis_Rex on Friday 8th October 18:17

[miken]

Sorry Marquis - my intention wasn't to insinuate that you Porsche boys are "mad" - thought it would be a little jokey but I can see it probably doesn't read too well with hindsight.

Apologies lads, really didn't want to cause anyone any grief. I love Porsche, and though I haven't owned one yet I probably will at some point soon.

Cheers

mike

[Marquis_Rex]

Miken, you didn't offend me, that's ok.

Just wanted to offer a different perspective.

I often get comments from people "obsessed with track performance and handling", well my Samurai SXti Evo could lick your 911, and I was just trying to illustrate a different perspective, that's all.

[miken]

Cheers Marquis! I know what you mean, there are a lot of people out there with blinkers on about their own particular flavour of vehicle. I have tons of respect for anyone that takes the plunge with any performance car, god knows it's not cheap to do these days.

993TT - Air cooled rocket powered twisty eater. lovely bit of kit! I have always hankered after a porsche turbo or a RS/GT3 and one day when the Noble visits Melv's trailer services one too many times... you never know.

Mike

[williamp]

Welcome to the dark side, Miken. How does it compare to sunny Noble forum???

Leave now before you become infected and start talking about "Savannah Leather"!!!

[miken]

It's too late William - I'm starting to hallucinate about hard back crested sports seats and something I don't fully understand about large and small carbon packs. NURSE get the medication..

Ah' thats better - back to fiesta door handles and mondeo heater controls...

My mate has looked at the Camtune site and commented on the red GT3. Thinks it looks great, but said something about it having a fake GT3 sticker which would have to come off. I *think* he's joking. Or at least I hope so. If he's up to that kind of money I'll try to get him in a 4S.. and I don't mean in the biblical sense before anyone asks!

www.camtune.com/CarSales.aspx?StockID=175

Cheers

Mike


>> Edited by miken on Friday 8th October 19:35

[stg]

I am said mate (its not an imaginary mate miken has been quoting to cover his reputation to move on from the Noble).

With respect to the GT3 sticker, I would feel slightly guilty driving a car that is not really what it claims to be. So nope, was not joking. Personal choice, but I would prefer not having the sticker at all.

As miken would support, I've spent many many many months pondering the decision to part with a large sum of cash, but its now full steam ahead, but as cash is not dropping out of my pockets, I want to spend time getting the right one.

My target is the following machine/options
- post Sept 2001 facelift - C4 (C4s if I am lucky..)
- 20k mileage/Manual
- Slate Grey Metallic. I personally like the "Guards Red" but not convinced of its future resell value and like the Basalt Black, but sure it will be a swine to keep clean looking.

Options
- Aerokit (Cup II preferably)
- 18'' sports/turbo II
- PCM + phone module
- CD Autochanger
- PSM
- Air con
- Sports Exhaust

Questions I do have

a) Sports Suspension (SS) - Whilst I appreciate the harder ride, I live in an area with zillions of speed bumps. Do I have to be overly concerned getting over the bumps? Don't think I will go for SS though (I've read some less than flattering threads on the forum about it).

b) Havent got a clue what internal options are good value for the future.

c) Does this sound like a good base option for the future (I think it is from my scan of previous threads but always worth checking).

[t urbo]

Miken,

I know a private porsche dealer who will source you a car to order.
He buys and sells cars to and from alot of the main Porsche dealerships in the south so theres every chance a car on a show front may have come from him!

I sold my last car to him and got an extra couple of grand over the dealership price.

Usually he you will get a good saving buying direct from him and a good price selling to him.

As i say he is well known to alot of dealerships.
email me at lee[at]ldl-uk.com if you want his no.

>> Edited by domster on Monday 11th October 11:29

[miken]

Cheers Lee. Glenn made the point earlier that a 3.6 car may be difficult to source with the aero kit on, so I think this might be a good option. Either myself or STG will give you a shout on Monday to get the details. Much appreciated mate.

STG, nice one old chap, get ready for a spin in the Mondeo tomorrow - Camtune here we come.. By the way that red one was a real GT3 hence the comment about taking the badge off...

Cheers

Mike