New Purchase Questions
Discussion
Hello everyone
I have an appointment at Mole Valley TVR on Sat to take a test drive and more than likely put a deposit down on a GTO3 (currently have a Porker 993). I wanted to ask a few questions:
1. What are the most popular options that people go for? Is the leather worth the £2k, or is it better to stick with the Alcantara?? I am pretty sure I want the A/C (although this does seem a touch pricey at £2k).
2. Do dealers give any discounts, or is the list prices for the car / options set in stone?
3. Generally are the cars quite reliable? I know this is a hand built British car, so am not expecting a Mercedes Benz, but having seen what my friend has been through in the past 4 years with his Griffith 500 makes me slightly nervous. I would only be using the car about 3k miles a year / weekend use only, so it is not a daily driver.
4. The dealer advised me that it would be a 9 / 12 month wait for the car, is this fairly accurate?
Any other advice people can give me please feel free! I feel slightly queasy at the thought of spending £50k on a Brit sports car when a brand new 996 C2 can be had for only a bit more, but I have fallen completely head over heals in love with the M12's, and the more I read about them the more I want one.
Thanks
Eric
I have an appointment at Mole Valley TVR on Sat to take a test drive and more than likely put a deposit down on a GTO3 (currently have a Porker 993). I wanted to ask a few questions:
1. What are the most popular options that people go for? Is the leather worth the £2k, or is it better to stick with the Alcantara?? I am pretty sure I want the A/C (although this does seem a touch pricey at £2k).
2. Do dealers give any discounts, or is the list prices for the car / options set in stone?
3. Generally are the cars quite reliable? I know this is a hand built British car, so am not expecting a Mercedes Benz, but having seen what my friend has been through in the past 4 years with his Griffith 500 makes me slightly nervous. I would only be using the car about 3k miles a year / weekend use only, so it is not a daily driver.
4. The dealer advised me that it would be a 9 / 12 month wait for the car, is this fairly accurate?
Any other advice people can give me please feel free! I feel slightly queasy at the thought of spending £50k on a Brit sports car when a brand new 996 C2 can be had for only a bit more, but I have fallen completely head over heals in love with the M12's, and the more I read about them the more I want one.
Thanks
Eric
Hi Eric,
Personally I went for
1) A/C (very effective and a real necessity as it does get pretty warm in the cabin)
2) map pockets (any bit of extra storage space is welcome)
3) 10 CD changer
4) Start Button (pointless but great)
5) Mats
6) Luggage bags (absolute necessity really and they are nice quality)
I didn't bother with the leather as I'm not too keen on the look in the Noble. I thought the alcantara was nicer but it's a very subjective thing.
Apparently you can now get the six speed box and track day sumps as options so you may want to enquire about these as well.
Paul.
Personally I went for
1) A/C (very effective and a real necessity as it does get pretty warm in the cabin)
2) map pockets (any bit of extra storage space is welcome)
3) 10 CD changer
4) Start Button (pointless but great)
5) Mats
6) Luggage bags (absolute necessity really and they are nice quality)
I didn't bother with the leather as I'm not too keen on the look in the Noble. I thought the alcantara was nicer but it's a very subjective thing.
Apparently you can now get the six speed box and track day sumps as options so you may want to enquire about these as well.
Paul.
Hello
Well i've had my M12 for nearly a year now (my how it's flown!) so i'll try and give you my experience of the first 9000 miles !
Leather - personally i think the car looks better with the alcantara and it's certainly grippier for those spirited driving moments. Plus you get to save a couple of grand, which is nice.
Air-con - An absolute must have. The cabin even on fairly cold days gets stifling after just 10 or 15 mins.
I'm not sure you can get a discount but you might be able to beat the wait if your reasonably flexible on spec. I know that Christopher Neil have a couple available for immediate delivery at the moment.
Reliability - Mine has been a pleasure and a couple of minor things that i wanted sorted have been dealt with prompty by the dealers and particularly by the guys at the factory. First class all round. A far cry from my recent BMW experineces !
Something i would definitely get now if i was specing is the 6 speed box. The current 5 speeder has very short gearing, first in particular. Whereas fifth is 4000rpm at 100 so consequently not the most relaxed motorway drive
Personally i'm looking forward to my GTC with the 6 speeder and whatever extra power Noble can throw it by the time it arrives
I think you'll find your 993 soon becomes a distant meneory when the new toy arrives !
All the best
Stu
>> Edited by stuh on Monday 12th May 17:20
Well i've had my M12 for nearly a year now (my how it's flown!) so i'll try and give you my experience of the first 9000 miles !
Leather - personally i think the car looks better with the alcantara and it's certainly grippier for those spirited driving moments. Plus you get to save a couple of grand, which is nice.
Air-con - An absolute must have. The cabin even on fairly cold days gets stifling after just 10 or 15 mins.
I'm not sure you can get a discount but you might be able to beat the wait if your reasonably flexible on spec. I know that Christopher Neil have a couple available for immediate delivery at the moment.
Reliability - Mine has been a pleasure and a couple of minor things that i wanted sorted have been dealt with prompty by the dealers and particularly by the guys at the factory. First class all round. A far cry from my recent BMW experineces !
Something i would definitely get now if i was specing is the 6 speed box. The current 5 speeder has very short gearing, first in particular. Whereas fifth is 4000rpm at 100 so consequently not the most relaxed motorway drive
Personally i'm looking forward to my GTC with the 6 speeder and whatever extra power Noble can throw it by the time it arrives
I think you'll find your 993 soon becomes a distant meneory when the new toy arrives !
All the best
Stu
>> Edited by stuh on Monday 12th May 17:20
Just to re-iterate the above.
Look at www.lotus-elise.org.uk/noble for my diary of things.
As for your specifics
1) Yes - get the A/C it'll be terrible without it - the windscreen is set at such an angle that you'll be cooking on a sunny day otherwise.
2) Discounts are hard for a car with 9 months waiting list, but try going for some "freebies" (like a free option, free tracker or something like that)
3) Not had any major issues with mine that have pointed to bad engineering or shoddy build. It's hand built and low(ish) volumes, so you'll have to accept the odd thing here or there, but the dealers AFAIK are great (certainly Mole Valley are for me) and will sort any minor niggles out. I've not heard of any major failures apart from some early engines and one gearbox (if I remember correctly), but most engine problems were down to being tracked without the new trackday sump, and there is now a much stronger 6-speed gearbox option for the latter.
4) 9-12 months sounds good - but there are quite a few new ones available around with delivery milage if you don't want an exact spec match (or if you are lucky)
Take the plunge and you'll love it! As I said - there is more on my website.
J
Look at www.lotus-elise.org.uk/noble for my diary of things.
As for your specifics
1) Yes - get the A/C it'll be terrible without it - the windscreen is set at such an angle that you'll be cooking on a sunny day otherwise.
2) Discounts are hard for a car with 9 months waiting list, but try going for some "freebies" (like a free option, free tracker or something like that)
3) Not had any major issues with mine that have pointed to bad engineering or shoddy build. It's hand built and low(ish) volumes, so you'll have to accept the odd thing here or there, but the dealers AFAIK are great (certainly Mole Valley are for me) and will sort any minor niggles out. I've not heard of any major failures apart from some early engines and one gearbox (if I remember correctly), but most engine problems were down to being tracked without the new trackday sump, and there is now a much stronger 6-speed gearbox option for the latter.
4) 9-12 months sounds good - but there are quite a few new ones available around with delivery milage if you don't want an exact spec match (or if you are lucky)
Take the plunge and you'll love it! As I said - there is more on my website.
J
Eric, here's my tuppence worth!
I would say that I'm in exactly the same position as yourself with reference to choices and have collected a fair amount of information and detail over the past month or so becaue, like you I guess, I don't generally hand over £50K with ease! You'll hear some horror stories but, bearing in mind the fact that there are 160-ish M12s out there now, these seem to be few and far between. Funnily enough, I've driven the Mole Valley demonstrator - I thought the engine was a litte rough having driven a couple but it still impressed!
And so to your points:
1. Leather - I'd so for leather (and I know I'm the only one) given the choice - the Alacantra grips but the flip side is that it is harder to slide across than leather. And before anyone tells you that you need a more grippy seat covering bear in mind that you won't be moving anywhere far with those racing-harnesses holding you down! Lastly, Alacantra has a much shorter shelf-life than leather or cloth!
2. Discounts - no discounts on new (as they don't have to!) but definately try on a used one.
Good luck. As you've heard, there are some (I know of 4-5) new GTO-3s available around the country at dealers right now for around £52K-ish so one could be on your drive as early as tomorrow lunchtime!
3. Reliability - well, from my research I'd say higher than a TVR (have had two) but in the same league (I know there are others here who will disagree!). In other words, this is a car that likes to be tinkered with - but that's to be expected!
4. Waiting times - yes this can be improved upon delending on your spec but maybe you'd better believe them as these babies are getting some respect and they will only build to the current rate.
Good luck.
>> Edited by amg merc on Monday 12th May 21:09
I would say that I'm in exactly the same position as yourself with reference to choices and have collected a fair amount of information and detail over the past month or so becaue, like you I guess, I don't generally hand over £50K with ease! You'll hear some horror stories but, bearing in mind the fact that there are 160-ish M12s out there now, these seem to be few and far between. Funnily enough, I've driven the Mole Valley demonstrator - I thought the engine was a litte rough having driven a couple but it still impressed!
And so to your points:
1. Leather - I'd so for leather (and I know I'm the only one) given the choice - the Alacantra grips but the flip side is that it is harder to slide across than leather. And before anyone tells you that you need a more grippy seat covering bear in mind that you won't be moving anywhere far with those racing-harnesses holding you down! Lastly, Alacantra has a much shorter shelf-life than leather or cloth!
2. Discounts - no discounts on new (as they don't have to!) but definately try on a used one.
Good luck. As you've heard, there are some (I know of 4-5) new GTO-3s available around the country at dealers right now for around £52K-ish so one could be on your drive as early as tomorrow lunchtime!
3. Reliability - well, from my research I'd say higher than a TVR (have had two) but in the same league (I know there are others here who will disagree!). In other words, this is a car that likes to be tinkered with - but that's to be expected!
4. Waiting times - yes this can be improved upon delending on your spec but maybe you'd better believe them as these babies are getting some respect and they will only build to the current rate.
Good luck.
>> Edited by amg merc on Monday 12th May 21:09
I sold my 993 to buy my Noble. Get A/C - it works and is very handy for demisting the windscreen. Unless you've got Inspector Gadget arms you're not going to be able to use a chamois or similar on the windscreen if it's misted up. That having been said, mine doesn't mist up.
Personally I love the alcantara and think the interior is especially well done given its status as a 'low volume' car. Instead of a 10 CD changer (more weight
) you can get an MP3 deck - mine was fitted with a Sony unit, I've squeezed 6 albums onto one CD (192 bps bitrate).
As to quality, I don't think you'll be disappointed. As far as I'm concerned it's a different league to TVR.
One downside compared to the 993?? Storage space. Though Joust has achieved some remarkable feats of luggage in his, I have trouble with a couple of Waitrose bags.
Oh yeah - and unless your 993 was a Turbo, you'll be awestruck with its voracious appetite for fuel... pity you can't get bulk discounts on Optimax
Personally I love the alcantara and think the interior is especially well done given its status as a 'low volume' car. Instead of a 10 CD changer (more weight
) you can get an MP3 deck - mine was fitted with a Sony unit, I've squeezed 6 albums onto one CD (192 bps bitrate). As to quality, I don't think you'll be disappointed. As far as I'm concerned it's a different league to TVR.
One downside compared to the 993?? Storage space. Though Joust has achieved some remarkable feats of luggage in his, I have trouble with a couple of Waitrose bags.
Oh yeah - and unless your 993 was a Turbo, you'll be awestruck with its voracious appetite for fuel... pity you can't get bulk discounts on Optimax
Eric,
Just do it! You'll love it.
I second everything that's been said so far. I've only had mine since March but have loved every minute of it, see my diary at www.gto3.com for my experiences so far.
Leather is a personal thing really, although if you speak to Noble you can have it decked out in ostrich skin if you want!
Discounts, I'd be surprised.
The a/c is a must have, although opening the windows is very effective and speed and the wind noise isn't that bad.
Reliability, no problems other than a mis-fire.
Waiting time I think is probably around 6 months now as they have increased production at the factory, and like as already been said, some dealers have cars in stock.
Just do it! You'll love it.
I second everything that's been said so far. I've only had mine since March but have loved every minute of it, see my diary at www.gto3.com for my experiences so far.
Leather is a personal thing really, although if you speak to Noble you can have it decked out in ostrich skin if you want!
Discounts, I'd be surprised.
The a/c is a must have, although opening the windows is very effective and speed and the wind noise isn't that bad.
Reliability, no problems other than a mis-fire.
Waiting time I think is probably around 6 months now as they have increased production at the factory, and like as already been said, some dealers have cars in stock.
OK another question then - the luggage, is this deemed another essential like the A/C? What are its advantages over just sticking your waitrose bags in the passenger footwell? (The only thing I really ever cart around in the 993 are 2 or 3 bags of Waitrose shopping, which I do stick in the footwell).
I am going to try to get the dealer to throw in the cost of the alarm free of charge. Has anyone manged to get an option thrown in with the purchase?? To be frank, I am surprised that things like the alarm and stereo are cost options.
Petrol wise I am not too worried, as before the Porker I had a modded Supra TT, so know all about huge thirsts for Optimax!
I am going to try to get the dealer to throw in the cost of the alarm free of charge. Has anyone manged to get an option thrown in with the purchase?? To be frank, I am surprised that things like the alarm and stereo are cost options.
Petrol wise I am not too worried, as before the Porker I had a modded Supra TT, so know all about huge thirsts for Optimax!
ek993 said: lx993 - do you have any regrets over changing from the 993 to a Noble - if so what are they?? Or has it been a case of not missing the 993 at all?
No.
Not at all. Nit picking?? Err.... I need to jet wash it. Also it gets a hell of a lot of attention, which isn't always what I want...
That's it. The Noble is always an utter event to drive.
I absolutely love it. Get one - you'll not regret it.
ek993 said: OK another question then - the luggage, is this deemed another essential like the A/C? What are its advantages over just sticking your waitrose bags in the passenger footwell? (The only thing I really ever cart around in the 993 are 2 or 3 bags of Waitrose shopping, which I do stick in the footwell).
I know it sounds like quite an expensive option but they are very nice quality luggage bags and there are clips fitted in the interior so that the four smaller bags (in front of the seats and on the parcel shelf) don't fly about all over the place. The 2 large ones fit snugly behind the seats and hold enough bits for a long weekend. I think if you ever intend to go away for a few days with a passenger then it's an essential option really. Also checking into a nice hotel carrying a dozen Londis bags with broken handles just looks silly
[ Also checking into a nice hotel carrying a dozen Londis bags with broken handles just looks silly
Errrr..... Good point
Hmmm... now I'm also thinking I would like the 6sp box. Does anybody know who makes this box, or has it been fitted to any cars as yet? Damn this is getting more and more expensive!
Luggage is very nice if only to hand to the porter at the hotel - with it's "NOBLE" logo splatted over the front it has a certain qudos to it
They are also essential for actually making use of the space correctly - the space behind the seats is tall, thin but wide - with normal bags you just can't get the same amount stacked one ontop of the other - the large custom bag fits well.
I've had the drivers seat moved 4" forward (to accomodate Mr Short arse other half that also drives it) which also opens up the hole to put the bag in - meaning you can get even more in. It hasn't changed how far back the seat goes either.
As for the 6 speed gearbox - it's only just been announced but I think one or two are being fitted as we speak. The box and the new LSD diff are both made by Quaife and so you can be assured of the quality of them.
J
They are also essential for actually making use of the space correctly - the space behind the seats is tall, thin but wide - with normal bags you just can't get the same amount stacked one ontop of the other - the large custom bag fits well.
I've had the drivers seat moved 4" forward (to accomodate Mr Short arse other half that also drives it) which also opens up the hole to put the bag in - meaning you can get even more in. It hasn't changed how far back the seat goes either.
As for the 6 speed gearbox - it's only just been announced but I think one or two are being fitted as we speak. The box and the new LSD diff are both made by Quaife and so you can be assured of the quality of them.
J
Hello everyone
I have an appointment at Mole Valley TVR on Sat to take a test drive and more than likely put a deposit down on a GTO3 (currently have a Porker 993). I wanted to ask a few questions:
1. What are the most popular options that people go for? Is the leather worth the £2k, or is it better to stick with the Alcantara?? I am pretty sure I want the A/C (although this does seem a touch pricey at £2k).
2. Do dealers give any discounts, or is the list prices for the car / options set in stone?
3. Generally are the cars quite reliable? I know this is a hand built British car, so am not expecting a Mercedes Benz, but having seen what my friend has been through in the past 4 years with his Griffith 500 makes me slightly nervous. I would only be using the car about 3k miles a year / weekend use only, so it is not a daily driver.
4. The dealer advised me that it would be a 9 / 12 month wait for the car, is this fairly accurate?
Any other advice people can give me please feel free! I feel slightly queasy at the thought of spending £50k on a Brit sports car when a brand new 996 C2 can be had for only a bit more, but I have fallen completely head over heals in love with the M12's, and the more I read about them the more I want one.
Thanks
Eric
Alcantara is what most people seem to go with and most people also fork out for the Air Con and that very important start button.....See Nick Whale in Birmingham they got a Azure Blue GTO-3 you could have now!
Funny that - I've got the start button on mine (bought second hand). I've only used it a couple of times - both only because I had a passenger and wanted to look cool. 
Other than that, which is quite out of character
then can anyone here give me a reason why a start button is needed??? The space on the console would be much better filled with an oil pressure gauge, IMHO.
Anyway sod the various accoutrements, the Noble is about the driving experience. Unless you can specify one without the engine, or with Austin Allegro suspension, then you'll be well impressed.
Other than that, which is quite out of character
then can anyone here give me a reason why a start button is needed??? The space on the console would be much better filled with an oil pressure gauge, IMHO. Anyway sod the various accoutrements, the Noble is about the driving experience. Unless you can specify one without the engine, or with Austin Allegro suspension, then you'll be well impressed.
Gassing Station | Noble | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff