Keep the Noble or the Caterham?
Discussion
I've had an M12 for a couple of years alongside a more recent caterham r400. I bought the Caterham to replace the noble but I've ended up loving them both. Neither does more than 2k miles a year and 4 trackdays (if that).
The Caterham is more fun, no doubt it's a wild thing with incredible steering, gearbox and throttle response . The noble counters by being more useable and special/rare, with an equally good chassis that rewards more precise driving. I can only afford to keep one, which would you choose?
The Caterham is more fun, no doubt it's a wild thing with incredible steering, gearbox and throttle response . The noble counters by being more useable and special/rare, with an equally good chassis that rewards more precise driving. I can only afford to keep one, which would you choose?
. You've said the Caterham is a great drive and you have another car to do practical things. Keep the Caterham 
.Jonstar said:
Thanks, I've always admired you (ex) 410 from afar!
Ha thanks Jonstar! I loved the car but I just found these things come to an end sometimes. Life changes. I sold it the end of February and being honest really haven’t regretted it. Still looking but I work abroad most of the time now. Have thought could I daily a caterham for the time I am at home as that is one of the last itches I feel I need to scratch!
davek_964 said:
The fact that you bought a car to replace the Noble - but still have it - suggests to me that you should keep the Noble.
There was a thread recently where somebody mentioned that they'd sold one and deeply regretted it
It does speak volumes.There was a thread recently where somebody mentioned that they'd sold one and deeply regretted it
Add in the material argument that the Noble is already an appreciable asset that should cover the cost of annual service , and I would think it’s a no brainer.
1) you now have a collection worth twice what it did - therefore it’s absolutely not a surprise that as a petrol head you love them both
2) the cars cover subtly different jobs - v6 mid engine lightweight and front engine super light. Open and closed. There is enough difference to add to the reason why you like them both.
This is therefore Hobsons choice especially since the Noble is a modern classic.
I suggest a session working out if there is a car you could replace both with which might move you on mentally into a different area of your passion. For example, a GT4 would still feel great on track in a softer, heavier way, but would add superior ability for road trips and a great engine.
I feel your (first world) pain massively as I have a similar problem which if I can pluck up the courage I might post!
Good Luck with your decision.
2) the cars cover subtly different jobs - v6 mid engine lightweight and front engine super light. Open and closed. There is enough difference to add to the reason why you like them both.
This is therefore Hobsons choice especially since the Noble is a modern classic.
I suggest a session working out if there is a car you could replace both with which might move you on mentally into a different area of your passion. For example, a GT4 would still feel great on track in a softer, heavier way, but would add superior ability for road trips and a great engine.
I feel your (first world) pain massively as I have a similar problem which if I can pluck up the courage I might post!
Good Luck with your decision.
Julian Thompson said:
1) you now have a collection worth twice what it did - therefore it s absolutely not a surprise that as a petrol head you love them both
2) the cars cover subtly different jobs - v6 mid engine lightweight and front engine super light. Open and closed. There is enough difference to add to the reason why you like them both.
This is therefore Hobsons choice especially since the Noble is a modern classic.
I suggest a session working out if there is a car you could replace both with which might move you on mentally into a different area of your passion. For example, a GT4 would still feel great on track in a softer, heavier way, but would add superior ability for road trips and a great engine.
I feel your (first world) pain massively as I have a similar problem which if I can pluck up the courage I might post!
Good Luck with your decision.
Great responses so far, thanks everyone!2) the cars cover subtly different jobs - v6 mid engine lightweight and front engine super light. Open and closed. There is enough difference to add to the reason why you like them both.
This is therefore Hobsons choice especially since the Noble is a modern classic.
I suggest a session working out if there is a car you could replace both with which might move you on mentally into a different area of your passion. For example, a GT4 would still feel great on track in a softer, heavier way, but would add superior ability for road trips and a great engine.
I feel your (first world) pain massively as I have a similar problem which if I can pluck up the courage I might post!
Good Luck with your decision.
I've thought about replacing both cars with one but for 50k or so I can't think of anything more special than the noble.
For instance, an R8 is a lovely car but a bit too Audi and refined, a Cayman gt4 was another option but not enough of an event I think and I hate electric steering, exige v6 was another option but they are similar to my old exige s2s but surprisingly much more compromised than the noble as a car with passengers. I'm answering my own question here aren't I?!
Jonstar said:
Great responses so far, thanks everyone!
I've thought about replacing both cars with one but for 50k or so I can't think of anything more special than the noble.
For instance, an R8 is a lovely car but a bit too Audi and refined, a Cayman gt4 was another option but not enough of an event I think and I hate electric steering, exige v6 was another option but they are similar to my old exige s2s but surprisingly much more compromised than the noble as a car with passengers. I'm answering my own question here aren't I?!
Haha yes you are answering your own questions but I agree with you! I fancy a R8 or 911 but I think I’d find it boring.I've thought about replacing both cars with one but for 50k or so I can't think of anything more special than the noble.
For instance, an R8 is a lovely car but a bit too Audi and refined, a Cayman gt4 was another option but not enough of an event I think and I hate electric steering, exige v6 was another option but they are similar to my old exige s2s but surprisingly much more compromised than the noble as a car with passengers. I'm answering my own question here aren't I?!
I had a 981 GT4 and found it boring but it was better on track. Loved my V6 Exige but that came to an end. I also considered a Caterham and Noble!
keo said:
Haha yes you are answering your own questions but I agree with you! I fancy a R8 or 911 but I think I d find it boring.
I had a 981 GT4 and found it boring but it was better on track. Loved my V6 Exige but that came to an end. I also considered a Caterham and Noble!
Interesting that you found the gt4 boring, capable does not equal fun. Tick the Caterham box, they are an absolute riot! I had a 981 GT4 and found it boring but it was better on track. Loved my V6 Exige but that came to an end. I also considered a Caterham and Noble!
The general consensus here is noble, can't say I'm surprised it's pretty mega.
Keep the Noble for all the reasons already stated.
I’ve just changed after nigh on 20 years of Nob ownership ( 18 years with the M400) solely because I wanted something a tiny bit more practical/useable without losing too much of the fun and involvement. Took me forever to find the answer but I pretty much got there.
I’ve just changed after nigh on 20 years of Nob ownership ( 18 years with the M400) solely because I wanted something a tiny bit more practical/useable without losing too much of the fun and involvement. Took me forever to find the answer but I pretty much got there.
Edited by sjc on Monday 4th August 21:06
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