US Owners- please chime in

[brav]

I've been lurking a while, have spoken with Dean (very nice/helpful) and done a lot of research. The car sells itself, no question. However, seeing as it is not really a "production" car here in the states per se, I just wanted to get some feedback from owners here as to their experiences so far with reliability, options, etc. If I jump, it will be an M400. I know that you can basically build it however you want, but with that comes options - more than one could get in the UK etc.

So if you guys could do it again, what would you change? Do differnet? Def keep the same? Any problems to date? I would probably drive the car almost as a daily, knowing myself. I'd probably sell the benz to justify the purchase to myself tho.

Also- is the only financing option cash? Has anyone gotten any type of loan? I was looking for a 50% loan or something of that nature. I'd much rather invest 90+K into real estate or something more productive.

Thanks all - this site is a great help. I apologize if these things have been brought up, but I'd like as current info as I can get. Any other unsolicited advice and input appreciated!

[joust]

Have you found www.nobleforums.com/ ? It's mainly US people.

You'll probably find www.nobleforums.com/showthread.php?t=101 answers most of your questions.

J

[brav]

Thanks Joust, appreciate it.

[mikes_3r]

The secret in the states is to find an installer that you trust and has a good track record. This can make a huge difference in the delivered car. I have had no major issues with the 3R. A few things like the boost gauge stuck and the accessory socket didn't work at first but zero mechanical issues since delivery.

[turnbaugh]

I would be happy to talk. You can email me through my profile. I agree you definitely want a good installer. You need someone excited about the Noble, has lots of general car experience, meticulous with details, and they must know something about turbos. I would also strongly suggest getting an installer close to your home, since I did it the other way and found out that was a bad choice. Since you can't run it down to the local dealer you need someone that will take of you.

I have used a general car repair place and just found a guy that only works on race cars. The later is much better than a generalist.

Where do live?

[brav]

I live in Irvine (Orange County) CA.

Yea, that would make sense to have a local shop. I have several contacts with race garages and that sort, even several people that work with turbos. About 10 miles away. But no one specific to Noble that I know of in this area.

Where are you located?

[Mr Noble]

Wow, you must know Marcia off the OC. She is a princess. Can you say Hi to her from me next time your passing!

[brav]

haha.. i see a lot of "marcias" around here.. they look like the kind of girl that needs a tag that says "you break you buy" on them. I'll give her a shout for you tho

[Mr Noble]

Thanks Brav. Bet the M12 still stands out from the automotive crowd even in the flashest parts of OC.

Mischa Barton is a Princess!!
[teenager mode off]

[brav]

I thought so.. but she has a flat, wide @ss and shes gettin too thin now.. such is life in LA.
I doubt I'd kick her out of bed tho..

But yes- the Noble would be amazing around here. Not only for the wow factor, but the realness of the car, which most things here are mostly for show. I can only imagine how much explaining I'd have to do everywhere I went. My E500 is like a Camry around here. Let alone nicer cars.

[AMG Merc]

brav said:

I thought so.. but she has a flat, wide @ss and shes gettin too thin now.. such is life in LA. I doubt I'd kick her out of bed tho.. But yes- the Noble would be amazing around here. Not only for the wow factor, but the realness of the car, which most things here are mostly for show. I can only imagine how much explaining I'd have to do everywhere I went. My E500 is like a Camry around here. Let alone nicer cars.

Brav, careful though, if you had a Noble M12 in OC you'd need some serious vehicle security - being so close to Tijuana your wheels may end as a tractor unit on a Mexican farmers poppy field!

[Mr Noble]

Get on get one get one. Its better than any drug. Actually should be classified as I am totally hooked now!!

Had withdrawl symptoms all weekend when she was at the dealer!!

GN

[brav]

I will definately own one sooner or later. I have guilt spendind that kind of money. I'm not starving, but still. You are only young once I guess. Have to do it before I get hitched anyway.. (no plans, but you know what I mean). Its a matter of buying this car and selling my E possibly and getting a cheaper daily (more like occaisonal - trips to home depot etc) and investing less money in real estate, which I've done pretty well with so far. I'm still pretty young so my financial decisions I make today will be magnified exponentially in the future. Decisions..

[dodgy]

You can email me through my profile. I am in Texas and had a few interesting issues during my install.

I think there is an installer nearish you - maybe nearer San Fran though.

There is one guy I know that was looking to finance - do a search for it - or I may be able to put you in touch.

Cheers
Stephen