Smile beginning to return :)
Discussion
After an inauspicious start to M400 ownership ( in the first 12 days, 2 breakdowns - car with dealer for 6 days, with me for 6 - mostly over the 2 weekends when couldn't be collected)- the light is (hopefully) at the end of the tunnel. Had 3 days of trouble-free motoring and can't wait to run-in properly (24.8mpg gives a clue as to how strict I've been).
Have to say that none of the 'faults' were dealer- related, NobleLondon have been excellent - car collected instantly on back of flat-bed truck (and returned the same way)and the breakdowns fixed with no fuss. Even phoned me the following day just to check all was well. The kind of service that makes you feel that you're the only customer is what we have all come to expect from dealing with the factory. It's a hard act to follow, but it's good to see that this level of service is being delivered by the new set of dealers (at least in my experience of n=1). So thanks to Giles, Mark, Phil and Skippy (?)from NL. May the force (all 425bhp) be with me, now.
Have to say that none of the 'faults' were dealer- related, NobleLondon have been excellent - car collected instantly on back of flat-bed truck (and returned the same way)and the breakdowns fixed with no fuss. Even phoned me the following day just to check all was well. The kind of service that makes you feel that you're the only customer is what we have all come to expect from dealing with the factory. It's a hard act to follow, but it's good to see that this level of service is being delivered by the new set of dealers (at least in my experience of n=1). So thanks to Giles, Mark, Phil and Skippy (?)from NL. May the force (all 425bhp) be with me, now.
Rob, good to hear you're back on the road but I must admit incidents like yours after 3 days (and other owners) make me wonder I'm wise to be considering an M400 as my only car (to replace Radical and RS6). I've never had many problems with any of my cars and have no problem accepting little niggles but not stuff that leaves me stranded. The service agents are a fair bit away too and unlikely to provide courtesy cars.... At least my Lotus and Porsche dealer is within easy reach to strangle. 
AL001 said:
but I must admit incidents like yours after 3 days (and other owners) make me wonder I'm wise to be considering an M400 as my only car (to replace Radical and RS6).
I had a 3R for a year before trading in (with my Elise TT230)for an M400 and other than the usual niggles (exhaust brackets, washer mechanism etc) the car was always able to be driven. So I too was surprised (and disappointed) that I had such a rocky start to M400 ownership. I don't think this is typical by any means. Neither fault (power steering pipe came apart, and idle control valve (?) malfunctioned) was specific to M400 componentry -could have happened on any M12 variant. So don't be put off by my tale of woe -I think it is the exception rather than the rule.
If you're going to track the car extensively then M400 is the one to go for. Saw the pic of the Radical in your profile- looked suspiciously like Eau Rouge. Had a passenger ride in a Rad round Spa last summer -absolutely awesome! You won't get round quite so quick in an M400 (although a damn sight quicker than most other machinery), but at least you'll be able to drive there in reasonable confort with helmets, luggage and if enough room- even a passenger!
Yeah Rob, that was Spa last year - drove the Radical there from Glasgow via trackday at Zandvoort. Luckily it didn't rain most of the journey! Any other car is going to be a bit disappointing on track compared to the Radical, more in terms of feel, but I'm a bit bored with my local circuit (Knockhill) and the SR3 is wasted there. If I lived near a "proper" circuit like Spa (or Donington even), I'd keep it.
Anyway, good to hear you still have faith in Noble and I'm hoping to look at two M400's next week, dealers are reluctant to take SR3 in P/X though.
P.S. If anyone is thinking about selling their M400 and want something even more suited to track (and fun on road also), get in touch. Or I could swap for my Audi RS6 if you are looking for a more practical car.
Anyway, good to hear you still have faith in Noble and I'm hoping to look at two M400's next week, dealers are reluctant to take SR3 in P/X though.
P.S. If anyone is thinking about selling their M400 and want something even more suited to track (and fun on road also), get in touch. Or I could swap for my Audi RS6 if you are looking for a more practical car.
Was that the BaT event?? I missed out on Zandvoort and just did the Spa leg. Went round in Deoderant's SR3 - interesting entering the braking zone at the end of Kemmel at 140mph, thinking ' I know Radz are good at getting round corners, but not at this speed thy ain't'. Split second later Andrew thought the same thing and decided a little agricultural excursion was in order across Malmady Les Combes (rather than round). Bit of gaffer tape and front splitter was just fine and dandy again..!
Yeah, that was the one. Were you there in a 3R at the time then? The most I could get out of my SR3 1300cc (Andrew D's is 1500) was 126mph before hitting an aerodynamic brick wall.
The Radical's handling significantly changes with a passenger, being so light - it's easy to find yourself going into corners and coming out sideways big time (too big time!) because you took the same speed in as when driving solo. Thankfully, it's normally at the tighter, slower corners like hairpins than halfway through Eau Rouge.
Will you be taking the M400 to Spa this year with Bookatrack?
P.S. Zandvoort is an excellent circuit and well worth a visit. Take away Eau Rouge section from Spa and it would be my preference over Spa actually.
>> Edited by AL001 on Tuesday 17th May 14:34
The Radical's handling significantly changes with a passenger, being so light - it's easy to find yourself going into corners and coming out sideways big time (too big time!) because you took the same speed in as when driving solo. Thankfully, it's normally at the tighter, slower corners like hairpins than halfway through Eau Rouge.
Will you be taking the M400 to Spa this year with Bookatrack?
P.S. Zandvoort is an excellent circuit and well worth a visit. Take away Eau Rouge section from Spa and it would be my preference over Spa actually.
>> Edited by AL001 on Tuesday 17th May 14:34
Yep -I was there in the 3R. Unfortunately it was here that the problem of the collapsed cat came to light. We all thought it was fuelling issue and hence the passenger rides! The car was fine under normal driving conditions, so no problems driving around (and home)- it was only on track when it got nice and hot on the exhaust side (restricted flow through the collapsed cat) that the lambda sensor just shut-up shop -felt like you were hitting the rev limiter the whole time. Back to the factory and all sorted.
And yes, holiday bookings permitting, I will be back in August in the M400. Shame they're not doing a double header with Zandvoort again -heard it was brilliant.
And yes, holiday bookings permitting, I will be back in August in the M400. Shame they're not doing a double header with Zandvoort again -heard it was brilliant.
adrian w said:
"flat bed truck" if it had been it would have been " get it back to us and we'll wook at it when we get time!
Adrian
Please don't mention the dealer's name when making a point like this, it's against the PH rules. Naming names can get PH into serious legal trouble and generally upsets the forum.
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Richard
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