Noble as an everyday car???
Discussion
Im in a situation where I have around £27-£30,000 to spend on another car.. Originally I was going to keep my 335i and buy my other half a Freelander or something safe for her and the baby... but now im thinking that ill give her the 335i as its safe and practical and ill buy something more focused for me to drive around in...
After thinking about what to look at I was left with the TVR T350 and a Noble GT0-3R. (the Noble won due to TVR's unlikely future)
but my worries are now... can the Noble be used as an everyday car? I do about 25,000 miles a year! and will intend on keeping it for 3 years.
Am I living in a dream world or can I seriously consider one of these?
How do they cope with traffic? (M25 everyday)
Are they 'reasonably' comfortable?
How reliable are they?
How do they react to the cold winter monthes?
Do they HAVE to be garaged?
I know...Odd question.. hows the stereo?
I'd still have the 335i should I need it, but that will become the family car driven mainly when we go out as a family or when my other half needs to go out.
(I know that they are hand built specialist cars which will need looking after and I will be buying (hopefully) fully understanding whats involved)
Any advise please...
Many Thanks
Lee
After thinking about what to look at I was left with the TVR T350 and a Noble GT0-3R. (the Noble won due to TVR's unlikely future)
but my worries are now... can the Noble be used as an everyday car? I do about 25,000 miles a year! and will intend on keeping it for 3 years.
Am I living in a dream world or can I seriously consider one of these?
How do they cope with traffic? (M25 everyday)
Are they 'reasonably' comfortable?
How reliable are they?
How do they react to the cold winter monthes?
Do they HAVE to be garaged?
I know...Odd question.. hows the stereo?
I'd still have the 335i should I need it, but that will become the family car driven mainly when we go out as a family or when my other half needs to go out.
(I know that they are hand built specialist cars which will need looking after and I will be buying (hopefully) fully understanding whats involved)
Any advise please...
Many Thanks
Lee
I think that these are cars much like any other specialist car, they are as reliable as you make them.
If you garage it, look after it, then you will not be dissapointed. You will have more reliability issues than the BMW. I have had my GTO3 for 2.5 years, done 10Kmiles and have replaced plugs 3 times, new ECU, both exhaust manifolds(these will split if you do not have the reinforced ones) exchanged to the upgraded fuel pump and Roush exhaust (not essential, but you will have exhaust bracket issues)
I have upgraded the stereo and put decent speakers in the doors and behind the seats. Much better and I can hear it now.
A bit personnal, but I would also dump the seats in favour of decent after market one. They are hard and a little uncomfortable on a long run. 25Kmiles a year needs a decent seat !
You will enjoy the car, but will be tinkering.
On the big up side, there is very little on the road that will touch it for performance and finger pointing.
If you garage it, look after it, then you will not be dissapointed. You will have more reliability issues than the BMW. I have had my GTO3 for 2.5 years, done 10Kmiles and have replaced plugs 3 times, new ECU, both exhaust manifolds(these will split if you do not have the reinforced ones) exchanged to the upgraded fuel pump and Roush exhaust (not essential, but you will have exhaust bracket issues)
I have upgraded the stereo and put decent speakers in the doors and behind the seats. Much better and I can hear it now.
A bit personnal, but I would also dump the seats in favour of decent after market one. They are hard and a little uncomfortable on a long run. 25Kmiles a year needs a decent seat !
You will enjoy the car, but will be tinkering.
On the big up side, there is very little on the road that will touch it for performance and finger pointing.
Edited by MadMacMcMad on Wednesday 30th May 09:50
I had mine as my only car for 18 months and I did about 13K miles a year.
Rochester BMW said:
How do they cope with traffic? (M25 everyday)
Fine. I've sat in many a jam on it with no issuesRochester BMW said:
Are they 'reasonably' comfortable?
Yes. Long journeys not an issue for me.Rochester BMW said:
How reliable are they?
Not bad compared to a TVR. Search will probably give more info.Rochester BMW said:
How do they react to the cold winter monthes?
Fine.Rochester BMW said:
Do they HAVE to be garaged?
No. Mine was outside for 18 months.Rochester BMW said:
I know...Odd question.. hows the stereo?
Rubbish, but easy to change.I have been really unlucky with mine. Had mine for 2 1/2 months or so, and been off the road for half that time. Engine rebuild done, but now she wont idle and the blinking speedo is very tempremental. If i leave mine outside the cabin carpet never gets properly dry, and the Drivers lightgets misted up. Light an easy fix, no idea on carpet!
in the few k i have done i have found the comfort to be fine for a 4hr traffic jam or a 2hr sprint to london and further. I was hoping to do a fast tour of europe later in the summer and cannot see any reason why 400-500-600 miles a day would be uncomfortable. The last owner had pads made up that provide extra bum cusioning and work well.
Do you need luggage space?
Remember that with that yearly mileage its 4 services, 2 sets of tyres, discs and pads. Thant will be an expensive year.
Stereo easily upgraded and room in doors for a set of 6 1/2 components and 5 1/4 coax for rear speakers to give rear fill. Sacrifice a few inches and a decent amp could be installed behind seats.
in the few k i have done i have found the comfort to be fine for a 4hr traffic jam or a 2hr sprint to london and further. I was hoping to do a fast tour of europe later in the summer and cannot see any reason why 400-500-600 miles a day would be uncomfortable. The last owner had pads made up that provide extra bum cusioning and work well.
Do you need luggage space?
Remember that with that yearly mileage its 4 services, 2 sets of tyres, discs and pads. Thant will be an expensive year.
Stereo easily upgraded and room in doors for a set of 6 1/2 components and 5 1/4 coax for rear speakers to give rear fill. Sacrifice a few inches and a decent amp could be installed behind seats.
Thanks for the replies so far...
After doing a bit of research on here my required spec would be.
Noble GTO 3R
Silver with black int. or Dark Blue with cream (light) int.
Upgraded ECU
LSD Diff
Track Sump.
6 Speed 'box (M400 linkage)
M400 fuel pump & Loom Mod.
Handbrake cable mod.
Leather Interior
All for 27-30k... If I bought a car like this I would take it on a track every once in a while. (hence the sump)
Is my budget realistic?
After doing a bit of research on here my required spec would be.
Noble GTO 3R
Silver with black int. or Dark Blue with cream (light) int.
Upgraded ECU
LSD Diff
Track Sump.
6 Speed 'box (M400 linkage)
M400 fuel pump & Loom Mod.
Handbrake cable mod.
Leather Interior
All for 27-30k... If I bought a car like this I would take it on a track every once in a while. (hence the sump)
Is my budget realistic?
ajg31 said:
I have been really unlucky with mine. Had mine for 2 1/2 months or so, and been off the road for half that time. Engine rebuild done, but now she wont idle and the blinking speedo is very tempremental. If i leave mine outside the cabin carpet never gets properly dry, and the Drivers lightgets misted up. Light an easy fix, no idea on carpet!
in the few k i have done i have found the comfort to be fine for a 4hr traffic jam or a 2hr sprint to london and further. I was hoping to do a fast tour of europe later in the summer and cannot see any reason why 400-500-600 miles a day would be uncomfortable. The last owner had pads made up that provide extra bum cusioning and work well.
Do you need luggage space?
Remember that with that yearly mileage its 4 services, 2 sets of tyres, discs and pads. Thant will be an expensive year.
Stereo easily upgraded and room in doors for a set of 6 1/2 components and 5 1/4 coax for rear speakers to give rear fill. Sacrifice a few inches and a decent amp could be installed behind seats.
I wouldn't need any luggage space at all really... just somewhere to put a few Cd's and my wallet! in the few k i have done i have found the comfort to be fine for a 4hr traffic jam or a 2hr sprint to london and further. I was hoping to do a fast tour of europe later in the summer and cannot see any reason why 400-500-600 miles a day would be uncomfortable. The last owner had pads made up that provide extra bum cusioning and work well.
Do you need luggage space?
Remember that with that yearly mileage its 4 services, 2 sets of tyres, discs and pads. Thant will be an expensive year.
Stereo easily upgraded and room in doors for a set of 6 1/2 components and 5 1/4 coax for rear speakers to give rear fill. Sacrifice a few inches and a decent amp could be installed behind seats.
Asuming that nothing major goes wrong how much would 4 services, 2 sets of tyres, discs and pads be???
Ive thought about yearly running costs at being about £4000 ish...
Rochester BMW said:
ThatPhilBrettGuy said:
Rochester BMW said:
Is my budget realistic?
No.
Ok then well... A. Would I get a good enough car with that budget?
and B... How much more would I need to spend to get that spec?
Is it worth it?
£27-30K I think you would be looking at an upgraded GTO3 with 6 speed box/lsd intercooler upgraded...like mine..(but i aint selling it!!
)AMG Merc said:
Nope - on price and spec!
The ECU shouldn't need upgrading as 3R's are all the latest spec.
It will have LSD as standard.
3R with M400 linkage - very rare - IMHO - maybe one or two exists
What's handbrake cable upgrade?
God know's, theres a post on here where someone says its a very worth while upgrade if your intending to track the car. Ill try and find the post.The ECU shouldn't need upgrading as 3R's are all the latest spec.
It will have LSD as standard.
3R with M400 linkage - very rare - IMHO - maybe one or two exists
What's handbrake cable upgrade?
So most of my spec is kind of irrelevant then, so a well sorted 3R is really all I would need to find.
Im not fused about year or mileage, as long as its been well looked after.
Thanks for the advice.
Rochester BMW said:
Im in a situation where I have around £27-£30,000 to spend on another car.. Originally I was going to keep my 335i and buy my other half a Freelander or something safe for her and the baby... but now im thinking that ill give her the 335i as its safe and practical and ill buy something more focused for me to drive around in...
After thinking about what to look at I was left with the TVR T350 and a Noble GT0-3R. (the Noble won due to TVR's unlikely future)
but my worries are now... can the Noble be used as an everyday car? I do about 25,000 miles a year! and will intend on keeping it for 3 years.
Am I living in a dream world or can I seriously consider one of these?
How do they cope with traffic? (M25 everyday)
Are they 'reasonably' comfortable?
How reliable are they?
How do they react to the cold winter monthes?
Do they HAVE to be garaged?
I know...Odd question.. hows the stereo?
I'd still have the 335i should I need it, but that will become the family car driven mainly when we go out as a family or when my other half needs to go out.
(I know that they are hand built specialist cars which will need looking after and I will be buying (hopefully) fully understanding whats involved)
Any advise please...
Many Thanks
Lee
To be fair you're talking about putting 75K on in three years, plus whatever the mileage on a second hand GTO3R is.After thinking about what to look at I was left with the TVR T350 and a Noble GT0-3R. (the Noble won due to TVR's unlikely future)
but my worries are now... can the Noble be used as an everyday car? I do about 25,000 miles a year! and will intend on keeping it for 3 years.
Am I living in a dream world or can I seriously consider one of these?
How do they cope with traffic? (M25 everyday)
Are they 'reasonably' comfortable?
How reliable are they?
How do they react to the cold winter monthes?
Do they HAVE to be garaged?
I know...Odd question.. hows the stereo?
I'd still have the 335i should I need it, but that will become the family car driven mainly when we go out as a family or when my other half needs to go out.
(I know that they are hand built specialist cars which will need looking after and I will be buying (hopefully) fully understanding whats involved)
Any advise please...
Many Thanks
Lee
I think that will be a tall order even with regular servicing.
You will without doubt spend a fair bit of dosh on the car as a matter of course.(exhaust bracket, fuel pump (cos you WILL change the exhaust) heater blower turbo re-build at some stage etc,etc,)
I LOVE my car and wouldn't change it for anything else right now.
I've had an exhaust,fuel pump,front discs, suspension mods (for camber adjustment)blow off valve uprated intercooler (twin fan) HID lighting conversion (standard dip is poor)and a new heater blower all since christmas!
Not all necessary I grant you but it all mounts up.
On the plus side I don't think you will find a better drive for your money.
Just remember it is all thrills and NO frills
And as for the stereo.. unless you intend to sit in a lay-by all day or want permanent hearing loss forget it.
All the above is of course my opinion / experiance. Good luck with your hunt.
Oh and don't test drive one until you're sure you can live with the cost / twiddling
I did a lot of Manmaths
before buying mine.F.C.
F.C. said:
To be fair you're talking about putting 75K on in three years, plus whatever the mileage on a second hand GTO3R is.
I think that will be a tall order even with regular servicing.
You will without doubt spend a fair bit of dosh on the car as a matter of course.(exhaust bracket, fuel pump (cos you WILL change the exhaust) heater blower turbo re-build at some stage etc,etc,)
I LOVE my car and wouldn't change it for anything else right now.
I've had an exhaust,fuel pump,front discs, suspension mods (for camber adjustment)blow off valve uprated intercooler (twin fan) HID lighting conversion (standard dip is poor)and a new heater blower all since christmas!
Not all necessary I grant you but it all mounts up.
On the plus side I don't think you will find a better drive for your money.
Just remember it is all thrills and NO frills
And as for the stereo.. unless you intend to sit in a lay-by all day or want permanent hearing loss forget it.
All the above is of course my opinion / experiance. Good luck with your hunt.
Oh and don't test drive one until you're sure you can live with the cost / twiddling
I did a lot of Manmaths before buying mine.
F.C.
Thanks for the advice, In reality I doubt my mileage would be 25k a year.. thats what it is in my BMW at the moment but we use it for EVERYTHING. the noble would only be used for commuting... (possibly 3 or 4 times a week) sunday drives, the odd track day, trip to le mans, trip to the 'ring etc.I think that will be a tall order even with regular servicing.
You will without doubt spend a fair bit of dosh on the car as a matter of course.(exhaust bracket, fuel pump (cos you WILL change the exhaust) heater blower turbo re-build at some stage etc,etc,)
I LOVE my car and wouldn't change it for anything else right now.
I've had an exhaust,fuel pump,front discs, suspension mods (for camber adjustment)blow off valve uprated intercooler (twin fan) HID lighting conversion (standard dip is poor)and a new heater blower all since christmas!
Not all necessary I grant you but it all mounts up.
On the plus side I don't think you will find a better drive for your money.
Just remember it is all thrills and NO frills
And as for the stereo.. unless you intend to sit in a lay-by all day or want permanent hearing loss forget it.
All the above is of course my opinion / experiance. Good luck with your hunt.
Oh and don't test drive one until you're sure you can live with the cost / twiddling
I did a lot of Manmaths
before buying mine.F.C.
so 'maybe I could knock off 10k a year.
but like everyone says, its going to be an expensive car to run... I just need to make a decision (with my head rather than my heart) as to whats the best way forward.
at the end of the day I would rather spend 27odd grand on a focused drivers car for me than a Lunchbox freelander that im never going to want to drive. the outlay is the same.. its the running costs that are worlds apart...
keep the advice coming.
many thanks
Lee
Edited by Rochester BMW on Wednesday 30th May 10:44
Im going to be making a trip to Mole Valley to speak to them about projected service costs etc (maybe today if I get time).
I will eventually have a test drive of one but only once im happy with what the financial commitment of owning one of these will involve.
I've read lots of posts about what upgrades/mods are advisable, but considering I will be doing maybe 15k to 20k a year should I look at things differently? maybe consider other mods?
Upgrading the seats maybe?
Installing speakers behind the seats?
What could be done to the Noble to make it easier to live with yet not detract from the driving experience?
I will eventually have a test drive of one but only once im happy with what the financial commitment of owning one of these will involve.
I've read lots of posts about what upgrades/mods are advisable, but considering I will be doing maybe 15k to 20k a year should I look at things differently? maybe consider other mods?
Upgrading the seats maybe?
Installing speakers behind the seats?
What could be done to the Noble to make it easier to live with yet not detract from the driving experience?
Rochester BMW said:
ajg31 said:
I have been really unlucky with mine. Had mine for 2 1/2 months or so, and been off the road for half that time. Engine rebuild done, but now she wont idle and the blinking speedo is very tempremental. If i leave mine outside the cabin carpet never gets properly dry, and the Drivers lightgets misted up. Light an easy fix, no idea on carpet!
in the few k i have done i have found the comfort to be fine for a 4hr traffic jam or a 2hr sprint to london and further. I was hoping to do a fast tour of europe later in the summer and cannot see any reason why 400-500-600 miles a day would be uncomfortable. The last owner had pads made up that provide extra bum cusioning and work well.
Do you need luggage space?
Remember that with that yearly mileage its 4 services, 2 sets of tyres, discs and pads. Thant will be an expensive year.
Stereo easily upgraded and room in doors for a set of 6 1/2 components and 5 1/4 coax for rear speakers to give rear fill. Sacrifice a few inches and a decent amp could be installed behind seats.
I wouldn't need any luggage space at all really... just somewhere to put a few Cd's and my wallet! in the few k i have done i have found the comfort to be fine for a 4hr traffic jam or a 2hr sprint to london and further. I was hoping to do a fast tour of europe later in the summer and cannot see any reason why 400-500-600 miles a day would be uncomfortable. The last owner had pads made up that provide extra bum cusioning and work well.
Do you need luggage space?
Remember that with that yearly mileage its 4 services, 2 sets of tyres, discs and pads. Thant will be an expensive year.
Stereo easily upgraded and room in doors for a set of 6 1/2 components and 5 1/4 coax for rear speakers to give rear fill. Sacrifice a few inches and a decent amp could be installed behind seats.
Asuming that nothing major goes wrong how much would 4 services, 2 sets of tyres, discs and pads be???
Ive thought about yearly running costs at being about £4000 ish...
The first owner of mine did 18k in 14 months, so it must be possible to do it without any major issues! kinda looks like i paid for all his fun tho! HEHE! I would push the boat out and get the 3R off the bat with all the bits you want as std. Not all 3R's come with 6spd and LSD. Mine was retro fitted at about 14k (i have #003 3R). M400 linkage is very desirable in my eyes but not nesessery. After being taken round in mine by Andy Walsh i can say he had no issue with the box!
Enjoy your Purchase!
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