I may be buying very soon........
Discussion
I am looking at the 3R currently at Christopher Neills & having had a look at it last Friday i am scheduled for a test drive this Friday. It is currently having the front clam resprayed due to chipping.
53 plate (04). Red with black leather. 18" rims with M400 engine upgrade.
12 mnths warranty. (Worthless??)
http://www.oakmeremotorgroup.co.uk/used-cars/view/...
I now have a small confession to make. While i was bimbling around the dealership i was looking at some Exige S's. The dealer pnged me & asked if i was interested in a test drive & not being one to look a gift horse & all that i took him up the offer. Have to say i was hugely impressed with the performance (despite the 'plasticy' interior) & its got me thinking.
Am i mad?
My heart says Noble, a small voice in my head says Exige.
I've said before that a Noble would be my daily driver (short commute) but i also do a lot of Euro Hooning. I had calmed my concerns regarding reliability after reading the many positive threads on here outlining little or no major concerns during ownership. These concerns have returned a bit in particular with the age of this car.
Does anyone know its history?
I think the private reg plate is R11 ROD (AY53LGC)
Ed
I'm off to OZ next year and I have to own a car hear for at least a year in order to take it out. So I thought about and Exige S as there are a few in Oz and parts/service more readily available.
So I ended up in a test drive in a Exige Sprint (240bhp with trac control and bigger break pack). I was given the keys and myself and a mate (who has been out with me often in the noble) went out for a spin. Although we were probable doing the same kind of speed the Exige just didn't have the wow factor that the noble does.
For example, I had to overtake another car and the exige just accelerated past it in a progressive way. The Noble would have catapulted us past.
My mate agreed that the Noble is more fun!
By the way I only have a 2.5 and yes its coming to OZ.
Bondy
So I ended up in a test drive in a Exige Sprint (240bhp with trac control and bigger break pack). I was given the keys and myself and a mate (who has been out with me often in the noble) went out for a spin. Although we were probable doing the same kind of speed the Exige just didn't have the wow factor that the noble does.
For example, I had to overtake another car and the exige just accelerated past it in a progressive way. The Noble would have catapulted us past.
My mate agreed that the Noble is more fun!
By the way I only have a 2.5 and yes its coming to OZ.
Bondy
Edited by mgbond on Monday 13th October 21:42
I've recently Jumped from an M400 to a F430 and now an Exige S with powerpack.
(240 BHP)
The Exige is a lot of fun and looks great IMO but it doesn't have the explosive acceleration of the Noble.
The Exige really makes you work for progress.(if you get it right it's great)
I am looking into a Supercharged Honda type R conversion in the spring.
After having driven a 370 BHP version I can assure you it's every bit as quick as the Noble but a bit better through the twisties @ <850 KG's.
No lag whatsoever, instant throttle response that my gear shifting couldn't keep up with to start.
There's talk of a 2.2 version with over 500BHP per tonne
F.C.
(240 BHP)
The Exige is a lot of fun and looks great IMO but it doesn't have the explosive acceleration of the Noble.
The Exige really makes you work for progress.(if you get it right it's great)
I am looking into a Supercharged Honda type R conversion in the spring.
After having driven a 370 BHP version I can assure you it's every bit as quick as the Noble but a bit better through the twisties @ <850 KG's.
No lag whatsoever, instant throttle response that my gear shifting couldn't keep up with to start.
There's talk of a 2.2 version with over 500BHP per tonne

F.C.
Edited by F.C. on Tuesday 14th October 00:51
Edited by F.C. on Tuesday 14th October 08:40
I find Kerridges prices a bit too rich in comparison to others.
My heart is very much ruling hy head now following an email questionnaire to family & friends which was brief & to the point.......which would you choose?
Huge majority for the Nob. Wahey!
Any views on the warranty? Always pretty distrustful of dealer offered.
Ed
My heart is very much ruling hy head now following an email questionnaire to family & friends which was brief & to the point.......which would you choose?
Huge majority for the Nob. Wahey!
Any views on the warranty? Always pretty distrustful of dealer offered.
Ed
I bought from Kerridges, paid a little more than i wanted to but so far the warranty seems all good. Had an initial problem with the car when i first got it and they sent a flat bed down from Needham to Bournemouth to pick my car up and then dropped it back when it was done, no cost. Cant say fairer than that. Will see if i need to call on it again but have one full year gold warranty, greater peace of mind!!
I look at warrenties the same way I look at insurance...Those companies are paying rent, overheads and wages and still earning a profit. I prefer to pay for anything I need, knowing I'm not get ripped off. It's better to put money aside, then when you don't use it have a nice holiday...
Agreed,having bought something like 6 or so cars from Kerridges, I can vouch for the fact they are a fairly no quibble company when it comes to any issues,amd of course advertised price isn't always the buying price, surely it's got to be worth a phone call at least? It doesn't just come down to buying the cheapest one with these cars.In july I renewed my gold warranty through them, and it just paid for a driveshaft, so I've virtually got my money back already.
I called CN's today getting some background on the car.
2 previous owners.
First reg Feb 04
Keeper change April 05
FSH with last two services done at Peter Smiths of Hatton Derbys.
Last service was done at 18k in April this year.
Book shows its had replacement ECU (hence the M400 upgrade).
New horn
New Radiator.
Now, a question, if I may? Ref the M400 upgrade. Its only an ECU change from the M12 to M400, according to the info the dealer gave me while reading the service book/receipts.
Does this create any possible issues with the BHP increase causing increased engine wear as its not had any upgrade work (AFAIK) to the engine itself?
Apologies is this is a numpty question. Not the most mechanically minded of people although I can find my way around.
Dealer was also very specific on the phone saying the car would get its full service & comprehensive checkover.......anything potentially needing replacment would be done without question before it goes off the forecourt. While i don't trust dealers this did reassure me a bit.
Ed
2 previous owners.
First reg Feb 04
Keeper change April 05
FSH with last two services done at Peter Smiths of Hatton Derbys.
Last service was done at 18k in April this year.
Book shows its had replacement ECU (hence the M400 upgrade).
New horn
New Radiator.
Now, a question, if I may? Ref the M400 upgrade. Its only an ECU change from the M12 to M400, according to the info the dealer gave me while reading the service book/receipts.
Does this create any possible issues with the BHP increase causing increased engine wear as its not had any upgrade work (AFAIK) to the engine itself?
Apologies is this is a numpty question. Not the most mechanically minded of people although I can find my way around.
Dealer was also very specific on the phone saying the car would get its full service & comprehensive checkover.......anything potentially needing replacment would be done without question before it goes off the forecourt. While i don't trust dealers this did reassure me a bit.
Ed
Echo66 said:
I called CN's today getting some background on the car.
2 previous owners.
First reg Feb 04
Keeper change April 05
FSH with last two services done at Peter Smiths of Hatton Derbys.
Last service was done at 18k in April this year.
Book shows its had replacement ECU (hence the M400 upgrade).
New horn
New Radiator.
Now, a question, if I may? Ref the M400 upgrade. Its only an ECU change from the M12 to M400, according to the info the dealer gave me while reading the service book/receipts.
Does this create any possible issues with the BHP increase causing increased engine wear as its not had any upgrade work (AFAIK) to the engine itself?
Apologies is this is a numpty question. Not the most mechanically minded of people although I can find my way around.
Dealer was also very specific on the phone saying the car would get its full service & comprehensive checkover.......anything potentially needing replacment would be done without question before it goes off the forecourt. While i don't trust dealers this did reassure me a bit.
Ed
I am sorry, but a new ECU is, or never has been a Upgrade to M400 spec.. if they have used the M400 map, then I would be concerned, as that map is specific to that car, its turbos(t28's rather than T25's) bigger fuel pump, forged pistons etc...I would be asking why they think changing the ECU is all that is required to upgrade to an M400 power/ spec, if it was we all would have done it. 2 previous owners.
First reg Feb 04
Keeper change April 05
FSH with last two services done at Peter Smiths of Hatton Derbys.
Last service was done at 18k in April this year.
Book shows its had replacement ECU (hence the M400 upgrade).
New horn
New Radiator.
Now, a question, if I may? Ref the M400 upgrade. Its only an ECU change from the M12 to M400, according to the info the dealer gave me while reading the service book/receipts.
Does this create any possible issues with the BHP increase causing increased engine wear as its not had any upgrade work (AFAIK) to the engine itself?
Apologies is this is a numpty question. Not the most mechanically minded of people although I can find my way around.
Dealer was also very specific on the phone saying the car would get its full service & comprehensive checkover.......anything potentially needing replacment would be done without question before it goes off the forecourt. While i don't trust dealers this did reassure me a bit.
Ed

hth
Thats what i was thinking even with my limited knowledge.
It needs some looking at with questions for the dealer on Fri. Tbh, the guy on the phone, whilst very forthcoming with the history etc, was sure that M12's did not have LSD's. I pointed out the M12 differences with LSD's etc & he replied with 'oh you are probably right then, sir' so his knowledge of the car is not that great. Worth another viewing though as its local.
Ed
It needs some looking at with questions for the dealer on Fri. Tbh, the guy on the phone, whilst very forthcoming with the history etc, was sure that M12's did not have LSD's. I pointed out the M12 differences with LSD's etc & he replied with 'oh you are probably right then, sir' so his knowledge of the car is not that great. Worth another viewing though as its local.
Ed
Echo66 said:
Thats what i was thinking even with my limited knowledge.
It needs some looking at with questions for the dealer on Fri. Tbh, the guy on the phone, whilst very forthcoming with the history etc, was sure that M12's did not have LSD's. I pointed out the M12 differences with LSD's etc & he replied with 'oh you are probably right then, sir' so his knowledge of the car is not that great. Worth another viewing though as its local.
Ed
If you're already a tad uncomfortable about it , walk away, there's plenty of good ones out there, take your time eh?It needs some looking at with questions for the dealer on Fri. Tbh, the guy on the phone, whilst very forthcoming with the history etc, was sure that M12's did not have LSD's. I pointed out the M12 differences with LSD's etc & he replied with 'oh you are probably right then, sir' so his knowledge of the car is not that great. Worth another viewing though as its local.
Ed
Echo66 said:
Thats what i was thinking even with my limited knowledge.
It needs some looking at with questions for the dealer on Fri. Tbh, the guy on the phone, whilst very forthcoming with the history etc, was sure that M12's did not have LSD's. I pointed out the M12 differences with LSD's etc & he replied with 'oh you are probably right then, sir' so his knowledge of the car is not that great. Worth another viewing though as its local.
Ed
Sounds like a typical car dealer, never actally lie and never answer any unasked questions, when you ask a question about something specific he said and put him on the spot he goes all woolley.............walk away.It needs some looking at with questions for the dealer on Fri. Tbh, the guy on the phone, whilst very forthcoming with the history etc, was sure that M12's did not have LSD's. I pointed out the M12 differences with LSD's etc & he replied with 'oh you are probably right then, sir' so his knowledge of the car is not that great. Worth another viewing though as its local.
Ed
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