Any Noble drivers in the USA?
Discussion
I'm heading up to 1G on the weekend of the 18th. Looking toward the M400. I cannot wait to see it in person and get behind the wheel. In speaking with Dean, he wasn't aware of any Nobles down here in Georgia - who knows, maybe I'll be the first! I'm very interested in hearing peoples experiences on getting the cars registered, insured and maintained. Any surprises pop up during the process?
Ron
Ron
Excellent - thanks for the replies - I am dealing with Dean as well.
Is there a second hand market for Nobles? Are there any difficulties with regards to state laws in reselling the car... I am in Texas...and I am English so I am not really familiar with this stuff.
Where do you get your services done? Is it really expensive?
Has anyone driven the M400 and the M12 - is it worth the extra money? I wont really be going to lots of track days ....
How did you get insurance - through Grundy or just your regular insurance company? What were the rates?
If some one runs into you - do you have to replace the whole body - is it easy to get body work done?
I will think of some more questions over the next few days....
Thanks again!
Is there a second hand market for Nobles? Are there any difficulties with regards to state laws in reselling the car... I am in Texas...and I am English so I am not really familiar with this stuff.
Where do you get your services done? Is it really expensive?
Has anyone driven the M400 and the M12 - is it worth the extra money? I wont really be going to lots of track days ....
How did you get insurance - through Grundy or just your regular insurance company? What were the rates?
If some one runs into you - do you have to replace the whole body - is it easy to get body work done?
I will think of some more questions over the next few days....
Thanks again!
OK, sorry for the delayed reply. Have been quite busy with work.
As regards the aerial, it is inside the front clam. So reception is not great currently, but looking at an amplified antenna to maintain the clean look and get better signal. In all reality, a satellite radio service might be best, with an IPOD to play your own play lists with no skipping.
As regards the warranty, it is limited and 1G Racing in Ohio can supply the details.
As regards the run in period, yes there is one and is the same as it is reccommended in the UK. 1st 1000 miles kept below 4000 rpm's
As regards the turn radius. Good point. I had driven 1G's demo car which was a M12 GTO, not the current 3R or M400 models being imported. The turn radius was not so good, as noted elsewhere.
Fortunately, my 3R was one of the first to come into the USA with the newer 2.5 lock turn radius, and it is much improved. The foot wells are slightly modified to make this work, and I am happy with it. Much better than before, and quite driveable.
As regards insurance, Grundy has insured some, as has AAA and Progressive. I would say Progressive has probably insured the most. I think I recall State Farm has as well. Rates vary quite a bit, so do your homework. Other large carriers consider it a "grey market" car, so won't touch it.
Title / Registration / Tags - as noted many times elsewhere, it varies widely by state. Some have proved quite easy, and others difficult. Most seem to be titled either as "kit cars" or as "replica cars" depending on the states regulations. SOme require an inspection, others don't. I would say all require a notorized inspection of the VIN number on the chasis, which in most cases is set as the build vehicles number. Example NUS0000
Vehicle Service - another valid point. This must be considered in my opinion, as who will look after the vehicle after it is on the road. Getting aquainted with a good reputable shop would be a good idea if your not much of a do it your selfer for service after it is built. Also, the install shop must be reputable in my experience. The install is straight forward, but good solid knowledge is advised in my opinion. The car is very straight forward, and is not as intimidating as one might think mechanically.
Hope the pointers help. Regards.
As regards the aerial, it is inside the front clam. So reception is not great currently, but looking at an amplified antenna to maintain the clean look and get better signal. In all reality, a satellite radio service might be best, with an IPOD to play your own play lists with no skipping.
As regards the warranty, it is limited and 1G Racing in Ohio can supply the details.
As regards the run in period, yes there is one and is the same as it is reccommended in the UK. 1st 1000 miles kept below 4000 rpm's
As regards the turn radius. Good point. I had driven 1G's demo car which was a M12 GTO, not the current 3R or M400 models being imported. The turn radius was not so good, as noted elsewhere.
Fortunately, my 3R was one of the first to come into the USA with the newer 2.5 lock turn radius, and it is much improved. The foot wells are slightly modified to make this work, and I am happy with it. Much better than before, and quite driveable.
As regards insurance, Grundy has insured some, as has AAA and Progressive. I would say Progressive has probably insured the most. I think I recall State Farm has as well. Rates vary quite a bit, so do your homework. Other large carriers consider it a "grey market" car, so won't touch it.
Title / Registration / Tags - as noted many times elsewhere, it varies widely by state. Some have proved quite easy, and others difficult. Most seem to be titled either as "kit cars" or as "replica cars" depending on the states regulations. SOme require an inspection, others don't. I would say all require a notorized inspection of the VIN number on the chasis, which in most cases is set as the build vehicles number. Example NUS0000
Vehicle Service - another valid point. This must be considered in my opinion, as who will look after the vehicle after it is on the road. Getting aquainted with a good reputable shop would be a good idea if your not much of a do it your selfer for service after it is built. Also, the install shop must be reputable in my experience. The install is straight forward, but good solid knowledge is advised in my opinion. The car is very straight forward, and is not as intimidating as one might think mechanically.
Hope the pointers help. Regards.
I'm not sure if all your questions were answered.
I don't think there has been a tested second hand market established for Nobles in the US. However, Superformance Cobras from the same manufacturer(although quite a bit different car) have sold very well. Second, once you drive this car, there will be lots of attention. I believe the market will be strong(if you ever wanted to sell).
I could be wrong, but I'm not aware that the M400 is available here yet. If you are interested, there are plenty of HP/race shops that can modify and make the car more "Track friendly".
I have been using Progressive for insurance.
Fixing accidents.... Hope you never have one. The bonnet and boot(for the English group) could be replaced seperately and fairly easy. I don't think this is a huge issue.
Hope this helps.
I don't think there has been a tested second hand market established for Nobles in the US. However, Superformance Cobras from the same manufacturer(although quite a bit different car) have sold very well. Second, once you drive this car, there will be lots of attention. I believe the market will be strong(if you ever wanted to sell).
I could be wrong, but I'm not aware that the M400 is available here yet. If you are interested, there are plenty of HP/race shops that can modify and make the car more "Track friendly".
I have been using Progressive for insurance.
Fixing accidents.... Hope you never have one. The bonnet and boot(for the English group) could be replaced seperately and fairly easy. I don't think this is a huge issue.
Hope this helps.
I'm curious about the second hand market as well. I heard of a Noble going to the Auction in palm beach or west palm not sure. It was an orange color and it never made it to auction because the epa got involved due to the title. They thought it had been imported illegally yada yada yada
Still I'd buy one second hand in a heart beat. In fact I'd rather buy one second hand than new just so I don't have to deal with the whole title issue. If anyone ever sells their's here in the US put me 1st on your list of people to contact.
Cya
Jeremy.....use the force jeremy use the force
Still I'd buy one second hand in a heart beat. In fact I'd rather buy one second hand than new just so I don't have to deal with the whole title issue. If anyone ever sells their's here in the US put me 1st on your list of people to contact.
Cya
Jeremy.....use the force jeremy use the force
Thanks Pinnacle and Noble Yank.
I sent Dean a bunch of questions. When I get the replies I will post them.
Pinnacle - do you have the old gearbox - can they put the M400 gearbox in the 3R? I heard the M400 gearbox was a lot better.
Also, I have heqard a lot of mention of the seating position/pedals being improved in the M400. Any complaints about the M12?
Cheers.
I sent Dean a bunch of questions. When I get the replies I will post them.
Pinnacle - do you have the old gearbox - can they put the M400 gearbox in the 3R? I heard the M400 gearbox was a lot better.
Also, I have heqard a lot of mention of the seating position/pedals being improved in the M400. Any complaints about the M12?
Cheers.
Prior thread on the subject of retro-fitting the M400 linkage. www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=100981&f=26&h=0&hw=shift
Thanks he answered all my questions! He called back.
I will post all my findings when I get back. I found someone in Texas to install the Engine etc and at least I will have someone who can service the car when I need it. That gives me more peace of mind.
Now I am wondering if I want any modifications made - I saw some guys changing the engine management system on this board. Also wondering about tweaking the HP.
Cheers
I will post all my findings when I get back. I found someone in Texas to install the Engine etc and at least I will have someone who can service the car when I need it. That gives me more peace of mind.
Now I am wondering if I want any modifications made - I saw some guys changing the engine management system on this board. Also wondering about tweaking the HP.
Cheers
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