went to see a noble @ giles cooper automotive.

[funbobby]

so went to the silver one he has for sale and all in all seemed lovely and drove very nice, brakes felt a bit crap but then they were not used in anger so don't know if they would get better with some heat in them? seemed to have most of the appropriate mods without any thing over the top. my big question is am I mad to get a noble when im not really hands on? ive had tvr's and currently a vx220 which compared too that felt a lot more cosy its just I seem to love cars that are bit more unique but nobles I don't know huge amounts about apart from what ive gleamed off here.

[Adrian W]

If you only have a lemonade budget don't buy a champaign car. Unless you are prepped to work on the car yourself the bills are going to be pretty high.

[mgbond]

But no more than a TVR I would have thought

[funbobby]

erm don't have a lemonade budget?? just trying to get a feel. flicking through the paperwork would indicate no scary bills just wondered if im being realistic running a noble without having too take at too a garage all the time.

[Adrian W]

funbobby said:

erm don't have a lemonade budget?? just trying to get a feel. flicking through the paperwork would indicate no scary bills just wondered if im being realistic running a noble without having too take at too a garage all the time.

You said in your original post that you are not hands on, therefore owning a Noble will be expensive, what is your maintenance budget ?

[funbobby]

I don't have a budget as such, what would need doing would get done more concerned about quirks that I might not be able to fix myself meaning spending more time at a garage and not being used. ive had different tvr's etc but when looking around the engine bay, rads etc just thought I wouldn't know where too start! tvr were a lot more simple engine wise imho.

[Spindoctor]

A Noble that's well cared-for and had pre-emptive maintenance/improvements shouldn't be any more garage-bound than a vx that's similarly looked after. Like most cars of this type, they respond well to love and care.

[funbobby]

mainly the reason I wanted to buy from a known noble dealer to hopefully avoid too much headache. ive been fairly lucky in the past with my cars but always tend to buy from good known dealers.

[Adrian W]

funbobby said:

mainly the reason I wanted to buy from a known noble dealer to hopefully avoid too much headache. ive been fairly lucky in the past with my cars but always tend to buy from good known dealers.

So called Noble dealers won't even recognise the essential improvements that need doing, some even try to discount the buy price claiming that they will have issues warranting the car. You will pay a premium from someone why specialises in selling Nobles, you would be better off trying to commission someone who knows their stuff to inspect the car and then purchasing an insurance warranty.

The only two Noble specialists that really know the cars are Bespoke and Jetsteam,

[TuxMan]

Hi Rob , is this the car ?

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/n...

If so it's looks a nice example !! It's missing it's front splitter and I would check the floor to see how it seals as there is no mention of the floor being refitted .

Plenty of help and advice on this forum and on the Facebook group . Pretty straight forward cars and generally they are pretty re.iable . It's a 6 speed as well which us a bonus !!

Tux

[funbobby]

Sorry don't know how to do a link but car seems well priced and not over the odds , he seems to have a decent reputation which is pretty important to me. Clearly there might be some niggles which I expect but I can't believe a dealer who works in these small circles is going to sell a dog, history all looked good to me.

[Adrian W]

funbobby said:

Sorry don't know how to do a link but car seems well priced and not over the odds , he seems to have a decent reputation which is pretty important to me. Clearly there might be some niggles which I expect but I can't believe a dealer who works in these small circles is going to sell a dog, history all looked good to me.

After Noble London went pop Im pretty sure he was trading out of Castle TVR in Bishops Strortford, he sold Twirlys old Noble to someone, it went bang and Bespoke had to put it right. I live in your area, if I were you I would go and have a chat with Bepoke, they are your nearest Noble specialist.

Where exactly are you

[funbobby]

I'm in Hemel , yes he was part of castle I do believe. When you say it went pop how long after he sold state of tune etc? Not defending him but quite a few variables with these cars I guess. Would love a second opinion by someone who knows there stuff but who might be able to help in this area?

[funbobby]

Hi tux thanks yes that's the car. Didn't ask about the floor being sealed too be honest , carpets were all dry although clearly doesn't tell the full story ! It seemed well price enough too me with low ish mileage that's not too low if you know what I mean and a decent service history.

[funbobby]

Hi tux thanks yes that's the car. Didn't ask about the floor being sealed too be honest , carpets were all dry although clearly doesn't tell the full story ! It seemed well price enough too me with low ish mileage that's not too low if you know what I mean and a decent service history.

[TuxMan]

Engines have proved to be pretty good , they do not like to run low of oil so keep topped well up !!!! Also check too see if it has a track day sump !!!!!!!! Big job too fit one afterwards. !!!

Brakes normally are very very good so give them a good check over , the last time I felt a bad set they had yellow stuff pads fitted !!!

[funbobby]

I had red stuff when I first got my vx and they were rubbish , put mintex on and the improvement was huge. What's recommended on these ? Not going to track it

[JBliss]

If you wanna meet up and look round mine your more than welcome to. Happy to talk through the quirks and how to get them reliable etc. Only in Harpenden

[TuxMan]

Pagid RS29 for track work , ferrodo DS 2500 or 3000 are a very good alround pad .
I case you missed it check too see i
If it has a Track day sump , this is a upgrade sump that is bigger and without it you cannot go on any track !!!! It's a big job to fit one !!!!!!!!

I'm guessing the front end has been painted or damaged as the front splitter is missing so have a good look at the front end , especially the panel gap go the front clam !!

[funbobby]

Bonnet has been repainted due to chips apparently, didmt know splitter was standard? It does have track sump not that I would track it too be honest