M3 to Noble?

[The GMan]

I am currently investigating trading in my current car which is a 03’ M3 for something a bit more interesting.

I have a couple of questions. If I was to trade I would be looking at keeping my costs below £37k(lower if possible).

I know that the GTO is now a 3.0 instead of the original 2.5. If I was to purchase a 2.5 and the fact I will probably never take the car to its full potential (due to my driving capabilities) will I notice the difference?

Has the GTO 3.0 got a dry sump as standard?

Is a dry sump something I really need if I don’t intend to do any track days? If a trackday opportunity arose would I be taking a risk if I don’t have a dry sump?

Dose it matter if the car has Alcantara, instead of leather? I presume all have air-con, if not this is obviously as necessity?

If I want to use the car for weekends away, do I need to go for one with luggage bags, or will I be able to fit around the interior space?

Will I be able to get away with about 15k per year?

Sorry if these are low end questions but I would like to get an idea before I start to call around about a couple of cars I have seen on Autotrader.

PS I have noticed Hexham Horseless Carriages is now a Noble dealer in the North East, so that will be a big help when it comes to servicing, if I get one.


>>> Edited by The GMan on Monday 31st January 18:24

[UFO 2 NOB]

3r is the one for road use.must have 6 speed as better ratios and stronger box,352hp not 310/340,leather,cd,start button, track sump and even on the road its worth it to be safe long term.No track sump equals no track days or your dead,most 3rs have track sump,better front end,wheels and the quaife lsd which makes a big difference.Air con is an option but its a must or you cook,most 3rs have a/c.Car is just awsome,spend the extra end get an R.Good luck

[ThatPhilBrettGuy]

The GMan said:

If I was to purchase a 2.5 and the fact I will probably never take the car to its full potential (due to my driving capabilities) will I notice the difference?

A bit. The 2.5's seem to have less low down torque, but still go like the clappers to be honest.

The GMan said:

Has the GTO 3.0 got a dry sump as standard?

No.

The GMan said:

Is a dry sump something I really need if I don’t intend to do any track days?

No.

The GMan said:

If a trackday opportunity arose would I be taking a risk if I don’t have a dry sump?

Yes.

The GMan said:

Dose it matter if the car has Alcantara, instead of leather?

Not in my book.

The GMan said:

I presume all have air-con, if not this is obviously as necessity?

Not all have and you really need it.

The GMan said:

If I want to use the car for weekends away, do I need to go for one with luggage bags, or will I be able to fit around the interior space?

We've been away for 3 nights in it and it's been fine. I don't have the luggage set.

The GMan said:

Will I be able to get away with about 15k per year?

?? 15K what?

[martvr]

Erm, slight correction. None of the M12's, whether 2.5 or 3 litre engines have a dry sump. The only option available is a trackday sump, a larger capacity version of the original sump with a suitable arrangement of internal baffling. Otherwise agree with the answers below if you substitute trackday for dry.

[ThatPhilBrettGuy]

You know I had it in my head to correct that...and forgot. Ah, the joys of ageing....

[s3am]

I have done 11k in the last year, and no problems. Miles seem to be a boon, and being stored a problem to be honest. IMHO the car doesn't like being treated as a garage queen.

Go for the 3R+; The revised front end is reason enough.

Sam

[DanH]

s3am said:

Go for the 3R+; The revised front end is reason enough.

But its lardier!

I'd try for something 3l & 6 spd if you can afford it mate. Personally I prefer alcantara, but think it was a cheaper option. It doesn't wear as well of course.

16k a year is quite a lot of mileage for a noble. Dunno how it would affect resale etc. Maybe some of the high mileage guys could comment. I wouldn't want to be the first owner with 50k really, as shifting it on might be tricky. Not that I'm worrying about mileage myself (19k now after 2.5 years, but still a lot less than you propose).

[3rtt]

Gman.

I'm happy to help. I have a 3R and live on the Gateshead side of the river. Also the guys at Hexham are very helpful.

E-mail me through my profile for any other questions.

Cheers,
Ian.

[joust]

The GMan said:

I know that the GTO is now a 3.0 instead of the original 2.5. If I was to purchase a 2.5 and the fact I will probably never take the car to its full potential (due to my driving capabilities) will I notice the difference?

It really would depend on your driving style.

If you "nail" it, there is a difference between a 2.5l and 3.0l. After around 200 yards on a 0-100 dash the 3.0l will be around a car length or so ahead.

However, you do have to ask yourself can you really tell the difference between ~0.5seconds 0-100?

The GMan said:

Has the GTO 3.0 got a dry sump as standard? Is a dry sump something I really need if I don’t intend to do any track days? If a trackday opportunity arose would I be taking a risk if I don’t have a dry sump?

As mentioned it's not a dry sump, it's a large baffled sump for track use.

If you don't have it, expect your car engine to exipre if used on the track. If you look at my webpage (www.lotus-elise.org.uk/noble) you'll find out that it's an expensive mistake to make.....

The GMan said:

Dose it matter if the car has Alcantara, instead of leather? I presume all have air-con, if not this is obviously as necessity?

Alcantara of course "grips" better than leather, but it seems to make little difference to the price, so go with what you like when you see the car.

Don't get a car without aircon if you plan on using it in the height of summer for long trips. You *will* cook...

The GMan said:

If I want to use the car for weekends away, do I need to go for one with luggage bags, or will I be able to fit around the interior space?

Nope - squishable rucksacks, carrier bags and other bags fit just as well, although the luggage set is "nicer" if you turn up at a hotel with a porter

The GMan said:

Will I be able to get away with about 15k per year?

15,000 miles I presume you mean. Sure - cars rearely seem to have any serious issues after 20,000 miles, but regular servicing is a must. The factory have lots of 40,000+ miles cars that seem to be fine, and I do get the feeling that a Noble is a car that really likes to be used a lot.

J

[BrianJ]

And at those mileages, 'regular servicing' probably means sorting out more minor issues than you would expect with a M3 on average.

Brian J

[UFO 2 NOB]

How the hell can you slip on leather when you have a harness on???

[m12_nathan]

Alcantara is more grippy when you are wearing a normal belt (ie on the road) and less sweaty when you are ragging it round on track, it is also lighter

As an aside I've now got MSA approved 3" proper harnesses fitted - no way are you moving around in them! 4 point passenger and 4/6 point drivers side so I have the choice of what to wear.