is a noble for me?
Discussion
hey guys been reading your forums for a couple of days i love the look the noble and am keen at buying one in the near future although i would like to know a little more about the car and your opinions!
the noble would be my main car, i only work 2miles from my house and would use for small journeys/odd long distance/track days
liverpool is littered in speedbumps how does it cope/what should i look for in a car to help over the bumps - no splitter?
reliability/running costs???
is it possible to upgrade 2.5ltr headlights to the gto-r?
how does it cope in rain/icy conditions is aquaplaning a problem? starting in cold weather?
i currently drive a type r (2 ltr) is there much difference is petrol consumption?
how often should services do done and how much are they
thanks for your help!
the noble would be my main car, i only work 2miles from my house and would use for small journeys/odd long distance/track days
liverpool is littered in speedbumps how does it cope/what should i look for in a car to help over the bumps - no splitter?
reliability/running costs???
is it possible to upgrade 2.5ltr headlights to the gto-r?
how does it cope in rain/icy conditions is aquaplaning a problem? starting in cold weather?
i currently drive a type r (2 ltr) is there much difference is petrol consumption?
how often should services do done and how much are they
thanks for your help!
I've driven mine around in liverpool with no issues, I have a ford in my road and can get through that just dont fly over speed bumps... mines been to amsterdam quite a few times and coped with the ramps and bumps there and I still have my splitter 
I used mine as my main car for 2 years and did 30k and rain was no issue for my car, I got 30mpg out of it and didnt really spend a fortune on servicing (its not cheap tho about on par with running an M3). tyres lasted 20k rear, 25k front (no track use tho).
they are a hand built car built to a budget tho so cars reliability can vary a lot
I used mine as my main car for 2 years and did 30k and rain was no issue for my car, I got 30mpg out of it and didnt really spend a fortune on servicing (its not cheap tho about on par with running an M3). tyres lasted 20k rear, 25k front (no track use tho).
they are a hand built car built to a budget tho so cars reliability can vary a lot
To be honest, the nature of your questions imply to me that a Noble is not for you. If you got out of your Type R and climbed into the Noble, it would blow your mind and you would do anything to get hold of one. However, if money is going to be tight, it will ruin you. I'm fortunate enough to live in an area with some great motoring roads, however, I occassionally have to travel into South London, which is littered with speed bumps. It is the most frustrating thing in the world in my Noble. It's like keeping a pet Cheetah in your front garden!
There is no light conversion, though some people have added perspex covers over the existing lights. Noble will not sell you a 3R front clam and to get a new one from somewhere else will cost 2K.
Sorry to sound so negative, it's just your questions suggest you will struggle. I hope I'm wrong and you get one, because if you can afford it and you can get out of town a lot, you will be on a high for quite some time.
p.s. I consider my 2.5 to have been reliable over the last 3 years and I've paid out around 6K keeping it on the road. Excluding fuel, tax, ins etc.
There is no light conversion, though some people have added perspex covers over the existing lights. Noble will not sell you a 3R front clam and to get a new one from somewhere else will cost 2K.
Sorry to sound so negative, it's just your questions suggest you will struggle. I hope I'm wrong and you get one, because if you can afford it and you can get out of town a lot, you will be on a high for quite some time.
p.s. I consider my 2.5 to have been reliable over the last 3 years and I've paid out around 6K keeping it on the road. Excluding fuel, tax, ins etc.
Edited by bernhund on Friday 11th June 07:43
no i am very aware of the costs, it doesnt put me off but at the same time i want the most fun for my cash i invest and dont want to make the wrong decisions. i just wanted peoples opinions i also own a westfield which i spent a lot of cash over the winter revamping the engine (myself) so im use to a nippy car
i just wanted peoples thoughts of running the car as an everydayer not just a sunday drive like i treat my kit car.
how often should a service be done and is there anywhere local in the northwest?
andy it would be great if i could see yours to look for things to look out for when viewing a car or has anyone any points in particular? what are tell tale signs of well/poorly looked after noble?
i just wanted peoples thoughts of running the car as an everydayer not just a sunday drive like i treat my kit car.
how often should a service be done and is there anywhere local in the northwest?
andy it would be great if i could see yours to look for things to look out for when viewing a car or has anyone any points in particular? what are tell tale signs of well/poorly looked after noble?
Unfortunately I live down south and only visit my mates in Liverpool 3 or 4 times a year 
If you can live with using a westfield as a weekend toy, you can definately live with a noble everyday, unlike others I never find it frustrating etc even when sat in traffic in london (well no more frustrating than being in any other car)... Ive also done 2 week euro road trip with my daughter in it and generally hooned it around and had a great laugh... I even dont mind it in the wet. Its comfortable, fast, cheapish to run, great to look at..... Oh and mines for sale... Only kidding lol
Servicing is every 6000miles, and never cost me much more than £700 unless i needed tyres etc.
I managed to stay off of modifying the car for over a year and half which was a major achievement for me (I've built ultimas etc) but I'm now on a very slippery slope and am spending a fortune on mine this month
Are you ready with a deposit yet
If you can live with using a westfield as a weekend toy, you can definately live with a noble everyday, unlike others I never find it frustrating etc even when sat in traffic in london (well no more frustrating than being in any other car)... Ive also done 2 week euro road trip with my daughter in it and generally hooned it around and had a great laugh... I even dont mind it in the wet. Its comfortable, fast, cheapish to run, great to look at..... Oh and mines for sale... Only kidding lol
Servicing is every 6000miles, and never cost me much more than £700 unless i needed tyres etc.
I managed to stay off of modifying the car for over a year and half which was a major achievement for me (I've built ultimas etc) but I'm now on a very slippery slope and am spending a fortune on mine this month
Are you ready with a deposit yet
andygtt said:
I've driven mine around in liverpool with no issues, I have a ford in my road and can get through that just dont fly over speed bumps... mines been to amsterdam quite a few times and coped with the ramps and bumps there and I still have my splitter
I used mine as my main car for 2 years and did 30k and rain was no issue for my car, I got 30mpg out of it and didnt really spend a fortune on servicing (its not cheap tho about on par with running an M3). tyres lasted 20k rear, 25k front (no track use tho).
they are a hand built car built to a budget tho so cars reliability can vary a lot
Very similar experience to mine.And ad this poster has also said, if you can live with a Westie for jaunts, you can certainly live with a Nob for everyday. Just make sure you take your time in the buying process, and don't jump straight in.I used mine as my main car for 2 years and did 30k and rain was no issue for my car, I got 30mpg out of it and didnt really spend a fortune on servicing (its not cheap tho about on par with running an M3). tyres lasted 20k rear, 25k front (no track use tho).
they are a hand built car built to a budget tho so cars reliability can vary a lot
as adrian says there are plenty of things to look out for especially with the older cars as it was a constant development so the search function on here is your friend.
Some of the things are simple mods if you can turn a spanner, like the fuel wireing upgrade... but if you consider a 2.5 you need to be aware that they originally came with a unit that was apparently unreliable and was later changed, most have been upgraded to the new unit but its expensive if it hasnt.
Also the exhaust manifolds tend to crack, open diffs are very weak (only fitted to 5 speeds i think), std exhaust tend to break its hangers... rear chassis paint is thin and can rust.
Some of the things are simple mods if you can turn a spanner, like the fuel wireing upgrade... but if you consider a 2.5 you need to be aware that they originally came with a unit that was apparently unreliable and was later changed, most have been upgraded to the new unit but its expensive if it hasnt.
Also the exhaust manifolds tend to crack, open diffs are very weak (only fitted to 5 speeds i think), std exhaust tend to break its hangers... rear chassis paint is thin and can rust.
Here are the major ones.
If you are looking for a 2.5 then you need to make sure:
It has the MBE or aftermarket upgraded ECU.
It has the LSD - Don't want to go into the "Mine is still ok debate" As mine went within two months of owning it and the car was already 4yrs old.
TDS (Track Day Sump) as ou intend to track it.
Not essential but Fan shroud upgrade (not expensive if it has not been done).
Manifold crack but this is an expensive upgrade for stronger ones. My garage have done a great job on welding mine up.
As for checks, just make sure it makes the 0.7bar boost (if un modded) and it holds it. Jack it up and rock wheels to check for ball joint ware.
Obviously do the oil checks and stuff as per any car. If it has history the check it for any signs of big bills as some things may have already been done.
Martin
If you are looking for a 2.5 then you need to make sure:
It has the MBE or aftermarket upgraded ECU.
It has the LSD - Don't want to go into the "Mine is still ok debate" As mine went within two months of owning it and the car was already 4yrs old.
TDS (Track Day Sump) as ou intend to track it.
Not essential but Fan shroud upgrade (not expensive if it has not been done).
Manifold crack but this is an expensive upgrade for stronger ones. My garage have done a great job on welding mine up.
As for checks, just make sure it makes the 0.7bar boost (if un modded) and it holds it. Jack it up and rock wheels to check for ball joint ware.
Obviously do the oil checks and stuff as per any car. If it has history the check it for any signs of big bills as some things may have already been done.
Martin
[quote=bernhund]Noble will not sell you a 3R front clam and to get a new one from somewhere else will cost 2K.quote]
apparently not. my 2.5 has a 3R front clam (and M400 wheels!) the last owner clipped a curb and took a chunk out of the front corner. the factory did not have any 2.5 clams in stock so sold him a front from a 3R instead.
to the untrained eye mine looks like a 3R.
that may be incorrect but its what im told.
the service history is all factory as well up to the point i bought it so it seems likley to be the truth.
apparently not. my 2.5 has a 3R front clam (and M400 wheels!) the last owner clipped a curb and took a chunk out of the front corner. the factory did not have any 2.5 clams in stock so sold him a front from a 3R instead.
to the untrained eye mine looks like a 3R.
that may be incorrect but its what im told.
the service history is all factory as well up to the point i bought it so it seems likley to be the truth.
Fuel - Not for you
Bumps - Not really
Short Journeys - Nope.. you'll be late everyday doing a detour to enjoy the car
Maintenenace - Get a manual, know someone with basic mechanic skills
Rain = Nope, you'll die
Ice = Nope, you'll definetly die
Track = YES!
Being filmed, photographed, grinned at, asked about the car, hav people crowding around it = Yes
You really need a run around, keep the Nob for weekends...
Bumps - Not really
Short Journeys - Nope.. you'll be late everyday doing a detour to enjoy the car
Maintenenace - Get a manual, know someone with basic mechanic skills
Rain = Nope, you'll die
Ice = Nope, you'll definetly die
Track = YES!
Being filmed, photographed, grinned at, asked about the car, hav people crowding around it = Yes
You really need a run around, keep the Nob for weekends...
burge124 said:
hey guys been reading your forums for a couple of days i love the look the noble and am keen at buying one in the near future although i would like to know a little more about the car and your opinions!
the noble would be my main car, i only work 2miles from my house and would use for small journeys/odd long distance/track days
liverpool is littered in speedbumps how does it cope/what should i look for in a car to help over the bumps - no splitter?
reliability/running costs???
is it possible to upgrade 2.5ltr headlights to the gto-r?
how does it cope in rain/icy conditions is aquaplaning a problem? starting in cold weather?
i currently drive a type r (2 ltr) is there much difference is petrol consumption?
how often should services do done and how much are they
thanks for your help!
Its fine, though you end up spending a lot of money.the noble would be my main car, i only work 2miles from my house and would use for small journeys/odd long distance/track days
liverpool is littered in speedbumps how does it cope/what should i look for in a car to help over the bumps - no splitter?
reliability/running costs???
is it possible to upgrade 2.5ltr headlights to the gto-r?
how does it cope in rain/icy conditions is aquaplaning a problem? starting in cold weather?
i currently drive a type r (2 ltr) is there much difference is petrol consumption?
how often should services do done and how much are they
thanks for your help!
I've spent a lot of money! But I am looking after mine! Plus more on fuel.
Go in with your eyes wide open and don't expect to run it cheaply. I suggest having at least 3K sitting in the bank and be willing to spend it if you need to.
I have no problem starting from cold. I don't drive in wet or icy conditions though.
Speed bumps are fine - I live and drive around London. I take it slowly, ocassionaly I have to approach at 45 deg. I've scrapped now and again, but the splitter protects the rest of the car and is replaceable quite cheaply.
Don't expect it to be as cheap to run as a type R though.
Unless you're going to warm the car up for 15 minutes every day before driving it on a short commute you will quickly wear turbo's and bores.
Where are you going to exploit the performance on a short commute anyway?
You'd be better off in a shed commuting and using the Noble for proper driving.
Where are you going to exploit the performance on a short commute anyway?
You'd be better off in a shed commuting and using the Noble for proper driving.
[quote=jimbooo][quote=bernhund]Noble will not sell you a 3R front clam and to get a new one from somewhere else will cost 2K.quote]
apparently not. my 2.5 has a 3R front clam (and M400 wheels!) the last owner clipped a curb and took a chunk out of the front corner. the factory did not have any 2.5 clams in stock so sold him a front from a 3R instead.
I stand corrected James. That was always the rule as far as I knew. I even believed you had to produce a chassis number for Noble to sell you one. Seemed unreasonable to me, so pleased to hear things have changed.
Got to say though, by the time you buy a clam and the lights etc, a 3R could probably have been bought anyway!
apparently not. my 2.5 has a 3R front clam (and M400 wheels!) the last owner clipped a curb and took a chunk out of the front corner. the factory did not have any 2.5 clams in stock so sold him a front from a 3R instead.
I stand corrected James. That was always the rule as far as I knew. I even believed you had to produce a chassis number for Noble to sell you one. Seemed unreasonable to me, so pleased to hear things have changed.
Got to say though, by the time you buy a clam and the lights etc, a 3R could probably have been bought anyway!
yeah thats my thoughts tho... i can always walk into work if its icy and just use the car for long journeys. price of petrol doesnt bother me, i just wanted a guesstimate im use to paying a lot my kit car has a racing cam so guzzles fuel.
thanks for the advice about what to look out for any other points would be great.
should a perfect service history look like this? - 12k, 18k 24K 30k and so on?
does anyone know a northwest based service centre?
what is security like? im from liverpool think that explains itself...
thanks for help
thanks for the advice about what to look out for any other points would be great.
should a perfect service history look like this? - 12k, 18k 24K 30k and so on?
does anyone know a northwest based service centre?
what is security like? im from liverpool think that explains itself...
thanks for help
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