Anyone store their car outside?
Discussion
Hi all
Looking at picking up a M12 2.5 on Monday. Can't wait!!!
My previous car was an E46 M3 so leaving the car out in the elements was no big deal but I'm a bit worried about the Noble.
I don't have a garage and I live in Scotland. How do Nobles cope with getting wet? I have looked at car covers and carcoons but both seem to have disadvantages.
Also is there anything to really avoid when buying one? I have heard of manifolds cracking, MBE ecu, smoke on start up, fan upgrade, ball joints going etc.
Thanks
Looking at picking up a M12 2.5 on Monday. Can't wait!!!
My previous car was an E46 M3 so leaving the car out in the elements was no big deal but I'm a bit worried about the Noble.
I don't have a garage and I live in Scotland. How do Nobles cope with getting wet? I have looked at car covers and carcoons but both seem to have disadvantages.
Also is there anything to really avoid when buying one? I have heard of manifolds cracking, MBE ecu, smoke on start up, fan upgrade, ball joints going etc.
Thanks
Hi Gogs, welcome to the forum and noble ownership, you'll love it.
there are at least half a dozen of us in Aberdeen although not all are regulars on here, my noble spends a fair amount of time just sat on the driveway and rain has never been a problem for me.
Ill happy have a look over the car with you and explain where things are/what to look out for, its a fairly simple beast but for the odd thing that you can't figure out people here are always helpful, there's lots of knowledge and people will point you in the right direction.
Drop me a pm
Graham
there are at least half a dozen of us in Aberdeen although not all are regulars on here, my noble spends a fair amount of time just sat on the driveway and rain has never been a problem for me.
Ill happy have a look over the car with you and explain where things are/what to look out for, its a fairly simple beast but for the odd thing that you can't figure out people here are always helpful, there's lots of knowledge and people will point you in the right direction.
Drop me a pm
Graham
Hi Graham
That is good to hear! Was getting a bit worried how water would sit in certain places but that's good you've had no problems.
I saw a few Nobles out in Banchory last year. Looked like a great blast on a summers day, one of the reasons I will hopefully own one soon.
I will send you a pm, thanks for the help.
That is good to hear! Was getting a bit worried how water would sit in certain places but that's good you've had no problems.
I saw a few Nobles out in Banchory last year. Looked like a great blast on a summers day, one of the reasons I will hopefully own one soon.
I will send you a pm, thanks for the help.
Hi Gogs,
I'm another Abz based member of the Nobility.
I've owned a 2005 plate M400 since mid 2006 and before that had a 2005 M12 GTO 3R.
A lesson learned....? I left my 3R outside for the winter of '05-'06, during which time intermittently it was covered in leaves, exposed to the rain and wind and even sat under deep snow at times until spring (what's that?) and I suspect it TRULY screwed my pride and joy up.
Although I only covered some 6k miles in it that first year the electrics were a mess, I suffered from serious amounts of under clam corrosion and the wheels, presumably from road based grit pitting, then deteriorated to a such a degree that they needed a complete refurb as water / salt etc. got under the lacquer coat and they blistered, plus all the chrome bolts corroded. Furthermore my paint (larch silver) albeit known for micro blistering, suffered a serious dose of it! Anyway, the whole episode saw me put my car in for the various works required at a reputable main dealer, they buggered it up (think paint, wheels, wiring loom, battery etc) and my experience was seriously soured. Threats of court action followed and that's how I eventually ended up getting sorted, as they offered me a 'deal of a lifetime' (which wasn't quite as good as it sounded!) but did at least see me take delivery of an immaculate 10 month old 800 mile larch silver M400 which I still have to this day - albeit now with 20k miles on the clock.
You should know that my M400 has always been kept under cover when not in use for prolonged periods i.e. 2-3 weeks upwards, normally in a well ventilated warehouse and over winter since last November in a carcoon, something which I can highly recommend. Notably nearly 7 years on I have had absolutely no electrical problems, my wheels are almost perfect and microblistering paint is confined to very small areas of the car, and haven't worsened from the day I took delivery.
The moral of the story here Gogs is if you own a Noble and if you CAN - when living in Scotland anyway - keep your car under cover, in a garage or warehouse, keep it dry when being stored and keep it as dust free as possible. Some Pistonheaders might laugh at this but if you want to preserve your prized asset and get best use of it, performing as it it's been designed to, then don't let the elements get to it and if they do, try and lay it up when clean, dry and in a well ventlated area! For sure using it IN the wet is no problem, leaving it out for a few days or a weekend or two here and there whilst it's getting regularly run is fine, but if you're laying it up for any length of time without using it - tuck it away somewhere safe.
Bear in mind the problem I have is that I am not technically or engineering minded like many fellow ABZ Pistonheaders, so if something goes wrong with my M400, I'm at the mercy of a long drive to Chesterfield to Noble Motorsport for anything major, or to Wallace Performance who do in fact offer an excellent local support service for unusual marques like Noble.
S+
I'm another Abz based member of the Nobility.
I've owned a 2005 plate M400 since mid 2006 and before that had a 2005 M12 GTO 3R.
A lesson learned....? I left my 3R outside for the winter of '05-'06, during which time intermittently it was covered in leaves, exposed to the rain and wind and even sat under deep snow at times until spring (what's that?) and I suspect it TRULY screwed my pride and joy up.
Although I only covered some 6k miles in it that first year the electrics were a mess, I suffered from serious amounts of under clam corrosion and the wheels, presumably from road based grit pitting, then deteriorated to a such a degree that they needed a complete refurb as water / salt etc. got under the lacquer coat and they blistered, plus all the chrome bolts corroded. Furthermore my paint (larch silver) albeit known for micro blistering, suffered a serious dose of it! Anyway, the whole episode saw me put my car in for the various works required at a reputable main dealer, they buggered it up (think paint, wheels, wiring loom, battery etc) and my experience was seriously soured. Threats of court action followed and that's how I eventually ended up getting sorted, as they offered me a 'deal of a lifetime' (which wasn't quite as good as it sounded!) but did at least see me take delivery of an immaculate 10 month old 800 mile larch silver M400 which I still have to this day - albeit now with 20k miles on the clock.
You should know that my M400 has always been kept under cover when not in use for prolonged periods i.e. 2-3 weeks upwards, normally in a well ventilated warehouse and over winter since last November in a carcoon, something which I can highly recommend. Notably nearly 7 years on I have had absolutely no electrical problems, my wheels are almost perfect and microblistering paint is confined to very small areas of the car, and haven't worsened from the day I took delivery.
The moral of the story here Gogs is if you own a Noble and if you CAN - when living in Scotland anyway - keep your car under cover, in a garage or warehouse, keep it dry when being stored and keep it as dust free as possible. Some Pistonheaders might laugh at this but if you want to preserve your prized asset and get best use of it, performing as it it's been designed to, then don't let the elements get to it and if they do, try and lay it up when clean, dry and in a well ventlated area! For sure using it IN the wet is no problem, leaving it out for a few days or a weekend or two here and there whilst it's getting regularly run is fine, but if you're laying it up for any length of time without using it - tuck it away somewhere safe.
Bear in mind the problem I have is that I am not technically or engineering minded like many fellow ABZ Pistonheaders, so if something goes wrong with my M400, I'm at the mercy of a long drive to Chesterfield to Noble Motorsport for anything major, or to Wallace Performance who do in fact offer an excellent local support service for unusual marques like Noble.
S+
Of course you want to make sure it is completely spotless and clean before putting it in storage.
I would never use an outdoor cover on the car and leave it on the driveway as this will speed up the micro-blistering.
I also don't like the idea of a carcoon, as it will rub against your car as you put it on.
Something like this is better as there will be no chance it will touch/ and scratch the paint. It will also take the moisture out of the air, reducing the chances of corrosion/mould etc
http://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/air-chamber/air...
I would never use an outdoor cover on the car and leave it on the driveway as this will speed up the micro-blistering.
I also don't like the idea of a carcoon, as it will rub against your car as you put it on.
Something like this is better as there will be no chance it will touch/ and scratch the paint. It will also take the moisture out of the air, reducing the chances of corrosion/mould etc
http://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/air-chamber/air...
Guys,
My carcoon (indoor type) definitely doesn't rub anywhere on the car. The only part of the car touching the carcoon are the tyres. See attached. I basically built it and drove my M400 in. I put the car away on the 17th of November last year and unusually for me, I haven't had her out since due in the main to the appalling weather we've been having.
The integral battery conditioner has kept the electrics safe and the twin fans circulating filtered air throughout the carcoon have kept her in the same condition as she was in when I put her away, this just post a Polished Bliss pre-winter detailing session. I didn't ever think I'd wax lyrical about a 'bubble'....but the carcoon is one HELL of a bubble!
Of course I am lucky enough to have a warehouse to to put the carcoon in to put the Noble in, but if you have a decent drive or car port I suspect the outdoor units would be worth their weight in gold.
S+
My carcoon (indoor type) definitely doesn't rub anywhere on the car. The only part of the car touching the carcoon are the tyres. See attached. I basically built it and drove my M400 in. I put the car away on the 17th of November last year and unusually for me, I haven't had her out since due in the main to the appalling weather we've been having.
The integral battery conditioner has kept the electrics safe and the twin fans circulating filtered air throughout the carcoon have kept her in the same condition as she was in when I put her away, this just post a Polished Bliss pre-winter detailing session. I didn't ever think I'd wax lyrical about a 'bubble'....but the carcoon is one HELL of a bubble!
Of course I am lucky enough to have a warehouse to to put the carcoon in to put the Noble in, but if you have a decent drive or car port I suspect the outdoor units would be worth their weight in gold.
S+
I think even though I've never had a problem from water, no micro blistering or anything, ill have to bow down to Shaun's advice as above if you have the space, his car is immaculate and one of the best condition Nobles I've ever seen.
I must say though, it might be worthwhile letting polished bliss have the car for a detail as my Sagaris came out looking like new last year. Top job and they clearly do a great job on Shaun's M400.
I must say though, it might be worthwhile letting polished bliss have the car for a detail as my Sagaris came out looking like new last year. Top job and they clearly do a great job on Shaun's M400.
Yes Ross, that's the one. Just a touch over £500 and well worth the money. You can unzip the doors and walk in and around the car with ease, and after nearly 5 months inside the carcoon when I popped along to check she was ok last weekend, there quite literally is not even a grain of dust on the paintwork.
Graham, thanks for your compliments it's appreciated, but I'd far rather have got some use out of her this winter as per normal than having her laid up for so long. You're spot on with regards Clark and Co. at Polished Bliss too, the work they do is excellent and in the main they are the responsible parties for the 'better than new' look that my silver paintwork still has. Anyway hopefully I'll see you out and about within the next couple of weeks or so because I am determined to be back on the road by the end of April at the latest. She'll need a good summer this year too, as I have a 4,000 mile round trip to the Amalfi Coast via various Alpine passes and as many tunnels as I can take in, planned during over a two week period in September so I need to get enough miles on her before that to warrant a service at Noble Motorsport before I go!
S+
Graham, thanks for your compliments it's appreciated, but I'd far rather have got some use out of her this winter as per normal than having her laid up for so long. You're spot on with regards Clark and Co. at Polished Bliss too, the work they do is excellent and in the main they are the responsible parties for the 'better than new' look that my silver paintwork still has. Anyway hopefully I'll see you out and about within the next couple of weeks or so because I am determined to be back on the road by the end of April at the latest. She'll need a good summer this year too, as I have a 4,000 mile round trip to the Amalfi Coast via various Alpine passes and as many tunnels as I can take in, planned during over a two week period in September so I need to get enough miles on her before that to warrant a service at Noble Motorsport before I go!
S+
Thanks for the advice Shaun, your M400 looks immense. Good to meet another ABZ owner to.
I am mechanically minded but when it comes to anything electric I don’t have a clue! I think from what you have said and with the amount of rain we had last year I will look for some storage. At least over winter anyway. If anyone around the Aberdeen area knows of someone renting out garage space or even a barn/warehouse that a carcoon like above would go in please get in touch.
Gogs
I am mechanically minded but when it comes to anything electric I don’t have a clue! I think from what you have said and with the amount of rain we had last year I will look for some storage. At least over winter anyway. If anyone around the Aberdeen area knows of someone renting out garage space or even a barn/warehouse that a carcoon like above would go in please get in touch.
Gogs
Shaun400se said:
Guys,
My carcoon (indoor type) definitely doesn't rub anywhere on the car. The only part of the car touching the carcoon are the tyres. See attached. I basically built it and drove my M400 in. I put the car away on the 17th of November last year and unusually for me, I haven't had her out since due in the main to the appalling weather we've been having.
The integral battery conditioner has kept the electrics safe and the twin fans circulating filtered air throughout the carcoon have kept her in the same condition as she was in when I put her away, this just post a Polished Bliss pre-winter detailing session. I didn't ever think I'd wax lyrical about a 'bubble'....but the carcoon is one HELL of a bubble!
Of course I am lucky enough to have a warehouse to to put the carcoon in to put the Noble in, but if you have a decent drive or car port I suspect the outdoor units would be worth their weight in gold.
S+
Cool! Looks like a matchbox toy in that last photo My carcoon (indoor type) definitely doesn't rub anywhere on the car. The only part of the car touching the carcoon are the tyres. See attached. I basically built it and drove my M400 in. I put the car away on the 17th of November last year and unusually for me, I haven't had her out since due in the main to the appalling weather we've been having.
The integral battery conditioner has kept the electrics safe and the twin fans circulating filtered air throughout the carcoon have kept her in the same condition as she was in when I put her away, this just post a Polished Bliss pre-winter detailing session. I didn't ever think I'd wax lyrical about a 'bubble'....but the carcoon is one HELL of a bubble!
Of course I am lucky enough to have a warehouse to to put the carcoon in to put the Noble in, but if you have a decent drive or car port I suspect the outdoor units would be worth their weight in gold.
S+
g0gs said:
Hi all
Looking at picking up a M12 2.5 on Monday. Can't wait!!!
My previous car was an E46 M3 so leaving the car out in the elements was no big deal but I'm a bit worried about the Noble.
I don't have a garage and I live in Scotland. How do Nobles cope with getting wet? I have looked at car covers and carcoons but both seem to have disadvantages.
Also is there anything to really avoid when buying one? I have heard of manifolds cracking, MBE ecu, smoke on start up, fan upgrade, ball joints going etc.
Thanks
You can buy a Storm Force outdoor / indoor breathable car cover. A few people on here have bought one including me although i garage my car . It's a noble fitted one. www.coveryourcar.co.uk .It's showing £140 inc vat reduced from £167 . Looking at picking up a M12 2.5 on Monday. Can't wait!!!
My previous car was an E46 M3 so leaving the car out in the elements was no big deal but I'm a bit worried about the Noble.
I don't have a garage and I live in Scotland. How do Nobles cope with getting wet? I have looked at car covers and carcoons but both seem to have disadvantages.
Also is there anything to really avoid when buying one? I have heard of manifolds cracking, MBE ecu, smoke on start up, fan upgrade, ball joints going etc.
Thanks
or try www.cover-Zone.com they do it too .
I'd like to just resurrect this thread.
The clear message on here is that everyone stores their Noble carefully, especially over winter.
Does anyone not do this though - mad though it may sound, I am seriously considering using mine all year and keeping it on my driveway. I've done this with an Elise and with regular wax top ups and keeping weather seals in good order, this had been OK.
Is this just not an option for the winter or can I get away with it?
All advice appreciate.
Thank you
The clear message on here is that everyone stores their Noble carefully, especially over winter.
Does anyone not do this though - mad though it may sound, I am seriously considering using mine all year and keeping it on my driveway. I've done this with an Elise and with regular wax top ups and keeping weather seals in good order, this had been OK.
Is this just not an option for the winter or can I get away with it?
All advice appreciate.
Thank you
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