30k to spend
Author
Discussion

s,one

Original Poster:

4,612 posts

267 months

Saturday 21st June 2008
quotequote all
I have been thinking about buying a 911 in a few months for about 60k (not cash I might add) but borrowing that sort of money is making me feel a bit uneasy at the moment so I'm thinking of alternatives.
Never driven a Noble but have to admit always thought it looked anice bit of kit. Trouble is the dealer I used to visit in Brum always told me horror stories of engines blowing up oil staravtion and said they are very unrelaible etc.
So my question is for circa 30k what can I get, am I likely to be spending a fortune in the workshop.
I've had a couple of Cerb's before 4.2 and 4.5 so I don't suppose Nobles are any less reliable than either of those and I wouldn't imagine any more expensive to run.
Any information greatfuly recieved.

Cheers

leadboot

51 posts

278 months

Saturday 21st June 2008
quotequote all
I strongly recommend you test drive a Noble. The driver involvement is in a different league. I tested a 996 Turbo but it left me cold (personnally I don't like negotiating with a computer about what I want the car to do!)

In terms of reliability I have used mine on a daily basis for nearly a year. It has been reliable except for blowing the open diff in the wet. This was something I was pretty much expecting (through this forum) and now I have an LSD. As with an expensive Porsche you do need to be able to stand the some extra costs from time to time so factor that into your finances. With a Porsche you have the option of taking out a warranty but you are just paying for repairs a different way.

Take your time to read the advice posted on this forum, it really is very good.

IMO

You can get a well cared for 2.5 but it must have all the reliability upgrades (ECU etc) see other threads.

A 3 should have an LSD (or factor in the cost of getting one when you blow the open diff). 3s have a more durable interior.

3Rs have the LSD and usually a six speed box (but some say it is weaker than the 5 speed)

I think a trackday sump is important for engine protection on the road (as well as track obviously) and resale value.

Also Air Con is v important for resale value and very desirable on warm days.

mgbond

6,749 posts

261 months

Saturday 21st June 2008
quotequote all
Simple,

With 30K you should be able to get a 3R (or just add a couple K to the budget) All is sorted on these bar the choclate exhaust bracket that breaks (not major just a pain). You may be able to get one that has had the 2.5k exhaust upgrade so this problem wouldn't exist. However you could get it done your self later down the line.

My understanding is the gearbox is fine, if you start to want more power then the risk increases. In nearly 3yrs on this site I can't remember anyone breaking a 6spd!

Bondy

daddysumo

2,545 posts

242 months

Saturday 21st June 2008
quotequote all
mgbond said:

In nearly 3yrs on this site I can't remember anyone breaking a 6spd!

Bondy


Bondy

You have a short memory my friend !

Steve

mgbond

6,749 posts

261 months

Saturday 21st June 2008
quotequote all
daddysumo said:
mgbond said:

In nearly 3yrs on this site I can't remember anyone breaking a 6spd!

Bondy


Bondy

You have a short memory my friend !

Steve


Oh yeah for about you Steve, you had yours covered by warante so make sure thats included in part of your swarch.

Bondy

Mike Tuckwood

1,261 posts

228 months

Sunday 22nd June 2008
quotequote all
If you need a closer look/drive, I am in Nottingham, pop up and I'll sort either/both out for you?


Mike

NickyTwoHats

2,093 posts

270 months

Sunday 22nd June 2008
quotequote all
You'll have more fun in a 30K Noble than in any (yes I mean any) 911.

NobleGuy

7,133 posts

244 months

Sunday 22nd June 2008
quotequote all
mgbond said:
My understanding is the gearbox is fine, if you start to want more power then the risk increases.
yes I think in all the time I've been on this site (2+ years) I only remember one breakage each of the 5 and 6 speed.

s,one

Original Poster:

4,612 posts

267 months

Sunday 22nd June 2008
quotequote all
Thanks very much for the responses I will hopefully meet up with some of you chaps in the near future.
One other question how many Nobles are there out there?. They are certainly not a common car. I don't think I've seen one at a dealership for quite some time either.

Thanks Again

Steve