Discussion
Ok, so it's a stupid question to ask, but can you help? Which is better and why, or which should I buy?
I'm looking at a 3R tommorow. I've been out in a couple of CSL's which are a real hoot, but on the downside, they are a bit samey!
I'll probably drive mine every day albeit 50 miles there and back. Am I an idiot for wanting to do that? What's the reliability really like. I have read some horror stories about build quality and longevity?
Please let me know what you think.
I'm looking at a 3R tommorow. I've been out in a couple of CSL's which are a real hoot, but on the downside, they are a bit samey!
I'll probably drive mine every day albeit 50 miles there and back. Am I an idiot for wanting to do that? What's the reliability really like. I have read some horror stories about build quality and longevity?
Please let me know what you think.
Drive both and you'll know. They are so utterly different that it won't take much thinking to be honest. The Noble will be leagues faster, but also more fragile (imho) also less seats and no boot etc. I don't think an M3 will be cost effective to track regularly either, but then again Nobles don't seem that cheap for that kind of usage either (going by observation rather than personal experience here).
IMHO it depends entirely on what you want it for. The noble is awesome and the best fun you can have with your clothes on! But it really is limited on space. If you need to take anything anywhere you got problems!!
Look at the difference in performance between the normal M3 and the CSL....it's minimal. Then look at the difference in the price. You don't get a lot more for a lot of money.
O.
Look at the difference in performance between the normal M3 and the CSL....it's minimal. Then look at the difference in the price. You don't get a lot more for a lot of money.
O.
I've commuted 60 miles a day in my 3R since October last year and now done nearly 7,000 miles. It's not missed a beat.
Just had service which actually suprised me in the fact is was a lot LESS than I thought it was going to be. Not cheap, just less than expected and certainly very similar in price to my previous M3. You certinaly get a better customer service attitude with Noble - they are incredible.
So IME reliability and running costs are similar, the Noble is much more fun to drive whereas the M3 has a boot. If you play golf, no problem in the Noble as the clubs fit nicely into the passenger seat - just don't offer to pick anyone else up!
Just had service which actually suprised me in the fact is was a lot LESS than I thought it was going to be. Not cheap, just less than expected and certainly very similar in price to my previous M3. You certinaly get a better customer service attitude with Noble - they are incredible.
So IME reliability and running costs are similar, the Noble is much more fun to drive whereas the M3 has a boot. If you play golf, no problem in the Noble as the clubs fit nicely into the passenger seat - just don't offer to pick anyone else up!
Thanks for the comments.
Space isn't too much of an issue for me. We have an X5 to cart the kids around in, and I have no problem not giving lifts. As to golf,I only need two clubs the spade and shovel for that, and I guess they would fit easily, besides who want's to play golf!!
I'm after fast and fun, something I can use everyday and take to the track once in a while. Oh and something that's a little out of the ordinary.
It was on the reliability and living with front. For example, I bought one of the first Lotus 340R's. Great car, fun to drive, had a blast down to Le Mans in it where the rear mud guards fell off because they used a 50p bracket on a £32000 car. It's those little things that start to annoy. It's the same with TVR.
That's where the BMW scores I guess. So I was hoping that the Noble was built better than a TVR or Lotus as fast and reliable as a 996 Turbo, but makes a Murcielago look common. Am I close??
Space isn't too much of an issue for me. We have an X5 to cart the kids around in, and I have no problem not giving lifts. As to golf,I only need two clubs the spade and shovel for that, and I guess they would fit easily, besides who want's to play golf!!
I'm after fast and fun, something I can use everyday and take to the track once in a while. Oh and something that's a little out of the ordinary.
It was on the reliability and living with front. For example, I bought one of the first Lotus 340R's. Great car, fun to drive, had a blast down to Le Mans in it where the rear mud guards fell off because they used a 50p bracket on a £32000 car. It's those little things that start to annoy. It's the same with TVR.
That's where the BMW scores I guess. So I was hoping that the Noble was built better than a TVR or Lotus as fast and reliable as a 996 Turbo, but makes a Murcielago look common. Am I close??
hunttheshunt said:The reliability is something that Noble is getting stronger and stronger with. It is NOT a Porsche with $bn's spent in development over 50 years, but the build quality you get with a car coming off the production line today is stunning for such a new car. Plus of course it's a fair bit quicker to 100mph than a 996 Turbo X50
It was on the reliability and living with front. <snip> So I was hoping that the Noble was built better than a TVR or Lotus as fast and reliable as a 996 Turbo, but makes a Murcielago look common. Am I close??
Most dealers and owners will tell you it's leagues ahead of TVR/Lotus in terms of reliability. Don't get me wrong, there have been various issues with Nobles - overheating last summer probably the most widespread - but the attitude of the factory is to fix it with as little fuss as possible. For example, at my recent service they automatically performed ALL updates without question.
If I were looking in the market at the moment, tempting though the older M12's are, the newer you can afford the better as they will have the benefit of greater development time.
As for rarity - I've only ever seen another on the road once (except for when attending a regular Noble owners meeting
)Have you had both cars lined up alongside each other.
Hmmmm. One's got knock out looks the other hasn't.
On the question of the lack of a boot. Firstly, you get used to it, and secondly, where the passenger can be, becomes your luggage space. Just when you,ve run out of a cool drink on a long drive and the spare bottle is in the boot. No need to stop in the Noble. Just reach over.
Isn't the CSL the BMW where you get less and pay more and most people spec it up which pushes the weight back up again. Absolute madness.
Hmmmm. One's got knock out looks the other hasn't.
On the question of the lack of a boot. Firstly, you get used to it, and secondly, where the passenger can be, becomes your luggage space. Just when you,ve run out of a cool drink on a long drive and the spare bottle is in the boot. No need to stop in the Noble. Just reach over.
Isn't the CSL the BMW where you get less and pay more and most people spec it up which pushes the weight back up again. Absolute madness.
OK had my test drive and I'm pretty convinced. It does seem quick but surprisingly easy to drive.
Just got to do a deal now. I'm going to buy either a new or late M12 GTO 3. Just gotta get rid of the wifes car and I'm there.
Anyway so it might go wrong once in a while what doesn't. For instance, I could have collected my brand new 04 Ducati 999R today for which I handed over £21,000. I could have driven it back from the dealers only to have the starter pack up. Imagine how pissed you'd be if that happened....but strangely it did and I wasn't.
I have a soft spot for the CSL. Despite what has been written it is actually a bloody good car. Granted not as quick as the Noble but a fine car nonetheless.
Just got to do a deal now. I'm going to buy either a new or late M12 GTO 3. Just gotta get rid of the wifes car and I'm there.
Anyway so it might go wrong once in a while what doesn't. For instance, I could have collected my brand new 04 Ducati 999R today for which I handed over £21,000. I could have driven it back from the dealers only to have the starter pack up. Imagine how pissed you'd be if that happened....but strangely it did and I wasn't.
I have a soft spot for the CSL. Despite what has been written it is actually a bloody good car. Granted not as quick as the Noble but a fine car nonetheless.
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