Nomad order - current owner advice
Discussion
Hi All
I have a deposit down on a Nomad and I'd be really keen to hear from any owners regarding the following:
1. Spec - must have options - I'm going for a hardcore/rallye spec with Ohlins as I'm going to ship it out to Namibia and drive across Southern Africa next year. Particularly interested in body panels and protection options given the fact that I'm going to be in direct sun and dust for a hell of a long time. I've spoken to Tom @ Ariel and they have some options in development but not sure what they constitute or when they'll be available.
2. Any forums/clubs/groups that are worth joining that might help while the days away until the car arrives?
Thanks
Alex
I have a deposit down on a Nomad and I'd be really keen to hear from any owners regarding the following:
1. Spec - must have options - I'm going for a hardcore/rallye spec with Ohlins as I'm going to ship it out to Namibia and drive across Southern Africa next year. Particularly interested in body panels and protection options given the fact that I'm going to be in direct sun and dust for a hell of a long time. I've spoken to Tom @ Ariel and they have some options in development but not sure what they constitute or when they'll be available.
2. Any forums/clubs/groups that are worth joining that might help while the days away until the car arrives?
Thanks
Alex
Iam in a similar position to yourself, all I can say is, expect delays.
I think underbody protection is vital , as without it the car will get badly damaged.
I saw Ariels demo from the sweet lamb rally stage at motorcycle live last year. They had spruced it up with quite a few new parts, but clearly the body was battered where not protected.
I will have everything I can afford on mine, but not expecting the finished article anytime soon .
I think underbody protection is vital , as without it the car will get badly damaged.
I saw Ariels demo from the sweet lamb rally stage at motorcycle live last year. They had spruced it up with quite a few new parts, but clearly the body was battered where not protected.
I will have everything I can afford on mine, but not expecting the finished article anytime soon .
Thanks for the reply. I was hoping to see what existing owners were experiencing with use. I am spec'ing the car for competition with maximum protection and uprated everything. Appreciate that a press car will suffer some abuse but where did you see the greatest wear?
I have been told to expect delivery next summer so I have a lot of time and I held off on ordering for quite some time as I was building a house and was dependent on completion of garaging. Seems TopGear and media interest has stimulated orders and timings were +6months longer than when I first enquired with Henry.
When is yours due? How are you planning on using it?
I have been told to expect delivery next summer so I have a lot of time and I held off on ordering for quite some time as I was building a house and was dependent on completion of garaging. Seems TopGear and media interest has stimulated orders and timings were +6months longer than when I first enquired with Henry.
When is yours due? How are you planning on using it?
Not heard from a single actual owner, hopefully some may come along. Info seems pretty thin on the ground.
I was quoted 9 to 12 months waiting list , and I ordered in Sep 2015. Would be interesting to now when you got your name down.
The most visible damage was on the tub, the Ohlins springs were very stonechipped, car had new suspension arms and fresh wheels, so hard to estimate damage really.
I will use mine to go to work in most days, currently use a Twizy, which is much the same, just slower
.
Hope to do a bit of green laneing, I live near the Peak District, so there are plenty of great roads around this area.
A couple of guys on the other thread have cars on order & are expecting delivery quite soon .
I was quoted 9 to 12 months waiting list , and I ordered in Sep 2015. Would be interesting to now when you got your name down.
The most visible damage was on the tub, the Ohlins springs were very stonechipped, car had new suspension arms and fresh wheels, so hard to estimate damage really.
I will use mine to go to work in most days, currently use a Twizy, which is much the same, just slower
.Hope to do a bit of green laneing, I live near the Peak District, so there are plenty of great roads around this area.
A couple of guys on the other thread have cars on order & are expecting delivery quite soon .
Lighty said:
Not heard from a single actual owner, hopefully some may come along. Info seems pretty thin on the ground.
I was quoted 9 to 12 months waiting list , and I ordered in Sep 2015. Would be interesting to now when you got your name down.
The most visible damage was on the tub, the Ohlins springs were very stonechipped, car had new suspension arms and fresh wheels, so hard to estimate damage really.
I will use mine to go to work in most days, currently use a Twizy, which is much the same, just slower.
Hope to do a bit of green laneing, I live near the Peak District, so there are plenty of great roads around this area.
A couple of guys on the other thread have cars on order & are expecting delivery quite soon .
The Ohlins are not cheap - I know they do covers for them which I assume will bear some of the cosmetic damage? Bit of patina I don't mind (my neighbour has a Range Rover that looks like it has never seen a muddy puddle and it's ridiculous) but I don't want to have to needlessly replace things. I'm also debating options like heated versus non-heated windscreens. I was quoted 9 to 12 months waiting list , and I ordered in Sep 2015. Would be interesting to now when you got your name down.
The most visible damage was on the tub, the Ohlins springs were very stonechipped, car had new suspension arms and fresh wheels, so hard to estimate damage really.
I will use mine to go to work in most days, currently use a Twizy, which is much the same, just slower
.Hope to do a bit of green laneing, I live near the Peak District, so there are plenty of great roads around this area.
A couple of guys on the other thread have cars on order & are expecting delivery quite soon .
Seems there are quite a lot of unknowns regarding real world use and appreciate that Ariel are continuing to develop the platform. The all weather protection on the vehicle is of particular interest. Assume so as well for yourself?
I ordered in April and was told 12-14 months. I've just had to wait almost two years for one of my cars so long waits for cars seem to
Ordered May 2015, I have an expectation of August 2016. It should be a few weeks away from build...but this is Ariel...
Get the heated windscreen, that's all I can really say. They have the weatherproofing 99% done, looks good.
Road car for me so cannot advise on your adventures, sorry.
A.
Get the heated windscreen, that's all I can really say. They have the weatherproofing 99% done, looks good.
Road car for me so cannot advise on your adventures, sorry.
A.
stormcloud123 said:
Ordered May 2015, I have an expectation of August 2016. It should be a few weeks away from build...but this is Ariel...
Get the heated windscreen, that's all I can really say. They have the weatherproofing 99% done, looks good.
Road car for me so cannot advise on your adventures, sorry.
A.
I look forward to seeing some pictures when it arrives. I'm seeing them week after next so hope to see the weatherproofing. Do you know what it's made of? Assume it's soft panels per the conceptual sketches of the early concept?Get the heated windscreen, that's all I can really say. They have the weatherproofing 99% done, looks good.
Road car for me so cannot advise on your adventures, sorry.
A.
Weather gear is full canvas material with clear plastic windows.
The full side 'entry' apartures are used for zipped plastic windows that can be fully removed (then it'll probably feel like a twizzy). Rear plastic window is huge and a bit ungainly. Also, the first 2 triangle pieces of the side frame (towards the front) on each side are plastic windows to allow more light in.
The solution looks made to measure and tight, just not that attractive. I'll be ordering it as it'll come in useful, but I will also be making some alterations to the canvas by probably creating a smaller rear window and possibly some canvas over the rear side curved bars. Else, currently, it looks like a pickup truck that has a canvas roof. Spare wheel will help the asthetics.
Have been informed, 5 mins to take it off, 30 to put it on. Similar in hassle and materials used as in a land rover discovery I'm told, excepting that this cover is made to measure.
Car looks more military than a toy with it on, depending on the look you're going for that could be good!
When I first asked, they were talking £1000-£1500, based on no further information at all (only experience), reckon £1500-£2000.
A.
The full side 'entry' apartures are used for zipped plastic windows that can be fully removed (then it'll probably feel like a twizzy). Rear plastic window is huge and a bit ungainly. Also, the first 2 triangle pieces of the side frame (towards the front) on each side are plastic windows to allow more light in.
The solution looks made to measure and tight, just not that attractive. I'll be ordering it as it'll come in useful, but I will also be making some alterations to the canvas by probably creating a smaller rear window and possibly some canvas over the rear side curved bars. Else, currently, it looks like a pickup truck that has a canvas roof. Spare wheel will help the asthetics.
Have been informed, 5 mins to take it off, 30 to put it on. Similar in hassle and materials used as in a land rover discovery I'm told, excepting that this cover is made to measure.
Car looks more military than a toy with it on, depending on the look you're going for that could be good!
When I first asked, they were talking £1000-£1500, based on no further information at all (only experience), reckon £1500-£2000.
A.
99.9% sure you don't need them. Always check of course, but they are not used to fasten, all fastening is tensioned on the frame. The welded points you may want if you are keen in future on Plexiglas panels. I have specced the weldings on the chassis as the panels look quite good. A lot better than the look it gave the Atom. Not seen panels in person, but if you google nomad pictures you should see the USA licenced Nomad with the panels attached.
I'm not sure I want my vehicle looking like I am some sort of militarist devotee. You're only a roof mounted machine gun away from a coup and driving something with that look across Africa isn't bright and attracts unwanted attention.
I'm hoping that it doesn't require welded eyes. I would hope there is a plexi roof option of some sort. Having the sun beating down on you (not a UK problem judging by this year's summer) is not fun. For a couple of grand, you're in the realm of getting a third party to custom fabricate. Companies like stratasys can print using FDM (thermoplastic filament) which won't add weight.
I'll take pictures and if anyone has any questions, I'm happy to ask when I'm down there next week.
I'm hoping that it doesn't require welded eyes. I would hope there is a plexi roof option of some sort. Having the sun beating down on you (not a UK problem judging by this year's summer) is not fun. For a couple of grand, you're in the realm of getting a third party to custom fabricate. Companies like stratasys can print using FDM (thermoplastic filament) which won't add weight.
I'll take pictures and if anyone has any questions, I'm happy to ask when I'm down there next week.
Agree, I was hoping for a roof only option. Worth investigating, the only issue may be airflow if the circulation is somehow affected and the engine fumes are pulled back into the cabin. Unlikely, but you never know.
You could just pad out the frame, if you google topgear freak of the year award for the nomad you'll see they have rigged up some padding.
You could just pad out the frame, if you google topgear freak of the year award for the nomad you'll see they have rigged up some padding.
stormcloud123 said:
Agree, I was hoping for a roof only option. Worth investigating, the only issue may be airflow if the circulation is somehow affected and the engine fumes are pulled back into the cabin. Unlikely, but you never know.
You could just pad out the frame, if you google topgear freak of the year award for the nomad you'll see they have rigged up some padding.
Engine fumes in the cabin? Surely the solution is to go faster! You could just pad out the frame, if you google topgear freak of the year award for the nomad you'll see they have rigged up some padding.
I'd be surprised if it was an issue. I think for most of the time, having a roof and side panels to deflect the worst that came off the tyres on turns would be perfect. Storage on it is currently my dilemma as well. Thinking an offroad trailer might be a solution for the big trip and allow me some extra tyres. I'll speak to the guys when I'm in Somerset.
Did you do a test drive? I'm told it's going to be a bit sedate on public roads to get a feel for the car. I'm keen to experience the suspension options - I have driven a 911 rallye raid car with Ohlins suspension, disregarding the price, I was blown away by just how well it absorbed some serious abuse. Hoping that the Ohlins on the Nomad are of equivalent standard.
You'd think that about the fumes, but previous experience of other cars tells me otherwise.
Also, they did drop the back window out of the prototype and run sides and roof only (half hood style Caterham thing), said the fumes were a major problem.
Test drive was as you'd expect, a pootle, I expected no different. I can only go by online reviews for real testing. I drove the off-road version with the expensive suspension options, it wasn't that great at all over the bumps and drains of the local area.
I can only imagine it was a heavy off-road setup, I was suppose to be in the orange road based version, but it wasn't available.
Also, they did drop the back window out of the prototype and run sides and roof only (half hood style Caterham thing), said the fumes were a major problem.
Test drive was as you'd expect, a pootle, I expected no different. I can only go by online reviews for real testing. I drove the off-road version with the expensive suspension options, it wasn't that great at all over the bumps and drains of the local area.
I can only imagine it was a heavy off-road setup, I was suppose to be in the orange road based version, but it wasn't available.
I test drove the off-road version with Ohlins & thought the suspension was sublime. Performance was not a ballistic as expected, which is why I am keen to get the supercharged version.
I was able to go pretty fast on the test & it's a bit like trying to drive a short wheel base land rover with plenty of poke, the knobbly tyres flexing along with the suspension makes it great fun even at steady speeds.
Felt like you could go straight off road and into a field without issue.
Looking forward to a drive in the forced induction version.
I was able to go pretty fast on the test & it's a bit like trying to drive a short wheel base land rover with plenty of poke, the knobbly tyres flexing along with the suspension makes it great fun even at steady speeds.
Felt like you could go straight off road and into a field without issue.
Looking forward to a drive in the forced induction version.
Hi
Ordered mine early August 15, spoke to the guys this week and was told to expect it around October. They are definitely getting through the build list but it looks like everyone is spec'ing the cars to a higher level than they expected hence the delays. I understand they look at a 120 hour build for a basic car which can stretch to 200+ with all the toys added.
My car will very much be for fun so probably wont go for the hard-core suspension options. Plan is to keep it in Yorkshire for a couple of years before shipping it out to its permanent home in Thailand.
Would be great to hear of other peoples ownership experiences.
Ordered mine early August 15, spoke to the guys this week and was told to expect it around October. They are definitely getting through the build list but it looks like everyone is spec'ing the cars to a higher level than they expected hence the delays. I understand they look at a 120 hour build for a basic car which can stretch to 200+ with all the toys added.
My car will very much be for fun so probably wont go for the hard-core suspension options. Plan is to keep it in Yorkshire for a couple of years before shipping it out to its permanent home in Thailand.
Would be great to hear of other peoples ownership experiences.
stormcloud123 said:
You'd think that about the fumes, but previous experience of other cars tells me otherwise.
Also, they did drop the back window out of the prototype and run sides and roof only (half hood style Caterham thing), said the fumes were a major problem.
Test drive was as you'd expect, a pootle, I expected no different. I can only go by online reviews for real testing. I drove the off-road version with the expensive suspension options, it wasn't that great at all over the bumps and drains of the local area.
I can only imagine it was a heavy off-road setup, I was suppose to be in the orange road based version, but it wasn't available.
What wasn't great about the suspension? If you were on the Ohlins, that should soak up just about anything. I've driven a Porsche rally car at a foot high curb with Ohlins. I was expecting to leave half the car behind. It was incredibly impressive. Bumps/drains you shouldn't have noticed. Also, they did drop the back window out of the prototype and run sides and roof only (half hood style Caterham thing), said the fumes were a major problem.
Test drive was as you'd expect, a pootle, I expected no different. I can only go by online reviews for real testing. I drove the off-road version with the expensive suspension options, it wasn't that great at all over the bumps and drains of the local area.
I can only imagine it was a heavy off-road setup, I was suppose to be in the orange road based version, but it wasn't available.
I have spoken to the factory and shared my spec so they know the direction I'm going in, hopefully I'll get a car to drive that is someway toward what I'm going to buy.
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