Newbie - desperate for a Noble

[mark welsh]

Hi all

Just wanted to say a quick hello to all you lucky Noble owners out there. Going to be on the hunt for a 3R in the next 3 months after nearly 4 painful years of saving. Always wanted one since its launch. I currently drive an Audi B5 S4 running 490bhp/540lbs/ft torque and whilst its very capable I can't wait to get somthing much more focused.
I have got one question to ask - whats the support like (garage/servicing) in the South Wales/Bristol area?

Looking forward to many years of fun!!

Cheers,

Mark.

[obes]

Ah ! Good choice... I used to have a couple of tricked up S4's, not quite that much tho ! very good they are too

There's a few 12's/400's down there so there may be some rec's for an independent. I believe Newtown are/were the official dealer/Service agent down there.

[m12gto3r]

Mark

Where do you live. I'm in Portishead just outside Bristol. There is another black Noble here too. Common as muck. We are not ideally located for servicing and as mentioned in the previous mail, Newtown motors are the closest.

However, I bought my car from Newtown and whereas the sale went through very smoothly the after sales service was poor. Needless to say I have chosen to travel further for my servicing since then. Can't fault the factory and Ray west was good too.

John

[mark welsh]

Thanks for the replies guys. I live in Chepstow, just over the bridge. A few of the guys I work with live in Portishead. They have been badgering me for ages to go out for a drink with them there. Shall have to oblige now there is a chance of a bit of Noble spotting! I too have had a bad experience with Newtown motors. Few years back I was buying a Cerbera so went there first and their lack of knowledge with regards to the models was shocking. Not been back since, although things may have changed but it doesn't sound like it. I didn't realise that the factory was so close. Thats put my mind at rest as I could see myself traveling half the country for servicing.

Thanks again guys.

[D_G]

I've got the other M12 in Portishead, as John said there is no local dealer since Williams gave up the franchise. It's worth the travel to go to a specialist as it's not your average car!
If you are coming over give me a shout and we can go out for a run.

Dave

[doksie]

Didn't realise there are so many down here...im in Bath,hello to you all

i take mine to Ray at West Tuning,always had 1st class service with them,and the car is going great.

get 1 buddy,you will love it.

Dean

[mark welsh]

Thanks for the offer Dave really appriciate it. Will take you up on that in a couple of months as will be just teasing myself if I came round anytime soon, will of cousre buy you a few beers for the privilege .
Heard lots of good things about West tuning and they are only 77 miles away, so I think that they would be the best choice. Cheers for that Dean. I also can't believe how many there are in this area as I never see one .
I really can't wait to own one now. Never before have I been so excited about getting a new car .

Cheers,

Mark.

[gizard]

I vote for Ray as well - he has done everything to my noble (and my other cars) since it was a year old pretty much. Looks like you'll have a great drive to and from Thruxton as well.

[thetrogster]

Hi Mark,

I now have a GTO 3 and live near Plymouth and had the same dilema! I was advised against Newtown Motors. My car is sadly with Ray West Tuning at the moment. It seems that a mouse or similar had decided to take up residency inside the car and feast on some wires!!! Ray is currently trying to sort, he seems like a very helpful guy and comes highly recommended.

Happy hunting for a Noble. Just try not to buy one with extra passengers!!!

Cheers

Gary

[saucyboy]

mark welsh said:

I currently drive an Audi B5 S4 running 490bhp/540lbs/ft torque.

Mark.

Bloody hell 540lbs That must be f'ing rapid!!

I had a B5 S4 before I purchased my GTO-3. It was slightly tweaked and de-limited but probably no where near as quick as yours.

You wont regret the move mate, it's so much more fun in the twisties. Although I don't think a standard one would be as fast as your current pride and joy on the M roads. But once it gets bendy that would all change. For me I haven't been in or driven anything that is as fun

Good luck with the car hunting.

James

[crb1]

Don't forget the well established Noble clan in sunny Clevedon. Loads of em down ere!







I've only had good experience with Newtown. However a trip to Andover is tempting as that would bring back memories of my video'd CSL first drive.

Edited by crb1 on Thursday 10th May 21:51

Edited by crb1 on Thursday 10th May 21:51

[doksie]

Wow!!...they are common around here, and here was me hoping to be the only one in the area

whats more shocking is the fact i still haven't seen another Noble on the road, in our area, in over a years worth of ownership.

Dean

[mark welsh]

saucyboy said:

mark welsh said:

I currently drive an Audi B5 S4 running 490bhp/540lbs/ft torque.

Mark.

Bloody hell 540lbs That must be f'ing rapid!!

I had a B5 S4 before I purchased my GTO-3. It was slightly tweaked and de-limited but probably no where near as quick as yours.

You wont regret the move mate, it's so much more fun in the twisties. Although I don't think a standard one would be as fast as your current pride and joy on the M roads. But once it gets bendy that would all change. For me I haven't been in or driven anything that is as fun

Good luck with the car hunting.

James

It is a very quick car and apart from the RS6 alloys looks very standard so has shocked a fair few people in its time. Like you say the Noble won't be as fast in a straight line, but with such good B roads round here it seems criminal not to make use of them. I'm sure I won't miss the creature comforts either. How did you guys find it or do you all have a 2nd car? I am very lucky to have a wife who is also into cars. She has just bought a new Impreza Sti and whilst those days are long behind me, if I should feel the need for a bit more comfort I can hop in that.

Thanks for the warm welcome guys and hopefully will try and get to some meets and put some faces to names. Looks like Clevedon is the place to go.