Buying a noble

[V6 JIM]

I have been looking on this forum for some time now just to get a bit of an overview about nobles as I have always loved them and wanted one.

Its been too long dreaming of owning one of these awesome cars so I thought I should just live the dream and buy one, I just need to know things to look out for when looking for one?

I have been looking at GTO 3's and 3r which i prefer the look of the 3r but would still consider both.

Can anyone give me a idea in what to look for when buying one and what the market rate is for a good condition noble.

Things I need to know are like 5 speed or 6 speed gear box and if one should have a track day sump on it? and signs of lots of track day use?

Any help would be much appreciated

Thanks

Jim

Edited by V6 JIM on Monday 6th August 14:51

[D_G]

Hi Jim,

Firstly they are fantastic cars, you will not be disappointed if you get one

They are generally pretty reliable, most of the issues had been ironed out by GTO3 although you can check with the factory about any car you intend to buy (they are very friendly and helpful). Obviously a full service history / non accident / low mileage car would be the best option as with any specialist car, many choose independants for servicing so don't worry too much about main dealer SH.

The 5 speed gearbox has proven to let go, more so after engine upgrades, normally caused by diff failure. It's quite expensive to fix so budget this although mines on 21k miles on the original gearbox (although a standard car). I'm thinking of upgrades so a LSD will be going in, if you find a 5 speed car with LSD then you should be fine. Most but not all 3R's have the stronger 6 speeder (and a better gearchange so I'm told).

I'm only a year in, but it starts every time and been 100% reliable although it did have a very extensive service over last winter to sort out a few niggles. Do keep a few quid back just in case though.

Do it, you won't regret it!

Dave

[joust]

Read these. Lots of useful answers to your questions

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/search4.asp?h=0...

There is more in the wiki
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Finally lots of other buyers stories here
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/search4.asp?h=0...

Have fun reading and if you have any questions after that lot then come back and we'll happily help further.

J

[F.C.]

I've had my M400 since christmas, done 6000 miles of trouble free motoring.
Having said that I have spent out on a Roush exhaust and re-map, suspension uprights machined for camber adjustment, AP grooved disks on the front with R&T pagids and a set of Dymag wheels.
All of the above have added to the overall enjoyment of the car but sadly made a huge dent in my wallet!
Look around for a car with all the bits already done, it will save you a fortune in the long run.
Good hunting.
F.C.

[V6 JIM]

Thanks for the replies I will have a read of the links and see what people say.

I was looking at the nobles at castle sportscar in stanstead both gto 3 one 52 plate the other 03. I liked the look of the blue one but wasn't sure if the price was dear or not. it was up for 30k 9000 miles, 5 speed box, no lsd and no track day sump. do you think that is about right?

my budget is going to be around 32k mark, so I was hoping that I would pick up a nice low milage one, do you think that i would be able to pick up a 3r for this?

I will defiantly buy a noble as I love them so much and have always wanted one just don't want to rush and buy the first one I see.

[nick francis]

V6 JIM said:

I have been looking on this forum for some time now just to get a bit of an overview about nobles as I have always loved them and wanted one.

Its been too long dreaming of owning one of these awesome cars so I thought I should just live the dream and buy one, I just need to know things to look out for when looking for one?

I have been looking at GTO 3's and 3r which i prefer the look of the 3r but would still consider both.

Can anyone give me a idea in what to look for when buying one and what the market rate is for a good condition noble.

Things I need to know are like 5 speed or 6 speed gear box and if one should have a track day sump on it? and signs of lots of track day use?

Any help would be much appreciated

Thanks

Jim

Edited by V6 JIM on Monday 6th August 14:51

I'd take a good look at the chassis and any evidence of corrosion before considering a Noble

Nick

[Ash M400]

V6 JIM said:

Thanks for the replies I will have a read of the links and see what people say.

I was looking at the nobles at castle sportscar in stanstead both gto 3 one 52 plate the other 03. I liked the look of the blue one but wasn't sure if the price was dear or not. it was up for 30k 9000 miles, 5 speed box, no lsd and no track day sump. do you think that is about right?

my budget is going to be around 32k mark, so I was hoping that I would pick up a nice low milage one, do you think that i would be able to pick up a 3r for this?

I will defiantly buy a noble as I love them so much and have always wanted one just don't want to rush and buy the first one I see.

I would say no to "9000 miles, 5 speed box, no lsd and no track day sump" the gearbox will break and you should not track it without the sump, and it will be harder to sell without in the future.

[V6 JIM]

Cheers,

It looked nice but with all that missing it put me off it.