Noble M12 GTO 3R
Author
Discussion

Marlon

Original Poster:

735 posts

286 months

Thursday 11th September 2003
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Hello folks,

Been wondering whether to post this for a while, but here goes. Please be honest - your opinions will have an influence over the decision I am making...

I've ordered a Noble M12 GTO 3R.

I've had my Griff 500 for 6 years, and I fancied a change - so one day a few months ago I whistled into Kerridges and paid my deposit. Having done that, I continued to make some significant modifications to the Griff and it has given our relationship a new lease of life! If I'm honest, I really don't want to part with the TVR, but can't justify running both, and the Noble is an impressive piece of kit to bring my motoring into the 21st century...

What do you think of the Noble?

Even if you wouldn't want one (as Simpo will be quick to point out, it doesn't have the right engine, in the right place, or with the right exhaust note ) do you appreciate it as a "good thing", or dismiss it as a "bad thing"?

Fundamentally, would I be welcomed at your local TVR club meeting to park amongst the TVR's, or would I be rejected to the gloomy side of the car park along with the Porkers and BMW's?

If you're not sure what one is (!), take a look here...

www.fast-autos.net/noble/noblem12gto3r.html

Q) or









Marlon

Original Poster:

735 posts

286 months

Thursday 11th September 2003
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P.S. The decision is whether I sell-on the deposit and go no further with the purchase, freeing valuable dosh for TVR and beer!

V8 Archie

4,703 posts

276 months

Thursday 11th September 2003
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Definitely a nice car (subject to Simpo Two's expected comments). I reckon you could have great fun with one.

I don't know about other regions, but Mid-Essex positively encourages other cars (a couple of Marcos/Marci(?) got pride of place at the last meet - and there was a Noble there I think).

That said, you don't sound keen to let the Griff go at all.

Nick P

29,977 posts

279 months

Thursday 11th September 2003
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Bloody lovely those South African Mondeos!!!!
seriously tho,.....GREEN with envy!!!

simpo two

92,568 posts

293 months

Thursday 11th September 2003
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(stunned amazement) Never had a post answered before I've posted it! Spot on Marlon, you saved me the trouble! Nowt wrong with the Noble, it's just totally different from a TVR.

Anyway, all you need to do is get the Noble, throw away the engine, fit a 600bhp Chevy V8...

Right, what's the answer to my next post then?

Psychobert

6,318 posts

284 months

Thursday 11th September 2003
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Nice car.. Need a ride around a fairly lengthy block to be sure of its qualities though

I'd miss the open top motoring, but got to admit it, these Nobles have something..

tiny

415 posts

279 months

Thursday 11th September 2003
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Marlon,

Been through a few exotica myself and am currently in a Griff 500 which I'm having great fun 'tinkering with'.Got a petrolhead friend who recently bought a Noble and he's had loads of build/quality problems which have been exaberated by poor dealer ( W******S) support.He might be just unlucky but suggest you go carefully!

Tiny

S3 Kieran

968 posts

281 months

Friday 12th September 2003
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V8 Archie said:
I don't know about other regions, but Mid-Essex positively encourages other cars and there was a Noble there I think


And lovely it was too in Burgundy. Not stuck with Beemers/Porkers, but in pride of place in top spot no less.

As much as we all want to be loyal to TVR, the Noble is a tasty bit of kit. Jeremy Clarkson loved every last bit of it, and raved about it in one of his videos - he must be right - he renamed the T350c the "Valhalla"!

chimhunter

906 posts

277 months

Friday 12th September 2003
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That car is absolutely gorgeous. I've got the previous incarnation as my desktop wallpaper at work but teh fared in headlights make it look even better. Personally I'd go for the GTC and keep the top down motoring abilities of the Chim. That of course is subject to me also having £50k to spend on a car.

Get it. Take me out for a drive in it. End of story.

ROb

trackdemon

13,417 posts

289 months

Friday 12th September 2003
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I'd say stick with the Noble. You've had the Griff 6 years and fantastic as they are there is an element of been there done that, ticked off the list.
Thing is you'll never make the Griff handle like a Noble; possibly the best handling road car there is - so friendly, so fast and so much fun you should only experience it in small doses lest you lose perspective on real cars I envy you loads, I'm pretty sure I'll have one at some point.
I think you'll get plenty respect from TVR owners - another successful independant British Sportscar manufacturer lies well with the TVR ethos.
I'm fairly convinced about the quality / reliability of the Noble as well - from what I read it would seem that newer TVR owners could tolerate problems with their cars if only the dealers / factory would give them satisfactory service (acceptance of responsibility, quick turnaround & decent courtesy car for example) and it would seem this is a strength of the Noble brand.
In summary, go buy it and get on track!

gerjo

1,627 posts

310 months

Friday 12th September 2003
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What's wrong with a Tuscan (S/R) or a T350? It will (almost) handle like a Noble and with a 400bhp package will be just as fast plus better looking and it's a TVR!

great car though

Biggriff

2,312 posts

312 months

Friday 12th September 2003
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Marlon

You know the other local TVRCC member who had a Noble ("had" being the operative word). Tells us it was a wonderful car, despite numerous faults, but it still went (after how only how many months?). Think that probably says it all really.

TVR and Noble are out of the same stable. Relative low volume, handbuilt, etc and likely to have a high level of new vehicles with faults. The question is are you happy to pay £50k plus and put up with them? If the answer is "yes" then carry on; if "no", stick with the Griff or buy something else (One of the last of the Griffs?).

Have heard some horrendous tales regarding the Noble build quality and have to confess that although I looked at buying one I remain to be convinced that I could live with going back to dealer on a regular basis to get issues sorted. It just ruins that magic of having a new toy and errodes confidence in the product.




duncan hermer

78 posts

284 months

Friday 12th September 2003
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whilst it would take a serious amount of car to drag me away from TVR, i think the Noble has what it takes. They are just awesome and will still give you that 'edge' over any main stream production car - whatever the badge.

Always did have a soft spot for them after Clarkson test drove one and have it on my list as my next car if i have any doubts about the Tuscan when the time comes. Very recently saw one in the flesh close up - breathtaking in all honesty.

Whilst i'd never positively encourage anyone to exchange their TVR and would no doubt have problems myself - it could only be a joy to own a Noble.

Go for it - you can always trade it back for a Tuscan if it ain't right.

nubbin

6,809 posts

306 months

Friday 12th September 2003
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Calling Joust!!

Marlon

Original Poster:

735 posts

286 months

Friday 12th September 2003
quotequote all
Biggriff said:
Marlon

You know the other local TVRCC member who had a Noble ("had" being the operative word). Tells us it was a wonderful car, despite numerous faults, but it still went (after how only how many months?). Think that probably says it all really.


Nope - he's still got it! He was considering parting company (and that sentiment hasn't been an exclusive domain to the Noble ), but the dealer in question pulled their finger out and the factory has promised to sort the one remaining (minor) fault.

david010167

1,397 posts

291 months

Friday 12th September 2003
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I took a Noble M12 GTO round Mallory Park a few weeks back and it is a very good car indeed, and I am a Griff owner. It is definitly different from the Griff in road manners, but is is a great car.

If only I had your dilema.

David]

Davey S1

13,394 posts

282 months

Friday 12th September 2003
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As an unbiased person (Lotus Owner) I would have to go with the Noble.

Dont get me wrong I love Griffs but if you have had it for 6 years try something else.

The Noble will give you fantastic performance and exclusivity (if your bothered)

You may well get some reliability issues but no more than any new TVR.

You could always sell it in a year for pretty much what you paid for it and buy another Griff and pocket the change.

bjc

56 posts

299 months

Friday 12th September 2003
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There was a Noble at the TVRCC Castle Coombe trackday and it certainly wasn't out of place.

Looked excellent fun to thrash around