Year: 2005
Make: Lotus
Model: Exige
Price: $55000
Mileage: 5700
Color: Red
Private or Dealer Listing: Private Listing
Location (State): CA
Transmission: Manual
Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive

I know the seller and that's an amazing car. Definitely worth the asking price.

 

It was one of the ones I was considering before I bought mine.

 

Bump as I have 5 weeks left! Price changed to $55k and CA registration is completely done with CA plates now on the car.

 

Good deal with the CA plates.

 

I like this type of high performance vehicle, because it's not the same old Vettes or Porches that you see on the road all the time. I used to own a '09 GT-R and sold it a couple of months ago. Admittedly, I do have some regrets, because for the money that vehicle was an awesome performer. How would you compare this Noble to a GT-R? Also, do all the Nobles just have the crank windows? And where are you moving to, if I may ask?

 

Yes, all Nobles come from the factory with manual windows and they don't go all the way down either. Some owners fitted aftermarket power windows.

 

Wow, are power windows that much of a weight addition?

 

I don't think that's the issue, but the way the doors are contoured, it doesn't make too much of a difference anyway since the opening is pretty useless as is. I don't use the windows much myself.

 

I don't drive around very often with windows down myself, no matter what the weather. I'd just be concerned that there would still be room to crawl out if it came to that.

 

How skinny are you?

The passenger side window comes down less than the driver side, and the driver side doesn't come down too far. I posted a pic of my car with the window down here, you can see for yourself how big it is.

 

How would you compare performance and handling of your Noble versus a stock GT-R? And where are you moving to? I just ask that last part, because you are all the way in California and I'm in the DC area. What's maintenance like on this vehicle? Thanks.

 

Hello
I own a Noble M400 just like the original poster and was contemplating a GT-R before I purchased my Noble but decided to go with the Noble because of the overall driver feel and just how raw the whole experience is when you drive it. It reminds me of what i believe the Ferrari F40 would feel like to drive which is my absolute dream car. Now going to your question of performance the noble with a capable driver on the track will beat a GT-R stock for stock. The low weight of the noble is tough for the gtr to overcome but if you are new to driving the gtr will be quicker because of all the electronics keeping the car in line and the 4 wheel drive. Maintenance is no where near as expensive as other cars in this performance category as it has many parts from Ford which are dirt cheap in comparison. A new engine can be had for around 8k. If you want something different then the typical Porsche or Nissan the Noble is a great alternative and will always put a smile on your face.

 

As the poster above said, I think under ideal conditions with a great driver the Noble will be a bit quicker. But under most circumstances and with me behind the wheel, the GT-R will be quicker.

 

The next, "fun", or weekend car I get to replace the GT-R I sold I probably won't track. Or if I do, I may go to the track once, just to see the full potential of the car without worrying about blue lights. I just want something that I can drive on the weekend or to work on Fridays, weather permitting, that is one of the quickest cars around, handles great, and is a blast to drive.

 

The Noble is a pure, raw, driver's car. No fancy electronics, no extra driver comforts, not even ABS. It's what it's meant to be, lightweight, powerful, nothing else extra that doesn't help in the mission.

There's nothing else in the price category that compares... or even in price categories higher within reason. You can be sure you will never see another Noble on the street when you drive yours unless you are very lucky or you planned it. It just doesn't happen. Can't say that about almost everything else out there, short of an Enzo. Maybe it's just L.A., but I regularly see Bentleys, McLarens, Gallardos, Aventadors, F458's, 599's, and even Veyrons, depending on where you are.

I heard 1G was selling their last AER engine for 7k shipped to your door in a crate. Not sure if it's sold already.

Maintenance ain't too bad. The build manual gives you a lot of info and I just take it to my Lotus mechanic and he works on it. Says it's a lot easier to work on than the Lotus.