What to buy....

Author
Discussion

simonr100

Original Poster:

640 posts

118 months

Monday 4th July 2016
quotequote all
andyferrari said:
Hi Simon,
It's Andy from Brands hatch with the Mantis Green 650s spider. Biased I know, but I have to say after owning a fair few Supercars over the years, I think the Mclaren cars are the best I have owned. Both in terms of build quality, style and overall performance. I am seriously blown away by how good the 650s is. Your call but I don't think you will go far wrong if you get a well specced / priced 12c spider. It's also the best of both worlds as there is no compromise or trade off against the coupe.
Hi Andy,

Thanks for the reply and thanks for taking the time to show me your car and give me some advice when we met the other month.

I am seriously looking into 12C's at the moment. I am thinking of a spider due to my height- your 650 was lovely and when I sat in it- it felt really special and with the roof off I don't have to worry about headroom - a coupe might be more restrictive.

I was looking at the red 12C at Romans but the brakes don't look like they are ceramic to me? Were they optional? The car is £153k but on the classifieds here there is a 650 spider also in red for only £25k more at McLaren London - decisions and I know so little about them.

I am still trying to narrow down my choices but I am hoping to go looking at some this weekend smile

simonr100

Original Poster:

640 posts

118 months

Monday 4th July 2016
quotequote all
RamboLambo said:
Ceramics are optional on 12C and very rare as the price was certainly £10k if not more.
They are standard on 650S so you could argue the 650S represents better value potentially.

Personally with a car that is so quick I prefer the extra braking capability the ceramics give for the road. Ceramics can have a tendency to lack feel ie either be on or off but TBH the 650S ones are the best I've ever come across. Extremely well modulated and great with left foot braking.
If you intend to track a lot there is an argument steels will be cheaper
Thanks for the reply, very helpful to know they were only options on the 12C. Whatever I buy I won't be taking it on a track. I just want to enjoy it on the roads, maybe a European trip etc.

simonr100

Original Poster:

640 posts

118 months

Tuesday 5th July 2016
quotequote all
Funnily enough the cost of replacing the ceramics was one of the first things I asked Andy when I was admiring his car at the Supercar meet at BH. He mentioned that there are now companies that refurbish which is cheaper.
I have never driven a car with CC brakes so will be interested to see what they are like.

simonr100

Original Poster:

640 posts

118 months

Tuesday 5th July 2016
quotequote all
Bispal said:
Hi Simon, I bought my 12C coupe 6 months ago and I was in a similar situation. I chose the 12C because I truly believed it had done most or even all of its depreciating and that was important to me. I looked at many and in the end went for white, a solid colour, as Volcano can be difficult to colour match if chipped or scratched.

I haven't taken mine on track yet but I have just returned from a European trip and can't emphasise enough how great the car was, fast, comfortable, spacious, economical and thumbs up everywhere. (See my separate post)

I wanted a supercar I could drive with my wife and go on trips in while protecting my investment and the 12C ticked all those boxes. It may not be as loud as some others but it's fine for me and I am not a fan of super loud cars, been there, done that and I'm over it, however it does make a lovely noise.

If you get the warranty then you can sleep at nights as everything is taken care of, there are some things to watch out for and there are certain spec items that will make resale better.
Thankyou very much for your input, that's great.

simonr100

Original Poster:

640 posts

118 months

Wednesday 6th July 2016
quotequote all
Nijius Maximus said:
Simon: how goes it? Any updates? This Saturday is the day for me for pickup... smile
I am going to look at the weekend smile I need to check that I fit comfortably in the cars on my shortlist - I am 6 foot 6.

I will update soon

simonr100

Original Poster:

640 posts

118 months

Thursday 7th July 2016
quotequote all
I am going to look at a McLaren at the weekend, any advice on what to look for or what sort of deal I should try to get. I will be paying cash so I know I won't get as good a deal as financing it as they won't take their cut.
Thanks in advance

simonr100

Original Poster:

640 posts

118 months

Saturday 9th July 2016
quotequote all
I have just bought a McLaren smile thankyou all for your help! I can't stop smiling smile

simonr100

Original Poster:

640 posts

118 months

Saturday 9th July 2016
quotequote all
RamboLambo said:
The Romans car ????

Volcano Red is the fastest colour !
Yes the Romans car. I couldn't help myself! I love Volcano Red colour - it's amazing in the sun

simonr100

Original Poster:

640 posts

118 months

Saturday 9th July 2016
quotequote all
Bispal said:
Wow, fantastic :-) when do you pick it up? I only live 1 mile from Romans :-)
Nice - you are lucky living that close. I haven't arranged yet, got a few things I need to organise. Hopefully within the week.
I will post pictures when I collect it.

simonr100

Original Poster:

640 posts

118 months

Saturday 9th July 2016
quotequote all
Thankyou mate, glad you are really enjoying yours. It looks lovely.
Great to hear that there are positive reactions to it.

I would definately be up for a meet after I collect it.



Edited by simonr100 on Sunday 10th July 09:22

simonr100

Original Poster:

640 posts

118 months

Sunday 10th July 2016
quotequote all
That 650 spider looks lovely volcano red is my favourite colour.

simonr100

Original Poster:

640 posts

118 months

Sunday 10th July 2016
quotequote all
RamboLambo said:
Volcano red love in


That's lovely Gary, there is something very special about VR and how it changes in the sun! Great taste