12c - First Thoughts
Discussion
So finally bit the bullet and bought myself one which I picked up last week.
2012 car nicely specked with carbon brakes, carbon interior, alcantara, sports exhaust, superlight alloys, and low miles, still smells new inside.
So a few random notes / comments for those that like to follow these things.
I bought from the Mclaren network so have the one year factory warranty.
Handover was more like buying a new PC, the car has so much tech on it it is unbelievable, salesman talked me through all the functions that I have now forgoten of course, but you can play with loads of functions on the twiddle stick including how much noise from the engine enters the cabin area via the rear speaker system.
The main controls in the center allow you to adjust the aero/suspension and the powertrain, pretty trick as you can have the suspension on soft yet the motor on load if thats what you want, 3 combinations, normal, sport, and track with the ability to adjust seperately.
Electric adjustable memory seats comfortable, but being a short ar$e cant quite get where I want it currently.
Pedals exactly where they should be, designed by a driver not a computer like on the LP.
Sound system is fabulous, I only opted for the Iris 1 not the upgrade for an extra £3k which I can do at anytime, I find modern sat navs a pain and unecessarily difficult to use and only use the old faithfull tom tom, I am told Iris 1 was only really a problem when using music phone and nav all at same time, I guess only time will tell if it was the correct choice, slightly annoying that Ipod classic wont connect as to old so currently using old iphone 3 as music storage and works fine from the head unit.
So all checks done and paperwork signed I set off for the first drive in my 12c, never test drove one just wanted one, car has a fully auto function and a manual option, I thought best to set off in Auto on unfamiliar roads for the first time, steering very very light so much so that it reminded me of a VW polo or similar it really is so easy the wife could drive the thing.
Compared to the lambo LP the sound is a little dissapointing even with the sports exhaust option and yet if you stand outside the car its not quite at all, think something to get used to and I havent tried in track mode yet.
Switching to manual, downshifts dont seem as exciting as the LP it blips but not enough in my opinion.
The ride whilst not quite the limo soft ride some tell you is great on our cr@p roads, very comfortable in normal mode, switching to sport mode firms things up a bit but still very compliant, motor in sport adjusts the throttle sensistivity which is noticeable if you switch whilst driving along.
As recommended I tend to have aero set to normal and motor to sport, not experimented much yet to be honest.
Air con works a treat and very usefull in the 35 degrees we had during pick up.
Car is a fraction wider than the gallardo so caution required putting in garage and I am in the process of switching from 7ft to 8ft door.
Iris / music volume knob and air con fan knobs need either knerling ? or a band of soft touch rubber around them.
Iris / volume needs far to much turning to change the volume setting, it goes to 100 and needs plenty of turns to get even half way there.
General build quality seems fantastic both inside and out.
I guess the big question is does it go well ?, I have not had a proper chance to try on my favorite roads yet but the car seems quick, does not sound quick but when you glance at speedo its quick for sure, hope to report back soon on the speed testing
I wouldnt mind some of those pop off / dump valve things from halfords the local kids have if they do in Mclaren size
Will try and post up some pictures soon.
Loving it so far ....
edited to add forgot the most important toy ..... the Air Brake !
what a giggle, hammer down the road into a roundabout and brake hard and the rear spoiler comes out of the boot lid and stands near verticle !
You can see nothing out of the rear mirror during this process but hey looks great :-)
2012 car nicely specked with carbon brakes, carbon interior, alcantara, sports exhaust, superlight alloys, and low miles, still smells new inside.
So a few random notes / comments for those that like to follow these things.
I bought from the Mclaren network so have the one year factory warranty.
Handover was more like buying a new PC, the car has so much tech on it it is unbelievable, salesman talked me through all the functions that I have now forgoten of course, but you can play with loads of functions on the twiddle stick including how much noise from the engine enters the cabin area via the rear speaker system.
The main controls in the center allow you to adjust the aero/suspension and the powertrain, pretty trick as you can have the suspension on soft yet the motor on load if thats what you want, 3 combinations, normal, sport, and track with the ability to adjust seperately.
Electric adjustable memory seats comfortable, but being a short ar$e cant quite get where I want it currently.
Pedals exactly where they should be, designed by a driver not a computer like on the LP.
Sound system is fabulous, I only opted for the Iris 1 not the upgrade for an extra £3k which I can do at anytime, I find modern sat navs a pain and unecessarily difficult to use and only use the old faithfull tom tom, I am told Iris 1 was only really a problem when using music phone and nav all at same time, I guess only time will tell if it was the correct choice, slightly annoying that Ipod classic wont connect as to old so currently using old iphone 3 as music storage and works fine from the head unit.
So all checks done and paperwork signed I set off for the first drive in my 12c, never test drove one just wanted one, car has a fully auto function and a manual option, I thought best to set off in Auto on unfamiliar roads for the first time, steering very very light so much so that it reminded me of a VW polo or similar it really is so easy the wife could drive the thing.
Compared to the lambo LP the sound is a little dissapointing even with the sports exhaust option and yet if you stand outside the car its not quite at all, think something to get used to and I havent tried in track mode yet.
Switching to manual, downshifts dont seem as exciting as the LP it blips but not enough in my opinion.
The ride whilst not quite the limo soft ride some tell you is great on our cr@p roads, very comfortable in normal mode, switching to sport mode firms things up a bit but still very compliant, motor in sport adjusts the throttle sensistivity which is noticeable if you switch whilst driving along.
As recommended I tend to have aero set to normal and motor to sport, not experimented much yet to be honest.
Air con works a treat and very usefull in the 35 degrees we had during pick up.
Car is a fraction wider than the gallardo so caution required putting in garage and I am in the process of switching from 7ft to 8ft door.
Iris / music volume knob and air con fan knobs need either knerling ? or a band of soft touch rubber around them.
Iris / volume needs far to much turning to change the volume setting, it goes to 100 and needs plenty of turns to get even half way there.
General build quality seems fantastic both inside and out.
I guess the big question is does it go well ?, I have not had a proper chance to try on my favorite roads yet but the car seems quick, does not sound quick but when you glance at speedo its quick for sure, hope to report back soon on the speed testing
I wouldnt mind some of those pop off / dump valve things from halfords the local kids have if they do in Mclaren size
Will try and post up some pictures soon.
Loving it so far ....
edited to add forgot the most important toy ..... the Air Brake !
what a giggle, hammer down the road into a roundabout and brake hard and the rear spoiler comes out of the boot lid and stands near verticle !
You can see nothing out of the rear mirror during this process but hey looks great :-)
Edited by TISPKJ on Tuesday 7th July 15:53
mrloudly said:
"Switching to manual, downshifts dont seem as exciting as the LP it blips but not enough in my opinion"
It's a Mclaren, it "blips' as much as it needs to and no more! That's why it's so special ;-)
I think in reality it probably does but does not shout about it as it were, the Lamborghini is more look at me shouty if that makes sense, I also imagine when your actually "on it" and giving it the full beans it blips the revs higher.It's a Mclaren, it "blips' as much as it needs to and no more! That's why it's so special ;-)
isaldiri said:
TISPKJ said:
As recommended I tend to have aero set to normal and motor to sport, not experimented much yet to be honest.
Aero set to normal? You mean you just triggered the aero button i guess that tilts the airbrake a bit... For a laugh (and with a clear road ahead!), put the handling/suspension in sport, engine in sport or track and switch the aero button on, then floor the throttle and keep an eye on the rear mirror watching the airbrake bobble around depending on the throttle position......it's surprisingly entertaining at least initially I found.
DaveOrange said:
Congrats on the car. However reading your post is making me feel worse. I have 48 hours to go before I pick my VR Spider up. I didn't realise time could go so slowly.
Thanks, fairly confident your going to love it, takes a bit of getting used to for sure (which I still am) but looking forward to some more wheel time.I want / wanted McL Orange as my first option, not keen on the Volcano colours and black is hard work.
Went to see this colour and really liked it, that combined with the fact that the car is like new and I was hooked.
I think / hope it should be a colour that always looks clean.
Like all of the special colours in the range, it is very sensitive to light, it can look almost Lavender in some light.
Went to see this colour and really liked it, that combined with the fact that the car is like new and I was hooked.
I think / hope it should be a colour that always looks clean.
Like all of the special colours in the range, it is very sensitive to light, it can look almost Lavender in some light.
Batster said:
I was a relatively early adopter and sold beginning of 2014 so I lost quite lot of money on mine. Fascinating to see the market come back so well for the earlier cars - I thought they would go under £100k as when I sold there was so little demand. B
They seem to have now reached a level and I hope that they will stay there, I have been watching for a year or so and would suggest they were probably at this level when you sold yours 18 months ago.My car listed with the options at circa £215k which is a huge hit for even the 2 previous owners to share.
A lot of scaremongering on here as I recall with 12c v 458 a year or more ago with many predicting sub 100k for both models, 458 seems a touch dearer now like for like approx 10k more for 458 but early cars, 12c a little newer 125 v 135.
Market is being supported by the likes of strong demand for 360/430 and Gallardo/LP models.
Also to note if you take out all the wanted and annoying sold (well over 6 months ago for most) and spiders in wrong section adverts for the 12c there are only circa 10 coupe's for sale currently.
Ballistic said:
Lovely 12c there TISPKJ and in a great colour, but then I would be biased!
Ice Silver is quite rare and as Davek has mentioned looks very similar to Ferrari Grigio Alloy.
Keep us all updated with your thoughts as you get more used to the car.
Its basically Porsche Polar Silver or Ferrari azzuro ? californiaIce Silver is quite rare and as Davek has mentioned looks very similar to Ferrari Grigio Alloy.
Keep us all updated with your thoughts as you get more used to the car.
Ha ha ..... conservatory is where you sit with your sunday paper when your old !
360 = 60k
vantage = 30k
another 10-15k and your good to go start looking.
doors have been commented on by friends however when open they take only the same space as a normal car door would, not sure during opening, I park mine outside anyway and push in the garage for safety.
Next ?
360 = 60k
vantage = 30k
another 10-15k and your good to go start looking.
doors have been commented on by friends however when open they take only the same space as a normal car door would, not sure during opening, I park mine outside anyway and push in the garage for safety.
Next ?
davek_964 said:
TISPKJ said:
Ha ha ..... conservatory is where you sit with your sunday paper when your old !
360 = 60k
vantage = 30k
another 10-15k and your good to go start looking.
doors have been commented on by friends however when open they take only the same space as a normal car door would, not sure during opening, I park mine outside anyway and push in the garage for safety.
Next ?
My 360 isn't red, and I think £60k would be a tad optimistic. It's a very good car though - particularly after the expensive service it had this year! - so with current prices it must be worth £50k....360 = 60k
vantage = 30k
another 10-15k and your good to go start looking.
doors have been commented on by friends however when open they take only the same space as a normal car door would, not sure during opening, I park mine outside anyway and push in the garage for safety.
Next ?
I decided I should take a proper look at these to see if it's really a direction I want my car ownership to be heading for. Went to McLaren Ascot on Saturday afternoon to have a decent look around. Very helpful staff, and a very helpful owner of an orange 12C there too.
Although I have liked these for a while I must admit I knew nothing about them. But I did like what I saw very much. Strangely, the amount of power they make is a small negative in my opinion - my 996 turbo was mentally fast and that was probably slightly under 500bhp. Adding 100bhp+ to that - and only driving two wheels - seems a tad excessive!
So, I am currently giving it some thought. The garaging would be a problem - even pushing the car in would be a bit of a challenge I think. And at the moment I am still very happy with the 360 and the Vantage - both of which would need to be sold if I wanted to swap, and I'm not sure I'm ready to do that at the moment. I may need to wait until I feel like it's time for those cars to go, and it may feel like a more natural progression. On the other hand, I have called my insurers today to see just how much my insurance would go up if I did do that.
In fact, the thing that makes me hesitate most about seriously looking now is the 540C which I was unaware of until the visit on Saturday. That's smack bang at the same price as early used 12Cs (plus options, obviously) - which means I might prefer to see how that hits 12C values before buying one, but also..... I could spend a bit extra and have a shiny new one!
I suspect I will conclude that for now, I'll keep what I've got but that when it comes time to change a McLaren is likely to be my next car.
How are you finding yours a couple of weeks in?
I'm away on hols for a couple of weeks so car is being detailed and then protection wrapped with Xpel so will be ready on my return ...... Can't wait
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