Potential 720S Purchase - Some advice please!

[Turbo cab]

Macman570 said:

As someone who is also looking to purchase — could you please confirm your over or underestimating facts .Please give examples

Examples and facts are in my last two posts - these are not made up examples either.

With at risk of sounding like another forum , I've owned 2 x 570s and a 720s in the last 9 months, I don't need to talk down values to afford another one and it's not like I have an ageing McLaren I'm trying to prop the value up of either.

What else is factual is two of the three cars have been problematic to say the least with two of them being sold back to dealers for the money paid as over several months of ownership they spent more time in McLaren's garage than mine.

My 720 actually broke down 25 min's after collection displaying this gem - this was after they took back my first 570s for a multitude of problems - you couldn't make it up.


I haven't once bashed the brand as like I've said I've never felt the need to, my last 570 bar a few rattles and the windscreen wipers that stopped working before sorting itself out after 10 minutes was pretty reliable and I think there a fantastic car for the Money, looks wise and performance nothing touch's the 720 however, there brand value is rubbish no matter what way you look at it and their build quality and reliability is questionable at best.

[ted 191]

The only cars I could find, at anything like near £200k where low spec non desirable colour, dealers struggled to find anything to my spec and I was offered a new car, in a colour I didn't like, in stock,@£10k off list.

These are just my findings over two weeks of trying to find a car, I know dealers will buy as many good spec cars at just over £200k, that they can get, in my experience spec makes a huge difference to the desirability and saleability of these cars.

Just to add, I'm still on a road trip in mine, over 1k miles so far, engine check came on once, and I seem to have picked up an annoying rattle/buzzing from some trim at the rear and that's it so far...........oh and it's bloody awesome !

[RamboLambo]

I've had 2 Mclarens now and have a 3rd to come and I can't speak highly enough of them. Mine have been rock solid and the build quality has been fantastic. Not a single rattle or squeak, no electric gremlins, faultless paintwork.
The 650S spider is the best built supercar I've ever owned.

Maybe I've been lucky or others unlucky but the only issue I have had is when the key fob battery ran out and I tried to change it. The inners of the fob fell out and I couldn't get it back together and then when the garage did a week later it wouldn't communicate with the car for some reason.
No big deal 2 new keys replaced and reprogrammed under warranty.

With my previous Ferrari's the build quality and reliability was always the thing I feared most. Will it start today or will it have an Italian temper tantrum because its hot and only 1 bank of cylinders want to play

[CyCy]

Well, the different points of reference here are confusing to say the least, but more information is never a bad thing. I am attempting to get into the world of supercar ownership for the first time, and want to do so with the most realistic view possible. Who better to ask than those who are already there? So, thank you gents for the spectrum of answers.

For one, I do not honestly expect very much in terms of reliability. Much less from a highly strung supercar. I'm not fussed in the slightest as long as it's under warranty and nothing is coming out of my pocket. I have a new E63S as the daily driver, so am well taken care of on that front.

On the values, price, and such, I suppose it's somewhere in the middle. Offering £200k for a car that is being advertised for £243k isn't going to take me anywhere. Splitting it down the middle for £220k is probably a tad more realistic, but as mentioned, I should probably go in and actually talk figures with the dealer. The last time I went round was for a cursory look. This time is with a more serious intention to buy, as the cash is ready to go now. Have a meeting at McL Bristol for Friday. Hope a 720S comes out of it. I've been lusting for this machine for a while. Will update thread!

[justin220]

I think the problem with forums is, people only really tend to write up about bad experiences. There are plenty of happy owners on the McL owners group that have had no issues. People are quick to type online when they have had reliability issues.

Similar to TVR, with all the known 'unreliability'. I owned one for around 2 years and didn't have a single issue with it.

Early days with my 540C, but fingers crossed its the same story.

Good luck with the 720!

[Macman570]

CyCy said:

Well, the different points of reference here are confusing to say the least, but more information is never a bad thing. I am attempting to get into the world of supercar ownership for the first time, and want to do so with the most realistic view possible. Who better to ask than those who are already there? So, thank you gents for the spectrum of answers.

For one, I do not honestly expect very much in terms of reliability. Much less from a highly strung supercar. I'm not fussed in the slightest as long as it's under warranty and nothing is coming out of my pocket. I have a new E63S as the daily driver, so am well taken care of on that front.

On the values, price, and such, I suppose it's somewhere in the middle. Offering £200k for a car that is being advertised for £243k isn't going to take me anywhere. Splitting it down the middle for £220k is probably a tad more realistic, but as mentioned, I should probably go in and actually talk figures with the dealer. The last time I went round was for a cursory look. This time is with a more serious intention to buy, as the cash is ready to go now. Have a meeting at McL Bristol for Friday. Hope a 720S comes out of it. I've been lusting for this machine for a while. Will update thread!

So how did the meet go today at Bristol for the 720 - as I was considering going over tomorrow— Worth the Trip ?

Edited by Macman570 on Friday 1st June 20:01

[CyCy]

Macman570 said:

So how did the meet go today at Bristol for the 720 - as I was considering going over tomorrow— Worth the Trip ?

Edited by Macman570 on Friday 1st June 20:01

As far as the chaps at McL Bristol are concerned, top lads. Steve and Jonathan are fantastic to deal with. Absolutely cannot recommend them enough.

Personally, will be sleeping on the red car and will be making the call tomorrow. Let the excitement wear down a little before I commit to anything. But, it's looking like a 90% yes, for me.

[DeltaOne]

CyCy said:

Well, the different points of reference here are confusing to say the least, but more information is never a bad thing. I am attempting to get into the world of supercar ownership for the first time, and want to do so with the most realistic view possible. Who better to ask than those who are already there? So, thank you gents for the spectrum of answers.

For one, I do not honestly expect very much in terms of reliability. Much less from a highly strung supercar. I'm not fussed in the slightest as long as it's under warranty and nothing is coming out of my pocket. I have a new E63S as the daily driver, so am well taken care of on that front.

On the values, price, and such, I suppose it's somewhere in the middle. Offering £200k for a car that is being advertised for £243k isn't going to take me anywhere. Splitting it down the middle for £220k is probably a tad more realistic, but as mentioned, I should probably go in and actually talk figures with the dealer. The last time I went round was for a cursory look. This time is with a more serious intention to buy, as the cash is ready to go now. Have a meeting at McL Bristol for Friday. Hope a 720S comes out of it. I've been lusting for this machine for a while. Will update thread!

Why is asking price relevant? Using a stupid example if the sticker price was 500k would you offer in the middle for that? Its no secret that 720's are proving VERY hard to shift, irrespective of how great they may be, so its a buyers market and you should be as ballsy as you like when making offers. The McL dealers do themselves no favours - early on in this cycle I wanted a car at Birmingham and asked them what they'd take on a car that listed just above 280k. They said 275k. I passed, so I called Manchester and asked them what supply was like. They said very limited but they'd get back to me. 72 hours later Manc had offered three different cars which they'd "somehow managed to find" which frankly put me off the whole thing.

I'd bought from both in the past so would have expected at least a little realism but it didn't happen. They really are great cars in so many ways, the manufacturer hasn't helped in the past, and the dealers aren't helping a lot either, but don't let that stop you as long as you're realistic about value and where to bid...

[CyCy]

So, putting it out there then. What would you lot place as a bid on a car with 60 miles in Memphis Red with not a lot of carbon? List was close to £260k. Asking is £237k. Where would you go?

I speak of this one, specifically - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[Ferruccio]

DeltaOne said:

I called Manchester and asked them what supply was like. They said very limited but they'd get back to me. 72 hours later Manc had offered three different cars which they'd "somehow managed to find".

I hate it when dealers tell you how few there are.
I always say, “look, I only want one.”

As regards what to offer, like any deal, you have to find out the highest price they’d let you walk away at.
Then you have to decide if you’ll offer more than that.

[tyrrell]

Well the car looks fantastic it’s going to be very difficult to resist anyway a lovely proboblem to have, I would not have slept last night in your position good luck.

[Turbo cab]

CyCy said:

So, putting it out there then. What would you lot place as a bid on a car with 60 miles in Memphis Red with not a lot of carbon? List was close to £260k. Asking is £237k. Where would you go?

I speak of this one, specifically - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Starting point would be £210k for me and go up to maybe £220k.

Remember, your just minimilizing your losses becuase in six months and 3k miles later the trade bid isn't going to start with a £2.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

[sone]

Is this really the place to discuss making offers to dealers? I guarantee the dealers are viewing these posts to see your position. Maybe it’s a game of brinkmanship and who blinks first but I’d take everything written on these forums with regard values with a pinch of salt.
Christ I don’t even tell myself the truth about what I paid for my cars(denial is a great thing) let alone the great unwashed (-:

I want to know more about guaranteed buy back prices as I frankly don’t believe they exist on such cars!

Steve

[andyvdg]

DeltaOne said:

Its no secret that 720's are proving VERY hard to shift, irrespective of how great they may be, so its a buyers market and you should be as ballsy as you like when making offers. The McL dealers do themselves no favours - early on in this cycle I wanted a car at Birmingham and asked them what they'd take on a car that listed just above 280k. They said 275k. I passed, so I called Manchester and asked them what supply was like. They said very limited but they'd get back to me. 72 hours later Manc had offered three different cars which they'd "somehow managed to find" which frankly put me off the whole thing.

I'd bought from both in the past so would have expected at least a little realism but it didn't happen. They really are great cars in so many ways, the manufacturer hasn't helped in the past, and the dealers aren't helping a lot either, but don't let that stop you as long as you're realistic about value and where to bid...

That's not my experience. If they were that hard to sell you didn't seem to be able to negotiate a lower price. Something doesn't stack up.....it sounded like Manchester were trying to provide you with a service by trying to find some cars for you ? Not saying you should have bought but this doesn't quite make sense to me.

[Calculator]

CyCy said:

So, putting it out there then. What would you lot place as a bid on a car with 60 miles in Memphis Red with not a lot of carbon? List was close to £260k. Asking is £237k. Where would you go?

I speak of this one, specifically - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

That’s a stunning spec

[DeltaOne]

andyvdg said:

That's not my experience. If they were that hard to sell you didn't seem to be able to negotiate a lower price. Something doesn't stack up.....it sounded like Manchester were trying to provide you with a service by trying to find some cars for you ? Not saying you should have bought but this doesn't quite make sense to me.

First cars might not have been hard to sell, but I think dealers knew very early on that they were trying to hold back the depreciation river. My point was not that I failed to negotiate a lower price, it was that after being told there was no supply, suddenly cars magically became available.. You're right of course, Im a cynical git who thinks that the dealer knew of cars all along but were trying to create the illusion of scarcity, but having been through the very same scenario a few years ago when buying 12c's it all felt a little like deja vu. None of this changes my view that it's a great car, and now much better value too.

[Ferruccio]

When I went to buy an Audi A1 for my son, I was told they were scarce.
I just laughed.

[RamboLambo]

I'm guessing its a pre reg and taking all of the dealer margin out of it the car stands the dealer in at £221k so with the greatest will in the world they are not going to sell it at less than that at this stage. 6 months down the line at year end for a cash purchase I'm sure you would achieve £220 or slightly better

£227.5k after some heavy negotiation might buy the car IMHO so thats your target price. Anything else will not be a credible offer or entertained by the dealer potentially rubbing him up the wrong way but thats your perrogative. I'd rather agree a sensible price that works for both parties with some integrity
Sub £230 for a £260k list car is still a good price and saving for such a highly rated car

[BJWoods]

In a showroom very near me.. looks amazing, but 'strong' money?

http://knowlhill.com/showroom/detail/321-mclaren-7...

[ferdi p]

BJWoods said:

In a showroom very near me.. looks amazing, but 'strong' money?

http://knowlhill.com/showroom/detail/321-mclaren-7...

Black on black with carbon & black wheels just doesn't do it for me. All the details & lines are lost imo.