(Used) car dealers/buying
Discussion
A few weeks ago I looked into buying a McLaren, first attracted by the 12C but won over to the 650S. In terms of dealing with those selling used McLarens, here’s my view for those in market...
McLaren Ascot - friendly enough on phone, but not super engaging or informative, felt they weren’t that interested. They had a car in London I was in and said they could get it into Ascot for me but never followed through.
Alistair Bols - very helpful and knowledgeable and spent time on phone talking about different cars and options. Helped me understand a bit more what I was looking for. Given his helpfulness, I was happy to buy from him. The car I wanted he didn’t have in stock from the owner so I never got to go down to see him and his wide selection of cars.
Romans - didn’t feel they were particularly knowledgeable on phone. Went down to view a car and Sarah was very helpful. Nice to see various McLarens and other alternative buys, good to make my mind up it was a McLaren I wanted. Happy to let us out for a test drive. Overall helpful and professional and I’d be happy to buy from them.
Hatfield McLaren - went on spur of moment without calling. Craig and James were super helpful, letting us look at various cars and spent time with us. 720S is stunning. They moved cars around and got what we wanted out of showroom. We’re happy for us to take our time. Given their temporary set up, doing a good job.
Ended up buying from Hatfield, very happy with them and will use them for my servicing even though I’m much closer to Ascot.
Unfortunately I have to wait a few weeks to get my hands on it due to business trips and getting a new garage door!
McLaren Ascot - friendly enough on phone, but not super engaging or informative, felt they weren’t that interested. They had a car in London I was in and said they could get it into Ascot for me but never followed through.
Alistair Bols - very helpful and knowledgeable and spent time on phone talking about different cars and options. Helped me understand a bit more what I was looking for. Given his helpfulness, I was happy to buy from him. The car I wanted he didn’t have in stock from the owner so I never got to go down to see him and his wide selection of cars.
Romans - didn’t feel they were particularly knowledgeable on phone. Went down to view a car and Sarah was very helpful. Nice to see various McLarens and other alternative buys, good to make my mind up it was a McLaren I wanted. Happy to let us out for a test drive. Overall helpful and professional and I’d be happy to buy from them.
Hatfield McLaren - went on spur of moment without calling. Craig and James were super helpful, letting us look at various cars and spent time with us. 720S is stunning. They moved cars around and got what we wanted out of showroom. We’re happy for us to take our time. Given their temporary set up, doing a good job.
Ended up buying from Hatfield, very happy with them and will use them for my servicing even though I’m much closer to Ascot.
Unfortunately I have to wait a few weeks to get my hands on it due to business trips and getting a new garage door!
Posting anything positive about McLaren isn't allowed on here, didn't you know that? 
Jokes aside, congratulations! You are lucky to have a choice of dealers to pick from.
Lots of negative posts in this forum at times, but the cars are brilliant. Enjoy! Can't wait to get mine back from its service.
Jokes aside, congratulations! You are lucky to have a choice of dealers to pick from.
Lots of negative posts in this forum at times, but the cars are brilliant. Enjoy! Can't wait to get mine back from its service.
You’ll struggle to find any negative comments about AB.
I bought my 12C from Romans. Funnily enough, I was swayed by their superb knowledge and their relationship with McLaren meant I had no worries buying from an indie, backed up when they arranged to have a couple of issues sorted. The buying experience at the time was excellent but surprisingly total silence since.
I bought my 12C from Romans. Funnily enough, I was swayed by their superb knowledge and their relationship with McLaren meant I had no worries buying from an indie, backed up when they arranged to have a couple of issues sorted. The buying experience at the time was excellent but surprisingly total silence since.
Bought a Ferrari from Romans’ there great to deal with but my 570s was bought from Alastair bols, imho better than buying from a main dealer guy is brilliant , I bought mine in feb and even the other week I rang on a Sunday with a small issue , he missed to great me by my first name and assisted to resolve it,
Defo ab if buying McLaren
Defo ab if buying McLaren
Had a quick sojourn to McLaren Hatfield a few weeks back as they are under the same ownership as Grange Welwyn Aston. Needed a V12VS spare key programmed so while we were waiting I was chatting to my guy there about how much I liked the current McLaren lineup, cool as you like he says if you have time do you fancy a go in our 720s demo...hell yeah! So roll over to Hatfield and the 720s is out with another customer, not to worry the 570GT demo is available so we take that for a blast up and down the A1...biblically fast certainly a major step up over a V12VS even tho they have similar power ( of course but of a weight diff) so can't imagine how quick the 720 is! Anyway seemed like top lads there and given its the first McLaren franchise under their umbrella I think they're gonna do very well..would certainly be my first port of call when I tire of the V12 ( if ever!)
Gassing Station | McLaren | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff