Coming out from behind the veil, my tale of ownership
Discussion
I’ve been on Pistonheads a couple of years longer than my profile suggests, using it as a source to research around a Porsche 964 I was looking into.
I owned my 964 for about 18 years, used it to drive everywhere, LeMans on numerable occasions, PCGB meets, and to meet members on here and Rennlist where I met DaveK.
Heavily modified, custom interior, RS ARBs, LSD, Bilsteins, Dansk dual outlet, custom intake, mapped, and pretty much rust free, as I’d attended to the scuttle/wing areas they always go in.. But after 18 years and a few 10’s of thousands of miles, I felt it was time to move on.
In 2021, I sold the 964 on CC, and decided to look for a new adventure.
I’d mentioned to Dave about a 430 or similar, he suggested I look at a Mclaren instead, which I did.. despite all the internet horror stories.
And so the new adventure began. We took around 2 months to find what we wanted, a Sicilian Yellow 570S, preferring this to the 650 on looks alone, the front of the car as my wife so elegantly puts it looks like its continually smiling… I couldn’t argue.
A phone call on a Saturday morning to Mclaren Leeds, and 5 hours later we were there, 30 minutes after that we’d placed a deposit…
A couple of weeks later our car was delivered by closed trailer to us, and we’d officially become Mclaren owners.
So why now do I profess to being a Mclaren owner, and not as previously post comments without context, that part is easy. A simple life changing event over the last 6 months, including a discovery that I’m missing an organ… tends to focus the attention somewhat, and I thought its about time to come out of the shadows.
We bought our car, with 10k on the clock, and since that point, have become members of MOC, and Drivers Union, both of which we have enjoyed immensely, the diversity of owners, tours, days out, and different cars has become a real pleasure to enjoy along with some of the friendships we have made.
I've made only a couple of changes since 2021, imho my car was, a bit too quiet for my liking, even though it had the optional sports exhaust.
So I plumped for the MSO titanium version, and duly handed over the necessary, its still quite muted in the cabin, however tunnels are now exceptional fun, childish, and I don't give a stuff. it makes us both smile like naughty children.
I also had the car fitted with full PPF from Reep in Yorkshire, its a full self healing type, and seems to work well, I overcast it with GTechniq Halo, and it makes washing and cleaning an absolute breeze.
I also sourced through another MOC members advice some soft Nappa leather suitcases, although not made my Mclaren, Colin from Bagworld did an exceptional job, and they are made to fit the space brilliantly, and not too bad a price either.
I also decided that the rear of the car was missing something, it needed tidying up a touch, so out came the wallet again, and we invested, (I don't say that lightly) in a MSO HDK, the front turning vanes though being the double 720 versions, so as not to ground out to frequently, yes it happens when I forget the lift...
So without much ado, some pictures, with the events we’ve enjoyed.
It began in September 2021, with an invite to Silverstone and the 10th anniversary of Mclaren being recognised a s a true manufacturer, what an event, over 200 hundred cars on circuit, and a drive round at a not sedate speed…. That was a hoot.
Flyby video here: https://youtu.be/ZZK7IHHl718 , I've tried to embed it, but I keep getting a 403, so link it is instead.
Picture of the rear paddock area behind the grandstand gives you an idea on it all...
We've toured Northumberland and been the first car club to park here at Alnwick Castle,
Parked where you're not supposed to, which seems to be a Mclaren owners general way of winding some up a touch.. Kielder dam for example
Another MOC event at Silverstone a year later, and Whittlebury manor parking was an absolute field day for some.
Another Silverstone event, and more parking on the grid....
MOC at the Motor museum in 2024, another great event and time to catch up with folks
Being invited to days out in obscure places with MOC, its a privilege
Charity runs with DU, a couple of annual events where the car mix is eclectic, but brings along some diverse groups is always good day out.
Driving events, in case you thought I just pootled around from A-B.. Northweald tuition day. I love this picture taken by Sy of DU
And with Greystone GT and MOC at Donnington, I have to be careful as any normal circuit won't permit me on track, as my car is too noisy...and this day was unlimited... fab.
And then we have the obligatory trip to France, which we've done many times now, and the stop here:
And taking up the entranceway at Lanson Champagne, frowned on a bit doing this, but its a photo opportunity, what was I to do.
And the summer chip run with DU, again an event for locals to benefit from, here taking up the high street in Frinton
Moving on from the photos to general ownership, I like many other new owners I'd suggest are or were keen to keep the Mclaren stamp in the service book, but now having had some interesting experiences, decided to look at alternatives, and
It's been serviced for the last 3 years at V-Engineering, a whole different scene to the official dealerships, especially a chat with Steve, Jason, Paul and Rosie, who always take the time to chat, and make you feel welcome, not just a wallet opening exercise...
So I guess to round up this rambling diatribe, and introduce (nearly) myself to you all as a valid paid up member of the Mclaren owners, I'd summarise by saying we don't own a garage queen, aren't overly concerned with regard to residuals, do what we like to which is; enjoy the pleasure of owning a supercar, and drive it pretty frequently.
We are happy to share our experiences with others, and I've lost count of the number of children and their parents who've sat in my car at events up and down the length and breadth of the country.
I have now driven around 23k in 4 and a bit years taking the total mileage now to about 33k, its always on the Mclaren charger, timed on a smart socket when not in use; for a few hours on alternating days, just to keep it from going flat, and having those electrical gremlins creep in.
And lastly to round up, if you are out there one day and recognise my car, come and say hi.
I owned my 964 for about 18 years, used it to drive everywhere, LeMans on numerable occasions, PCGB meets, and to meet members on here and Rennlist where I met DaveK.
Heavily modified, custom interior, RS ARBs, LSD, Bilsteins, Dansk dual outlet, custom intake, mapped, and pretty much rust free, as I’d attended to the scuttle/wing areas they always go in.. But after 18 years and a few 10’s of thousands of miles, I felt it was time to move on.
In 2021, I sold the 964 on CC, and decided to look for a new adventure.
I’d mentioned to Dave about a 430 or similar, he suggested I look at a Mclaren instead, which I did.. despite all the internet horror stories.
And so the new adventure began. We took around 2 months to find what we wanted, a Sicilian Yellow 570S, preferring this to the 650 on looks alone, the front of the car as my wife so elegantly puts it looks like its continually smiling… I couldn’t argue.
A phone call on a Saturday morning to Mclaren Leeds, and 5 hours later we were there, 30 minutes after that we’d placed a deposit…
A couple of weeks later our car was delivered by closed trailer to us, and we’d officially become Mclaren owners.
So why now do I profess to being a Mclaren owner, and not as previously post comments without context, that part is easy. A simple life changing event over the last 6 months, including a discovery that I’m missing an organ… tends to focus the attention somewhat, and I thought its about time to come out of the shadows.
We bought our car, with 10k on the clock, and since that point, have become members of MOC, and Drivers Union, both of which we have enjoyed immensely, the diversity of owners, tours, days out, and different cars has become a real pleasure to enjoy along with some of the friendships we have made.
I've made only a couple of changes since 2021, imho my car was, a bit too quiet for my liking, even though it had the optional sports exhaust.
So I plumped for the MSO titanium version, and duly handed over the necessary, its still quite muted in the cabin, however tunnels are now exceptional fun, childish, and I don't give a stuff. it makes us both smile like naughty children.
I also had the car fitted with full PPF from Reep in Yorkshire, its a full self healing type, and seems to work well, I overcast it with GTechniq Halo, and it makes washing and cleaning an absolute breeze.
I also sourced through another MOC members advice some soft Nappa leather suitcases, although not made my Mclaren, Colin from Bagworld did an exceptional job, and they are made to fit the space brilliantly, and not too bad a price either.
I also decided that the rear of the car was missing something, it needed tidying up a touch, so out came the wallet again, and we invested, (I don't say that lightly) in a MSO HDK, the front turning vanes though being the double 720 versions, so as not to ground out to frequently, yes it happens when I forget the lift...
So without much ado, some pictures, with the events we’ve enjoyed.
It began in September 2021, with an invite to Silverstone and the 10th anniversary of Mclaren being recognised a s a true manufacturer, what an event, over 200 hundred cars on circuit, and a drive round at a not sedate speed…. That was a hoot.
Flyby video here: https://youtu.be/ZZK7IHHl718 , I've tried to embed it, but I keep getting a 403, so link it is instead.
Picture of the rear paddock area behind the grandstand gives you an idea on it all...
We've toured Northumberland and been the first car club to park here at Alnwick Castle,
Parked where you're not supposed to, which seems to be a Mclaren owners general way of winding some up a touch.. Kielder dam for example
Another MOC event at Silverstone a year later, and Whittlebury manor parking was an absolute field day for some.
Another Silverstone event, and more parking on the grid....
MOC at the Motor museum in 2024, another great event and time to catch up with folks
Being invited to days out in obscure places with MOC, its a privilege
Charity runs with DU, a couple of annual events where the car mix is eclectic, but brings along some diverse groups is always good day out.
Driving events, in case you thought I just pootled around from A-B.. Northweald tuition day. I love this picture taken by Sy of DU
And with Greystone GT and MOC at Donnington, I have to be careful as any normal circuit won't permit me on track, as my car is too noisy...and this day was unlimited... fab.
And then we have the obligatory trip to France, which we've done many times now, and the stop here:
And taking up the entranceway at Lanson Champagne, frowned on a bit doing this, but its a photo opportunity, what was I to do.
And the summer chip run with DU, again an event for locals to benefit from, here taking up the high street in Frinton
Moving on from the photos to general ownership, I like many other new owners I'd suggest are or were keen to keep the Mclaren stamp in the service book, but now having had some interesting experiences, decided to look at alternatives, and
It's been serviced for the last 3 years at V-Engineering, a whole different scene to the official dealerships, especially a chat with Steve, Jason, Paul and Rosie, who always take the time to chat, and make you feel welcome, not just a wallet opening exercise...
So I guess to round up this rambling diatribe, and introduce (nearly) myself to you all as a valid paid up member of the Mclaren owners, I'd summarise by saying we don't own a garage queen, aren't overly concerned with regard to residuals, do what we like to which is; enjoy the pleasure of owning a supercar, and drive it pretty frequently.
We are happy to share our experiences with others, and I've lost count of the number of children and their parents who've sat in my car at events up and down the length and breadth of the country.
I have now driven around 23k in 4 and a bit years taking the total mileage now to about 33k, its always on the Mclaren charger, timed on a smart socket when not in use; for a few hours on alternating days, just to keep it from going flat, and having those electrical gremlins creep in.
And lastly to round up, if you are out there one day and recognise my car, come and say hi.
Great write up, I’ve always been a Porsche guy but will definitely be going Mc next, hate to ask but what problems have you had and how did you resolve them, this is really the one thing stopping me from changing over from a Porsche as mines been rock solid and always ready to enjoy on the button
davek_964 said:
Excellent post - we really need to try and end up at the same event at least once this year.
After seeing my name mentioned at the very beginning, I thought it might turn into a "and what bad advice that was!"
That did make me chuckle more than I should have, yes; we do need to catch up sometime.After seeing my name mentioned at the very beginning, I thought it might turn into a "and what bad advice that was!"
Yellowfez said:
Great write up, I ve always been a Porsche guy but will definitely be going Mc next, hate to ask but what problems have you had and how did you resolve them, this is really the one thing stopping me from changing over from a Porsche as mines been rock solid and always ready to enjoy on the button
Things that weren't right from the supplying dealer were silly; like no washer fluid in the windscreen reservoir. Front parking sensors only working in reverse, not when driving forward, the odd replacement trim being the wrong colour.. palladium , my car is MSO black. The titanium exhaust came with polished tips, I ordered stealth tips...Other aspects have been warranty related, though it is hard to judge if the servicing agent was chasing the deep pockets of the warranty company, or being genuine. They didn't inspire me with confidence, and had a relatively high rate of staff turnover further complicating matters, the last time they and I spoke, promises were made, but by then it was far too late; hence now going to V.
Under warranty, corrosion, wings and doors, upper wishbones, one lower, and a couple of odds and ends, one arm they wouldn't cover, so £800 or so, and I paid for it myself.
They wouldn't cover a window regulator, but it's still going strong, so maybe it wasn't needed.. they wouldn't cover the V module, but it's apparently not leaking any more, so who knows..
Has that spoilt my ownership, no; but it has soured the relationship with the main dealers and client services who seemed to just give me the run around and then point blank refusal at the end of the last warranty..
Now, I do as others have before; use a trustworthy independent to do the work, and take their advice on how to look after things.
Would I buy another McLaren? Yes, in a heartbeat, but independently PPI'd first, and then negotiate afterwards, or trust someone with a great reputation like Alistair Bols..
All said and done; they are cracking cars, and at the price points little if anything comes close, on the track they are seriously impressive, I've spared with things like 458's and LP410 Lamborghini , and given them a bit of a runaround.. they attract attention like you wouldn't believe, and that took a long while to get used to, I even get let out of junctions, try that in another supercar..
Hopefully that's given you a steer in the right direction, I'd say try a few, get a feel for the supplying dealer, and then go from there..
Thanks for the reply much appreciated
Other aspects have been warranty related, though it is hard to judge if the servicing agent was chasing the deep pockets of the warranty company, or being genuine. They didn't inspire me with confidence, and had a relatively high rate of staff turnover further complicating matters, the last time they and I spoke, promises were made, but by then it was far too late; hence now going to V.
Under warranty, corrosion, wings and doors, upper wishbones, one lower, and a couple of odds and ends, one arm they wouldn't cover, so £800 or so, and I paid for it myself.
They wouldn't cover a window regulator, but it's still going strong, so maybe it wasn't needed.. they wouldn't cover the V module, but it's apparently not leaking any more, so who knows..
Has that spoilt my ownership, no; but it has soured the relationship with the main dealers and client services who seemed to just give me the run around and then point blank refusal at the end of the last warranty..
Now, I do as others have before; use a trustworthy independent to do the work, and take their advice on how to look after things.
Would I buy another McLaren? Yes, in a heartbeat, but independently PPI'd first, and then negotiate afterwards, or trust someone with a great reputation like Alistair Bols..
All said and done; they are cracking cars, and at the price points little if anything comes close, on the track they are seriously impressive, I've spared with things like 458's and LP410 Lamborghini , and given them a bit of a runaround.. they attract attention like you wouldn't believe, and that took a long while to get used to, I even get let out of junctions, try that in another supercar..
Hopefully that's given you a steer in the right direction, I'd say try a few, get a feel for the supplying dealer, and then go from there..
Grey_Area said:
Yellowfez said:
Great write up, I ve always been a Porsche guy but will definitely be going Mc next, hate to ask but what problems have you had and how did you resolve them, this is really the one thing stopping me from changing over from a Porsche as mines been rock solid and always ready to enjoy on the button
Things that weren't right from the supplying dealer were silly; like no washer fluid in the windscreen reservoir. Front parking sensors only working in reverse, not when driving forward, the odd replacement trim being the wrong colour.. palladium , my car is MSO black. The titanium exhaust came with polished tips, I ordered stealth tips...Other aspects have been warranty related, though it is hard to judge if the servicing agent was chasing the deep pockets of the warranty company, or being genuine. They didn't inspire me with confidence, and had a relatively high rate of staff turnover further complicating matters, the last time they and I spoke, promises were made, but by then it was far too late; hence now going to V.
Under warranty, corrosion, wings and doors, upper wishbones, one lower, and a couple of odds and ends, one arm they wouldn't cover, so £800 or so, and I paid for it myself.
They wouldn't cover a window regulator, but it's still going strong, so maybe it wasn't needed.. they wouldn't cover the V module, but it's apparently not leaking any more, so who knows..
Has that spoilt my ownership, no; but it has soured the relationship with the main dealers and client services who seemed to just give me the run around and then point blank refusal at the end of the last warranty..
Now, I do as others have before; use a trustworthy independent to do the work, and take their advice on how to look after things.
Would I buy another McLaren? Yes, in a heartbeat, but independently PPI'd first, and then negotiate afterwards, or trust someone with a great reputation like Alistair Bols..
All said and done; they are cracking cars, and at the price points little if anything comes close, on the track they are seriously impressive, I've spared with things like 458's and LP410 Lamborghini , and given them a bit of a runaround.. they attract attention like you wouldn't believe, and that took a long while to get used to, I even get let out of junctions, try that in another supercar..
Hopefully that's given you a steer in the right direction, I'd say try a few, get a feel for the supplying dealer, and then go from there..
Grey_Area said:
Hopefully that's given you a steer in the right direction, I'd say try a few, get a feel for the supplying dealer, and then go from there..
You say "try a few", how easy is it getting someone to take/let you out in one? Is it Dealer specific? When we were 'tyre kicking' deciding what to buy a few years ago the Aston Dealer pretty much refused to show us a car and tried to flog us an XKR, Carrs told us to grab a coffee and look around and they could take us out next week,OK, it is winter, but talking to a main dealer with the wife last month resulted in "these cars are prepped for sale so they don't go out in poor weather unless you're ready to buy". Private sellers are understandably averse to tyre kickers.
We're off to another main dealer next week for a proper look and play with the interfaces on a GT and Artura (less important to me, extremely important to her), things might be different then.
ex-devonpaul said:
Grey_Area said:
Hopefully that's given you a steer in the right direction, I'd say try a few, get a feel for the supplying dealer, and then go from there..
ex-devonpaul said:
You say "try a few", how easy is it getting someone to take/let you out in one? Is it Dealer specific? When we were 'tyre kicking' deciding what to buy a few years ago the Aston Dealer pretty much refused to show us a car and tried to flog us an XKR, Carrs told us to grab a coffee and look around and they could take us out next week,
Leeds were a little reticent to begin with, Hatfield just gave me the keys and said of you go each time; I can't vouch for any others as I've not used them, might be dealer specific, though I couldn't really say.Even as a passenger though, you can get a feel for aspects outside of the driving experience, gives you more time to listen, and feel dynamically what the car is doing, yes no feedback on steering etc, but you do get a sense of what's going on without distractions.
Edited by Grey_Area on Thursday 15th January 10:16
ex-devonpaul said:
OK, it is winter, but talking to a main dealer with the wife last month resulted in "these cars are prepped for sale so they don't go out in poor weather unless you're ready to buy". Private sellers are understandably averse to tyre kickers.
We're off to another main dealer next week for a proper look and play with the interfaces on a GT and Artura (less important to me, extremely important to her), things might be different then.
You can understand not wanting to take the car out in this weather especially if it has been detailed ready for sale, just on the chance of a sale to someone who is "unknown" to them.We're off to another main dealer next week for a proper look and play with the interfaces on a GT and Artura (less important to me, extremely important to her), things might be different then.
Ive had Mclaren for 10 years and recently bought a 720, I did look at the Artura and LT 600 (all at 130) but not sure its as good a toy as a 720 for the same money, LT bit undecided really, Artura newer and has better tech but .....
I have posted before reference the GT and think they are a great car for the money (in the right colours and interior spec) especially if newer and eurotours are on your list of needs.
TISPKJ said:
ex-devonpaul said:
OK, it is winter, but talking to a main dealer with the wife last month resulted in "these cars are prepped for sale so they don't go out in poor weather unless you're ready to buy". Private sellers are understandably averse to tyre kickers.
We're off to another main dealer next week for a proper look and play with the interfaces on a GT and Artura (less important to me, extremely important to her), things might be different then.
You can understand not wanting to take the car out in this weather especially if it has been detailed ready for sale, just on the chance of a sale to someone who is "unknown" to them.We're off to another main dealer next week for a proper look and play with the interfaces on a GT and Artura (less important to me, extremely important to her), things might be different then.
[..]
I have posted before reference the GT and think they are a great car for the money (in the right colours and interior spec) especially if newer and eurotours are on your list of needs.
To be honest the Artura is over our psychological budget, the idea of spending twice what we paid for our first homes on a toy is hard to get our head around. However my man maths knocks 40% off as we're in our 60s and at current rules the taxman will see more than any of our beneficiaries when we go.
I started looking at a 570GT - went to see one a couple of years ago, then the GT came down in price... We also live down an unmade road and I think the extra ground clearance of the GT would be a big winner.
I'll see what comes from Tuesday.
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