First McLaren?

[JapanRed]

Hi all,

I’ve curently got a 2008 911 but think I might like a McLaren. All the below are within price range (£90k ideally but £120k at a push).

12C
540C
570GT
570S
650S (Maybe).

Can anyone point me to a link or could someone take the time to give me a brief description of each of the above. I really don’t know where to start with my research. What’s the difference between all the above cars? Am I naïve enough to think that the bigger the number the “better” (whatever that means) the car?

Thanks in advance.

[JapanRed]

Thanks. So what’s the difference init?

[JapanRed]

Thanks Brooking.

Why do you say to buy the newest one I can afford? Are there issues with the older ones?

You mention warranties; is this a must?

I only ask because I was told by many not to touch an unreliable 911 997.1 without a warranty, and to go for the 997.2 instead. I figured the £10k I saved buy buying the 997.1 would be the back up in case things went wrong. Touch wood things are fine and I’m still £10k better off (which is a lot given I only paid £33k for the car).

[JapanRed]

Thanks for the overwhelming responses :-) Wilmslowboy that’s a great link to the buying guide. Thanks again. Will update this thread as I progress.

[JapanRed]

CTE said:

My 2012 12c coupe has been recently serviced and MOT`d and I had a long chat with the delivery driver when the car was dropped back home, (I live several hours from the nearest McLaren service centre so have it collected) I told him I was thinking about changing to either a 570S, 650S (colour critical in my view), or 12c spyder. He advised me to keep what I had as they have the least problems, and I guess the previous comment rings true in that most or all issues will have been sorted by now and fundamentally they are solid cars (if you get them serviced properly).
I also spoke with Alistair Bols late last week and he described the 570 (540 will be similar) as more entertaining at lower speeds i.e. move around a bit more etc (which I like), but not so accomplished at higher speeds. Ultimately they are all way too fast for the public road other than for a momentary blast when no-one is around, but I guess in this respect the 540/570 could be the more fun choice.
In the short term the day to day running costs of a newer car will be less, but the depreciation more, and the extra depreciation will pay for an awful lot of warranty or repair costs (significant repair costs are unlikely by the way)...either way they will never be cheap to run, but there isn't much to touch them and you`ll enjoy people liking you and being interested in your car as opposed to being an object of hate and envy, oh and ignorance!
I was also advised that some indy service centres are likely to open in the not too distant future which is what the brand needs to make longer term ownership more viable for older cars which is turn will strengthen the residuals of older and newer cars and the brand...someone at McLaren in a position of authority does not seem to have got this yet?
p.s. I`ve actually plumped for and am buying an Exige 430 Cup to compliment the 12c...the other option was to let the 12c go and buy one of the above...but I like my Loti aswell and which give 90% of the performance (infact on the right road and track the Exige will be just as quick), and for thrills and connectivity 110% of the McLaren...but the McLaren will always be special...and more comfortable for the missus!

Great review of the car(s) there thank you. Ultimately I think I prefer the looks of the 570S over the 12C which will probably sway the decision for me. Whatever I plump for will be a step up from the 911 which in itself is a real pleasure to drive. I probably can’t do much more other than sit in and drive a few. Thanks all, very helpful as always.