Am I mad to look at a Mclaren instead of a Porsche 911?

[EvoSid]

Firstly I love Mclaren cars and he whole styling and story behind it.
But I always thought they were out my piggy bank range.

But recently I have seen some very nice examples at less than £80K.
My budget is around £70-75K for the 991 C4S Porsche . So could possibly stretch it bit more for a Mclaren. But I will need a bit for a decent Mclaren Warranty if you think it is worth it so that has come within the budget.

So Am I mad to even look at a Mclaren on the budget and if not what should I look at ?

I will NOT be doing any trackways (well not initially). The car will be a weekend toy for summer use.
I think I might do between 1500-5000 miles annually maybe more , just don't know

So give me you thoughts as I am sure many of you have moved form a 991 to a Mclaren.
Also give me an idea what to look for in my price range and what to roughly pay for it.

Thanks in advance

Sid

[EvoSid]

justin220 said:

Absolute no brainer. Just get a warranty included or budget for one

That was my thoughts , how much would a warranty be and how do you get a warranty on a private car?

[EvoSid]

RSbandit said:

You should easily get a nice 570s around the 80-85k mark now...was out with a friend for a drive yday who is a big Porsche guy...his first time driving a Mclaren did about 70 miles on some b roads and motorway and he was blown away by it...a league above any standard 911 (c2s c4s etc) sure they are more expensive to run but given the level you can get into one now it's easier to budget extra for those costs.

That as what I have seen a 570S for £80K . I have have seen a 2017 570gt go for £75K . I never thought originally that these would be in my price range , but now I think that I could get one for £75-80K . As long as I get a warranty I cut see it being a poor choice tbh. OK running costs will be slighty more than a 991 but I can't imagine it will be hugely different

[EvoSid]

39sl said:

TLDR: Go test drive a sport series and then drive home in your 911 and this will answer all the questions you have on performance, road manners and presence of the McLaren.

This time last year I had a 991.1 GTS and toyed with the idea of changing for a 992 but when I drove the 992 it didnt feel any different (or better) so wondered what next...then I spotted some photo's on here of Justin in his 540C and loved the colour, styling, everything

So after some research, I went for a drive in a 540C at a BMW dealer of all places...my god, that drive changed my entire perspective of cars...the 911 is quick, feels solid and was 100% reliable but just starting the McLaren was such an event...driving it was out of this world.
The key thing for me was this was to be my daily driver so it had to be compliant in terms of suspension, had to feel special and had to go like the clappers when I wanted it to; Tick, tick and bloody big tick

After the test drive, I was hooked. I put a deposit down on the car. There was some oxidation on the body panels and whilst the dealer initially assured this would be resolved before collection, they changed their mind and said I would collect the car then arrange for McLaren to resolve...didnt like this so I cancelled the order and off I went to the local McLaren dealer for a drive in some other sport series. Net result was I purchased a new 570GT.
It's been back to the dealer a couple of times for a lose rubber strip, the rear glass panel not closing fully and what turned out to be a faulty passenger door lock causing the battery to drain but the dealer has been fantastic throughout and a loan car eased the burden.

If there was ever a car that you need to drive to appreciate just how fantastic it is beyond the looks, this is it.


The main thing to watch for is oxidization on the panel edges...it looks like bubbled paint and is fairly easy to spot. It's been common until maybe 2 years ago so anything in or around the £80K is likely to either have it or been repaired. It seems the repair is to replace the panel and repaint.
Other things are minor electrical glitches...some questions on the IRIS centre console...mine does still occasionally need a reset and it only plays the radio when it feels the need.
Tyre pressure sensors do not like freezing temperatures and in the middle of winter the car has told me that all four tyres are flat...a quick look confirms it's another McLaren feature.
Thorney Motor sport have a lot of knowledge and can give any prospective car the once over should you get to that stage...I'd strongly suggest you take this up if you can...it will give you comfort if they find nothing and a point for negotiation if they do.

HTH
Steve

Thanks fr the detailed info, much appreciated. I definitely think a test drive and a warranty is essential

[EvoSid]

macdeb said:

NO! You're not mad. 'If' I were in the fortunate position then a 911 wouldn't even register. I've driven a few (friend was an all out fan) but they did nothing much for me, Turbo's were cool but,,,, meh, the looks do nothing here.
Keep us posted how you decide.

Yes I will. The more I read on here the more I think the Mclaren is he better option as long it has a bumper to bumper warranty

[EvoSid]

Adam B said:

sounds a lot more like a Mclaren than an AWD and very competent 911

I guess. just worried ambition overcomes skill and we end up in a ditch lol

[EvoSid]

RBT0 said:

I'd disagree, Porsche are less expensive to service, and not even required every year.

I'd say circa 50% cheaper to service, more or less depending on the year of service (plus the fact that not required every year like McLarens).

I am afraid this is were mass produced sportscars differ from hand built supercars.

From what I have gathered the the servicing on a Mclaren is roughly same a 991 but annually. So realistically we are talking £1k per year for serving Assuming both come with a 2 year warranty then how much more is the Mclaren to service and run over an above 1 991 . Bear in mind we are talking 3000 miles probably a year ?

[EvoSid]

SSO said:

I just posted an article which covers 10 years of servicing costs across a range of McLarens. Costs are in line with what we send on the GT3 RS.

SSO thanks much appreciated I will have a good read of it.
I think I'm more keen on a Mclaren than a 991 now.

[EvoSid]

650spider said:

Lots of great posts but Justin sums it up perfectly in 2 sentences.

Only thing i would add is only buy one that has a current Mac warranty, or a thorney warranty.

As crazy found out, a cracking looking car may seem fine, but if it has a hidden problem, it could very easily be a very expensive repair, and neither mac or thorney will warrant a car until it has a full thorough inspection and any issues put right, regardless how small ( or large ) they are.

Aa has been mentioned, buying a macwarranty car privately is safe as houses as the warranty can be transferred to the new owner without an inspection, but, i may be wrong here, i think it needs to have a certain period of time remaining on the warranty for the transfer to be approved.

I cannot think of any reason i would ever consider having a Porsche again after having a McLaren.

Thanks that is very sound advice much appreciated. I think I would only buy from Mclaren as Thorney not an option as it is 500 plus miles away. My only
consideration is do I want a 991.2 for the added 2 small seats in the back ( I have 2 kids and they love coming with me o road trips ) or a 2 seater Mclaren . With the all the advice on here I am now more comfortable that not only a baby Mac (570s or GT) is within my budget and the running costs are not going to break now as long as I get one with a warranty
So thanks for all the help

[EvoSid]

Ok so if any one see a nice Baby Mac for under £80k ( or that you think could be had for £80k aft a bit go haggling ) that is worth looking at a Mac dealer let me know please. As longs a sit is not black not really fussed with colours. Not sure if they are colour sensitive or if there are any velours to avoid

Also what options are a must and what are nice but not essential and what is a waste of time .

Thanks again to all who have commented so far and it looks like my £40k 997 is going become a £80k baby Mac. Hope I don't regret listening to you lot lol

[EvoSid]

RSbandit said:

I bought mine in December from a large indy dealer car had 3 months warranty remaining at the time, they kindly had the prev owner transfer it over to me so happy days it came in Useful as a couple of things came up when I had it checked over before renewing in Feb so it saved me some money.

Have you been able to or can you extend or renew the warranty and what is involved . That would open the doors on a few more cars I hope

[EvoSid]

Crazy4557 said:

Ideally you need one with lift, sports exhaust and some colour to the interior to break it up as it can be a bit monotone otherwise. Anything else will be a bonus but the above will help at resale time and don't discount the 540 as it's plenty quick enough for our roads so they'll be easier to source within your budget.
Good luck and post up some potential candidates on here if you want other opinions.

Ok I am hoping cars with those options should be easily found. Lets see what the ads come up with
I never even thought of the 540STBH., totally forgot it existed as just recently consider Mclaren as a viable purchase since prices have come down to within my budget . Prior to that all my effort and research was in 911's . But that you for reminding me and as you say any Mclaren will be quick enough for our Scottish roads tbh

[EvoSid]

Targarama said:

I suggest you consider cars advertised for more, dealers are not keen to lower the advertised price but with the current economic climate I suspect a small loss may be accepted to take some stock off their hands.

FWIW I sold my 570GT (very good spec) with 15k miles on it for 86k last October. Glad I was realistic and did so (the buyer was realistic too), I expect any bids would start with a high 6 or low 7 now.

Yes that is what I was thinking but did not want to say in case people thought I was arrogant or over ambitious. My budget is flexible as well to a certain degree as I have ac couple of cars and a couple of rental properties that will be paid of this year along with some more rental income which will make this purchase possible

What percentage of advertised price is achievable. I was thinking around about 10-15% so say a £86 K car like your would now could be bought for say around £74-77k hopefully

[EvoSid]

MAC 720S said:

Nose lift is essential. Everything else is personal taste. OEM sports exhaust or aftermarket exhaust would be nice. Again, personal taste and if you value the relationship with your neighbours - cold starts can be quite loud. Lots of carbon options but not essential - just jewellery.

Unless you are in a group of McLaren nerds, no one would have a clue or notice the spec. Joe Public see it as a McLaren and love it. I’ve never had any negative comments, just people of all age groups wanting to chat about it.

I had a bright yellow 570S Spyder as a loan car. Fantastic to drive.

Cold starts and loud exhaust should be ok as not got too many neighbours, just the tube that stays next door, lol.
I agree I have no clue about Mclaren spec but every time I see one I thin wow that is nice . I still like th 911 but see that as a league lower down in desirability now, no offence intended to any 911 owners
A sounder really appeals but I think I coupe would be the better choice as in the NE of Scotland you do not get many days to have the roof down lol

[EvoSid]

RSbandit said:

Yeah lift, sports exhaust and for me the carbon interior with the extended paddles was something I wanted ..also the B&W upgrade to the stereo is nice to have. From what I've seen in the classifieds most cars have been sitting at the same asking prices since early March so I'm sure a cheeky bid might work.

I think you are absolutely correct as in dealers in freeze frame mode since lockdown. I believe CAP froze prices for 3 months
But as a business owner I know that cash flow is everything and even selling at a light loss to get the cashflow moving is better than going under due to a lack of cashflow. So on that basis I will be polite but firm with any bids . I have no trade in. Cash in the bank , but would like to part finance it as I can use the cash better than investing all of it in any depreciating asset.
I do like nice sounds so will look for cars with Lift, exhausted B&W sounds. Bright colours are ok but definitely not black. The rest will be base on test driving any cars I guess

[EvoSid]

SSO said:

I just posted an article which covers 10 years of servicing costs across a range of McLarens. Costs are in line with what we send on the GT3 RS.

Hi do you have a link as I can't find this post , it sure where to look either . Please

[EvoSid]

650spider said:

Definitely!

I am down in Broughty Ferry...i am sometimes up your way as my bestie is out at Bridge of Don.

Few macs here local to me...white 540, black 570, purple 570 spider, black 675LT spider and a red and black senna.

Next time you are up in Aberdeen give me a shout we should meet up and have a chat over a cuppa, social distancing of course as I am near Fraserburgh

[EvoSid]

650spider said:

I contacted Sytner about replacing my wives car with a slighty newer version about 3 weeks ago.

Price was pretty near ballpark of what you are talking about and the max they would knock off for straight sale was £500.00...i thought i had misheard but nope...£500.00 and that was all they were willing to drop.

Might change in a few months, but as bispal says, not all sellers need to cut their throat for a sale; even dealers.

I felt that they would of jumped at a sale with £5k off the price in the current climate; they didn't and it was snapped up whilst i pissed about.

Was / am a little bit annoyed with myself as spec was bang on.

Had exactly the same issue with a Porsche dealer over a 992. I thought ok £84k car , surely £80k is doable, er no, max they willing to give off was £500.

Edited by EvoSid on Sunday 7th June 00:22

[EvoSid]

Bispal said:

Yup I have played hard ball when dealers won't drop and lost ideal spec cars and had to compromise. My mantra now is if you see a car in your perfect spec buy it, obviously negotiate to an extent, but you may not see a car like the one you want again and its not worth losing for a few thousand pounds. I pounced on a car I saw last year for sale and offered full asking price as I thought it was a fair price i was happy with. I didn't even negotiate (not like me) as the spec was a once in a lifetime. I the first 2 weeks of ownership I was contacted 3 times by people who wanted it when it was available, but hesitated, all offering me more than I paid. Same again for a car I bought in Jan this year. I waited 2 years for the right spec to come up then pounced. I negotiated a bit but once I had the car I had 2 offers for it in a week from people who had procrastinated. The early bird catches the worm and nothing has changed right now. If you want something and are happy with the price just buy it and enjoy it!

Sound advice

[EvoSid]

PrestigeDale said:

Would definitely recommend a Mclaren as long as it either has warranty, or a very solid history of being taken care of.
I would recommend getting a PPI done.

I think the warranty seems to be a recurring theme lol.
Now just need to test drive one and a 991.2 to see what suits me best
Biggest dilemma is 2 seater 570S v the advantage of rear seats in the 911. With 2 kids who I love taking on road trips it would break my heart to say no to either of them and only take 1

Edited by EvoSid on Sunday 7th June 00:22