Any McLaren 675LT and V12VS owners?
Discussion
A miracle happened last night, and I intend to run with it...
I’ve been given verbal permission from SWMBO that I can spend my hard earned on new wheels.
Don’t get me wrong - I love my ‘16 V8VS SportShift, but I can step up to another level before cars of this ilk aren’t allowed to mingle with milk floats.
I fully intend to test drive a DBSS now they are sub-£180k, nearly-new Vantage and Vanquish S... as well as a very special V12VS. So far, so “normal”.
But it’s a strange world and I now see 675LT’s are comfortably under 200k from a McLaren MD.
I know they simply aren’t the same and there are warranty and value issues with McLaren (I’ll have lost a lot on the Vantage in 18 months, so it’s relative).
But I want to know something beyond the numbers. What was the feeling like to own and drive a 675LT (or remotely similar McLaren) and V12VS (simultaneously or at different times)? Which added the most smiles for the buck?
Completely subjective and possibly only answerable by those who were lucky enough to live with both.
Thanks!
I’ve been given verbal permission from SWMBO that I can spend my hard earned on new wheels.
Don’t get me wrong - I love my ‘16 V8VS SportShift, but I can step up to another level before cars of this ilk aren’t allowed to mingle with milk floats.
I fully intend to test drive a DBSS now they are sub-£180k, nearly-new Vantage and Vanquish S... as well as a very special V12VS. So far, so “normal”.
But it’s a strange world and I now see 675LT’s are comfortably under 200k from a McLaren MD.
I know they simply aren’t the same and there are warranty and value issues with McLaren (I’ll have lost a lot on the Vantage in 18 months, so it’s relative).
But I want to know something beyond the numbers. What was the feeling like to own and drive a 675LT (or remotely similar McLaren) and V12VS (simultaneously or at different times)? Which added the most smiles for the buck?
Completely subjective and possibly only answerable by those who were lucky enough to live with both.
Thanks!
Two completely different cars. the 675 would blow the Aston away, but is a very different car so really depends what you want from it and what you're intending to use it for.
The Aston is a gorgeous sports/GT car. The McLaren more a track day weapon / race car for the road - think more 911 GT3 RS versus 911 Turbo if that comparison helps...
The Aston is a gorgeous sports/GT car. The McLaren more a track day weapon / race car for the road - think more 911 GT3 RS versus 911 Turbo if that comparison helps...
AMVSVNick said:
How do you use the car?
I don't commute by car, so it's all pleasure. Living near the Welsh borders, I have that "playground" accessible and also like smaller country lanes around the area.The width of a car is always a concern to me. The previous Vantage is perfect - it's no wider than any modern normal car which is useful when a tractor is blasting past.
I do find the Sports suspension on the V8VS a bit firm. My previous non-S had comfort suspension and that really helped when making progress on less-than-perfect roads. Which is why the other Astons appeal with their adaptive suspension.
Still dreaming of longer road trips. Comfier seats than the Vantage S would be nice (lightweights) but I like the idea of side airbags for when my son is in the passenger seat.
But all these aspects are something I've been going through in my head. It's the ownership proposition that I'm curious about and no (even extended) test drive can answer. AM Bristol (and other AM dealers) are great, IMHO. Are McLaren main dealers also good?
I always get an immense feeling of pride when I see my Vantage on my drive. I respect McLarens, hugely, would I love it as much?
Others roadusers like Astons and I've never had a negative reaction. I suspect that McLarens get a better reaction than Ferraris and Lambos (very rare around these parts). I wonder if that holds true?
The test drives will answer other questions like how it "feels" on the road.
Thanks!
Edited by nickv8 on Thursday 28th November 13:36
the 675 will have more power than you can use on the road. The cross linked dampers will give a stunning ride and looks are purely subjective.
You will however lose your ass in depreciation, the aston is PLENTY fast enough for fast road use. But for me the killer for any mclaren is the pace of change with new models and the rubbish noise.
i'd just go for a lightly used vantage at around a hundred and spend the rest on jewellery and holidays.... She'll love you forever! ;-)
You will however lose your ass in depreciation, the aston is PLENTY fast enough for fast road use. But for me the killer for any mclaren is the pace of change with new models and the rubbish noise.
i'd just go for a lightly used vantage at around a hundred and spend the rest on jewellery and holidays.... She'll love you forever! ;-)
Greg_D said:
the 675 will have more power than you can use on the road. The cross linked dampers will give a stunning ride and looks are purely subjective.
You will however lose your ass in depreciation, the aston is PLENTY fast enough for fast road use. But for me the killer for any mclaren is the pace of change with new models and the rubbish noise.
i'd just go for a lightly used vantage at around a hundred and spend the rest on jewellery and holidays.... She'll love you forever! ;-)
LOL! Brownie points accumulated. Can’t hoard too many - they can all be cancelled without notice You will however lose your ass in depreciation, the aston is PLENTY fast enough for fast road use. But for me the killer for any mclaren is the pace of change with new models and the rubbish noise.
i'd just go for a lightly used vantage at around a hundred and spend the rest on jewellery and holidays.... She'll love you forever! ;-)
Noise is actually a really important part. Never was previously for me, but as speeds tend to be more limited, steering feel and other senses come to the fore. All Astons make a great sound. One of the things that put me off previously with a 911... when trundling, they can sound like a bag of spanner’s.
I’ve heard some great McLarens but don’t want to go down a non-official route for warranty purposes.
There was a time the 675LT could even be seen as a potential investment. But I’m aware of the ever increasing succession of models from Woking. That they’re all based (largely) on the same drivetrain doesn’t help. Makes AM look adventurous.
But for all that, I still have a soft spot for McLaren. And I’d get a whole load of appreciation from my young son
I’ve got one of these - the slow one. I’ve looked quite hard at 12Cs, 650s, 570s. But never driven one. My views, for what they are worth:
The Aston is brutally quick, beautiful to look at (both muscular but elegant), lovely to sit in, and sounds fantastic. It is quite “analogue” to drive. The SSIII gearbox takes a while to get familiar with; the shifts aren’t as fast as a dual clutch set up, but there’s an odd old school satisfaction that comes from driving it. It’s got waaay more power than you’d ever want to use on the road, and in the wet it will break traction (but progressively and in a way that’s catchable) at the rear quite easily. From what I’ve read it’s fun on a track because the power overwhelms the rears in a way you can control (I’ve not tracked mine), and fast, but its set up means that it will lag behind anything modern of a similar power, and a few things modern with less power.
My educated guess a about the McL: OCD levels of attention to detail but build quality isn’t quite at the same level. Phenomenally quick in any direction. It will leave the Aston for dead on a twisty road and don’t even ask about on track. If this has the suspension trickery from the 650 then ride will be amazing, and will handling, and neither will compromise the other. Ultra rare, admired (though I’d say a look of people won’t know whether it’s a Ferrari, Lambo or McL without checking the badge). But ... depreciation.
I think the choice is affected as much by what you want from the car as it is by how you plan to drive it.
ETA have a look on YouTube for any Chris Harris output driving either of these. I know he’s got a clip up of him doing the AM vs a 911 variant. And I’m certain he’s reviewed a few McLs and is a fan.
The Aston is brutally quick, beautiful to look at (both muscular but elegant), lovely to sit in, and sounds fantastic. It is quite “analogue” to drive. The SSIII gearbox takes a while to get familiar with; the shifts aren’t as fast as a dual clutch set up, but there’s an odd old school satisfaction that comes from driving it. It’s got waaay more power than you’d ever want to use on the road, and in the wet it will break traction (but progressively and in a way that’s catchable) at the rear quite easily. From what I’ve read it’s fun on a track because the power overwhelms the rears in a way you can control (I’ve not tracked mine), and fast, but its set up means that it will lag behind anything modern of a similar power, and a few things modern with less power.
My educated guess a about the McL: OCD levels of attention to detail but build quality isn’t quite at the same level. Phenomenally quick in any direction. It will leave the Aston for dead on a twisty road and don’t even ask about on track. If this has the suspension trickery from the 650 then ride will be amazing, and will handling, and neither will compromise the other. Ultra rare, admired (though I’d say a look of people won’t know whether it’s a Ferrari, Lambo or McL without checking the badge). But ... depreciation.
I think the choice is affected as much by what you want from the car as it is by how you plan to drive it.
ETA have a look on YouTube for any Chris Harris output driving either of these. I know he’s got a clip up of him doing the AM vs a 911 variant. And I’m certain he’s reviewed a few McLs and is a fan.
I reckon with a 675LT your deprecation would be no worse than the Aston. Depreciation on some of the other McLaren cars aren't great to say the least, but I reckon you're reasonably safe in a 675LT at the moment. They also sound grear, a lot better than most other McLaren's too, lots of pops and bangs (not artificially manufactured ones either) - although never really going to compete with the sound form a V12 Aston!
Great position to be in though and a few exciting test drives ahead!
Great position to be in though and a few exciting test drives ahead!
What a great problem to have 
I have a 570S Spider, V12V Manual and new V8 Vantage so whilst I can't comment on 675LT specifically, I hope I can offer some insight.
Mclarens are on a different scale to Astons as a drivers car. If you have the roads of Wales on your doorstep then you'd have enormous fun in a Mac. I bought my 570 whilst my V8 was on order and I expected to sell the 570 once the V8 arrived. However, the 570 is just so good that the only thing I'd sell it for is another Mclaren (600LT). I find the 570 faster, more engaging, more comfortable (suspension setting in normal is a more compliant ride than many regular cars but in sport or track you can really feel it firm up). The Astons sound better, especially the V12 and I do find that the V12V has got that special quality of just making you 'feel good' everytime you drive it.
I've not driven a 675LT but have driven a 600LT back to back against a 570S on track and I was surprised how much more feel the 600LT had - you can really notice the difference on track but less so on road.
In your position, I'd consider looking at a 540 or 570 as they can be had at unbelievable money now (some are less than 100k) and its a huge amount of car at current prices. They won't be quite the drivers car that an LT model is but I don't think you'd be disappointed in how they feel to drive. You could also add a V12V to this giving two cars for less than a 675LT. The V12V gives the old school feeling and the 570 gives modern supercar approach and having both is the best of both worlds IMO. Buying at current prices, I really cant see losing ridiculous amounts of money - for a long time the V12V were holding up around the 80k mark for a few years - we might not be at the bottom of the market but we can't be that far off.
I have a 570S Spider, V12V Manual and new V8 Vantage so whilst I can't comment on 675LT specifically, I hope I can offer some insight.
Mclarens are on a different scale to Astons as a drivers car. If you have the roads of Wales on your doorstep then you'd have enormous fun in a Mac. I bought my 570 whilst my V8 was on order and I expected to sell the 570 once the V8 arrived. However, the 570 is just so good that the only thing I'd sell it for is another Mclaren (600LT). I find the 570 faster, more engaging, more comfortable (suspension setting in normal is a more compliant ride than many regular cars but in sport or track you can really feel it firm up). The Astons sound better, especially the V12 and I do find that the V12V has got that special quality of just making you 'feel good' everytime you drive it.
I've not driven a 675LT but have driven a 600LT back to back against a 570S on track and I was surprised how much more feel the 600LT had - you can really notice the difference on track but less so on road.
In your position, I'd consider looking at a 540 or 570 as they can be had at unbelievable money now (some are less than 100k) and its a huge amount of car at current prices. They won't be quite the drivers car that an LT model is but I don't think you'd be disappointed in how they feel to drive. You could also add a V12V to this giving two cars for less than a 675LT. The V12V gives the old school feeling and the 570 gives modern supercar approach and having both is the best of both worlds IMO. Buying at current prices, I really cant see losing ridiculous amounts of money - for a long time the V12V were holding up around the 80k mark for a few years - we might not be at the bottom of the market but we can't be that far off.
I'm only partly qualified to respond as I have not driven a 675LT, but do have a '15 V12VS.
From all accounts, the LT is a fabulous car, with performance the Aston can only dream of, fine ride/usability and wow-factor styling.
Also, from many accounts (and from what my ears tell me from seeing the cars in person and on video), the LT sounds like a droning 4 cylinder, having none of the lovely, complex and rich V12 sound of the Aston (especially with a secondary decat).
The LT has a DCT, very modern and fast, but IME unengaging compared to the single clutch, automated manual on the Aston.
So it all comes down to what you want. If you want up-to-date tech and crushing performance, the LT is a no-brainer. If you plan on more than occasional track use, same deal.
If, on the other hand, you value a road car with a fantastic engine and engaging transmission, a car with adequate modern conveniences but plenty of old-school, analogue feel, I'd suggest the Aston.
From all accounts, the LT is a fabulous car, with performance the Aston can only dream of, fine ride/usability and wow-factor styling.
Also, from many accounts (and from what my ears tell me from seeing the cars in person and on video), the LT sounds like a droning 4 cylinder, having none of the lovely, complex and rich V12 sound of the Aston (especially with a secondary decat).
The LT has a DCT, very modern and fast, but IME unengaging compared to the single clutch, automated manual on the Aston.
So it all comes down to what you want. If you want up-to-date tech and crushing performance, the LT is a no-brainer. If you plan on more than occasional track use, same deal.
If, on the other hand, you value a road car with a fantastic engine and engaging transmission, a car with adequate modern conveniences but plenty of old-school, analogue feel, I'd suggest the Aston.
nickv8 said:
Noise is actually a really important part.
Then expect to part with your hard earned as soon as you fire up the Vanquish S 
Having Wales on the doorstep must be awesome. Done plenty of miles on those roads and size has never been an issue. Also no issues keeping up with those pesky V12V AMR boys. Hopefully Adam will pop along to confirm.
nickv8 said:
A miracle happened last night, and I intend to run with it...
I’ve been given verbal permission from SWMBO that I can spend my hard earned on new wheels.
Don’t get me wrong - I love my ‘16 V8VS SportShift, but I can step up to another level before cars of this ilk aren’t allowed to mingle with milk floats.
I fully intend to test drive a DBSS now they are sub-£180k, nearly-new Vantage and Vanquish S... as well as a very special V12VS. So far, so “normal”.
But it’s a strange world and I now see 675LT’s are comfortably under 200k from a McLaren MD.
I know they simply aren’t the same and there are warranty and value issues with McLaren (I’ll have lost a lot on the Vantage in 18 months, so it’s relative).
But I want to know something beyond the numbers. What was the feeling like to own and drive a 675LT (or remotely similar McLaren) and V12VS (simultaneously or at different times)? Which added the most smiles for the buck?
Completely subjective and possibly only answerable by those who were lucky enough to live with both.
Thanks!
You could probably buy a V12VS and a 570 for the price of a 675LT.I’ve been given verbal permission from SWMBO that I can spend my hard earned on new wheels.
Don’t get me wrong - I love my ‘16 V8VS SportShift, but I can step up to another level before cars of this ilk aren’t allowed to mingle with milk floats.
I fully intend to test drive a DBSS now they are sub-£180k, nearly-new Vantage and Vanquish S... as well as a very special V12VS. So far, so “normal”.
But it’s a strange world and I now see 675LT’s are comfortably under 200k from a McLaren MD.
I know they simply aren’t the same and there are warranty and value issues with McLaren (I’ll have lost a lot on the Vantage in 18 months, so it’s relative).
But I want to know something beyond the numbers. What was the feeling like to own and drive a 675LT (or remotely similar McLaren) and V12VS (simultaneously or at different times)? Which added the most smiles for the buck?
Completely subjective and possibly only answerable by those who were lucky enough to live with both.
Thanks!
Job jobbed!
Thanks all for the great feedback. Processing it!
Also, owning a relatively low volume variant does have its appeal...
soofsayer said:
You could probably buy a V12VS and a 570 for the price of a 675LT.
Job jobbed!
Indeed - this is definitely an option at that price. But I already feel guilty that I don’t use the one great car enough. A second would just compound that.Job jobbed!
Also, owning a relatively low volume variant does have its appeal...
cayman-black said:
Pop over to the Mclaren forum, someone on there has just purchased a 675lt at a good price as well.
Thanks - will do.Unfortunately it’s the noise on that forum about values, warranties, quality and parts availability that’s effecting the logical side of my thoughts. I have to admit, Aston ownership has been a truly life-affirming thing. I’m sure other marques are, but there’s an element of playing it safe. As with everyone here, it’s been a lot of work to allow me to consider this
AMVSVNick said:
Then expect to part with your hard earned as soon as you fire up the Vanquish S
Having Wales on the doorstep must be awesome. Done plenty of miles on those roads and size has never been an issue. Also no issues keeping up with those pesky V12V AMR boys. Hopefully Adam will pop along to confirm.
...Or V12VS with the full titanium AM exhaust and power upgrade Having Wales on the doorstep must be awesome. Done plenty of miles on those roads and size has never been an issue. Also no issues keeping up with those pesky V12V AMR boys. Hopefully Adam will pop along to confirm.
As for speed, we can all dream about keeping up with a local’s well-tooled small white van...
nickv8 said:
Thanks - will do.
Unfortunately it’s the noise on that forum about values, warranties, quality and parts availability that’s effecting the logical side of my thoughts. I have to admit, Aston ownership has been a truly life-affirming thing. I’m sure other marques are, but there’s an element of playing it safe. As with everyone here, it’s been a lot of work to allow me to consider this
My experience of McL (as a non-owner) and why I probably wont buy one any time soon is the build quality and warranty costs/issues. Anecdotally:Unfortunately it’s the noise on that forum about values, warranties, quality and parts availability that’s effecting the logical side of my thoughts. I have to admit, Aston ownership has been a truly life-affirming thing. I’m sure other marques are, but there’s an element of playing it safe. As with everyone here, it’s been a lot of work to allow me to consider this
A business colleague has a 570. It is currently having a lot of work done by the dealership on the frame and sub frame due to corrosion, thankfully under warranty. He was told they all suffer this.
I tested a 570s a few months ago. Kept hearing a clunk in the rear. The sales guy explained that it was probably a loose panel but they hadn't had the chance to rectify it because the ramps were fully booked up with customer cars. Worrying not just that they had a long wait to get any work done but that they were ok with a brand new demo car being used with a 'quality' issue.
A friend bought a new 720s last year. He doesnt seem bothered about the horrendous depreciation but is rather pissed off that his windscreen keeps cracking. McL fixed it under warranty and it cracked again a few weeks later. The last time we went into the dealer there sat a brand new 720s in the showroom with the same exact stress crack in the windscreen.
Same guy had a 650S previously. He traded it because of the intermittent electrical gremlins the dealership could not find to fix. And the £6k a year warranty extension.
A couple of independent specialist car dealers have told me they refuse McL stock unless it is SOR because of the myriad of issues they have seen on cars, and if the battery goes flat that's a big world of pain apparently.
Now I know these are not my own experiences of ownership and I hope that these are a few bad expamples, but it is enough to put me off putting a heap of cash into a potential nightmare. I know Astons are far from perfect but the old skool tech is fixable/workable on and they have been around long enough for a decent out of dealer network to exist.
If buying a £150-200k McL made no material difference to me then I would be in one like a shot, incredible cars (if not a little too good if that makes sense).
I've went from a Vantage (two in a row) to a Mac so can maybe offer some input.
You'll miss the sound. Depending on how important that is, it could be a deal breaker.
I loved my Vantage, loved the noise, the 'Aston factor', but the Mac is in a different league in all other areas.
It goes better, looks better, stops better and feels much more special out on the road. I own a lowly 540C and it looks a proper supercar, nevermind the 675. The Vantages still turn my head but as timeless as they look, they are starting to show their age IMO. You can't go anywhere in a Mac unnoticed.
No major issues with my 540 either other than paint corrosion which was sorted by McGlasgow.
Go and have a shot, you'll know if it's for you.
Depreciation on the 675 shouldn't be as bad as the likes of the 540/570 (unfortunately for me!)
You'll miss the sound. Depending on how important that is, it could be a deal breaker.
I loved my Vantage, loved the noise, the 'Aston factor', but the Mac is in a different league in all other areas.
It goes better, looks better, stops better and feels much more special out on the road. I own a lowly 540C and it looks a proper supercar, nevermind the 675. The Vantages still turn my head but as timeless as they look, they are starting to show their age IMO. You can't go anywhere in a Mac unnoticed.
No major issues with my 540 either other than paint corrosion which was sorted by McGlasgow.
Go and have a shot, you'll know if it's for you.
Depreciation on the 675 shouldn't be as bad as the likes of the 540/570 (unfortunately for me!)
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