Residuals, Man Maths and a 540C
Discussion
Long post warning!
So, a bit of car history.. I've always been into cars, and always liked something a bit left field. In fact, I've probably bought a few cars knowing that they are the underdog compared to their rivals (RCZ, VX220, TVR, Lotus etc) I like quirks and character.
I bought an Evora when they first came out, ordered new and thoroughly loved it. Only new car I've bought. Owned for 3 years and was ready to upgrade to the 'S' when I got a bit of a brush off from the dealer. I then literally went next door to Aston Martin and surprisingly was welcomed with open arms. I've been in a V8 Vantage for the last 4-5 years or so, a coupe and then a roadster. Both great cars but never really got under my skin like the Evora did. I'm not sure why. Beautiful, sound great, fantastic to own, great dealerships etc. I've even flirted with the idea of going back to an Evora a few times.
Lotus Evora by justinking1986, on Flickr
Ownership write up here - https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
|https://thumbsnap.com/c99DBcsL[/url]
Anyways, since the 12C came out I've always wanted one, but always been way out of my range. Ferrari may be the default choice, but I just love McLaren.
Everyone on PH loves to talk residuals and depreciation right? I've been thinking it was time to change the Vantage for a while and thankfully due to the very steady residuals of the used cars over the last few years I had built up sufficient equity to start looking into something more serious. I went to visit the Glasgow McLaren dealership, to look at a used 12C. I knew as soon as I rolled into the car park I wanted one, affording it was a different matter. I must be honest, the 12C is a great looking car but does look dated next to the new sport series cars.
I had a good look around various cars, 540/570/720 but most were just fantasy, such as this glorious spider in the showroom!
So, out for a quick test drive in a 540C, we didn't go far as the weather was pretty awful. I'm not really sure any extra miles would have told me anything different. Thoughts after the test drive -
The 540C size is very deceptive. It's very low and wide but surprisingly small. I think it may be shorter than the Vantage?
It looks outstanding from the front and sides.
Good storage space.
Seating position is just about perfect.
Steering a lot lighter than I thought. A lot!
Loud on start up! Not as nice a sound as the Aston (my V8 is decatted)
Feels spacious inside. Alcantara adds to the theatre. Feels special just sitting in the car park.
Lots of torque low down.
Feels like a very fast, very well built Lotus.
Ride quality is very good.
Love the infotainment.
Love the paddles and stalks.
Not convinced on the digital Speedo. Prefer the brushed aluminium ones in the Vantage.
Doors are awesome. Love the theatre!
Brake pedal (non ceramics) need a good shove to bite initially.
Very easy to place on the road.
Very wet so didn't push it at all, in fact not sure I breached 3k revs. I didn't want to be one of those famous 'test drives gone wrong' stories.
Exhaust is loud, but not particularly toneful. Maybe gets better as the revs rise?
Very easy to drive at docile speeds. Alarmingly good.
So being as impulsive as I am, and some extraordinary man maths later I put a deposit against this red 540C -
|https://thumbsnap.com/Kv6r3i78[/url]
And being as keen as I am, I wanted to get the deal done as quick as possible. I did fancy the 570S, but the newer, lower mileage and more specifically longer warranty was a big draw for me. So, 9pm in a Tesco car park for handover two days later
The drive home was constant rain, but superb at the same time! The car is far too easy to drive quickly, the gearbox, all the low down shove, and the steering feedback just gives you so much confidence.
To end, I'd like to say a massive thanks to the team at McLaren Glasgow (David, Lee and particularly Steven for his efforts delivering the car), all who made this possible. Brilliant service and a pleasure to deal with. I can't wait for some dry days to get a road trip or two planned.
I'll probably keep this thread updated over the next few months in case anyone else is in the same position.
So, a bit of car history.. I've always been into cars, and always liked something a bit left field. In fact, I've probably bought a few cars knowing that they are the underdog compared to their rivals (RCZ, VX220, TVR, Lotus etc) I like quirks and character.
I bought an Evora when they first came out, ordered new and thoroughly loved it. Only new car I've bought. Owned for 3 years and was ready to upgrade to the 'S' when I got a bit of a brush off from the dealer. I then literally went next door to Aston Martin and surprisingly was welcomed with open arms. I've been in a V8 Vantage for the last 4-5 years or so, a coupe and then a roadster. Both great cars but never really got under my skin like the Evora did. I'm not sure why. Beautiful, sound great, fantastic to own, great dealerships etc. I've even flirted with the idea of going back to an Evora a few times.
Lotus Evora by justinking1986, on FlickrOwnership write up here - https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
|https://thumbsnap.com/c99DBcsL[/url]Anyways, since the 12C came out I've always wanted one, but always been way out of my range. Ferrari may be the default choice, but I just love McLaren.
Everyone on PH loves to talk residuals and depreciation right? I've been thinking it was time to change the Vantage for a while and thankfully due to the very steady residuals of the used cars over the last few years I had built up sufficient equity to start looking into something more serious. I went to visit the Glasgow McLaren dealership, to look at a used 12C. I knew as soon as I rolled into the car park I wanted one, affording it was a different matter. I must be honest, the 12C is a great looking car but does look dated next to the new sport series cars.
I had a good look around various cars, 540/570/720 but most were just fantasy, such as this glorious spider in the showroom!
So, out for a quick test drive in a 540C, we didn't go far as the weather was pretty awful. I'm not really sure any extra miles would have told me anything different. Thoughts after the test drive -
The 540C size is very deceptive. It's very low and wide but surprisingly small. I think it may be shorter than the Vantage?
It looks outstanding from the front and sides.
Good storage space.
Seating position is just about perfect.
Steering a lot lighter than I thought. A lot!
Loud on start up! Not as nice a sound as the Aston (my V8 is decatted)
Feels spacious inside. Alcantara adds to the theatre. Feels special just sitting in the car park.
Lots of torque low down.
Feels like a very fast, very well built Lotus.
Ride quality is very good.
Love the infotainment.
Love the paddles and stalks.
Not convinced on the digital Speedo. Prefer the brushed aluminium ones in the Vantage.
Doors are awesome. Love the theatre!
Brake pedal (non ceramics) need a good shove to bite initially.
Very easy to place on the road.
Very wet so didn't push it at all, in fact not sure I breached 3k revs. I didn't want to be one of those famous 'test drives gone wrong' stories.
Exhaust is loud, but not particularly toneful. Maybe gets better as the revs rise?
Very easy to drive at docile speeds. Alarmingly good.
So being as impulsive as I am, and some extraordinary man maths later I put a deposit against this red 540C -
|https://thumbsnap.com/Kv6r3i78[/url]And being as keen as I am, I wanted to get the deal done as quick as possible. I did fancy the 570S, but the newer, lower mileage and more specifically longer warranty was a big draw for me. So, 9pm in a Tesco car park for handover two days later
The drive home was constant rain, but superb at the same time! The car is far too easy to drive quickly, the gearbox, all the low down shove, and the steering feedback just gives you so much confidence.
To end, I'd like to say a massive thanks to the team at McLaren Glasgow (David, Lee and particularly Steven for his efforts delivering the car), all who made this possible. Brilliant service and a pleasure to deal with. I can't wait for some dry days to get a road trip or two planned.
I'll probably keep this thread updated over the next few months in case anyone else is in the same position.
Congrats and welcome to the club. Car loooks awesome. Wait until you put it in track mode and get on a dry road...
You should also join the McLaren owners club, link here: https://www.mclarenowners.org.uk/
Agree with Lambo had my front splitter painted and looks much better IMO. Here’s a pic
You should also join the McLaren owners club, link here: https://www.mclarenowners.org.uk/
Agree with Lambo had my front splitter painted and looks much better IMO. Here’s a pic
MDL111 said:
That looks great in red - congratulations
They are growing on me
The colour is quite difficult to catch on camera, the first pic it looks flat red, and the second looks a bit more orangey. It's got a really nice flake through it when the light hits it. They are growing on me
I'll give it a clean and get some better pictures
Nice car ...like you I test drove the 12C and the 540C from McL Glasgow a few weeks ago .
Interesting you findings on the 540 a bit like my own observations on the test run .I did prefer the 12c in some respect but feels old compared to the 540 but in the end decided to hold on to my current 981Spyder .Love the Red and the interior is special instead of being all black ,enjoy your new car .Maybe one day I may join the MCL club but the £5K warranty is always at the back of my mind .
Interesting you findings on the 540 a bit like my own observations on the test run .I did prefer the 12c in some respect but feels old compared to the 540 but in the end decided to hold on to my current 981Spyder .Love the Red and the interior is special instead of being all black ,enjoy your new car .Maybe one day I may join the MCL club but the £5K warranty is always at the back of my mind .
That's a lovely looking car OP, really nice and enjoy in very good health 
I've just got back from a great trip over to Belfast and then down to Waterford with the TVRCC with my 570s and it was a perfect tool for the job, covering ground effortlessly over the worse of the Irish roads and surprisingly frugal too which means you don't have to plan the trip around fuel stops. Mine also replaced an Aston Martin V8 Vantage and I've certainly no regrets.
I've just got back from a great trip over to Belfast and then down to Waterford with the TVRCC with my 570s and it was a perfect tool for the job, covering ground effortlessly over the worse of the Irish roads and surprisingly frugal too which means you don't have to plan the trip around fuel stops. Mine also replaced an Aston Martin V8 Vantage and I've certainly no regrets.
woodysnr said:
...........Maybe one day I may join the MCL club but the £5K warranty is always at the back of my mind .
Just buy a new one then, first 3 years warranty is covered!woodysnr said:
Nice car ...like you I test drove the 12C and the 540C from McL Glasgow a few weeks ago .
Interesting you findings on the 540 a bit like my own observations on the test run .I did prefer the 12c in some respect but feels old compared to the 540 but in the end decided to hold on to my current 981Spyder .Love the Red and the interior is special instead of being all black ,enjoy your new car .Maybe one day I may join the MCL club but the £5K warranty is always at the back of my mind .
Thanks, and agreed on the interior. I wasn't sure at first but it's a nice change from all blackInteresting you findings on the 540 a bit like my own observations on the test run .I did prefer the 12c in some respect but feels old compared to the 540 but in the end decided to hold on to my current 981Spyder .Love the Red and the interior is special instead of being all black ,enjoy your new car .Maybe one day I may join the MCL club but the £5K warranty is always at the back of my mind .
justin220 said:
The Surveyor said:
Just buy a new one then, first 3 years warranty is covered!
Interesting to see McLaren taking a few ex Aston owners, as the cars are actually very different.
justin220 said:
Interesting to see McLaren taking a few ex Aston owners, as the cars are actually very different.
i have been lurking this McLaren forum for a couple of months, and am surprised at how many Aston/ex Aston owners there are buying into the McLaren brand. i have a DB9 which i hope is a keeper for me but am keeping a keen eye for a 720s. have to agree that they are very different cars.
Justin220 ...a really lovely purchase....well done
This is a terrible generalisation but is at least in part based on my own views on AM vs. McLaren.
People make statements about themselves based on cars they drive. AM is cool, understated and British.
If you are in one and identify with these values but want a bit more performance, you're not going to consider Lamborghini or Ferrari.
So although very different cars, I don't think their brand values are a million miles apart...and at this level you don't have dozens of manufacturers to choose from.
My two pence!
People make statements about themselves based on cars they drive. AM is cool, understated and British.
If you are in one and identify with these values but want a bit more performance, you're not going to consider Lamborghini or Ferrari.
So although very different cars, I don't think their brand values are a million miles apart...and at this level you don't have dozens of manufacturers to choose from.
My two pence!
justin220 said:
Thanks, and agreed on the interior. I wasn't sure at first but it's a nice change from all black
Bi Colour interior is spot on and really lifts the cabin. I presume the paintwork is Vermillion Red from your description of flake and I agree its stunning and far more suited to a McLaren than a solid redYeah, vermilion red, I actually didnt realise how metallic it was until I picked it up, due to the horrendous weather when I drove it
Mr Cod said:
This is a terrible generalisation but is at least in part based on my own views on AM vs. McLaren.
People make statements about themselves based on cars they drive. AM is cool, understated and British.
If you are in one and identify with these values but want a bit more performance, you're not going to consider Lamborghini or Ferrari.
So although very different cars, I don't think their brand values are a million miles apart...and at this level you don't have dozens of manufacturers to choose from.
My two pence!
Interesting point, never thought about it that way.People make statements about themselves based on cars they drive. AM is cool, understated and British.
If you are in one and identify with these values but want a bit more performance, you're not going to consider Lamborghini or Ferrari.
So although very different cars, I don't think their brand values are a million miles apart...and at this level you don't have dozens of manufacturers to choose from.
My two pence!
Gassing Station | McLaren | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff