Residuals, Man Maths and a 540C
Discussion
RBT0 said:
Simply amazing.
How a supercar should be used.
What to say....no words.
Agreed. Hopefully the first of many for me, I think it helps bond with the car if you've done some decent trips and had a few experiencesHow a supercar should be used.
What to say....no words.
RSbandit said:
Great trip report and what stunning scenery and photos. I'm based in London and it's a killer to think I would have to spend 9 odd hours on mostly boring motorway to get to Glencoe, need to do a trip up there sometime but getting the Vantage sent up on a transporter instead might make more sense. Cant believe people put their paws on the car that's unnecessary!
I'd say it's worth the trip although I'd avoid peak tourist times if you can. Similar story to me, my wife's sister lives in Folkestone so we have no excuse not to drive down stay the night the head through the tunnel. But the drive from Aberdeen to Folkestone puts me off massivelyPalmball said:
They really are superb pictures Justin. I did the N500 two years ago in my 911 GTS and it was the very best road trip I've done (and I've driven extensively in Europe and USA, nothing beats Scotland IMO).
Indeed, the road from Invergarry to Sky (A87?) is one of the finest drives I will remember. Superb road, no traffic, no law, well surfaced and great scenery. Oh, and the day before through the Trossachs National Park on the way to Fort William (which I think you have also photographed somewhere) ranks right up there.
This year I did the borders region, so Day 1 was effectively Newcastle to Carlisle (the long way round, obviously!), then on Day 2 it was Carlisle over to the coast at Portpatrick and up to Stanraer. They were good days, but day three leaving Stranraer and driving through the Galloway Forest Park, Wanlockhead, Crawfordjohn and then onto Moffat (a good 250 mile route) was probably as good as anything I'd driven on the NC500, minus the spectacular views.
I'm heading up to Yorkshire and Pennines for the day tomorrow then, in three weeks time, a European trip covering my annual pilgrimage to the Nurgburging for a few days, then onto Switzerland where I'll do a couple of passes. My wife and children are flying over and we're doing a train journey across the Bernese Oberland....whilst my McLaren is transported from our starting point in Lucerne to end point in Gstaad.
You could say I'm getting reasonable use out of the McLaren however I've only got it until September as I've got a Porsche 992 on the way (and I'm not rich enough to have both!). The 570S is easily the best car I've had and ironically so far, it's one of the most reliable - I've had literally zero issues. But sadly, outside of these few trips, it just doesn't get used properly (a 10 mile daily commute really doesn't cut it). I've got two one-year olds so frankly, I'm at a stage of my life where I need a car that I can enjoy with them meaning two-seaters are ruled out for a while.
My 570S is Vega Blue which is a regular colour rather than a special MSO option. I really like the colour, when I bought the car it stood out for me against all the grey's, whites and oranges, as does your red to be fair (the red really suits this car).
I do have a few more photo's of my recent trip but they are nothing like your spectacular pictures! I need to get some photo's taken by the others in my group which were taken with a bit more creativity than mine (I'm no photographer!) and I'll pop them up here.
Yeah that's right, then the A830 is worth a drive in itself. In fact the A82 into Glencoe is probably my favourite bit of road. Indeed, the road from Invergarry to Sky (A87?) is one of the finest drives I will remember. Superb road, no traffic, no law, well surfaced and great scenery. Oh, and the day before through the Trossachs National Park on the way to Fort William (which I think you have also photographed somewhere) ranks right up there.
This year I did the borders region, so Day 1 was effectively Newcastle to Carlisle (the long way round, obviously!), then on Day 2 it was Carlisle over to the coast at Portpatrick and up to Stanraer. They were good days, but day three leaving Stranraer and driving through the Galloway Forest Park, Wanlockhead, Crawfordjohn and then onto Moffat (a good 250 mile route) was probably as good as anything I'd driven on the NC500, minus the spectacular views.
I'm heading up to Yorkshire and Pennines for the day tomorrow then, in three weeks time, a European trip covering my annual pilgrimage to the Nurgburging for a few days, then onto Switzerland where I'll do a couple of passes. My wife and children are flying over and we're doing a train journey across the Bernese Oberland....whilst my McLaren is transported from our starting point in Lucerne to end point in Gstaad.
You could say I'm getting reasonable use out of the McLaren however I've only got it until September as I've got a Porsche 992 on the way (and I'm not rich enough to have both!). The 570S is easily the best car I've had and ironically so far, it's one of the most reliable - I've had literally zero issues. But sadly, outside of these few trips, it just doesn't get used properly (a 10 mile daily commute really doesn't cut it). I've got two one-year olds so frankly, I'm at a stage of my life where I need a car that I can enjoy with them meaning two-seaters are ruled out for a while.
My 570S is Vega Blue which is a regular colour rather than a special MSO option. I really like the colour, when I bought the car it stood out for me against all the grey's, whites and oranges, as does your red to be fair (the red really suits this car).
I do have a few more photo's of my recent trip but they are nothing like your spectacular pictures! I need to get some photo's taken by the others in my group which were taken with a bit more creativity than mine (I'm no photographer!) and I'll pop them up here.
Never thought about the borders, worth a visit? I'm tempted by Wales next but again, it's a long slog just to get there.
That's a real shame you're selling up, without asking specific numbers are you being hammered on trade in? The main reason for this road trip was I've got my first baby due to arrive in 4 weeks so knew I wouldn't get a chance after that. I do wonder how much I'll use it but suspect the value has taken such a hit I can't justify selling anyways
RBT0 said:
So tell me about the oil check.
Why even weekly? Does it drink oil?
For the record. No car, should need a weekly oil check ! Why even weekly? Does it drink oil?
10,000 well driven miles in the first year and it hardly needed a top up (obviously it was a oil and filter change at the first service)
If you're topping up any car weekly, then you have a serious engine issue.
woof said:
For the record. No car, should need a weekly oil check !
10,000 well driven miles in the first year and it hardly needed a top up (obviously it was a oil and filter change at the first service)
If you're topping up any car weekly, then you have a serious engine issue.
I didn’t say to top up weekly, just to check it.10,000 well driven miles in the first year and it hardly needed a top up (obviously it was a oil and filter change at the first service)
If you're topping up any car weekly, then you have a serious engine issue.
It is simply good advice and takes all of 2 minutes to do, whilst sat on your arse. The McLaren does not have any automatic low oil warning or automatic oil level monitoring system to rely on in the event of oil leaks and/or engine burning through oil.
I have gone through 1.5 litres since May 2019, which is rather concerning. The advice from Thorney Motorsport to check weekly was advice well heeded (take it, or leave it). The 720S is going into McBristol on Monday.
mickpsu said:
The McLaren does not have any automatic low oil warning or automatic oil level monitoring system to rely on in the event of oil leaks and/or engine burning through oil.
Surely that's not true?I could buy a car as old as me and it would have a low oil warning light. Surely a McLaren does too?
mickpsu said:
BTW, love this thread. Thanks for taking the time.
Good to know thanks. I enjoy keeping it updated but nice to know others are finding it useful. I'll try and gather my thoughts on the car soon.
Next update will be it going in for its service and corrosion panel replacements
johnnyreggae said:
To quote the owners manuals: No automatic level checks or warnings are provided
Surprised me too
Blimey,Surprised me too
My heart still really wants one of these cars - even if for now, my head is winning the argument against it. But I read stuff like this and just think : FFS! How does that make any sense at all????????
johnnyreggae said:
To quote the owners manuals: No automatic level checks or warnings are provided
Surprised me too
Dry sump means you need to replicate specific conditions to get an accurate measurement. McLaren have built this procedure into the cars - requires oil to be above specific temp and engine at 2k reves - and it is far more exact than ,e.g., the Aston V8 Vantage one about running a car a bit and then check - should be about right....Surprised me too
The "oil warning light" business surely would end up with false negatives depending on the running condition.
This is McLaren, not just for the heart - but precision that also appeals to my engineering head.
Edited by 12pack on Tuesday 2nd July 09:24
davek_964 said:
Blimey,
My heart still really wants one of these cars - even if for now, my head is winning the argument against it. But I read stuff like this and just think : FFS! How does that make any sense at all????????
I have no regrets. The 720S is spectacular. There is an excellent McLaren Owners Club UK to join where pretty much every question will be answered. My heart still really wants one of these cars - even if for now, my head is winning the argument against it. But I read stuff like this and just think : FFS! How does that make any sense at all????????
justin220 said:
Yeah that's right, then the A830 is worth a drive in itself. In fact the A82 into Glencoe is probably my favourite bit of road.
Never thought about the borders, worth a visit? I'm tempted by Wales next but again, it's a long slog just to get there.
That's a real shame you're selling up, without asking specific numbers are you being hammered on trade in? The main reason for this road trip was I've got my first baby due to arrive in 4 weeks so knew I wouldn't get a chance after that. I do wonder how much I'll use it but suspect the value has taken such a hit I can't justify selling anyways
No more shame....I've cancelled my 992 order. Frankly, I was disappointed when I drove it; I really enjoyed the couple of 991 GTS's I owned but this 992, by comparison, has moved slightly away from feeling like a true sports car and is almost edging towards feeling more like a Panamera coupe. Never thought about the borders, worth a visit? I'm tempted by Wales next but again, it's a long slog just to get there.
That's a real shame you're selling up, without asking specific numbers are you being hammered on trade in? The main reason for this road trip was I've got my first baby due to arrive in 4 weeks so knew I wouldn't get a chance after that. I do wonder how much I'll use it but suspect the value has taken such a hit I can't justify selling anyways
Regardless, it was too much of a backwards step compared to the 570S and was actually going to cost a bit more so I never really reconciled it in my head. My McLaren has been pretty much flawless and it's not everyday one gets to own a McLaren so I'm going to keep it. Even if I can only use it properly a few times a year!
Back to the drive, Wales is not a patch on Scotland IMO so I wouldn't say it was worth the trip down for you!
So I thought I'd write up the thoughts on the car after a really good trip, first of many I hope. We covered about 650 miles but it was over 3 days, and some brilliant roads mixed with some really winding blind roads.
I tend to drive in Normal/Sport for the handling, and usually track for the Powertrain, love the throttle response and gear changes. Or if I'm just doddling along I'll leave it in Normal/Normal.
I think the best part about the car is how well rounded it is. It was an absolute pleasure driving 6-8 hours each day in it. Plenty space for two, and including luggage. Front boot quite easily takes an airport suitcase, along with a few soft bits like shopping/jacket etc. Then the remaining luggage can go on the rear shelf. I had mine there, which was a carry bag, and the drone and camera.
I'm sure the other Mac's are the same but it seems just as happy cruising at 50, as it is when you are out for a spirited drive. It's a brilliant all rounder.
The attention it gets doesn't seem to slow down. I had someone chatting everyone we stopped. Asking questions, asking to swap cars, and taking pictures. Red is a cracking colour but it must be even worse in orange/green etc!
Couple of negatives...
The car is very low. I've not struggled at all up until this trip, but the Applecross pass was particularly up and down and bottomed out a couple of times. Nothing major but even 1cm or 2 higher I think would prevent it.
The DAB is awful. It's either needing a rescan every time I get on, or it doesn't find the tuner at all. I tend to use the Bluetooth connection mostly, but it's still a frustration. I'll hopefully get a fix when it's in for its second service this week. It's also getting the corrosion sorted so looking forward to getting it back.
It's also came up with a horn fault now and again, not sure if this is actually an issue but seems to clear if the car is stopped and started. Anyone had this?
I tend to drive in Normal/Sport for the handling, and usually track for the Powertrain, love the throttle response and gear changes. Or if I'm just doddling along I'll leave it in Normal/Normal.
I think the best part about the car is how well rounded it is. It was an absolute pleasure driving 6-8 hours each day in it. Plenty space for two, and including luggage. Front boot quite easily takes an airport suitcase, along with a few soft bits like shopping/jacket etc. Then the remaining luggage can go on the rear shelf. I had mine there, which was a carry bag, and the drone and camera.
I'm sure the other Mac's are the same but it seems just as happy cruising at 50, as it is when you are out for a spirited drive. It's a brilliant all rounder.
The attention it gets doesn't seem to slow down. I had someone chatting everyone we stopped. Asking questions, asking to swap cars, and taking pictures. Red is a cracking colour but it must be even worse in orange/green etc!
Couple of negatives...
The car is very low. I've not struggled at all up until this trip, but the Applecross pass was particularly up and down and bottomed out a couple of times. Nothing major but even 1cm or 2 higher I think would prevent it.
The DAB is awful. It's either needing a rescan every time I get on, or it doesn't find the tuner at all. I tend to use the Bluetooth connection mostly, but it's still a frustration. I'll hopefully get a fix when it's in for its second service this week. It's also getting the corrosion sorted so looking forward to getting it back.
It's also came up with a horn fault now and again, not sure if this is actually an issue but seems to clear if the car is stopped and started. Anyone had this?
Horn system fault here as well my friend! 
Never appeared after first time, horn still working, only when engine is running, as all sportseries so all fine (checked with the dealer...he was surprised as well).
On the opposite, with the lift system on my 600 I had no issues so far even on ramps on town centre where I was going to be prepared for the worst (it was indeed an unexpected route as the one planned had a street closed, sh*t!!)
Never appeared after first time, horn still working, only when engine is running, as all sportseries so all fine (checked with the dealer...he was surprised as well).
On the opposite, with the lift system on my 600 I had no issues so far even on ramps on town centre where I was going to be prepared for the worst (it was indeed an unexpected route as the one planned had a street closed, sh*t!!)
Edited by RBT0 on Sunday 14th July 13:53
Morning all, just another quick update.
The car has now ticked over 8k miles and I've dropped it off at the Glasgow dealer for it's second service and some paint corrosion rectification! Unfortunately I've not managed to avoid the dreaded wings corroding, but McLaren have been great, booked it in a couple of weeks ago and will hopefully get the car dropped off at my door next week all going well.
I thought I would be honest and keep this post up to date for anyone who is seriously thinking about buying one, but can't yet access the Owners Club
The car service for year two, is around £1300. The first year was £410 so over the space of two years I don't think thats too bad. I am also in need of two rear tyres now after 8k (seem reasonable? Or not driving hard enough?). McLaren have quoted nearly £900 but I'll get these done cheaper closer to home. I've read a few people raving about Pilot Sports? But I think I'll stick with OEM... ?
I had a run over the Cairn O'Mount road, which is probably one of my favourites. I basically had the road to myself so never stopped for a picture, but here are a couple from last time
8-DSC01988 by justinking1986, on Flickr
47-DSC02497 by justinking1986, on Flickr
Quick petrol/coffee stop, and spotted this beauty. Never seen one in yellow before.
20190719_085326 by justinking1986, on Flickr
Onto Glasgow and dropped the car off, thankfully we did a quick inspection when I arrived as Scott noticed a couple of other areas of corrosion that I hadn't spotted .
20190719_093047 by justinking1986, on Flickr
Looks like this for any other owners worried -
20190526_120758 by justinking1986, on Flickr
I have been given a loan car for the duration, a 520d which is appreciated as it's keeping me mobile.
However if I were McLaren I would have been lending me an 'upgrade' in an attempt to sell something from their huge stock. A 720S or 570 Spider for a week might just have been enough to convince me. Surely its easier selling to a repeat customer than it is a new one. And I guess, it also keeps the customer a bit happier. Here's me peak of summer driving around in a 5 series, but paying for a McLaren.
20190719_093040 by justinking1986, on Flickr
20190719_093900 by justinking1986, on Flickr
20190719_093911 by justinking1986, on Flickr
The car has now ticked over 8k miles and I've dropped it off at the Glasgow dealer for it's second service and some paint corrosion rectification! Unfortunately I've not managed to avoid the dreaded wings corroding, but McLaren have been great, booked it in a couple of weeks ago and will hopefully get the car dropped off at my door next week all going well.
I thought I would be honest and keep this post up to date for anyone who is seriously thinking about buying one, but can't yet access the Owners Club
The car service for year two, is around £1300. The first year was £410 so over the space of two years I don't think thats too bad. I am also in need of two rear tyres now after 8k (seem reasonable? Or not driving hard enough?). McLaren have quoted nearly £900 but I'll get these done cheaper closer to home. I've read a few people raving about Pilot Sports? But I think I'll stick with OEM... ?
I had a run over the Cairn O'Mount road, which is probably one of my favourites. I basically had the road to myself so never stopped for a picture, but here are a couple from last time
8-DSC01988 by justinking1986, on Flickr47-DSC02497 by justinking1986, on FlickrQuick petrol/coffee stop, and spotted this beauty. Never seen one in yellow before.
20190719_085326 by justinking1986, on FlickrOnto Glasgow and dropped the car off, thankfully we did a quick inspection when I arrived as Scott noticed a couple of other areas of corrosion that I hadn't spotted .
20190719_093047 by justinking1986, on FlickrLooks like this for any other owners worried -
20190526_120758 by justinking1986, on FlickrI have been given a loan car for the duration, a 520d which is appreciated as it's keeping me mobile.
However if I were McLaren I would have been lending me an 'upgrade' in an attempt to sell something from their huge stock. A 720S or 570 Spider for a week might just have been enough to convince me. Surely its easier selling to a repeat customer than it is a new one. And I guess, it also keeps the customer a bit happier. Here's me peak of summer driving around in a 5 series, but paying for a McLaren.
20190719_093040 by justinking1986, on Flickr20190719_093900 by justinking1986, on Flickr20190719_093911 by justinking1986, on FlickrJust a couple of other notes.. We've got my wife's Discovery Sport in at Land Rover just now for an engine fault, dropped off yesterday but they have decided to keep it. Sent away with a higher spec new Disco Sport. Whether thats a sales ploy or not I'm not sure, but at least we're given a like-for-like.
Warranty costs seems to come up a lot for the McLarens aswell, but we've just been quoted £1100 for a year for the Disco Sport. That makes the £3500 (?) for the 540C seem pretty reasonable?
Warranty costs seems to come up a lot for the McLarens aswell, but we've just been quoted £1100 for a year for the Disco Sport. That makes the £3500 (?) for the 540C seem pretty reasonable?
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