Residuals, Man Maths and a 540C
Discussion
justin220 said:
Penrhyn said:
It’s a supercar , they are not cheap to buy because it’s a supercar. So parts are going to be expensive, BUT dealers of all makes charge silly money for tyres etc.
The problem for Justin220 is that in Scotland there is only MC Scotland.
Tbh when the car is due its next service l would book it into Thorney and enjoy the drive there and back.
Thorney tbf are really decent people who are not in the business of ripping you off so that’s my recommendation.
Love you car btw enjoy.
I think my issue is not so much with the cost, its more the fact the car has corroded underneath in the first place. It just shouldn't be happening on a well maintained, garaged, 5 year old car. The problem for Justin220 is that in Scotland there is only MC Scotland.
Tbh when the car is due its next service l would book it into Thorney and enjoy the drive there and back.
Thorney tbf are really decent people who are not in the business of ripping you off so that’s my recommendation.
Love you car btw enjoy.
Can you imagine a 5 year old VW Golf needing suspension, air con and coolant pipework replacing after only 15k miles?
I had similar on a 987 Boxster Spyder, a £3k bill for replacing corroded coolant cross pipes.
But I’ve never been that impressed by Porsche quality
Seriously looking at a Mac as have ended up with 2 x 5 door GT's. This thread is fab but doesn't help at all with tales of huge bills for stuff that shouldn't be even 30% through its lifespan. So, the ownership proposition seems quite fraught and with the still ongoing panel corossion issues. In comparison have spent only £1000 on part replacements on Astons in over 7 years + £750 annual service + a few quid on OEM source brake pads. So an absolute walk in the park ownership experience with a bulging self insurance pot remaining 
So is the consensus that you just must run a c £4k annual warranty always, or best forget a Mac? Many friends with them have said so...
So is the consensus that you just must run a c £4k annual warranty always, or best forget a Mac? Many friends with them have said so...
If you are looking at a Sports series car the extended warranty prices from McLaren are -
£2,985 for cars up to 5 years old
£3,570 for cars 5-10 years old
Many owners run without a warranty but it’s down to the individual.
I’d say use the car, don’t leave it in the garage and you’ll have less problems. Don’t let the battery go flat.
My last service was £1k. Corrosion is something to be aware of. Part prices can be excessive in the dealer network. Just go into it with your eyes open and join the owners club when you get one.
£2,985 for cars up to 5 years old
£3,570 for cars 5-10 years old
Many owners run without a warranty but it’s down to the individual.
I’d say use the car, don’t leave it in the garage and you’ll have less problems. Don’t let the battery go flat.
My last service was £1k. Corrosion is something to be aware of. Part prices can be excessive in the dealer network. Just go into it with your eyes open and join the owners club when you get one.
Ken Figenus said:
Seriously looking at a Mac as have ended up with 2 x 5 door GT's. This thread is fab but doesn't help at all with tales of huge bills for stuff that shouldn't be even 30% through its lifespan. So, the ownership proposition seems quite fraught and with the still ongoing panel corossion issues. In comparison have spent only £1000 on part replacements on Astons in over 7 years + £750 annual service + a few quid on OEM source brake pads. So an absolute walk in the park ownership experience with a bulging self insurance pot remaining
So is the consensus that you just must run a c £4k annual warranty always, or best forget a Mac? Many friends with them have said so...
As an admirer and intended owner one day, I read a lot about this and for me there have been quality issues on some cars but most are excellent, the internet and forums such as this have over-inflated any negatives with ownership, driving experience is second to none, when issues occur they can be expensive to fix but an official/Thorney warranty will cover that.So is the consensus that you just must run a c £4k annual warranty always, or best forget a Mac? Many friends with them have said so...
If you are that bothered about the above, buy a Thorney approved car which guarantees the purchase of a car in excellent condition - a warranty is optional.
On reflection, although the bill was a big one and unexpected.. I've been fairly lucky with mine over the 4 or so years. No real issues, and all the minor bits were easily fixed at service time. Absolutely superb car to drive and I still think they are (relatively) very good value for money. Genuine supercar looks, and performance and it's been a joy to own.
Warranty wise, it's nice peace of mind but it's also expensive if you don't use it..
Warranty wise, it's nice peace of mind but it's also expensive if you don't use it..
simon_j said:
If you are looking at a Sports series car the extended warranty prices from McLaren are -
£2,985 for cars up to 5 years old
£3,570 for cars 5-10 years old
Many owners run without a warranty but it’s down to the individual.
I’d say use the car, don’t leave it in the garage and you’ll have less problems. Don’t let the battery go flat.
My last service was £1k. Corrosion is something to be aware of. Part prices can be excessive in the dealer network. Just go into it with your eyes open and join the owners club when you get one.
given many sports series are approaching the ~5y mark, how does the warranty work - is it if its literally less then 5y, you could take out the 1y at the £3k amount?£2,985 for cars up to 5 years old
£3,570 for cars 5-10 years old
Many owners run without a warranty but it’s down to the individual.
I’d say use the car, don’t leave it in the garage and you’ll have less problems. Don’t let the battery go flat.
My last service was £1k. Corrosion is something to be aware of. Part prices can be excessive in the dealer network. Just go into it with your eyes open and join the owners club when you get one.
also I assume if you are buying from a reputable dealer try to get them to cover this cost
dng992 said:
simon_j said:
If you are looking at a Sports series car the extended warranty prices from McLaren are -
£2,985 for cars up to 5 years old
£3,570 for cars 5-10 years old
Many owners run without a warranty but it’s down to the individual.
I’d say use the car, don’t leave it in the garage and you’ll have less problems. Don’t let the battery go flat.
My last service was £1k. Corrosion is something to be aware of. Part prices can be excessive in the dealer network. Just go into it with your eyes open and join the owners club when you get one.
given many sports series are approaching the ~5y mark, how does the warranty work - is it if its literally less then 5y, you could take out the 1y at the £3k amount?£2,985 for cars up to 5 years old
£3,570 for cars 5-10 years old
Many owners run without a warranty but it’s down to the individual.
I’d say use the car, don’t leave it in the garage and you’ll have less problems. Don’t let the battery go flat.
My last service was £1k. Corrosion is something to be aware of. Part prices can be excessive in the dealer network. Just go into it with your eyes open and join the owners club when you get one.
also I assume if you are buying from a reputable dealer try to get them to cover this cost
Next year the warranty price increases by £500,
Thanks guys - very useful input. Had been looking at 458's but they are big money for old cars - and the same issue remains. A Macca less than half an affordable 458's age that gets used often may well be a better proposition than a hyper mileage sensitive Italiana! Im a bit O/T so will stop
Evening all, time for another quick update as I've not long got my car back from McGlasgow (again). Unfortunately another fairly disappointing update to follow my last one.
As per previous post, my 08/17 540C was in at McGlasgow at the end of July for 5th year service, and a good check over given the 5 paintwork warranty would expire after August.
When it was in for the service, three panels were noted to have the initial stages of corrosion, both front wings and driver door. All approved to be replaced under warranty. Parts not available for a few weeks so I took the car home and dropped it off again once parts arrived.
Door and wings were then changed out and unfortunately when McGlasgow were cleaning the car up ready for handover, they spotted another spot on the OSR panel. Fairly large panel, and fairly minor bubble. This was spotted end of September. You can guess what's coming here.. not covered under warranty, even though the first three panels were. As you can imagine I wasn't happy, one I would have hoped this would be been picked up earlier but also expected McLaren to agree to cover it given it was found one month after the paint warranty expired.
Cost to replace panel - £4900 + VAT.
McGlasgow tried their best and a few emails and phone calls to McLaren Client Services, we got an agreed 75% goodwill payment. Which being honest still isn't good enough for me but didn't have much choice. Had to be done or it would have needed done when I decide to sell. So £1500 from me ontop of the previous bill.
On the positive side, the car is now on 15k miles and looks brand new!
McLaren have a long way to go before they can consider themselves looking after customers aswell as other marques do, such as Aston Martin and Porsche. Even Land Rover are better than this. McGlasgow gave been great throughout but McLaren themselves have been poor IMO. Not what you'd expect from a prestige marque.
It's been enough to put me off. I love the car, but this McLaren will be my last.
As per previous post, my 08/17 540C was in at McGlasgow at the end of July for 5th year service, and a good check over given the 5 paintwork warranty would expire after August.
When it was in for the service, three panels were noted to have the initial stages of corrosion, both front wings and driver door. All approved to be replaced under warranty. Parts not available for a few weeks so I took the car home and dropped it off again once parts arrived.
Door and wings were then changed out and unfortunately when McGlasgow were cleaning the car up ready for handover, they spotted another spot on the OSR panel. Fairly large panel, and fairly minor bubble. This was spotted end of September. You can guess what's coming here.. not covered under warranty, even though the first three panels were. As you can imagine I wasn't happy, one I would have hoped this would be been picked up earlier but also expected McLaren to agree to cover it given it was found one month after the paint warranty expired.
Cost to replace panel - £4900 + VAT.
McGlasgow tried their best and a few emails and phone calls to McLaren Client Services, we got an agreed 75% goodwill payment. Which being honest still isn't good enough for me but didn't have much choice. Had to be done or it would have needed done when I decide to sell. So £1500 from me ontop of the previous bill.
On the positive side, the car is now on 15k miles and looks brand new!
McLaren have a long way to go before they can consider themselves looking after customers aswell as other marques do, such as Aston Martin and Porsche. Even Land Rover are better than this. McGlasgow gave been great throughout but McLaren themselves have been poor IMO. Not what you'd expect from a prestige marque.
It's been enough to put me off. I love the car, but this McLaren will be my last.
Oh no, sorry to hear that so soon after the last bill.
The problem is that if McLaren treats their five year old cars as old bangers where it has to be accepted as normal that they have a spot or two of corrosion showing, then the market's going to look at them in the same way. Which ultimately doesn't help anybody. Owners are left out of pocket, franchised dealers are left with upset customers, and McLaren fails to build an 'ownership chain' that supports residuals and brings enthusiasts into the brand (as Ferrari has done so well).
So £6,000 to replace one panel …that’s a joke frankly at least you got a discount but it’s really off putting if you want to own one past 5 years old. Is there a way to repair these panels without replacing them completely ?
I know Aston have had these issues too but not as prevalent …what about Lambo and Ferrari?
I know Aston have had these issues too but not as prevalent …what about Lambo and Ferrari?
I thought it wasn't corrosion but instead a 'reaction'.
If so, surely it can be addressed rather than replaced?
There have been issues of this reoccurring on replacement panels.
Reminds me of when Mercedes shot themselves in the foot using cheaper steel and cheaper prep and all the models were breaking out in rust within a few years which cost them a fortune of repairing and also with people moving from the brand.
Whose short term vision was this?
If so, surely it can be addressed rather than replaced?
There have been issues of this reoccurring on replacement panels.
Reminds me of when Mercedes shot themselves in the foot using cheaper steel and cheaper prep and all the models were breaking out in rust within a few years which cost them a fortune of repairing and also with people moving from the brand.
Whose short term vision was this?
I think quite a few people who are out of warranty go the repair rather than replace route. I was quoted £1,500 + vat to fix the problem on my two front wings and the inside of the bonnet by an official bodyshop (650 Spider).
I do have a similar view to Simon. My 650 was generally an excellent car and far better than the internet (or PH at least) would have you believe. And the g/f is quite insistent that I should buy another one.
But I'm hesitating. Partly because I'm quite liking the "don't care" attitude I have with my remaining cars - but even if I do decide to replace, I am very hesitant to buy another McLaren. I'm not too worried about the mechanicals - but I am pretty certain that if I buy one, I will have paint issues. And - if I get it resolved - in a few years, I will have paint issues again. If I "upgrade" to a 720 - I can probably throw cracking glass into the mix too.
I'm not sure I really want that hassle - even aside from the repeated cost.
Ironically - in every other way, the McLaren does eclipse other brands for me. Which kind of stops me buying anything at the moment.
I do have a similar view to Simon. My 650 was generally an excellent car and far better than the internet (or PH at least) would have you believe. And the g/f is quite insistent that I should buy another one.
But I'm hesitating. Partly because I'm quite liking the "don't care" attitude I have with my remaining cars - but even if I do decide to replace, I am very hesitant to buy another McLaren. I'm not too worried about the mechanicals - but I am pretty certain that if I buy one, I will have paint issues. And - if I get it resolved - in a few years, I will have paint issues again. If I "upgrade" to a 720 - I can probably throw cracking glass into the mix too.
I'm not sure I really want that hassle - even aside from the repeated cost.
Ironically - in every other way, the McLaren does eclipse other brands for me. Which kind of stops me buying anything at the moment.
RSbandit said:
So £6,000 to replace one panel …that’s a joke frankly at least you got a discount but it’s really off putting if you want to own one past 5 years old. Is there a way to repair these panels without replacing them completely ?
I know Aston have had these issues too but not as prevalent …what about Lambo and Ferrari?
I'm sure there is a simpler way, but guess for £1500 I was getting a whole new panel so was a bit of a no brainer rather than attempt repair then worry about the rest of the panel. I know Aston have had these issues too but not as prevalent …what about Lambo and Ferrari?
Very frustrating
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