Considering 12C or 540C

[paul1962]

Hi,
I’m currently trying to decide whether to get into Mclaren ownership or not.
If I do it will be a 12C or 540C but won’t be until next year.
I’ve not yet driven either model and would like to do that soon because if I don’t like them there’s no point in starting to plan for next year.

If I approach a dealer now how seriously would I be taken and would they allow me to test drive?
What have others done in this situation ?
I was initialy thinking of approved dealers rather than Indy.
I’m based in the East Mids.

Thanks

[justin220]

I would just phone them in advance and be open and honest.

They'll either say yes or no. You might get lucky and catch them on a quiet day. Being honest, it's a toigh ask to say you're not buying for a year, but want to come down and have a drive.

[MDL111]

Probably difficult on a used car so far in advance
Might be able to drive a 570 demonstrator though (or at least easier)

Edit - sorry 540/570 obviously

[ferdi p]

I was in a similar position a few years ago, I called Mclaren Birmingham & lied, told them I was ready to buy asap!

I got a test drive & bought the car 3 days later!

[WDISMYL]

I don’t understand the question nor the responses.

Car dealers aren’t your friends and they certainly won’t care about being economical with the truth when it comes to selling a car to you.

You don’t owe them anything. They are there to sell a product and have to accept that a percentage of potential customers are never going to pull the trigger.

Grow a pair, call a dealer and tell them you want a test drive.

I have no idea why some people treat car dealerships with kid gloves and some sort of reverence!

[WCZ]

WDISMYL said:

I don’t understand the question nor the responses.

Car dealers aren’t your friends and they certainly won’t care about being economical with the truth when it comes to selling a car to you.

You don’t owe them anything. They are there to sell a product and have to accept that a percentage of potential customers are never going to pull the trigger.

Grow a pair, call a dealer and tell them you want a test drive.

I have no idea why some people treat car dealerships with kid gloves and some sort of reverence!

driving your first supercar is a daunting experience for some, especially when you've been denied test drives before (the new civic type R for example, despite turning up in a 100k car) etc, car dealers can be funny.

[paul1962]

Thanks to those who replied.
If I go ahead this would be my first venture into supercar territory so the whole thing is a little daunting at the moment.
ferdi p, if I love it I’ll probably want to do the same as you and buy ASAP but this year is out of the question.
It’s the “man maths” thread by justin220 that’s made me seriously consider this huge step, absolutely stunning car.

I’ll talk to a dealer ASAP and see were it leads.
Thanks again
Paul

[TheKC]

I’m on the same boat mate. One dealer told me to put a deposit down before test driving! Told them to fk right off! I find that these car dealers are full of themselves, like they’re the owner of the business! Good luck test driving something. And let us know where you did test drive one as I want to try myself before buying!

[paul1962]

TheKC said:

I’m on the same boat mate. One dealer told me to put a deposit down before test driving! Told them to fk right off! I find that these car dealers are full of themselves, like they’re the owner of the business! Good luck test driving something. And let us know where you did test drive one as I want to try myself before buying!

Hi,

Was it a Mclaren dealership you asked or indy ? Can you say which dealers you've tried ? (Email me through the forum if you prefer).

Cheers
Paul

[sparkyb999]

I have just bought into the McLaren brand 3 weeks ago, and was originally buying an Audi R8, until I test drove the Mac then my mind was set.
I was offered a test drive in a demo 540 & 570 from Hatfield. Friendly guys there.

I actually found two other cars at prestige car dealers who both let me drive cars, after I had proved to them I was in the market.

So you shouldn't really have any issues.

[TheKC]

sparkyb999 said:

I have just bought into the McLaren brand 3 weeks ago, and was originally buying an Audi R8, until I test drove the Mac then my mind was set.
I was offered a test drive in a demo 540 & 570 from Hatfield. Friendly guys there.

I actually found two other cars at prestige car dealers who both let me drive cars, after I had proved to them I was in the market.

So you shouldn't really have any issues.

Congrats mate. One question tho? How would one prove you’re in the market if you don’t own a super car already? Might be a silly question?

[Nomal]

TheKC said:

sparkyb999 said:

I have just bought into the McLaren brand 3 weeks ago, and was originally buying an Audi R8, until I test drove the Mac then my mind was set.
I was offered a test drive in a demo 540 & 570 from Hatfield. Friendly guys there.

I actually found two other cars at prestige car dealers who both let me drive cars, after I had proved to them I was in the market.

So you shouldn't really have any issues.

Congrats mate. One question tho? How would one prove you’re in the market if you don’t own a super car already? Might be a silly question?

Same position here bought a 570S 3 weeks ago, had an F Type R to trade, they soon know if you are genuine enough rather than a time waster.

[jimmyslr]

Nomal said:

Same position here bought a 570S 3 weeks ago, had an F Type R to trade, they soon know if you are genuine enough rather than a time waster.

I have rocked up in my defender, with my Mrs in a Merc or even on a motorbike and had no problem. I’d phoned in advance so that they knew who I was and what I was interested in. I suspect it’s clear if you’re properly in the market as they qualify you with a few innocuous questions over the phone.

They need to lay on the charm - they’re selling a large, discretionary item. Whether you buy today, next week/month, or in 6 months time, I think it’s your and their time well spent. Any vendor who thinks you’re beneath them or thinks “no deposit/no test drive” is to be avoided. How will they behave a few months down the line when you have a warranty claim?

[sparkyb999]

TheKC said:

Congrats mate. One question tho? How would one prove you’re in the market if you don’t own a super car already? Might be a silly question?

Not a silly question at all, I did what the other people have mentioned and phoned in advance. Had a chat on the phone for a while, and was sent details of the car, so when I visited the dealers it was done by appointment.

The first dealer was reluctant to let me drive unless I was in a strong position and looked like I had decided on the car as this car was a "sale or return" car.

To help you further, I would go for the 540C/570S over the 12C... (not sure if you're financing but the residuals are higher, meaning the monthly payment is the same)
I was blown away by the McLaren, and even after 3 weeks I am pinching myself. They are so god dam quick, I went from a BMW M4 Comp to this, and that was the fastest car I had driven/owned to date... so going to the Mac is a surreal experience! It provides a warm sensation where you will be sat at traffic lights, or just driving down the road and unexpectedly break out in a smile!! hahaha these cars are awesome!!

[sardis]

sparkyb999 said:

I was blown away by the McLaren, and even after 3 weeks I am pinching myself. They are so god dam quick, I went from a BMW M4 Comp to this, and that was the fastest car I had driven/owned to date... so going to the Mac is a surreal experience! It provides a warm sensation where you will be sat at traffic lights, or just driving down the road and unexpectedly break out in a smile!! hahaha these cars are awesome!!

This is the acid test of why you should buy a supercar, how it makes you feel. Chose your favourite flavour and enjoy...

[TheKC]

sardis said:

sparkyb999 said:

I was blown away by the McLaren, and even after 3 weeks I am pinching myself. They are so god dam quick, I went from a BMW M4 Comp to this, and that was the fastest car I had driven/owned to date... so going to the Mac is a surreal experience! It provides a warm sensation where you will be sat at traffic lights, or just driving down the road and unexpectedly break out in a smile!! hahaha these cars are awesome!!

This is the acid test of why you should buy a supercar, how it makes you feel. Chose your favourite flavour and enjoy...

This alone makes me really want one! It’s a supercar! You don’t need one but have to have one.

[justin220]

sardis said:

sparkyb999 said:

I was blown away by the McLaren, and even after 3 weeks I am pinching myself. They are so god dam quick, I went from a BMW M4 Comp to this, and that was the fastest car I had driven/owned to date... so going to the Mac is a surreal experience! It provides a warm sensation where you will be sat at traffic lights, or just driving down the road and unexpectedly break out in a smile!! hahaha these cars are awesome!!

This is the acid test of why you should buy a supercar, how it makes you feel. Chose your favourite flavour and enjoy...

Great description on how I feel about mine.

I'll try and get my thread updated tonight about my 540c.

[Bispal]

If you are in the Midlands go to Rybrook (McBrum) and speak to Ian Groves. I bought my 12C from them but I tested a few before hand including one at Romans who are also very helpful. Never had an issue test driving a supercar. I usually just roll up in my wifes 20 year old Micra, find a salesman, tell him what I am looking at getting and ask for a test drive. Never been turned down apart from a luxury car showroom in Kent that would not let me test drive an RS4 as soon as they found out I didnt want finance. In fact when I told them I would by buying without any finance they didn't want to sell me anything.

You cant go wrong with a 12C, just make sure you have the warranty and accept it will cost you £5k pa. If you are uncomfortable with the warranty costs then don't do it but a 12C can be had for £90k. Thats £50k less than a 458 and at £1k difference in warranty costs thats 50 years driving value :-)

[BlackR8]

Bispal said:

If you are in the Midlands go to Rybrook (McBrum) and speak to Ian Groves. I bought my 12C from them but I tested a few before hand including one at Romans who are also very helpful. Never had an issue test driving a supercar. I usually just roll up in my wifes 20 year old Micra, find a salesman, tell him what I am looking at getting and ask for a test drive. Never been turned down apart from a luxury car showroom in Kent that would not let me test drive an RS4 as soon as they found out I didnt want finance. In fact when I told them I would by buying without any finance they didn't want to sell me anything.

You cant go wrong with a 12C, just make sure you have the warranty and accept it will cost you £5k pa. If you are uncomfortable with the warranty costs then don't do it but a 12C can be had for £90k. Thats £50k less than a 458 and at £1k difference in warranty costs thats 50 years driving value :-)

I have had a similar experience as well. When I have approached a salesman and at the point he finds out that I do not require finance all bargaining or negotiation is off the table. Goes to show how much dealers rely on the finance commision or margin to hit their profits.

[sparkyb999]

Bispal said:

If you are in the Midlands go to Rybrook (McBrum) and speak to Ian Groves. I bought my 12C from them but I tested a few before hand including one at Romans who are also very helpful. Never had an issue test driving a supercar. I usually just roll up in my wifes 20 year old Micra, find a salesman, tell him what I am looking at getting and ask for a test drive. Never been turned down apart from a luxury car showroom in Kent that would not let me test drive an RS4 as soon as they found out I didnt want finance. In fact when I told them I would by buying without any finance they didn't want to sell me anything.

You cant go wrong with a 12C, just make sure you have the warranty and accept it will cost you £5k pa. If you are uncomfortable with the warranty costs then don't do it but a 12C can be had for £90k. Thats £50k less than a 458 and at £1k difference in warranty costs thats 50 years driving value :-)

AH I wonder if that's the same company I tried to buy the M4 from???... When I said I was arranging finance they got really funny with me, and when I said I wanted it delivered, they tried to get me to sign a waiver basically removing my rights. The consumer contracts regulations 2013.

I will NEVER pick up the phone to them again! and also tell everybody else who asks! lol