thinking about purchasing my first McLaren....questions !
Discussion
after many years of being a loyal (!) Porsche buyer (12 cars over 16 years), I think it may be time for a change...
Current car is a 991 GT3 Clubsport spec; bought primarily for track use - however, I seem to just not have enough time these days to do the amount of track use I'd like.
Dont want to slip down the 992 range either..
So, I turn to McLaren...
I'd be looking at the lower end of the range; but the real question is new or used ?
i.e. new 540 or used 650 (for example)
I bought the 991 GT3 used (couldn't get an allocation, so effectively paid full retail for a second had car from OPC - strangely, the first owner was McLaren...
So, I'm not averse to buying used - though from a dealer for security (if there really is such a thing...)
Comments welcome...
Current car is a 991 GT3 Clubsport spec; bought primarily for track use - however, I seem to just not have enough time these days to do the amount of track use I'd like.
Dont want to slip down the 992 range either..
So, I turn to McLaren...
I'd be looking at the lower end of the range; but the real question is new or used ?
i.e. new 540 or used 650 (for example)
I bought the 991 GT3 used (couldn't get an allocation, so effectively paid full retail for a second had car from OPC - strangely, the first owner was McLaren...
So, I'm not averse to buying used - though from a dealer for security (if there really is such a thing...)
Comments welcome...
In a similar position, considering my first McL over previous Lambo's, Porsche etc. Warranty and running costs are very different, 650 is a complicated bit of kit - £5k per year warranty I think. 540 is newer tech plus £2k a year Hatfield McL told me. One is considered a supercar I suppose over a sportscar but how that effects you is a personal thing. Yet to drive a 650 but I've been told it's a very different beast. Go and try them out
I think thats the only real answer; time is not on my side unfortunately. (only insomuch I have very little of it spare!)
Out of interest how were Hatfield ?
They are my closest dealer (Watford), but I do drive past the Ascot dealer circa once a week, so either is an option.
Warranty costs are umm high ! £1KPA on the GT3
Out of interest how were Hatfield ?
They are my closest dealer (Watford), but I do drive past the Ascot dealer circa once a week, so either is an option.
Warranty costs are umm high ! £1KPA on the GT3
I moved from Porsche to McLaren and have bought new, twice.
I would probably go down the second hand route for a third car, It's quite sore being the first buyer, brilliant cars to drive though and despite the negative stories I've only had very minor problems that were sorted out promptly by my dealer.
I'd happily buy from a private seller if it's still under manufacturers warranty. Have you driven any of the models?
I would probably go down the second hand route for a third car, It's quite sore being the first buyer, brilliant cars to drive though and despite the negative stories I've only had very minor problems that were sorted out promptly by my dealer.
I'd happily buy from a private seller if it's still under manufacturers warranty. Have you driven any of the models?
I'm going the other way McLaren to Porsche. If you want to minimise depreciation and maximise enjoyment then get a 650s over a new 540C. You should be able to contain 650 depreciation to £10k pa plus £5k warranty if you buy wisely, ie spider under 10k miles for £120k. Meanwhile your GT3 will lose £5k pa and cost £1k pa for warranty. so the McLaren is a more expensive car to own & run and may possibly have more issues than a Porsche but that is just luck of the draw. Go for it if you fancy a change but having driven all the McLarens and many 911's my choice would be a used 991.2 GT3 manual or even a 991.2 GTS over a 650s just for ease of ownership.
I'd get a very late VIN 650 personally. Warranty costs are very high as noted, £3.5k or so in years 4-5 and 5k after so it's definitely on a different scale to Porsche and I personally would always advise having that warranty.
Would also try to get a 650 with bucket seats as I think they make a very real difference to the driving experience. They are brilliant driving cars in their own way (especially driving position) but are pretty different to any Porsche GT car so do try to spend a decent amount of time in a mclaren before jumping into it though. Good luck.
Would also try to get a 650 with bucket seats as I think they make a very real difference to the driving experience. They are brilliant driving cars in their own way (especially driving position) but are pretty different to any Porsche GT car so do try to spend a decent amount of time in a mclaren before jumping into it though. Good luck.
red997 said:
I think thats the only real answer; time is not on my side unfortunately. (only insomuch I have very little of it spare!)
Out of interest how were Hatfield ?
They are my closest dealer (Watford), but I do drive past the Ascot dealer circa once a week, so either is an option.
Warranty costs are umm high ! £1KPA on the GT3
I’m in a 997 as a daily driver which I love, I also have a 650 Spider tucked away in the garage and they are such different cars, the 650 is special, they are great value at the moment for all the kit and technology that you get. For me the 650 is worth it just to see that air brake come up, trust me, you’ll love it!!Out of interest how were Hatfield ?
They are my closest dealer (Watford), but I do drive past the Ascot dealer circa once a week, so either is an option.
Warranty costs are umm high ! £1KPA on the GT3
I’ve used Hatfield for a couple of warranty items and I have always found Wayne great to deal with, I didn’t buy from them just down to available cars, but they seemed helpful when I have spoken to them, I also popped in when I was out for a drive and had a good chat with them.
I work in Watford, if you want a chat then feel free to pm me
FWIW my 2 cents on moving to a 650s. One of many discussions between the 650 and the sports series cars, I believe.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I have also gone the other way, gone from a 570 to a GT4.
There were many reasons why I did this, some personal but some tactical as well. The Mac is on a different planet to the GT4, totally blows it out of the water, but dare I say it, I am so pleased I made the move into the Porsche. The GT4 suits me so much better and I cant wait to upgrade to a GT3.
I wouldn't buy new as they lose a shed, and then lose about £10k per year in depreciation, so they will cost money to own, but they are so worth it for the power, planted feel and actually just general being in a mac is amazing. If you do decide to do it, be prepared to draw ALOT of attention, cant even quickly fill up with fuel without being mobbed for car pics and people engaging with you.
Great cars, but I am real happy to be out of it and into a Porker.
There were many reasons why I did this, some personal but some tactical as well. The Mac is on a different planet to the GT4, totally blows it out of the water, but dare I say it, I am so pleased I made the move into the Porsche. The GT4 suits me so much better and I cant wait to upgrade to a GT3.
I wouldn't buy new as they lose a shed, and then lose about £10k per year in depreciation, so they will cost money to own, but they are so worth it for the power, planted feel and actually just general being in a mac is amazing. If you do decide to do it, be prepared to draw ALOT of attention, cant even quickly fill up with fuel without being mobbed for car pics and people engaging with you.
Great cars, but I am real happy to be out of it and into a Porker.
I was in a similar position last year. I did comsider a GT3 but couldnt see passed the Mac.
I went to have a look at a 12C at McGlasgow but as soon as I arrived I wanted a Sport series 540/570.
My decision came down to warranty. I managed to get a younger 540 with a 1/10 of the mileage and 2.5 year warranty, compared to the 570s. However, I do think the 570 looks a bit better but these changes are easy added to the 540.
As said above, the Mac attracts a lot of attention. Constantly! There is a lot of negative stuff written online about them but they are brilliant cars. Quite different to the GT3.
My thread on here has more of my thoughts but I dont think you can go wrong with any of them.
I went to have a look at a 12C at McGlasgow but as soon as I arrived I wanted a Sport series 540/570.
My decision came down to warranty. I managed to get a younger 540 with a 1/10 of the mileage and 2.5 year warranty, compared to the 570s. However, I do think the 570 looks a bit better but these changes are easy added to the 540.
As said above, the Mac attracts a lot of attention. Constantly! There is a lot of negative stuff written online about them but they are brilliant cars. Quite different to the GT3.
My thread on here has more of my thoughts but I dont think you can go wrong with any of them.
...a red 650s Spider cruised past me yesterday in central London 
and I immediately pulled over, opened Autotrader and started browsing used ones.
What a stunning machine - I think these are the sweet spot right now, especially if you can get one around the £115k mark.
However, buying from trade and selling back into trade will kick you in the balls by at least £20-30k I reckon. Totally worth it
and I immediately pulled over, opened Autotrader and started browsing used ones. What a stunning machine - I think these are the sweet spot right now, especially if you can get one around the £115k mark.
However, buying from trade and selling back into trade will kick you in the balls by at least £20-30k I reckon. Totally worth it
I can highly recommend the 570S, I bought one there months ago, white with Mc Orange highlights.
Its a great all round car and nearly ok as a daily runner.
I was that impressed with it i've ordered a 600LT, so I need to sell this 4 month old 570S.
Let me know if you are interested.
It will be at a competitive price, as they do drop money once you have driven them out of the showroom, but after that initial hit it is normal depreciation for a car that feels nothing like normal!!
Its a great all round car and nearly ok as a daily runner.
I was that impressed with it i've ordered a 600LT, so I need to sell this 4 month old 570S.
Let me know if you are interested.
It will be at a competitive price, as they do drop money once you have driven them out of the showroom, but after that initial hit it is normal depreciation for a car that feels nothing like normal!!
Hi all,
Been lurking here for a bit, very curious in the 570s to GT4 comparison; I’d love to get a 570 but my use is going to be 4/5 track days a year and not loads of road miles, and I am not sure how feasible (expensive) track miles are in a Mac?
I’d be coming from an Exige Cup so not sure if the McLaren wouldn’t have the focus I’m used to?
Tim
Been lurking here for a bit, very curious in the 570s to GT4 comparison; I’d love to get a 570 but my use is going to be 4/5 track days a year and not loads of road miles, and I am not sure how feasible (expensive) track miles are in a Mac?
I’d be coming from an Exige Cup so not sure if the McLaren wouldn’t have the focus I’m used to?
Tim
TimRV57 said:
Hi all,
Been lurking here for a bit, very curious in the 570s to GT4 comparison; I’d love to get a 570 but my use is going to be 4/5 track days a year and not loads of road miles, and I am not sure how feasible (expensive) track miles are in a Mac?
I’d be coming from an Exige Cup so not sure if the McLaren wouldn’t have the focus I’m used to?
Tim
Exiges are brilliant Been lurking here for a bit, very curious in the 570s to GT4 comparison; I’d love to get a 570 but my use is going to be 4/5 track days a year and not loads of road miles, and I am not sure how feasible (expensive) track miles are in a Mac?
I’d be coming from an Exige Cup so not sure if the McLaren wouldn’t have the focus I’m used to?
Tim
- I've just ordered a 570 - advise that you enquire about trackday use and how it might affect warranty before you make the leap - you will not be disappointed with the focus...The 570 is a mega step up from the Exige - btw keeping my Exige tho' Gassing Station | McLaren | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff