Is the 650 better than i 1st thought?
Discussion
Ok, so i currently have a 650spider.
I bought it almost a year ago as my first 'toe in the water' pushing aside a heck of a lot of 'putting' McLaren down on these parts a year ago that would easily put lots of potential buyers off.
So far, its been fantastic.
Early this year, i decided to go for a 720spider. At almost the point of no return i changed my mind for a few reasons.
I then went back to the original plan of a 675LT spider, especially as the 'right' one has come up in my fav colour VO.
However, i have retreated again.
This is not how i normally act; choose what i am going for, find the correct colour and spec, then buy. No mucking about.
Each time, i have then spent time in the 650 and thought that at its price point, at bang for buck, it is just too good to replace.
There is nothing at similar price that can offer everything a 650 can, and i cannot see the massive increase of enjoyment that spending over double its value to replace with either 675 or 720 spiders.
Any other 650 owners feel the same?
Or indeed, any other McLaren owners feel the same about whatever model they currently have?
I bought it almost a year ago as my first 'toe in the water' pushing aside a heck of a lot of 'putting' McLaren down on these parts a year ago that would easily put lots of potential buyers off.
So far, its been fantastic.
Early this year, i decided to go for a 720spider. At almost the point of no return i changed my mind for a few reasons.
I then went back to the original plan of a 675LT spider, especially as the 'right' one has come up in my fav colour VO.
However, i have retreated again.
This is not how i normally act; choose what i am going for, find the correct colour and spec, then buy. No mucking about.
Each time, i have then spent time in the 650 and thought that at its price point, at bang for buck, it is just too good to replace.
There is nothing at similar price that can offer everything a 650 can, and i cannot see the massive increase of enjoyment that spending over double its value to replace with either 675 or 720 spiders.
Any other 650 owners feel the same?
Or indeed, any other McLaren owners feel the same about whatever model they currently have?
Absolutely. I've had my 12C Spider a year now too. Also my first dip into mclaren ownership. I test drove a 720S first and decided that between the brutal acceleration and similarly brutal depreciation, I'd be better off finding a well used 12C, but ultimately hoping to get into a 675LT/720S long term.
A faultless year later, I still enjoy every drive as much as the first and never find myself wishing it had more power. My only major gripe is lack of subjective involvement below 7/10ths. PCC no doubt removes some of that feel. Though similarly on a cruise the car is remarkably comfortable.
I'm also still very much a fan of the older interiors of the 12C/650S. Build quality feels exceptional and always feels great to be in.
Is the 675lt the one with GC motors? I've been eyeing that one. Stunning spec. However, I seriously struggle to justify the extra price. I haven't driven a 675lt, so my view may well change subject to a drive.
Only 2 weeks ago I finally made up my mind. I wouldn't be considering changing out for a while yet. Current situation aside, I cannot get over the bang for your buck that a used mac offers.
A faultless year later, I still enjoy every drive as much as the first and never find myself wishing it had more power. My only major gripe is lack of subjective involvement below 7/10ths. PCC no doubt removes some of that feel. Though similarly on a cruise the car is remarkably comfortable.
I'm also still very much a fan of the older interiors of the 12C/650S. Build quality feels exceptional and always feels great to be in.
Is the 675lt the one with GC motors? I've been eyeing that one. Stunning spec. However, I seriously struggle to justify the extra price. I haven't driven a 675lt, so my view may well change subject to a drive.
Only 2 weeks ago I finally made up my mind. I wouldn't be considering changing out for a while yet. Current situation aside, I cannot get over the bang for your buck that a used mac offers.
Hope you don’t mind me commenting as a non Mc owner, but I feel exactly the same as you with my Ferrari.
It we’re all honest, the recent road cars are so staggeringly good they really do offer all you really ever need. The law of diminishing returns has well and truly been reached imo. A 650 offers a wonderful all round package for the money.... I think you’ve made a wise choice!
It we’re all honest, the recent road cars are so staggeringly good they really do offer all you really ever need. The law of diminishing returns has well and truly been reached imo. A 650 offers a wonderful all round package for the money.... I think you’ve made a wise choice!
If I had my time again, I would buy a 650 Spider in Mantis Green.
The 720S is just too damn quick for normal UK road use. How the hell I haven't lost my license yet. I drove it to the Nürburgring last month, just before the s
t-hit-the-fan. From 120mph, I hit 187mph / 300kmh within ten seconds on the Autobahn, and it was still wanting to go. That's when you really appreciate the 720S.
The 720S is my go-to-car for just about every journey I do – it is so easy to use – too easy. I think there would be more sense of occasion from a 650 Spider, and I would be careful not to use it as a DD.
Maybe the 720S is too good, if that makes sense.
The 720S is just too damn quick for normal UK road use. How the hell I haven't lost my license yet. I drove it to the Nürburgring last month, just before the s
t-hit-the-fan. From 120mph, I hit 187mph / 300kmh within ten seconds on the Autobahn, and it was still wanting to go. That's when you really appreciate the 720S. The 720S is my go-to-car for just about every journey I do – it is so easy to use – too easy. I think there would be more sense of occasion from a 650 Spider, and I would be careful not to use it as a DD.
Maybe the 720S is too good, if that makes sense.
I had my 12C for 2.5 years and i adored it. However I sold it as I always wanted a 675LT (despite never having driven one) and wanted funds ready should the right car pop up for sale. I waited 1.5 years for the right 675 to materialise.
In the intervening 1.5 years I tried a few 650's and a 720S plus many other cars but didn't think the 12C / 650S gap was sufficient enough and still preferred the 675LT looks & rarity to the 720S. so I waited and waited and then in early Jan 2020 I picked up my perfect 675LT.
7 weeks and 2,200 miles passed before we had to pause driving. In that time I have fallen in love. The 675 is so much more than the sum of its parts, I could not stop driving it as the miles will testify. Its utterly beguiling. I urge you to try one. Almost all of the approx. 100 RHD cars (coupes & spiders) are now in long term ownership with like minded owners who don't want to part with them. If you see a car in a spec you like then really do go for it as the chances to acquire a car to suit personal preferences are diminishing fast. The 675 really is as good as everyone says, if in doubt watch Mr JWW's latest upload where he reflects on his ownership of the 675 and his 1st drive which is his most requested video.
PS I say all this taking nothing away from the 12C / 650S / 720S they are all stunning cars but the 675LT just has extra magic dust sprinkled on it and with so few in circulation you need to act decisively.
In the intervening 1.5 years I tried a few 650's and a 720S plus many other cars but didn't think the 12C / 650S gap was sufficient enough and still preferred the 675LT looks & rarity to the 720S. so I waited and waited and then in early Jan 2020 I picked up my perfect 675LT.
7 weeks and 2,200 miles passed before we had to pause driving. In that time I have fallen in love. The 675 is so much more than the sum of its parts, I could not stop driving it as the miles will testify. Its utterly beguiling. I urge you to try one. Almost all of the approx. 100 RHD cars (coupes & spiders) are now in long term ownership with like minded owners who don't want to part with them. If you see a car in a spec you like then really do go for it as the chances to acquire a car to suit personal preferences are diminishing fast. The 675 really is as good as everyone says, if in doubt watch Mr JWW's latest upload where he reflects on his ownership of the 675 and his 1st drive which is his most requested video.
PS I say all this taking nothing away from the 12C / 650S / 720S they are all stunning cars but the 675LT just has extra magic dust sprinkled on it and with so few in circulation you need to act decisively.
Edited by Bispal on Monday 30th March 14:37
123RY yes it is the VO 675LT spider at GC motors...it is stunning and has all the best options that i would require.
Seems as though you are in the same place with the 12C as i am...just loving it! Totally agree regards to the interior...they got it just so right in the 12c, 650 and 675.
Mac, i feel the same; the 650, like the 720 is just so comfy and easy to drive fast, slow, to the shops or a long journey..its very hard to find a reason not to use it for a journey; however even after a year it doesn't feel any less of an occasion from the first time i jumped in and drove away from the dealer.
Gary is it the 488spider? If so, good to hear as it seems too many people are dwelling on 458s and it all seems a bit strange that the 488 seldom gets forum praise like the 458...guess its an N/A issue maybe?
Bispal have followed your 675 posts with serious interest along with SSO's fantastic posts and blogs.
I like Mr JWW's entertaining work and his same day posts of driving 650 and 675 back to back prior to his following blogs of when he purchased his 675 were a huge reason i got the 650...that along with Chris Harris on the 650 launch video...all exceptional videos.
I am not sure if it is the current situation making me be happy with what i have or just genuinely content with it. It is certainly a factor as to what my other half would say swapping for the 675, where she wouldn't pick up on the differences as its even the same colour and she is struggling to buy toilet roll at the moment!
Thanks for the replies guys...glad i am not alone with my thoughts.
Seems as though you are in the same place with the 12C as i am...just loving it! Totally agree regards to the interior...they got it just so right in the 12c, 650 and 675.
Mac, i feel the same; the 650, like the 720 is just so comfy and easy to drive fast, slow, to the shops or a long journey..its very hard to find a reason not to use it for a journey; however even after a year it doesn't feel any less of an occasion from the first time i jumped in and drove away from the dealer.
Gary is it the 488spider? If so, good to hear as it seems too many people are dwelling on 458s and it all seems a bit strange that the 488 seldom gets forum praise like the 458...guess its an N/A issue maybe?
Bispal have followed your 675 posts with serious interest along with SSO's fantastic posts and blogs.
I like Mr JWW's entertaining work and his same day posts of driving 650 and 675 back to back prior to his following blogs of when he purchased his 675 were a huge reason i got the 650...that along with Chris Harris on the 650 launch video...all exceptional videos.
I am not sure if it is the current situation making me be happy with what i have or just genuinely content with it. It is certainly a factor as to what my other half would say swapping for the 675, where she wouldn't pick up on the differences as its even the same colour and she is struggling to buy toilet roll at the moment!
Thanks for the replies guys...glad i am not alone with my thoughts.
Interesting feedback one here all about the Super Series cars. Seems little love for the Sports series cars, is that because they are seen as a lesser car all round or do people find the looks and interior challenging?
Sorry 650 Spider to barge in but I had my heart set on a 650 Spider, I drove one and agreed a deal but it failed the inspection but I really liked it. I ended up taking one of the 600LT Spider deals and this really is an amazing car. It gives me everything I ever dreamt about in a car and more. I cannot go any faster on the public roads in this or my previous 570 Coupe so don't need the extra power of a 675LT, the ride comfort is perfect in both cars so the magic ride is not missed.
I presume it's the looks and interior over the Sports Series cars which I confess is about all I can see that would make me consider a swap.
Sorry 650 Spider to barge in but I had my heart set on a 650 Spider, I drove one and agreed a deal but it failed the inspection but I really liked it. I ended up taking one of the 600LT Spider deals and this really is an amazing car. It gives me everything I ever dreamt about in a car and more. I cannot go any faster on the public roads in this or my previous 570 Coupe so don't need the extra power of a 675LT, the ride comfort is perfect in both cars so the magic ride is not missed.
I presume it's the looks and interior over the Sports Series cars which I confess is about all I can see that would make me consider a swap.
Crazy4557 said:
Interesting feedback one here all about the Super Series cars. Seems little love for the Sports series cars, is that because they are seen as a lesser car all round or do people find the looks and interior challenging?
Sorry 650 Spider to barge in but I had my heart set on a 650 Spider, I drove one and agreed a deal but it failed the inspection but I really liked it. I ended up taking one of the 600LT Spider deals and this really is an amazing car. It gives me everything I ever dreamt about in a car and more. I cannot go any faster on the public roads in this or my previous 570 Coupe so don't need the extra power of a 675LT, the ride comfort is perfect in both cars so the magic ride is not missed.
I presume it's the looks and interior over the Sports Series cars which I confess is about all I can see that would make me consider a swap.
Hi AndySorry 650 Spider to barge in but I had my heart set on a 650 Spider, I drove one and agreed a deal but it failed the inspection but I really liked it. I ended up taking one of the 600LT Spider deals and this really is an amazing car. It gives me everything I ever dreamt about in a car and more. I cannot go any faster on the public roads in this or my previous 570 Coupe so don't need the extra power of a 675LT, the ride comfort is perfect in both cars so the magic ride is not missed.
I presume it's the looks and interior over the Sports Series cars which I confess is about all I can see that would make me consider a swap.
No, not just about super series, hence why i added to give input about whichever McLaren you have ( or others as with garystoybox )...i have only had 1 Mac so far so can only comment on that.
Have also followed your posts with interest from your collection of your 1st from Glasgow, the post about the 650 i hoped you would of went into more detail and now your 600lts...you have had your share of McLaren events but it seems your still a fan also!
Justins input shows that a sports series is every bit as capable as super series...in my head i genuinely don't think there is a hierarchy...all are extraordinary quick, capable and special.
When my 650 was on Pirellis I was sure I would never consider the upgrade, as I couldn’t get the power down, so why bother with something with more power. Especially since (subjective - I’m sure many would disagree) I can’t gel with the interior in the 720. To me, it’s a bit too digital to be analog (compared to my V12V or even the 650) and too skeuomorphic to be digital (like my Tesla).
Since I’ve had the Ps4S’ there‘s less of an issue getting the power down, but I can’t get past the interior. And it just doesn’t seem worth the cash. My annual bonus has been going to my NGO for years, and it’s hard to justify that the cash should be be spent on this change.
Since I’ve had the Ps4S’ there‘s less of an issue getting the power down, but I can’t get past the interior. And it just doesn’t seem worth the cash. My annual bonus has been going to my NGO for years, and it’s hard to justify that the cash should be be spent on this change.
Edited by 12pack on Tuesday 31st March 16:03
Drove my 720 to work today on pretty empty roads, my god it's sensational!
My 650 was brilliant but genuinely the 720 is next level. The damping & steering is way better imo, I also prefer the interior as it has the odd storage area, the 650 had sod all!!
Saying that, would I pay 50k plus to upgrade 650 to 720, probably not...
650 at 90 to 100k is sensational value!
My 650 was brilliant but genuinely the 720 is next level. The damping & steering is way better imo, I also prefer the interior as it has the odd storage area, the 650 had sod all!!
Saying that, would I pay 50k plus to upgrade 650 to 720, probably not...
650 at 90 to 100k is sensational value!
Not tempted by the 720. I'm sure it is better than the 650, but overall I prefer the 650 styling, and I prefer (most) of the interior - especially the tacho. I do prefer the centre console on the 720, and - if it does have storage as mentioned, that's a big plus!
I do like the look of LTs, but I really think the 650 does more than enough. If an LT Spider was the same price as my 650, I guess I'd consider swapping - but in the real world where they most definitely are not - it's not even tempting.
I do like the look of LTs, but I really think the 650 does more than enough. If an LT Spider was the same price as my 650, I guess I'd consider swapping - but in the real world where they most definitely are not - it's not even tempting.
davek_964 said:
Not tempted by the 720. I'm sure it is better than the 650, but overall I prefer the 650 styling, and I prefer (most) of the interior - especially the tacho. I do prefer the centre console on the 720, and - if it does have storage as mentioned, that's a big plus!
I do like the look of LTs, but I really think the 650 does more than enough. If an LT Spider was the same price as my 650, I guess I'd consider swapping - but in the real world where they most definitely are not - it's not even tempting.
But have you driven an LT to qualify your conclusion?I do like the look of LTs, but I really think the 650 does more than enough. If an LT Spider was the same price as my 650, I guess I'd consider swapping - but in the real world where they most definitely are not - it's not even tempting.
Bispal said:
But have you driven an LT to qualify your conclusion?
No, but I don't really need to. I'm not doubting it would impress me and maybe if I did, I'd want one. But I'm happy with the 650 so there is no reason to try other stuff - not to mention that the price difference would be an issue anyway.RBT0 said:
Unless you have cash to spare, I would struggle to see how value for money is a swap to a 675LT or 720S, 650S already pretty quick and memorable.
Unless you're desperately after more rawness then LT would be definitely worth the swap.
That's certainly part of it RB; i do not use the 650 on the track, so the stiffer suspension and smaller turning circle would impact how i use the car.Unless you're desperately after more rawness then LT would be definitely worth the swap.
The last sports car i had, i had upgraded it from the same model to being the fiorano handling pack version; what it gained changed how much i used the car from the previous version...it was just a bit too uncomfy and compromised for road use and day to day journeys.
davek_964 said:
Bispal said:
But have you driven an LT to qualify your conclusion?
No, but I don't really need to. I'm not doubting it would impress me and maybe if I did, I'd want one. But I'm happy with the 650 so there is no reason to try other stuff - not to mention that the price difference would be an issue anyway.650spider said:
Hi Andy
No, not just about super series, hence why i added to give input about whichever McLaren you have ( or others as with garystoybox )...i have only had 1 Mac so far so can only comment on that.
Have also followed your posts with interest from your collection of your 1st from Glasgow, the post about the 650 i hoped you would of went into more detail and now your 600lts...you have had your share of McLaren events but it seems your still a fan also!
Justins input shows that a sports series is every bit as capable as super series...in my head i genuinely don't think there is a hierarchy...all are extraordinary quick, capable and special.
So, I'll happily relate my tale about the 650Spider I tried to buy from a used car dealer in Essex. It looked a great car condition wise no paint blemishes, interior unmarked, only two owners and 8k miles in Volcano Red, what's not to like! Drove OK on a very short test drive and I left to mull it over but it was great value compared to others on the market at that time.No, not just about super series, hence why i added to give input about whichever McLaren you have ( or others as with garystoybox )...i have only had 1 Mac so far so can only comment on that.
Have also followed your posts with interest from your collection of your 1st from Glasgow, the post about the 650 i hoped you would of went into more detail and now your 600lts...you have had your share of McLaren events but it seems your still a fan also!
Justins input shows that a sports series is every bit as capable as super series...in my head i genuinely don't think there is a hierarchy...all are extraordinary quick, capable and special.
The dealer chased me a couple of days later telling me someone else was interested and so I agreed a deal at £92.5k from memory but subject to an inspection at Thorney's which he agreed a little reluctantly to let me have undertaken.
A few days later the dealer takes the car for the inspection himself and at the end I get a call from Tom telling me the car's about to go bang and has issues with very badly worn cam followers and his view was that it had either been ragged from cold on several occasions or run low on oil. The potential bill to fix it was around £13.5k from Thorney or about £20k from McLaren, who would want to change both heads.
Obviously I was a bit disappointed as it was a nice car in the right colour. The dealer however didn't agree with Thorney, wasn't prepared to fix it and tried to persuade me that it was perfectly OK and anyway they'd put a warranty on it and if it did go pop I had the warranty to fall back on. Suffice to say I didn't take that option and walked away.
A few days later I find out that someone else had agreed to buy the car at the same time as myself and he had had a call from the dealer on the day of the inspection who was still at Thorney's saying the car was fine, did he want to proceed!!! The other buyer had test driven the car and when he revved it out the car had gone into limp home mode so the dealer had pretended he had taken it to Thorneys himself and they had fixed it. He was also told that he was safe with a warranty if anything else did go wrong he could claim on that. He walked away too.
It was after that I started to look around and ended up at McNewForest to look at a 458 Spider which I drove but it was just a bit meh for me and I'm not a lover of modern Ferrari's and I knew I only really wanted another McLaren. But I did end up walking out that day with a brand new 600LT Spider for an amazing deal so all in all it was a great end to bad experience and the other guy buying the 650 also bought the exactly same car a week later so it was a result all round.
In regards to the issues with my previous McLaren, I've had a bad experience with a wayward bonnet and a couple of minor issues but after reading about the frequency of problems on here I almost come to expect little niggles, it is after all a hand built relatively low volume car. Don't they call it 'character'? They are genuinely brilliant cars to drive and if half the doom mongers on here had the opportunity to put a few miles on one they'd be smitten just like you and me and lots of other owners on here.
To be fair, creative hands offer more soul but less precision than a robotic assembly line ...
I am delighted to have bought a lovely Lotus Exige 410 Sport which was sold by a gent trading up to a 600LT.
My garage contains an eclectic mix of vehicles spanning almost 50 years and almost 400bhp ...
True to the form of my previous Lotus ... an early Elise ?111... testing all the superficial fixings for their torque range indicated a very high percentage of under tightening. Washers aren't intended to rattle !
So I will need to have it spanner checked before I track it ...
But it looks wonderful next to my totally original 15000 mile 1971 Morris Minor 1000 !!!
I am delighted to have bought a lovely Lotus Exige 410 Sport which was sold by a gent trading up to a 600LT.
My garage contains an eclectic mix of vehicles spanning almost 50 years and almost 400bhp ...
True to the form of my previous Lotus ... an early Elise ?111... testing all the superficial fixings for their torque range indicated a very high percentage of under tightening. Washers aren't intended to rattle !
So I will need to have it spanner checked before I track it ...
But it looks wonderful next to my totally original 15000 mile 1971 Morris Minor 1000 !!!
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