Am I mad to look at a Mclaren instead of a Porsche 911?

[RSbandit]

EvoSid said:

That as what I have seen a 570S for £80K . I have have seen a 2017 570gt go for £75K . I never thought originally that these would be in my price range , but now I think that I could get one for £75-80K . As long as I get a warranty I cut see it being a poor choice tbh. OK running costs will be slighty more than a 991 but I can't imagine it will be hugely different

5 months and 3k miles with mine now, I renewed warranty in Feb for £2995 but I had it inspected on the prev warranty before renewal...a few things needed doing mainly the dab tuner, a rear ball joint that had some play, fobs replaced as one wasn't working ( only come in pairs)...all minor problems that didn't stop me using or enjoying the car...they are epic pieces of kit at the £80k mark.

[EvoSid]

39sl said:

TLDR: Go test drive a sport series and then drive home in your 911 and this will answer all the questions you have on performance, road manners and presence of the McLaren.

This time last year I had a 991.1 GTS and toyed with the idea of changing for a 992 but when I drove the 992 it didnt feel any different (or better) so wondered what next...then I spotted some photo's on here of Justin in his 540C and loved the colour, styling, everything

So after some research, I went for a drive in a 540C at a BMW dealer of all places...my god, that drive changed my entire perspective of cars...the 911 is quick, feels solid and was 100% reliable but just starting the McLaren was such an event...driving it was out of this world.
The key thing for me was this was to be my daily driver so it had to be compliant in terms of suspension, had to feel special and had to go like the clappers when I wanted it to; Tick, tick and bloody big tick

After the test drive, I was hooked. I put a deposit down on the car. There was some oxidation on the body panels and whilst the dealer initially assured this would be resolved before collection, they changed their mind and said I would collect the car then arrange for McLaren to resolve...didnt like this so I cancelled the order and off I went to the local McLaren dealer for a drive in some other sport series. Net result was I purchased a new 570GT.
It's been back to the dealer a couple of times for a lose rubber strip, the rear glass panel not closing fully and what turned out to be a faulty passenger door lock causing the battery to drain but the dealer has been fantastic throughout and a loan car eased the burden.

If there was ever a car that you need to drive to appreciate just how fantastic it is beyond the looks, this is it.


The main thing to watch for is oxidization on the panel edges...it looks like bubbled paint and is fairly easy to spot. It's been common until maybe 2 years ago so anything in or around the £80K is likely to either have it or been repaired. It seems the repair is to replace the panel and repaint.
Other things are minor electrical glitches...some questions on the IRIS centre console...mine does still occasionally need a reset and it only plays the radio when it feels the need.
Tyre pressure sensors do not like freezing temperatures and in the middle of winter the car has told me that all four tyres are flat...a quick look confirms it's another McLaren feature.
Thorney Motor sport have a lot of knowledge and can give any prospective car the once over should you get to that stage...I'd strongly suggest you take this up if you can...it will give you comfort if they find nothing and a point for negotiation if they do.

HTH
Steve

Thanks fr the detailed info, much appreciated. I definitely think a test drive and a warranty is essential

[EvoSid]

macdeb said:

NO! You're not mad. 'If' I were in the fortunate position then a 911 wouldn't even register. I've driven a few (friend was an all out fan) but they did nothing much for me, Turbo's were cool but,,,, meh, the looks do nothing here.
Keep us posted how you decide.

Yes I will. The more I read on here the more I think the Mclaren is he better option as long it has a bumper to bumper warranty

[EvoSid]

Adam B said:

sounds a lot more like a Mclaren than an AWD and very competent 911

I guess. just worried ambition overcomes skill and we end up in a ditch lol

[EvoSid]

RBT0 said:

I'd disagree, Porsche are less expensive to service, and not even required every year.

I'd say circa 50% cheaper to service, more or less depending on the year of service (plus the fact that not required every year like McLarens).

I am afraid this is were mass produced sportscars differ from hand built supercars.

From what I have gathered the the servicing on a Mclaren is roughly same a 991 but annually. So realistically we are talking £1k per year for serving Assuming both come with a 2 year warranty then how much more is the Mclaren to service and run over an above 1 991 . Bear in mind we are talking 3000 miles probably a year ?

[SSO]

EvoSid said:

From what I have gathered the the servicing on a Mclaren is roughly same a 991 but annually. So realistically we are talking £1k per year for serving Assuming both come with a 2 year warranty then how much more is the Mclaren to service and run over an above 1 991 . Bear in mind we are talking 3000 miles probably a year ?

I just posted an article which covers 10 years of servicing costs across a range of McLarens. Costs are in line with what we send on the GT3 RS.

[visitinglondon]

RT964 said:

The short answer is "No, you're not mad". The 991 is a fabulously accomplished sports car. The Mclaren is a supercar. I know the difference, as I own a 991.1 GTS and almost bought a 570S earlier this year (I ended up buying a 458 instead). Drive them both and then make your decision.

So many dreamers on these sort of posts. So many garages without photos ...

[Crazy4557]

PompeyReece said:

Just to mention - Thorney warranty has a £10k per claim limit, McLaren one has no limits I believe.

Unsure of the likelihood of a £10k + claim though (rare would be my guess) or what happens if such a situation arises at Thorney?

Thorney have more of a repair culture when it comes to expensive repairs rather than Mac dealers whom are more likely to be fitters of new parts rather than repairing. The car I was looking at needed a £20k repair with replacement heads with official prices but Thorney were nearer the £13k mark so although they have a £10k limit they are able to get more done and I believe John is quite flexible when the limit is reached IMHO.

OP, just be aware these cars were circa £200k+ new and are not cheap to run, a 911 is a few steps down costs wise and it can ruin an ownership experience if you fret about possible repairs/servicing/tyres etc etc.

[Bispal]

SSO said:

EvoSid said:

From what I have gathered the the servicing on a Mclaren is roughly same a 991 but annually. So realistically we are talking £1k per year for serving Assuming both come with a 2 year warranty then how much more is the Mclaren to service and run over an above 1 991 . Bear in mind we are talking 3000 miles probably a year ?

I just posted an article which covers 10 years of servicing costs across a range of McLarens. Costs are in line with what we send on the GT3 RS.

That sounds interesting must read it. 4th year Service quote for my 675LT just received at £995. Same for my 981 Spyder just in at £1495. Twin turbo 666bhp supercar 50% cheaper than a boxster!

[PompeyReece]

Crazy4557 said:

Thorney have more of a repair culture when it comes to expensive repairs rather than Mac dealers whom are more likely to be fitters of new parts rather than repairing. The car I was looking at needed a £20k repair with replacement heads with official prices but Thorney were nearer the £13k mark so although they have a £10k limit they are able to get more done and I believe John is quite flexible when the limit is reached IMHO.

Thanks. He comes across as a reasonable chap on the videos so not surprising - a refreshing and welcome attitude.

And people wonder why some prefer indies over dealers.

[RBT0]

Bispal said:

SSO said:

EvoSid said:

From what I have gathered the the servicing on a Mclaren is roughly same a 991 but annually. So realistically we are talking £1k per year for serving Assuming both come with a 2 year warranty then how much more is the Mclaren to service and run over an above 1 991 . Bear in mind we are talking 3000 miles probably a year ?

I just posted an article which covers 10 years of servicing costs across a range of McLarens. Costs are in line with what we send on the GT3 RS.

That sounds interesting must read it. 4th year Service quote for my 675LT just received at £995. Same for my 981 Spyder just in at £1495. Twin turbo 666bhp supercar 50% cheaper than a boxster!

Bit of bk.

4th yr service on a Porsche is a big one.

McLaren service with simple oil change and filter every year is minimum £800.

As said, McLaren needs to be serviced every year.

[EvoSid]

SSO said:

I just posted an article which covers 10 years of servicing costs across a range of McLarens. Costs are in line with what we send on the GT3 RS.

SSO thanks much appreciated I will have a good read of it.
I think I'm more keen on a Mclaren than a 991 now.

[650spider]

justin220 said:

Absolute no brainer. Just get a warranty included or budget for one

Lots of great posts but Justin sums it up perfectly in 2 sentences.

Only thing i would add is only buy one that has a current Mac warranty, or a thorney warranty.

As crazy found out, a cracking looking car may seem fine, but if it has a hidden problem, it could very easily be a very expensive repair, and neither mac or thorney will warrant a car until it has a full thorough inspection and any issues put right, regardless how small ( or large ) they are.

Aa has been mentioned, buying a macwarranty car privately is safe as houses as the warranty can be transferred to the new owner without an inspection, but, i may be wrong here, i think it needs to have a certain period of time remaining on the warranty for the transfer to be approved.

I cannot think of any reason i would ever consider having a Porsche again after having a McLaren.

[RSbandit]

I bought mine in December from a large indy dealer car had 3 months warranty remaining at the time, they kindly had the prev owner transfer it over to me so happy days it came in Useful as a couple of things came up when I had it checked over before renewing in Feb so it saved me some money.

[EvoSid]

650spider said:

Lots of great posts but Justin sums it up perfectly in 2 sentences.

Only thing i would add is only buy one that has a current Mac warranty, or a thorney warranty.

As crazy found out, a cracking looking car may seem fine, but if it has a hidden problem, it could very easily be a very expensive repair, and neither mac or thorney will warrant a car until it has a full thorough inspection and any issues put right, regardless how small ( or large ) they are.

Aa has been mentioned, buying a macwarranty car privately is safe as houses as the warranty can be transferred to the new owner without an inspection, but, i may be wrong here, i think it needs to have a certain period of time remaining on the warranty for the transfer to be approved.

I cannot think of any reason i would ever consider having a Porsche again after having a McLaren.

Thanks that is very sound advice much appreciated. I think I would only buy from Mclaren as Thorney not an option as it is 500 plus miles away. My only
consideration is do I want a 991.2 for the added 2 small seats in the back ( I have 2 kids and they love coming with me o road trips ) or a 2 seater Mclaren . With the all the advice on here I am now more comfortable that not only a baby Mac (570s or GT) is within my budget and the running costs are not going to break now as long as I get one with a warranty
So thanks for all the help

[EvoSid]

Ok so if any one see a nice Baby Mac for under £80k ( or that you think could be had for £80k aft a bit go haggling ) that is worth looking at a Mac dealer let me know please. As longs a sit is not black not really fussed with colours. Not sure if they are colour sensitive or if there are any velours to avoid

Also what options are a must and what are nice but not essential and what is a waste of time .

Thanks again to all who have commented so far and it looks like my £40k 997 is going become a £80k baby Mac. Hope I don't regret listening to you lot lol

[Crazy4557]

Ideally you need one with lift, sports exhaust and some colour to the interior to break it up as it can be a bit monotone otherwise. Anything else will be a bonus but the above will help at resale time and don't discount the 540 as it's plenty quick enough for our roads so they'll be easier to source within your budget.
Good luck and post up some potential candidates on here if you want other opinions.

[Targarama]

I suggest you consider cars advertised for more, dealers are not keen to lower the advertised price but with the current economic climate I suspect a small loss may be accepted to take some stock off their hands.

FWIW I sold my 570GT (very good spec) with 15k miles on it for 86k last October. Glad I was realistic and did so (the buyer was realistic too), I expect any bids would start with a high 6 or low 7 now.

[anonymous-user]

EvoSid said:

Ok so if any one see a nice Baby Mac for under £80k ( or that you think could be had for £80k aft a bit go haggling ) that is worth looking at a Mac dealer let me know please. As longs a sit is not black not really fussed with colours. Not sure if they are colour sensitive or if there are any velours to avoid

Also what options are a must and what are nice but not essential and what is a waste of time .

Thanks again to all who have commented so far and it looks like my £40k 997 is going become a £80k baby Mac. Hope I don't regret listening to you lot lol

Nose lift is essential. Everything else is personal taste. OEM sports exhaust or aftermarket exhaust would be nice. Again, personal taste and if you value the relationship with your neighbours - cold starts can be quite loud. Lots of carbon options but not essential - just jewellery.

Unless you are in a group of McLaren nerds, no one would have a clue or notice the spec. Joe Public see it as a McLaren and love it. I’ve never had any negative comments, just people of all age groups wanting to chat about it.

I had a bright yellow 570S Spyder as a loan car. Fantastic to drive.

[RSbandit]

Yeah lift, sports exhaust and for me the carbon interior with the extended paddles was something I wanted ..also the B&W upgrade to the stereo is nice to have. From what I've seen in the classifieds most cars have been sitting at the same asking prices since early March so I'm sure a cheeky bid might work.