First McLaren, still lost on models
Discussion
Kent Border Kenny said:
I'm not criticising anyone who is uncomfortable with exposing themselves to risk, but am a little disappointed that McLaren themselves aren't able to accommodate.
Sorry if you've already stated it - but what dealers have you tried? Admittedly it wasn't during Covid, but I had no problems with a test drive at Ascot - in fact, I had two before I decided to buy.I didn't know that AB didn't provide test drives - in fact, as somebody that keeps thinking about selling, I was nervous to consider him because I didn't like the idea of people taking my car out if it didn't sell and I had it back. Knowing that he doesn't allow test drives makes it more likely I'd use him in future, so handy to know.
Personally, I agree that you do need to drive one. I was very surprised when I test drove mine - it was not what I was expecting at all - and actually, if you didn't like Porsche, I wonder if you'll get on with McLaren. Although it is much much better - I would say my test drive felt more Porsche than Ferrari - and it changed my view about which car I was part exchanging.
The couple of Mclaren dealers I've contacted recently have implied they're limiting test drives due to Covid, which is fair enough, I guess. But like Kenny, I haven't driven either a 650 or 570 (the two options I'm considering) so it's a problem! There's so little around at the moment I doubt I'd buy yet anyway but as it looks like restrictions are going to be around for some time I'm not sure I'll be able to buy one even if I wait until the new year.
Edited by drcarrera on Tuesday 13th October 11:24
We had a three hour test drive in a 720S on Friday, OMG what a car. But this was a special event they were doing over a couple of days, so
I am not sure what their usual approach would be.
If it had been the usual 20 minute around the block kind of thing, I wouldn't be buying. It took some to time to adjust to it and then enjoy Sport mode (hold on to your hat).
And I personally would never buy a car without a test drive.
The dealers don't seem to be generally open, all by appointment only. The Lambo dealer next door had two cars outside that were very clearly for test drives. But again no entry without an appointment.
I am not sure what their usual approach would be.
If it had been the usual 20 minute around the block kind of thing, I wouldn't be buying. It took some to time to adjust to it and then enjoy Sport mode (hold on to your hat).
And I personally would never buy a car without a test drive.
The dealers don't seem to be generally open, all by appointment only. The Lambo dealer next door had two cars outside that were very clearly for test drives. But again no entry without an appointment.
davek_964 said:
Sorry if you've already stated it - but what dealers have you tried? Admittedly it wasn't during Covid, but I had no problems with a test drive at Ascot - in fact, I had two before I decided to buy.
I didn't know that AB didn't provide test drives - in fact, as somebody that keeps thinking about selling, I was nervous to consider him because I didn't like the idea of people taking my car out if it didn't sell and I had it back. Knowing that he doesn't allow test drives makes it more likely I'd use him in future, so handy to know.
Personally, I agree that you do need to drive one. I was very surprised when I test drove mine - it was not what I was expecting at all - and actually, if you didn't like Porsche, I wonder if you'll get on with McLaren. Although it is much much better - I would say my test drive felt more Porsche than Ferrari - and it changed my view about which car I was part exchanging.
It was Ascot that I visited, and (which is fair enough) they aren't going to let a new customer out on their own, and at the moment don't want to be sitting in a car alongside me either.I didn't know that AB didn't provide test drives - in fact, as somebody that keeps thinking about selling, I was nervous to consider him because I didn't like the idea of people taking my car out if it didn't sell and I had it back. Knowing that he doesn't allow test drives makes it more likely I'd use him in future, so handy to know.
Personally, I agree that you do need to drive one. I was very surprised when I test drove mine - it was not what I was expecting at all - and actually, if you didn't like Porsche, I wonder if you'll get on with McLaren. Although it is much much better - I would say my test drive felt more Porsche than Ferrari - and it changed my view about which car I was part exchanging.
Had I claimed I was trying with a view to making an immediate deal, they would have let me agree a price, arrange and demonstrate finance, and then be allowed a drive before signing, but I decided that I didn't like the one that they actually had, and I wasn't going to be a dick by pretending that I'd be buying it if I wasn't.
drcarrera said:
The couple of Mclaren dealers I've contacted recently have implied they're limiting test drives due to Covid, which is fair enough, I guess. But like Kenny, I haven't driven either a 650 or 570 (the two options I'm considering) so it's a problem! There's so little around at the moment I doubt I'd buy yet anyway but as it looks like restrictions are going to be around for some time I'm not sure I'll be able to buy one even if I wait until the new year.
I'm going to buy because I'm feeling a bit miserable after working from home since March, so probably want to go ahead, even without a drive. It's not sensible at all, but I'm not looking forward to sitting in this same seat on my own through the winter, and want something to cheer me up a bit.Edited by drcarrera on Tuesday 13th October 11:24
I realised that the R8 only gets taken out now to give it a run once every few weeks, and that's because it's just not a great car on roads that aren't perfectly smooth.
12pack said:
Like my V12Vantage. Which is why you may prefer the 650.....
Yes, I think that the 650 is definitely the way to go.The magnetic ride on my previous V8 R8 made it an excellent GT car, it was just lovely on a long drive, and of course, very good on the twisty roads.
I should have bought a newer non “plus” R8 convertible, but I was really impressed by how much more precise the handling was on the firmer one on my short test drive than the V8, so jumped straight in.
I’m going to see a 650 on Saturday, hopefully to agree a deal. It’ll have just returned from a McLaren service, which I’m hoping means that anything that did need attention will have been done.
The trade-in on the R8 is (unsurprisingly) a bit low, probably £5k less than I could get pricing it for a relatively quick sale, which is enough that I may as well see if I can sell it myself.
I’ll need to work out what I do with the SL63 next. It’s done 800 miles since new.ll
Nothing to lose......unless you don't Kent Border Kenny said:
To finish off the thread, I’ve bought a low mileage 650s Spider, and it should be delivered next week.
I’ve also decided not to sell the SL63 yet, I’ll have another think about that in the spring.
Awesome. Congratulations.. I bet it grows on you and the SL becomes unused quite quickly I’ve also decided not to sell the SL63 yet, I’ll have another think about that in the spring.
AstonExige said:
Congrats!!! How many sleepless nights? 
I asked for it to be delivered Wednesday, but if it’s dry this afternoon I think I’ll take a taxi over and get it today.I know it’s silly wanting to get it in the dry, but I’d like to see it freshly detailed at home just once before it gets plastered in autumn muck.
Kent Border Kenny said:
To finish off the thread, I’ve bought a low mileage 650s Spider, and it should be delivered next week.
I’ve also decided not to sell the SL63 yet, I’ll have another think about that in the spring.
Congrats - great choice I’ve also decided not to sell the SL63 yet, I’ll have another think about that in the spring.
.And there’s no finishing off of this thread until you post photos....
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