MC20 - Anyone else submitted their spec this week?
Discussion
CitySlicker said:
These cars intrigue me, I haven’t driven one but most car journalists rave about them including Steve Sutcliffe whose opinion I value the most. Footsoldier, how was the ownership experience ?
Yes, the driving experience is great. I did a few thousand miles in mine, and on the odd occasion I was on a back road, you understood why it got such good reviews. Very good front end, rides very well, and the engine is very smooth and responsive even if not particularly exciting. Maybe needs better tyres.I test drove it back to back with a Ferrari Roma, and it was night and day better as a sports car, helped by the fact that the Ferrari went tech and 'return to dealer' cut it short.
That's what I wanted - a useable sportscar, not necessarily a supercar, that went well when you got the chance but could be used almost daily. I still think it looks great too.
So where it felt down for me was on the usability, and generally annoying things - some very minor like positioning of cupholder.., and the phone charger overheating, as did the luggage compartment!
Tiny fuel tank and a fuel gauge that was massively conservative didn’t help on longer trips.
Two big problems - the doors open very wide and you genuinely couldn't park in a normal car park space without risking not being able to get back in if someone parked next to you. I've had an SLS gullwing, Mclaren (and a Countach!), and never had any issues but this really was. Secondly, I didn't spec the lift and that was a real problem too.
It looks high enough, but the underfloor aero vanes are so low that they scraped on everything. It was literally impossible to get over speed bumps no matter how slow or what angle, car park ramps etc. Again, even a low body Countach is better, and workable!
My mistake maybe, but they should come with a health warning.
Both of those things really affected day to day use, and they were obviously losing value so I bit the bullet and got out.
I will have a general moan about dealer/manufacturer support on residuals...I bought this, a Huracan Sterrato, and another Maserati, Grecale, from Sytner Edinburgh in a 3 month period. I wanted to trade the MC20 for another Lambo, and they wouldn't even bid me on it, 6 months old.
So that's the end of that!
A lot of car for today's money, but get one with a lift...
Edited by footsoldier on Monday 17th March 14:21
That's interesting and there are a couple of similar issues that I've experienced. Mine is coming up to 2 years old, but have only managed maybe 3k in it (not least as it spent 12mths in and out for a stupid stereo issue, documented elsewhere). That aside... I ordered the lift and as with a Lambo, you do feel that you need it. The cup holder always feels like I'm gambling with the interior, especially having the light cloth etc and never put any liquids in the boot - it cooks the contents - and as I have the Cielo, it really is a very tiny boot! But, in defence of the mobile phone charger, mine doesn't overheat and charges very efficiently (unlike my 3 series!).
I made the decision about 6mths ago to stick with the car off the back of such a massive haircut on the value that I'd get for trading it in. In the end, it's a very beautiful and very capable, doing the supercar thing alongside the grand touring comfort (boot capacity aside). But also because of that haircut, any future Maserati will only be bought with a massive price hit taken by the dealer / some other poor soul. That's a great shame, as they really do make great cars when all is said and done, with a uniqueness to them which is hard to come by in today's 'vanilla' world - but price them at a ridiculous point which stops them from making a good and robust business in the process, sadly.
I made the decision about 6mths ago to stick with the car off the back of such a massive haircut on the value that I'd get for trading it in. In the end, it's a very beautiful and very capable, doing the supercar thing alongside the grand touring comfort (boot capacity aside). But also because of that haircut, any future Maserati will only be bought with a massive price hit taken by the dealer / some other poor soul. That's a great shame, as they really do make great cars when all is said and done, with a uniqueness to them which is hard to come by in today's 'vanilla' world - but price them at a ridiculous point which stops them from making a good and robust business in the process, sadly.
footsoldier said:
CitySlicker said:
These cars intrigue me, I haven’t driven one but most car journalists rave about them including Steve Sutcliffe whose opinion I value the most. Footsoldier, how was the ownership experience ?
Yes, the driving experience is great. I did a few thousand miles in mine, and on the odd occasion I was on a back road, you understood why it got such good reviews. Very good front end, rides very well, and the engine is very smooth and responsive even if not particularly exciting. Maybe needs better tyres.I test drove it back to back with a Ferrari Roma, and it was night and day better as a sports car, helped by the fact that the Ferrari went tech and 'return to dealer' cut it short.
That's what I wanted - a useable sportscar, not necessarily a supercar, that went well when you got the chance but could be used almost daily. I still think it looks great too.
So where it felt down for me was on the usability, and generally annoying things - some very minor like positioning of cupholder.., and the phone charger overheating, as did the luggage compartment!
Tiny fuel tank and a fuel gauge that was massively conservative didn’t help on longer trips.
Two big problems - the doors open very wide and you genuinely couldn't park in a normal car park space without risking not being able to get back in if someone parked next to you. I've had an SLS gullwing, Mclaren (and a Countach!), and never had any issues but this really was. Secondly, I didn't spec the lift and that was a real problem too.
It looks high enough, but the underfloor aero vanes are so low that they scraped on everything. It was literally impossible to get over speed bumps no matter how slow or what angle, car park ramps etc. Again, even a low body Countach is better, and workable!
My mistake maybe, but they should come with a health warning.
Both of those things really affected day to day use, and they were obviously losing value so I bit the bullet and got out.
I will have a general moan about dealer/manufacturer support on residuals...I bought this, a Huracan Sterrato, and another Maserati, Grecale, from Sytner Edinburgh in a 3 month period. I wanted to trade the MC20 for another Lambo, and they wouldn't even bid me on it, 6 months old.
So that's the end of that!
A lot of car for today's money, but get one with a lift...
Edited by footsoldier on Monday 17th March 14:21
I’ve been an admirer of the MC20 for some time, and, now that my current toy is on the market, and used MC20 prices seem to have stabilised somewhat, I have been putting some serious thought into getting one as a replacement if/when it sells.
I’ve watched innumerable videos and online reviews, but I’d like to hear from actual owners regarding good and bad points.
Some of the obvious drawbacks are small fuel tank, limited luggage space, relatively high weight, tendency to scrape on speed bumps/high kerbs, and lack of drama with respect to the noise they make. However, none of those are deal-breakers in my opinion.
Examples on sale currently have wide ranging specs, but what are the “must haves” and are there any “avoid like the plague” items?
Sonus Faber sound system and front lift seem to be no-brainers and I’d want both.
I’m not crazy about the birdcage style rims, preferring Corsa rims. However, there are a wide range of after-market rims available if I ended up with birdcages, so not a big deal.
Are the bucket seats any less comfortable than the standard sports seats? Most seem to have the standard seat, but I've heard some reviewers say they lack lateral support. I’m 6’4’ and 95 kg and have sat in an MC20 with standard seats, so I know I will fit.
Most seem to have carbon ceramic brakes - should I absolutely avoid steel discs?
Carbon interior would be nice, but is it a must have?
Likewise carbon exterior.
Colour not a big deal, although I’m not a fan of white of the light grey.
Are servicing costs likely to be ruinous (it would not be a daily)?
Is there anything known to go wrong thus far?
An R8 may be cheaper to own, but lacks the rarity and may be viewed as less special these days. McLarens seem relatively higher maintenance, as do Ferraris and Lambos.
OH is not a fan of Porsche, so those just haven’t been on my radar.
Any advice/opinions greatly appreciated.
I’ve watched innumerable videos and online reviews, but I’d like to hear from actual owners regarding good and bad points.
Some of the obvious drawbacks are small fuel tank, limited luggage space, relatively high weight, tendency to scrape on speed bumps/high kerbs, and lack of drama with respect to the noise they make. However, none of those are deal-breakers in my opinion.
Examples on sale currently have wide ranging specs, but what are the “must haves” and are there any “avoid like the plague” items?
Sonus Faber sound system and front lift seem to be no-brainers and I’d want both.
I’m not crazy about the birdcage style rims, preferring Corsa rims. However, there are a wide range of after-market rims available if I ended up with birdcages, so not a big deal.
Are the bucket seats any less comfortable than the standard sports seats? Most seem to have the standard seat, but I've heard some reviewers say they lack lateral support. I’m 6’4’ and 95 kg and have sat in an MC20 with standard seats, so I know I will fit.
Most seem to have carbon ceramic brakes - should I absolutely avoid steel discs?
Carbon interior would be nice, but is it a must have?
Likewise carbon exterior.
Colour not a big deal, although I’m not a fan of white of the light grey.
Are servicing costs likely to be ruinous (it would not be a daily)?
Is there anything known to go wrong thus far?
An R8 may be cheaper to own, but lacks the rarity and may be viewed as less special these days. McLarens seem relatively higher maintenance, as do Ferraris and Lambos.
OH is not a fan of Porsche, so those just haven’t been on my radar.
Any advice/opinions greatly appreciated.
antipodes40 said:
I’ve been an admirer of the MC20 for some time, and, now that my current toy is on the market, and used MC20 prices seem to have stabilised somewhat, I have been putting some serious thought into getting one as a replacement if/when it sells.
I’ve watched innumerable videos and online reviews, but I’d like to hear from actual owners regarding good and bad points.
Some of the obvious drawbacks are small fuel tank, limited luggage space, relatively high weight, tendency to scrape on speed bumps/high kerbs, and lack of drama with respect to the noise they make. However, none of those are deal-breakers in my opinion.
Examples on sale currently have wide ranging specs, but what are the “must haves” and are there any “avoid like the plague” items?
Sonus Faber sound system and front lift seem to be no-brainers and I’d want both.
I’m not crazy about the birdcage style rims, preferring Corsa rims. However, there are a wide range of after-market rims available if I ended up with birdcages, so not a big deal.
Are the bucket seats any less comfortable than the standard sports seats? Most seem to have the standard seat, but I've heard some reviewers say they lack lateral support. I’m 6’4’ and 95 kg and have sat in an MC20 with standard seats, so I know I will fit.
Most seem to have carbon ceramic brakes - should I absolutely avoid steel discs?
Carbon interior would be nice, but is it a must have?
Likewise carbon exterior.
Colour not a big deal, although I’m not a fan of white of the light grey.
Are servicing costs likely to be ruinous (it would not be a daily)?
Is there anything known to go wrong thus far?
An R8 may be cheaper to own, but lacks the rarity and may be viewed as less special these days. McLarens seem relatively higher maintenance, as do Ferraris and Lambos.
OH is not a fan of Porsche, so those just haven’t been on my radar.
Any advice/opinions greatly appreciated.
I like these, but not a daily car imho, think Ferrari dealers for maintenance / running costs. A McLaren sports series or Artura is a better buy.I’ve watched innumerable videos and online reviews, but I’d like to hear from actual owners regarding good and bad points.
Some of the obvious drawbacks are small fuel tank, limited luggage space, relatively high weight, tendency to scrape on speed bumps/high kerbs, and lack of drama with respect to the noise they make. However, none of those are deal-breakers in my opinion.
Examples on sale currently have wide ranging specs, but what are the “must haves” and are there any “avoid like the plague” items?
Sonus Faber sound system and front lift seem to be no-brainers and I’d want both.
I’m not crazy about the birdcage style rims, preferring Corsa rims. However, there are a wide range of after-market rims available if I ended up with birdcages, so not a big deal.
Are the bucket seats any less comfortable than the standard sports seats? Most seem to have the standard seat, but I've heard some reviewers say they lack lateral support. I’m 6’4’ and 95 kg and have sat in an MC20 with standard seats, so I know I will fit.
Most seem to have carbon ceramic brakes - should I absolutely avoid steel discs?
Carbon interior would be nice, but is it a must have?
Likewise carbon exterior.
Colour not a big deal, although I’m not a fan of white of the light grey.
Are servicing costs likely to be ruinous (it would not be a daily)?
Is there anything known to go wrong thus far?
An R8 may be cheaper to own, but lacks the rarity and may be viewed as less special these days. McLarens seem relatively higher maintenance, as do Ferraris and Lambos.
OH is not a fan of Porsche, so those just haven’t been on my radar.
Any advice/opinions greatly appreciated.
I’d negotiate very hard as even the cheapest cars have been for sale at dealers for 12 months plus, I’d suggest if buying it’s as a keeper, or with eyes wide open knowing that trade values (if anybody will bid) will be 25-35% less than cheapest retail.
So I absolutely love mine - I’ve had a 650s and a 458 previously - great GT car and really good fun on a track. Definitely front lift and Sonus sound.
Servicing costs are as you would expect 1000/1500.
I’ve had no issues and having been to loads of Supercar events , people absolutely love them. Must have for me at least is the CF exterior package - you will know why when you compare against one without. CF brakes are standard in the Uk so may be difficult to find steel . The CF brakes are great - long pedal travel though.
Happy to talk about it to you !
As far as luggage space - get a keyboard (music keyboard!) bag to go behind the back seats - you have a camera so doesn’t matter about blocking the rear view . I love mine and will hang on as long as I can !
quote=antipodes40]I’ve been an admirer of the MC20 for some time, and, now that my current toy is on the market, and used MC20 prices seem to have stabilised somewhat, I have been putting some serious thought into getting one as a replacement if/when it sells.
I’ve watched innumerable videos and online reviews, but I’d like to hear from actual owners regarding good and bad points.
Some of the obvious drawbacks are small fuel tank, limited luggage space, relatively high weight, tendency to scrape on speed bumps/high kerbs, and lack of drama with respect to the noise they make. However, none of those are deal-breakers in my opinion.
Examples on sale currently have wide ranging specs, but what are the “must haves” and are there any “avoid like the plague” items?
Sonus Faber sound system and front lift seem to be no-brainers and I’d want both.
I’m not crazy about the birdcage style rims, preferring Corsa rims. However, there are a wide range of after-market rims available if I ended up with birdcages, so not a big deal.
Are the bucket seats any less comfortable than the standard sports seats? Most seem to have the standard seat, but I've heard some reviewers say they lack lateral support. I’m 6’4’ and 95 kg and have sat in an MC20 with standard seats, so I know I will fit.
Most seem to have carbon ceramic brakes - should I absolutely avoid steel discs?
Carbon interior would be nice, but is it a must have?
Likewise carbon exterior.
Colour not a big deal, although I’m not a fan of white of the light grey.
Are servicing costs likely to be ruinous (it would not be a daily)?
Is there anything known to go wrong thus far?
An R8 may be cheaper to own, but lacks the rarity and may be viewed as less special these days. McLarens seem relatively higher maintenance, as do Ferraris and Lambos.
OH is not a fan of Porsche, so those just haven’t been on my radar.
Any advice/opinions greatly appreciated.
[/quote]
Servicing costs are as you would expect 1000/1500.
I’ve had no issues and having been to loads of Supercar events , people absolutely love them. Must have for me at least is the CF exterior package - you will know why when you compare against one without. CF brakes are standard in the Uk so may be difficult to find steel . The CF brakes are great - long pedal travel though.
Happy to talk about it to you !
As far as luggage space - get a keyboard (music keyboard!) bag to go behind the back seats - you have a camera so doesn’t matter about blocking the rear view . I love mine and will hang on as long as I can !
quote=antipodes40]I’ve been an admirer of the MC20 for some time, and, now that my current toy is on the market, and used MC20 prices seem to have stabilised somewhat, I have been putting some serious thought into getting one as a replacement if/when it sells.
I’ve watched innumerable videos and online reviews, but I’d like to hear from actual owners regarding good and bad points.
Some of the obvious drawbacks are small fuel tank, limited luggage space, relatively high weight, tendency to scrape on speed bumps/high kerbs, and lack of drama with respect to the noise they make. However, none of those are deal-breakers in my opinion.
Examples on sale currently have wide ranging specs, but what are the “must haves” and are there any “avoid like the plague” items?
Sonus Faber sound system and front lift seem to be no-brainers and I’d want both.
I’m not crazy about the birdcage style rims, preferring Corsa rims. However, there are a wide range of after-market rims available if I ended up with birdcages, so not a big deal.
Are the bucket seats any less comfortable than the standard sports seats? Most seem to have the standard seat, but I've heard some reviewers say they lack lateral support. I’m 6’4’ and 95 kg and have sat in an MC20 with standard seats, so I know I will fit.
Most seem to have carbon ceramic brakes - should I absolutely avoid steel discs?
Carbon interior would be nice, but is it a must have?
Likewise carbon exterior.
Colour not a big deal, although I’m not a fan of white of the light grey.
Are servicing costs likely to be ruinous (it would not be a daily)?
Is there anything known to go wrong thus far?
An R8 may be cheaper to own, but lacks the rarity and may be viewed as less special these days. McLarens seem relatively higher maintenance, as do Ferraris and Lambos.
OH is not a fan of Porsche, so those just haven’t been on my radar.
Any advice/opinions greatly appreciated.
[/quote]
antipodes40 said:
I’ve been an admirer of the MC20 for some time, and, now that my current toy is on the market, and used MC20 prices seem to have stabilised somewhat, I have been putting some serious thought into getting one as a replacement if/when it sells.
I’ve watched innumerable videos and online reviews, but I’d like to hear from actual owners regarding good and bad points.
Some of the obvious drawbacks are small fuel tank, limited luggage space, relatively high weight, tendency to scrape on speed bumps/high kerbs, and lack of drama with respect to the noise they make. However, none of those are deal-breakers in my opinion.
Examples on sale currently have wide ranging specs, but what are the “must haves” and are there any “avoid like the plague” items?
Sonus Faber sound system and front lift seem to be no-brainers and I’d want both.
I’m not crazy about the birdcage style rims, preferring Corsa rims. However, there are a wide range of after-market rims available if I ended up with birdcages, so not a big deal.
Are the bucket seats any less comfortable than the standard sports seats? Most seem to have the standard seat, but I've heard some reviewers say they lack lateral support. I’m 6’4’ and 95 kg and have sat in an MC20 with standard seats, so I know I will fit.
Most seem to have carbon ceramic brakes - should I absolutely avoid steel discs?
Carbon interior would be nice, but is it a must have?
Likewise carbon exterior.
Colour not a big deal, although I’m not a fan of white of the light grey.
Are servicing costs likely to be ruinous (it would not be a daily)?
Is there anything known to go wrong thus far?
An R8 may be cheaper to own, but lacks the rarity and may be viewed as less special these days. McLarens seem relatively higher maintenance, as do Ferraris and Lambos.
OH is not a fan of Porsche, so those just haven’t been on my radar.
Any advice/opinions greatly appreciated.
"small fuel tank, limited luggage space, relatively high weight, tendency to scrape on speed bumps/high kerbs, and lack of drama with respect to the noise they make" - all of these are true, but the lift solves the speed bump one and it's no worse than any other low-slung supercar. I don't really notice the weight when driving it, although baffled as to how they made it so heavy.I’ve watched innumerable videos and online reviews, but I’d like to hear from actual owners regarding good and bad points.
Some of the obvious drawbacks are small fuel tank, limited luggage space, relatively high weight, tendency to scrape on speed bumps/high kerbs, and lack of drama with respect to the noise they make. However, none of those are deal-breakers in my opinion.
Examples on sale currently have wide ranging specs, but what are the “must haves” and are there any “avoid like the plague” items?
Sonus Faber sound system and front lift seem to be no-brainers and I’d want both.
I’m not crazy about the birdcage style rims, preferring Corsa rims. However, there are a wide range of after-market rims available if I ended up with birdcages, so not a big deal.
Are the bucket seats any less comfortable than the standard sports seats? Most seem to have the standard seat, but I've heard some reviewers say they lack lateral support. I’m 6’4’ and 95 kg and have sat in an MC20 with standard seats, so I know I will fit.
Most seem to have carbon ceramic brakes - should I absolutely avoid steel discs?
Carbon interior would be nice, but is it a must have?
Likewise carbon exterior.
Colour not a big deal, although I’m not a fan of white of the light grey.
Are servicing costs likely to be ruinous (it would not be a daily)?
Is there anything known to go wrong thus far?
An R8 may be cheaper to own, but lacks the rarity and may be viewed as less special these days. McLarens seem relatively higher maintenance, as do Ferraris and Lambos.
OH is not a fan of Porsche, so those just haven’t been on my radar.
Any advice/opinions greatly appreciated.
"
"Sonus Faber sound system and front lift seem to be no-brainers and I’d want both." - yes, although haven't heard a standard sound system. Based on past Maserati experience, standard = dreadful.
"Most seem to have carbon ceramic brakes - should I absolutely avoid steel discs?" - per the above, believe they're standard
"Carbon interior would be nice, but is it a must have?" - personal taste in my opinion. I have interior carbon bits, but...
"Likewise carbon exterior." - did not go for this. Again, personal preference and it was an expensive option (£20k, I think). I don't feel my car misses out as a result.
"Colour not a big deal, although I’m not a fan of white of the light grey". - personal preference thing, but I have white and it gives a lovely shimmer in the sun. I'd consider the dark-ish red (whatever Italian name its given), but find the stark blue quite err... 'challenging'. But it really is down to personal choice. As I recall the grey was the only standard colour, anything else cost £10k+
Are servicing costs likely to be ruinous (it would not be a daily)? It's an annual service (most Mas's are two-yearly). The first was I think about £2-2.5k, but I'm just coming up to the second and have been quoted £4k for it. So, not the cheapest (quite a bit more than my Huracan for example).
Hope that helps - I've put further back on here the problems I had with the car, which were ridiculously stupid and could've been solved in 5 mins, rather than 15 mths - namely the amp on the stereo went wrong, but the factory refused to change it for 14mths until eventually they sent a tech over from Italy who said "it's the amp".....precisely what I told them on day 1!!!
I did have a bit of a paint issue on one door, but have only heard of one other incident (in the US). Nothing mechanical has gone wrong at all though. It is incredibly quick and whereas the Huracan screams at you, this has quite a different experience which can make it a bit disconcerting - suddenly you're hitting 3 figures and don't realise it quite.
Anyhoo... if you go for it, then enjoy it! You'll have had someone else take the painful depreciation bit and any niggles should be gone from the car you choose.
Maybe I'm in the wrong tax bracket for this question but how can an oil and filter change amount to £4k?!
V engineering can service any McLaren for £6/700, most McLaren main dealers are around £1000/1500 so what am I missing? It's not a highly strung racing engine in the MC20 so how is it many multiples of the cost?
V engineering can service any McLaren for £6/700, most McLaren main dealers are around £1000/1500 so what am I missing? It's not a highly strung racing engine in the MC20 so how is it many multiples of the cost?
PinkHouse said:
Maybe I'm in the wrong tax bracket for this question but how can an oil and filter change amount to £4k?!
V engineering can service any McLaren for £6/700, most McLaren main dealers are around £1000/1500 so what am I missing? It's not a highly strung racing engine in the MC20 so how is it many multiples of the cost?
It's a lot, but... it's a main dealer and as the (expensive) car is under warranty, I wouldn't want to entertain the aggro of going to the aftermarket at this time. Equally, however, it's a major service so more than just an oil and filter change (e.g. 6 additional / extra super special spark plugs for the pre combustion etc) and it all goes along with the 'accepted' cost premium of running a supercar!V engineering can service any McLaren for £6/700, most McLaren main dealers are around £1000/1500 so what am I missing? It's not a highly strung racing engine in the MC20 so how is it many multiples of the cost?
I don’t understand this pricing, I’ve owned and run many Ferrari V12’s. Last 2 Main Dealer Annual Services in the 1400’s & 1700’s. I need to read up about this V6 Neptuno Engine…maybe now Maserati dealers are set up away from Ferrari, they just don’t sell enough quantities to justify the Showroom Overheads, and have to make the revenue up by Servicing and Accesories business. Strange.
How much is the pre-paid maintenance programme? https://www.maserati.com/gb/en/ownership/service-a...
BigR said:
PinkHouse said:
Maybe I'm in the wrong tax bracket for this question but how can an oil and filter change amount to £4k?!
V engineering can service any McLaren for £6/700, most McLaren main dealers are around £1000/1500 so what am I missing? It's not a highly strung racing engine in the MC20 so how is it many multiples of the cost?
It's a lot, but... it's a main dealer and as the (expensive) car is under warranty, I wouldn't want to entertain the aggro of going to the aftermarket at this time. Equally, however, it's a major service so more than just an oil and filter change (e.g. 6 additional / extra super special spark plugs for the pre combustion etc) and it all goes along with the 'accepted' cost premium of running a supercar!V engineering can service any McLaren for £6/700, most McLaren main dealers are around £1000/1500 so what am I missing? It's not a highly strung racing engine in the MC20 so how is it many multiples of the cost?
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