12c buying advice / any owners in Northern Ireland?

[les5709]

Hi All,
I am considering a move to a 12C and was wondering if you can supply me with any tips when looking at examples to buy please? I am currently driving a V10 R8 and am also trying to work out if it really is worth the jump for the additional cash. Clearly the Mclaren has an exclusivity element over the R8 but in terms of drive I was very interesting in your opinions please?

I was also wondering if anyone knew of anyone in Northern Ireland as I really haven't had a good opportunity to see one in the flesh and get a look around one.
Thanks
Steve

[TISPKJ]

Hi, the McLaren Owners UK group are currently putting something together with regard to a buyers guide which should be posted shortly.
Very little real problems to speak of.

I cant comment on what they are like compared to an Audi however they are probably the most usable supercar on the market today.

I suggest go and try one and see what you think but doubt you will be disappointed.

[isaldiri]

les5709 said:

Hi All,
I am considering a move to a 12C and was wondering if you can supply me with any tips when looking at examples to buy please? I am currently driving a V10 R8 and am also trying to work out if it really is worth the jump for the additional cash. Clearly the Mclaren has an exclusivity element over the R8 but in terms of drive I was very interesting in your opinions please?

I was also wondering if anyone knew of anyone in Northern Ireland as I really haven't had a good opportunity to see one in the flesh and get a look around one.
Thanks
Steve

Get a well maintained example. service history is everything imo, personally I'd get one that has been used rather than sat up as some issues do develop more often it seems for cars that haven't been run regularly. I'd get a warrantied car as I have some concerns about the long term reliability of the gearbox and parts like the panel switches are pretty crazy if they need replacing. You might want to consider availability of servicing/support as well if you're in Northern Ireland....

The r8 is a great car (particularly the v10 engine) and costs a heck of a lot less in running costs and maintenance. Country road driving wise though I thought the r8 was superbly well damped and the 12c does not imo have any real world advantage in ride quality despite what you hear about the hydraulic suspension. The 12c does definitely drive better for me though mainly as it's feels way lighter (and is) with a great seating position and the brakes on the R8 are very over servoed and always bothered me. I do somewhat miss the v10 engine when I'm in the 12c but overall can't say I ever regretted changing 4 years ago.

[les5709]

Thanks for the insight both. I look forward to the buyers guide.

Yes no dealer in Northern Ireland that i am aware of to service a Mclaren within Northern Ireland, so would be a bit of a pain to have to boat it over to Scotland I would think - but would give me a good excuse for a road trip . I do have a Capritso Exhaust and the Lambo LP570 mappings on my R8 also, so it really does go well with a great sound when the valves are open. Part of me is slightly afraid to pay significantly more and lose all of that sound.

[barchetta_boy]

The 12C sound grows on you, just make sure you keep the intake sound generator switched off.

[TISPKJ]

les5709 said:

Thanks for the insight both. I look forward to the buyers guide.

Yes no dealer in Northern Ireland that i am aware of to service a Mclaren within Northern Ireland, so would be a bit of a pain to have to boat it over to Scotland I would think - but would give me a good excuse for a road trip . I do have a Capritso Exhaust and the Lambo LP570 mappings on my R8 also, so it really does go well with a great sound when the valves are open. Part of me is slightly afraid to pay significantly more and lose all of that sound.

I came from an LP 550-2 so understand what your saying about the sound, 12c is not as good IMO, its not bad just different and you have to get used to the more conservative deep bass sound rather than a screamer

[V8A*ndy]

There was one knocking about Saintfield recently.

[Bispal]

les5709 said:

Hi All,
I am considering a move to a 12C and was wondering if you can supply me with any tips when looking at examples to buy please? I am currently driving a V10 R8 and am also trying to work out if it really is worth the jump for the additional cash. Clearly the Mclaren has an exclusivity element over the R8 but in terms of drive I was very interesting in your opinions please?

I was also wondering if anyone knew of anyone in Northern Ireland as I really haven't had a good opportunity to see one in the flesh and get a look around one.
Thanks
Steve

Hi, PM me and i will send you the full Owners Group buyers guide, which has just been updated.

[Wilmslowboy]

last month I heard that Charles Hurst (Specialist Car Division) were getting a black 12c Spyder in...not sure if it happened or not (its not on their site) might be worth a call ??

[les5709]

Wilmslowboy said:

last month I heard that Charles Hurst (Specialist Car Division) were getting a black 12c Spyder in...not sure if it happened or not (its not on their site) might be worth a call ??

Thanks! Will give them a try.