Help with buying a McLaren
Discussion
Good afternoon all,
I am considering moving from an Aston Martin and buying a Mclaren. It is early days and I not entirely sure which model seduces me the most
. I love my Aston, but would like something different that is a little left-field and provides an ‘X Factor’. I will be buying used so depreciation is not something that is really relevant as this will most probably be a ‘keeper’.
I was wondering if there is a definitive guide/bible/knowledge base that members on here refer too. I know the McLarens will probably be chalk ‘n’ cheese to my Vantage. I have test driven a 12c at the dealers (Ascot) recently and will go back again in a few weeks time. However, before I return I would like to do a bit of basic research on models/rev. so that I have a clearer idea as to which model I am after and can ask questions, which will be more relevant
I have looked through the previous post, but as you would expect the questions seems to be related to a specific issue. Realistically I will be looking at the 540/570/12c
Grateful if you could treat with kid gloves
Kind regards
Dave
I am considering moving from an Aston Martin and buying a Mclaren. It is early days and I not entirely sure which model seduces me the most
. I love my Aston, but would like something different that is a little left-field and provides an ‘X Factor’. I will be buying used so depreciation is not something that is really relevant as this will most probably be a ‘keeper’. I was wondering if there is a definitive guide/bible/knowledge base that members on here refer too. I know the McLarens will probably be chalk ‘n’ cheese to my Vantage. I have test driven a 12c at the dealers (Ascot) recently and will go back again in a few weeks time. However, before I return I would like to do a bit of basic research on models/rev. so that I have a clearer idea as to which model I am after and can ask questions, which will be more relevant
I have looked through the previous post, but as you would expect the questions seems to be related to a specific issue. Realistically I will be looking at the 540/570/12c
Grateful if you could treat with kid gloves
Kind regards
Dave
There is an argument that since they are all basically the same its more a question of your budget which sounds like its up to £ 150 000 approx
Then its just a looks question with a little qualification that the 12C is narrower than the 540/570 which may be a criterion if you have a standard garage door
Someone posted a used car buyers guide a while ago which is useful and although you say you have its still worth scrolling down through this section and reading lots of the threads eg warranty
One upside of your budget could be that you can ignore all posts by Rambolambo !
Then its just a looks question with a little qualification that the 12C is narrower than the 540/570 which may be a criterion if you have a standard garage door
Someone posted a used car buyers guide a while ago which is useful and although you say you have its still worth scrolling down through this section and reading lots of the threads eg warranty
One upside of your budget could be that you can ignore all posts by Rambolambo !
The driving dynamics of the 12c and 570 are going to be different. Would suggest you try both to decide which you like more. The 12c offers probably a bit more performance but being an older car that has it's own issues (mainly maintenance/warranty wrt to the gearbox and waterpump in particular). Good luck. The cars generally imo drive very very well, it's a bit of the associated bs that is rather less good....
johnnyreggae said:
There is an argument that since they are all basically the same its more a question of your budget which sounds like its up to £ 150 000 approx
Then its just a looks question with a little qualification that the 12C is narrower than the 540/570 which may be a criterion if you have a standard garage door
Someone posted a used car buyers guide a while ago which is useful and although you say you have its still worth scrolling down through this section and reading lots of the threads eg warranty
One upside of your budget could be that you can ignore all posts by Rambolambo !
Then its just a looks question with a little qualification that the 12C is narrower than the 540/570 which may be a criterion if you have a standard garage door
Someone posted a used car buyers guide a while ago which is useful and although you say you have its still worth scrolling down through this section and reading lots of the threads eg warranty
One upside of your budget could be that you can ignore all posts by Rambolambo !
Yeah £150k doesn't get you into my exclusive clubHi Dave, are you the guy that has also enquired via the facebook group ?
As above it kind of depends what you want, if you want a new car with the manufacturers warranty and guarantee etc etc then it has to be a 540/570
if you want a car that has already done most of if not all of its depreciation then a 12c with a factory warranty.
if I were in your shoes with your budget I would go for a 650 coupe again with the factory warranty.
happy to answer any questions if I can.
As above it kind of depends what you want, if you want a new car with the manufacturers warranty and guarantee etc etc then it has to be a 540/570
if you want a car that has already done most of if not all of its depreciation then a 12c with a factory warranty.
if I were in your shoes with your budget I would go for a 650 coupe again with the factory warranty.
happy to answer any questions if I can.
TISPKJ said:
Hi Dave, are you the guy that has also enquired via the facebook group ?
As above it kind of depends what you want, if you want a new car with the manufacturers warranty and guarantee etc etc then it has to be a 540/570
if you want a car that has already done most of if not all of its depreciation then a 12c with a factory warranty.
if I were in your shoes with your budget I would go for a 650 coupe again with the factory warranty.
happy to answer any questions if I can.
Looks like the warranty issue may be solvedAs above it kind of depends what you want, if you want a new car with the manufacturers warranty and guarantee etc etc then it has to be a 540/570
if you want a car that has already done most of if not all of its depreciation then a 12c with a factory warranty.
if I were in your shoes with your budget I would go for a 650 coupe again with the factory warranty.
happy to answer any questions if I can.
Hi Dave,
I went from Aston (Virage) to 12C. Love the 12C. Beautiful in its own right.
What do you want your new car to be for you?
Mc smoother than the Aston on longer journeys and then switch to Sport/Track modes and then it's raw and just faster. To be fair the 12C is just so much faster than any Aston. In any mode.
If noise is your thing, then the 540/570 with sports exhaust will be the thing to go for. Still way quicker than the Astons, but have a real street presence and a more Lambo type noise. Not a screamer though. 5xx is a new car so I'm not sure about its foibles. Very playful.
If depreciation is a factor, then 12C. It matches anything on the road in the real world, looks like a super car. The 'first'
Mc road car and a whole heap of fun and experience. So many people think it's a F1 (people confuse the 650 for the inferior P1 lol
)
12C - buy well. Get one that has had the small gremlins fixed. Mc warranty is great. Mc themselves have a great rep. Dealers are mixed, but problems get sorted. Remember that you're in the first 5 years development of a fantastic business and brand. Alastair Bols is the man to speak to.
For £120k the 12C is great value and most are known in the FB group or Alastair.
I went from Aston (Virage) to 12C. Love the 12C. Beautiful in its own right.
What do you want your new car to be for you?
Mc smoother than the Aston on longer journeys and then switch to Sport/Track modes and then it's raw and just faster. To be fair the 12C is just so much faster than any Aston. In any mode.
If noise is your thing, then the 540/570 with sports exhaust will be the thing to go for. Still way quicker than the Astons, but have a real street presence and a more Lambo type noise. Not a screamer though. 5xx is a new car so I'm not sure about its foibles. Very playful.
If depreciation is a factor, then 12C. It matches anything on the road in the real world, looks like a super car. The 'first'
Mc road car and a whole heap of fun and experience. So many people think it's a F1 (people confuse the 650 for the inferior P1 lol
)12C - buy well. Get one that has had the small gremlins fixed. Mc warranty is great. Mc themselves have a great rep. Dealers are mixed, but problems get sorted. Remember that you're in the first 5 years development of a fantastic business and brand. Alastair Bols is the man to speak to.
For £120k the 12C is great value and most are known in the FB group or Alastair.
RamboLambo said:
Yeah £150k doesn't get you into my exclusive clubhttp://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...
OP, I went from a Vantage to my 540C. They are chalk and cheese. The Aston was heavy, slow, (I had 420 BHP, but it never really felt like it) and I had some very questionable build quality.
The Mc is stunningly beautiful, outrageously fast and immaculate in build.
I went for a 540 as I have no intention to track it and I don't want carbon brakes on the road. The 570 gives a further 27HP. So for the additional premium, seems an excessive hike. I don't know what is available in the used market as they are still quite new on the road, but I would highly recommend one.
The variations in trim are massive, so as there may not be many around, your options to find a spec to suit you may be limited. I suspect you may be putting a deposit down soon!
The Mc is stunningly beautiful, outrageously fast and immaculate in build.
I went for a 540 as I have no intention to track it and I don't want carbon brakes on the road. The 570 gives a further 27HP. So for the additional premium, seems an excessive hike. I don't know what is available in the used market as they are still quite new on the road, but I would highly recommend one.
The variations in trim are massive, so as there may not be many around, your options to find a spec to suit you may be limited. I suspect you may be putting a deposit down soon!
Here's a link to the mclarenowners.org.uk buyers guide http://media.wix.com/ugd/ad72d6_8bc1b2f51923426ab6...
Jules360 said:
Fake advert.......those pics and that car has been rehashed in so many adverts over the last couple of years.......Sarnie said:
Fake advert.......those pics and that car has been rehashed in so many adverts over the last couple of years.......
Do you think so ? Whats the point ? The Amari 458 Speciale at £300k was real but at the time it was £30k cheaper than anything else out there. It did sell very quickly though whereas the overpriced others are still there.
I recognise the car and pictures from previous ads and it was £192k originally this year. No mention this time of the DMS tune to 720 bhp it seemed to get in the summer
I presumed private seller is desperately keen to move on and maybe that's the p/x price.
Its a nice car. Good spec and miles, not sure about DMS tune though. Maybe a good buy for someone IF GENUINE ?!
I am guessing you have a V8V Aston? I have a V12V Roadster and a 650S Spider. I drove the Aston down to the Le Mans Classic and twice round the full LM circuit. It's an absolutely lovely car, a keeper that even the French admire! But so is the 650. The McLaren is however the car Aston have to beat with the post DB11 newbies, but it will be a very big ask. I would still keep my Astons though, they will always be very special cars. The 12C and 650 however could be used every day, and would happily take enough luggage to go on holiday. The combination of ride comfort and performance is so unparalleled I don't see the point of not being able to have the roof down when it's dry! So far service and warranty have been excellent.
Late 12Cs are really good value, and some prefer the older styling, but If you can afford it I would look for a pre-owned 650 Spider. I think they will hold better long term value and is a more developed car. As you will be buying pre-owned someone else will have suffered the initial depreciation, so try to get as much carbon and other incredibly expensive options as you can and you definitely want a suspension lifter! Don't be afraid of a couple of years old and sensible mileage. You should get a decent peace of mind warranty from McL and should be able to negotiate a reasonable deal if you're patient. Check paint and alloys carefully as McL guard the paint codes and try to get a car that has been filmed from new as this is a better protection against stone chips. Get the dealer to get it up on the ramps so you can make sure there is no damage to the carbon splitter or diffuser if fitted. The fitted luggage set has fantastic carrying capacity and could get thrown in for a deal, and like the Aston you should keep it on trickle charge.
Hth and good hunting!
Late 12Cs are really good value, and some prefer the older styling, but If you can afford it I would look for a pre-owned 650 Spider. I think they will hold better long term value and is a more developed car. As you will be buying pre-owned someone else will have suffered the initial depreciation, so try to get as much carbon and other incredibly expensive options as you can and you definitely want a suspension lifter! Don't be afraid of a couple of years old and sensible mileage. You should get a decent peace of mind warranty from McL and should be able to negotiate a reasonable deal if you're patient. Check paint and alloys carefully as McL guard the paint codes and try to get a car that has been filmed from new as this is a better protection against stone chips. Get the dealer to get it up on the ramps so you can make sure there is no damage to the carbon splitter or diffuser if fitted. The fitted luggage set has fantastic carrying capacity and could get thrown in for a deal, and like the Aston you should keep it on trickle charge.
Hth and good hunting!
Edited by Brital on Sunday 6th November 11:40
Because of the carbon tub where there is no compromise to the coupe McLaren 650S sales were 80/20 in favour of the spider.
Even if its an out and out track car its hard to argue a case for a McLaren coupe nowadays. Some may prefer the rear window / C pillar treatment but with the folding metal roof the spider almost looks like a coupe to most people anyway.
Once a 570S spider is available 570S coupe sales will be converted likewise
McLaren rule the spider market currently until its competitors invest in carbon tub technology
Even if its an out and out track car its hard to argue a case for a McLaren coupe nowadays. Some may prefer the rear window / C pillar treatment but with the folding metal roof the spider almost looks like a coupe to most people anyway.
Once a 570S spider is available 570S coupe sales will be converted likewise
McLaren rule the spider market currently until its competitors invest in carbon tub technology
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