Discussion
I will go and drive them, I promise.
But have just started looking at these as a possibility, having been a fan of their styling but worried by the initial depreciation/discounting hits/stories on the interweb. But as a used car they offer an awful lot for less than six figures, are further down the depreciation curve, and are now on my radar.
But I'm not a McLaren expert by any means. Would like a spider, What are the pros and cons of the 12c and the 650?
All experiences/comparisons welcomed.
But have just started looking at these as a possibility, having been a fan of their styling but worried by the initial depreciation/discounting hits/stories on the interweb. But as a used car they offer an awful lot for less than six figures, are further down the depreciation curve, and are now on my radar.
But I'm not a McLaren expert by any means. Would like a spider, What are the pros and cons of the 12c and the 650?
All experiences/comparisons welcomed.
Well, this is the kind of thread where anyone who’s made the choice will expound on their own rationale.
Needless to say the 12c is further along the depreciation curve, but the 650s is not so far off, and is likely better resolved. Definitely need a spider if only for getting that sound into the cabin with the top or backlight dropped.
If the performance differences mentioned in this video matter to you (they did for me - it’s that mid-range torque and the explosive top end) then the 650 is a no brainer. Keep in mind, if coming from a “normal” supercar, the first drive in either is just going to be about the pace and suspension difference compared to what you are used to, and less about the difference between the two.
https://youtu.be/H5h8cx9BGR8
Needless to say the 12c is further along the depreciation curve, but the 650s is not so far off, and is likely better resolved. Definitely need a spider if only for getting that sound into the cabin with the top or backlight dropped.
If the performance differences mentioned in this video matter to you (they did for me - it’s that mid-range torque and the explosive top end) then the 650 is a no brainer. Keep in mind, if coming from a “normal” supercar, the first drive in either is just going to be about the pace and suspension difference compared to what you are used to, and less about the difference between the two.
https://youtu.be/H5h8cx9BGR8
Edited by 12pack on Saturday 18th July 12:57
To echo 12pack, I would definitely recommend a spider whichever route you go...the carbon tubs gives no scuttle shake unlike almost every other convertible out there....means you get 2 cars for one; coupe and convertible.
Performance and handling wise prob not much in it...you would have to be driving on track or like a lunatic to notice.
Its down to the front end you prefer and the possibility the 12c may just gain classic status.
Either one shall make you feel like a million bucks when driving or even just sitting on your driveway.
Reliability wise, in my experience, it has not been any more problematic than previous Ferraris and Porsches; main dealer up here is fantastic.
I just wish I bought into a McLaren years before I did.
Performance and handling wise prob not much in it...you would have to be driving on track or like a lunatic to notice.
Its down to the front end you prefer and the possibility the 12c may just gain classic status.
Either one shall make you feel like a million bucks when driving or even just sitting on your driveway.
Reliability wise, in my experience, it has not been any more problematic than previous Ferraris and Porsches; main dealer up here is fantastic.
I just wish I bought into a McLaren years before I did.
garystoybox said:
As a serial Ferrari owner, the only Mc that ever tempts me when I see one in the flesh is a 650 Spider. Seem to have so much road presence (more so to my eyes than a 720s). Seem wonderful value for money.
Same here but I'm itching for a 675LT spider.From my research and experience of being in both cars its a massive step up but also comes with the twice the money price tag which for most wont be justifiable but worth it IMHO
I didn't drive a 12C, but did notice a VR spider in the showroom just after placing a deposit on my 650 spider. Similar mileage, stunning condition - but £20k cheaper.
Unless it was a much worse car to drive - which I doubt - I would probably own that instead if it hadn't already had a deposit on it.
I think the 650 is a bit more user friendly in some areas (e.g checking oil level) but there is a fair price difference between them. If the 650 is a bargain, the 12C is sale of the century.
Don't get me wrong, the 650 spider is amazing. But I suspect the 12C is too.
Unless it was a much worse car to drive - which I doubt - I would probably own that instead if it hadn't already had a deposit on it.
I think the 650 is a bit more user friendly in some areas (e.g checking oil level) but there is a fair price difference between them. If the 650 is a bargain, the 12C is sale of the century.
Don't get me wrong, the 650 spider is amazing. But I suspect the 12C is too.
650spider said:
Interest must be picking up...Alistair Bols has taken a deposit on a 650 spider that he had not even had time to put pictures up...seemed a cheap price considering it had a very good spec....i bet him and the owner now think they maybe priced it too keenly...
2016 650S spider sold yesterday at Auction for 82.5k£ - I was following it and tempted... at that price amazing value for money...https://www.historics.co.uk/buying/auctions/2020-0...
blacksun80 said:
650spider said:
Interest must be picking up...Alistair Bols has taken a deposit on a 650 spider that he had not even had time to put pictures up...seemed a cheap price considering it had a very good spec....i bet him and the owner now think they maybe priced it too keenly...
2016 650S spider sold yesterday at Auction for 82.5k£ - I was following it and tempted... at that price amazing value for money...https://www.historics.co.uk/buying/auctions/2020-0...
No warranty, no inspection. Poor spec.
Makes the Alistair Bols one look even cheaper than i originally thought.
650spider said:
£92,394.00 inc the fees.
No warranty, no inspection. Poor spec.
Makes the Alistair Bols one look even cheaper than i originally thought.
I am pretty sure the 82.544 price paid includes the commission as I was watching that particular auction and it only went into 70ies (Also that’s why it’s not a round number, you could raise bid by 1000 or 500 pound)No warranty, no inspection. Poor spec.
Makes the Alistair Bols one look even cheaper than i originally thought.
For me it`s a 12c as I much prefer the styling...in the right colour the 650S looks ok but the headlights look out of proportion, whereas there are subtle styling changes with the 675LT which does look balanced.
There`s bugger all difference in performance except at the very top end and crazy speeds and later 12c`s are just as resolved as 650S`s.
My 12c`s being serviced currently and when talking with the collection driver he said that the least problematic cars were the 12c and 650S...I would think some of the earlier 12c`s which did have some issues will have had them resolved by now...
There`s bugger all difference in performance except at the very top end and crazy speeds and later 12c`s are just as resolved as 650S`s.
My 12c`s being serviced currently and when talking with the collection driver he said that the least problematic cars were the 12c and 650S...I would think some of the earlier 12c`s which did have some issues will have had them resolved by now...
As I said in my post, the 650 does have the torque come on significantly stronger lower in the revs, and explodes more strongly at the top. Perhaps it doesn’t make a lot of difference in objective numbers, but the throttle response certainly defines how the car feels.. Franky, I would have stuck to my V12V if it weren’t for that, as the other Macs I drove before buying (didn’t try a 720 ) felt a bit lazy at 7/10s. I understand throttle response is even better in the 720 and would be my only reason to change, not quoted 0-60 etc.
Edited by 12pack on Monday 20th July 12:05
but can't see me ever affording one TBH. Have to say why did the original buyer spec all red seats? looks like they've come from another car, some get the interior spec right and some fail miserably.650S is 5-10% improved over the 12C in most areas (acceleration, torque, steering, braking) But 12C looks better. Most 12C's now have any issues resolved, therefore as the 650 improvements are small it comes down to aesthetics and the 12C coupe is one of the best looking cars ever made. As a previous 12C owner and now a 675LT owner I am still drawn to the 12C over the 650S. And the 7675LT is definitely worth double both of them, it is a masterpiece. Alistair Bolls has an amazing looking 12C with the MSO front end, its very tempting....
Bispal said:
650S is 5-10% improved over the 12C in most areas (acceleration, torque, steering, braking) But 12C looks better. Most 12C's now have any issues resolved, therefore as the 650 improvements are small it comes down to aesthetics and the 12C coupe is one of the best looking cars ever made. As a previous 12C owner and now a 675LT owner I am still drawn to the 12C over the 650S. And the 7675LT is definitely worth double both of them, it is a masterpiece. Alistair Bolls has an amazing looking 12C with the MSO front end, its very tempting....
Have to say that is one I quite fancied but due to my drive/road interface being a pain and it being lower than a normal 12C I have not even been to look at it!Gassing Station | McLaren | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff