Opinions from owners of 650 & 720
Discussion
I'm currently in the market for my first Mclaren, I only want a super series but keep going back and forth on a 650 or 720.
My max budget will get me in to about half of the 720 coupe market, but it's always nicer to not max your budget out.
I've passengered in 12C and 720 but never driven either.
I'd love opinions on owning and driving both if anyone has had both.
I probably prefer the 650's looks, and I like the idea of a spider but do prefer the roof up look of the coupe and owning something as rare as a 650 coupe definitely appeals.
I feel like from everything I've seen 650's have less issues than the earlier 720's do (but I'd love to hear opinions against this)
I dislike that 650's have recently risen in value as I'd have to pay probably 20-30% more for one now compared to when I was in the market for one last year (ended up choosing GT3 instead), but this is something I need to get over as it's irrelevant what it used to cost. But as a Yorkshireman I still struggle with this.
I love how much all round performance the 720 has for it's price, it seems like a bargain looking at 650 prices and it's competitor prices.
Although I prefer 650 looks, I still do like the 720's appearance and feel it looks pretty much a brand new car still.
Any help either way would be appreciated.
My max budget will get me in to about half of the 720 coupe market, but it's always nicer to not max your budget out.
I've passengered in 12C and 720 but never driven either.
I'd love opinions on owning and driving both if anyone has had both.
I probably prefer the 650's looks, and I like the idea of a spider but do prefer the roof up look of the coupe and owning something as rare as a 650 coupe definitely appeals.
I feel like from everything I've seen 650's have less issues than the earlier 720's do (but I'd love to hear opinions against this)
I dislike that 650's have recently risen in value as I'd have to pay probably 20-30% more for one now compared to when I was in the market for one last year (ended up choosing GT3 instead), but this is something I need to get over as it's irrelevant what it used to cost. But as a Yorkshireman I still struggle with this.
I love how much all round performance the 720 has for it's price, it seems like a bargain looking at 650 prices and it's competitor prices.
Although I prefer 650 looks, I still do like the 720's appearance and feel it looks pretty much a brand new car still.
Any help either way would be appreciated.
Quite a few people in the owners club went 650 to 720 and I don't think any of them regret it.
Having said that, when my first 650 spider was written off, I considered 720 coupe but really didn't want to lose the roof down option. Plus, I also felt 720s had more issues (e.g glass cracking).
I'm sure the 720s are brilliant - even the coupe - but after a total of about 6.5 years of 650 ownership I really don't think I'm missing anything.
We're currently in Italy. Drove to Eurotunnel last weekend, then half way down Germany. Next day, the rest of Germany - at very high speed - followed by Switzerland and into Italy.
Comfortable, very fast, economical (at normal motorway speeds) - I'm not sure a 720 could have done anything more, and (for similar budget) I couldn't have the roof down.
If I was buying now - after owning a 650 spider for 6.5 years? I'd still buy one over a 720 coupe I think (I also prefer the looks of the 650).
I don't think there is a bad choice here though
Having said that, when my first 650 spider was written off, I considered 720 coupe but really didn't want to lose the roof down option. Plus, I also felt 720s had more issues (e.g glass cracking).
I'm sure the 720s are brilliant - even the coupe - but after a total of about 6.5 years of 650 ownership I really don't think I'm missing anything.
We're currently in Italy. Drove to Eurotunnel last weekend, then half way down Germany. Next day, the rest of Germany - at very high speed - followed by Switzerland and into Italy.
Comfortable, very fast, economical (at normal motorway speeds) - I'm not sure a 720 could have done anything more, and (for similar budget) I couldn't have the roof down.
If I was buying now - after owning a 650 spider for 6.5 years? I'd still buy one over a 720 coupe I think (I also prefer the looks of the 650).
I don't think there is a bad choice here though
I bought my 650 about seven years ago now, intending to dip my toes into the brand and to then buy something better if I liked it.
I still have it. There have been plenty of other cars that have come and gone, but I’m very happy with it now and have no real interest in moving up or down in the range.
It’s very usable, reliable, fun, and still shockingly fast.
I was just wondering on the way home from work today whether it’s time to reduce the number of cars again, by selling my GR Yaris, but it’s never entered my head to sell the McLaren.
I still have it. There have been plenty of other cars that have come and gone, but I’m very happy with it now and have no real interest in moving up or down in the range.
It’s very usable, reliable, fun, and still shockingly fast.
I was just wondering on the way home from work today whether it’s time to reduce the number of cars again, by selling my GR Yaris, but it’s never entered my head to sell the McLaren.
Personally would pick a 720 over the 650 for the clean side profile and the IMO much nicer rear. The front is not great on either of them IMO. I prefer coupes anyway as I think the spiders look weird with the flat rear deck (that is not McL specific, more like all Spiders, especially with the metal roofs) - I like clean lines on cars. Having said all that, I own a 6 not a 7 series car (affordability does play a role in the decision)
I’ve had two 720S coupes (2017 & 2019) and now a 2014 650S Spider. I covered well over 45K miles between the two 720S over 5 years, so wasn’t a short-term experience.
Knowing what I know now, I wish I had bought the 650S Spider as my first McLaren. The difference in real-world on-road performance of the 720S over the 650S is minimal - literally split-seconds. It really is a game of top-trumps. To experience the performance benefits of the 720S, you will be in license losing/go to jail territory.
For me, the spider experience of the 650S outweighs the 720S coupe. Don’t get me wrong, the 720S, from an outright performance perspective, is the better car, but that’s where it stops. The 650S is better built, particularly switchgear and panel fit. The quality of the interior components and fit-finish of the 650S is much better than the 720S.
The issue of 650S vs 720S is that McLaren set the bar so high with the 650S, that the newer models are simply not that much better, certainly when it costs a lot more for smaller improvements.
The 650S is as relevant today, as it was at first launch twelve years ago. It really is that fu’ing marvellous. Watch recent 650S reviews online (Harry’s garage, Jayemm etc..)
Knowing what I know now, I wish I had bought the 650S Spider as my first McLaren. The difference in real-world on-road performance of the 720S over the 650S is minimal - literally split-seconds. It really is a game of top-trumps. To experience the performance benefits of the 720S, you will be in license losing/go to jail territory.
For me, the spider experience of the 650S outweighs the 720S coupe. Don’t get me wrong, the 720S, from an outright performance perspective, is the better car, but that’s where it stops. The 650S is better built, particularly switchgear and panel fit. The quality of the interior components and fit-finish of the 650S is much better than the 720S.
The issue of 650S vs 720S is that McLaren set the bar so high with the 650S, that the newer models are simply not that much better, certainly when it costs a lot more for smaller improvements.
The 650S is as relevant today, as it was at first launch twelve years ago. It really is that fu’ing marvellous. Watch recent 650S reviews online (Harry’s garage, Jayemm etc..)
Although I know it’s hard to do, you really need to try them.
They are different enough cars that it’s not just better / worse, there’s plenty of preference involved too.
I like the interior of my 650, and am very happy with all the aspects of driving it.
Some people though will fairly prefer the 720.
Ownership costs are not going to be vastly different, but the cost of changing will be significant, so it’s worth taking the time to choose well.
They are different enough cars that it’s not just better / worse, there’s plenty of preference involved too.
I like the interior of my 650, and am very happy with all the aspects of driving it.
Some people though will fairly prefer the 720.
Ownership costs are not going to be vastly different, but the cost of changing will be significant, so it’s worth taking the time to choose well.
Zorbathegreek said:
I ve had two 720S coupes (2017 & 2019) and now a 2014 650S Spider. I covered well over 45K miles between the two 720S over 5 years, so wasn t a short-term experience.
Knowing what I know now, I wish I had bought the 650S Spider as my first McLaren. The difference in real-world on-road performance of the 720S over the 650S is minimal - literally split-seconds. It really is a game of top-trumps. To experience the performance benefits of the 720S, you will be in license losing/go to jail territory.
For me, the spider experience of the 650S outweighs the 720S coupe. Don t get me wrong, the 720S, from an outright performance perspective, is the better car, but that s where it stops. The 650S is better built, particularly switchgear and panel fit. The quality of the interior components and fit-finish of the 650S is much better than the 720S.
The issue of 650S vs 720S is that McLaren set the bar so high with the 650S, that the newer models are simply not that much better, certainly when it costs a lot more for smaller improvements.
The 650S is as relevant today, as it was at first launch twelve years ago. It really is that fu ing marvellous. Watch recent 650S reviews online (Harry s garage, Jayemm etc..)
Interested in what made you decide to get a 650 after owning two 720's? I'm guessing since you had two and kept them for 5 years you must have been very happy with the car at the time?Knowing what I know now, I wish I had bought the 650S Spider as my first McLaren. The difference in real-world on-road performance of the 720S over the 650S is minimal - literally split-seconds. It really is a game of top-trumps. To experience the performance benefits of the 720S, you will be in license losing/go to jail territory.
For me, the spider experience of the 650S outweighs the 720S coupe. Don t get me wrong, the 720S, from an outright performance perspective, is the better car, but that s where it stops. The 650S is better built, particularly switchgear and panel fit. The quality of the interior components and fit-finish of the 650S is much better than the 720S.
The issue of 650S vs 720S is that McLaren set the bar so high with the 650S, that the newer models are simply not that much better, certainly when it costs a lot more for smaller improvements.
The 650S is as relevant today, as it was at first launch twelve years ago. It really is that fu ing marvellous. Watch recent 650S reviews online (Harry s garage, Jayemm etc..)
How do the three cars compare with reliability and issues you've had with them?
mikemmw said:
I'm currently in the market for my first Mclaren, I only want a super series but keep going back and forth on a 650 or 720.
My max budget will get me in to about half of the 720 coupe market, but it's always nicer to not max your budget out.
I've passengered in 12C and 720 but never driven either.
I'd love opinions on owning and driving both if anyone has had both.
I probably prefer the 650's looks, and I like the idea of a spider but do prefer the roof up look of the coupe and owning something as rare as a 650 coupe definitely appeals.
I feel like from everything I've seen 650's have less issues than the earlier 720's do (but I'd love to hear opinions against this)
I dislike that 650's have recently risen in value as I'd have to pay probably 20-30% more for one now compared to when I was in the market for one last year (ended up choosing GT3 instead), but this is something I need to get over as it's irrelevant what it used to cost. But as a Yorkshireman I still struggle with this.
I love how much all round performance the 720 has for it's price, it seems like a bargain looking at 650 prices and it's competitor prices.
Although I prefer 650 looks, I still do like the 720's appearance and feel it looks pretty much a brand new car still.
Any help either way would be appreciated.
Controversial view, I’ve had 720s and 540c and preferred the drive of the sports series. My max budget will get me in to about half of the 720 coupe market, but it's always nicer to not max your budget out.
I've passengered in 12C and 720 but never driven either.
I'd love opinions on owning and driving both if anyone has had both.
I probably prefer the 650's looks, and I like the idea of a spider but do prefer the roof up look of the coupe and owning something as rare as a 650 coupe definitely appeals.
I feel like from everything I've seen 650's have less issues than the earlier 720's do (but I'd love to hear opinions against this)
I dislike that 650's have recently risen in value as I'd have to pay probably 20-30% more for one now compared to when I was in the market for one last year (ended up choosing GT3 instead), but this is something I need to get over as it's irrelevant what it used to cost. But as a Yorkshireman I still struggle with this.
I love how much all round performance the 720 has for it's price, it seems like a bargain looking at 650 prices and it's competitor prices.
Although I prefer 650 looks, I still do like the 720's appearance and feel it looks pretty much a brand new car still.
Any help either way would be appreciated.
SchillingTwo said:
Although I know it s hard to do, you really need to try them.
They are different enough cars that it s not just better / worse, there s plenty of preference involved too.
I like the interior of my 650, and am very happy with all the aspects of driving it.
Some people though will fairly prefer the 720.
Ownership costs are not going to be vastly different, but the cost of changing will be significant, so it s worth taking the time to choose well.
I'd love to do that and I'm sure it would help the decision, but as you say, very hard to get test drives in £100k+, 700hp cars without absolutely bulls**ting the dealer that you are definitely going to buy their car. Especially ones good enough to get the feel of the car.They are different enough cars that it s not just better / worse, there s plenty of preference involved too.
I like the interior of my 650, and am very happy with all the aspects of driving it.
Some people though will fairly prefer the 720.
Ownership costs are not going to be vastly different, but the cost of changing will be significant, so it s worth taking the time to choose well.
mikemmw said:
Interested in what made you decide to get a 650 after owning two 720's? I'm guessing since you had two and kept them for 5 years you must have been very happy with the car at the time?
How do the three cars compare with reliability and issues you've had with them?
First 720S (2017) was an absolute dog. Sorry, but I am unable to elaborate on issues.How do the three cars compare with reliability and issues you've had with them?
Second 720S (2019) was a pleasure and utterly reliable. Just the usual issues experienced - paint bubbling - replace accumulators. Nothing out of the normal experienced.
The 650S was an unplanned opportunistic purchase. I had admired the specific car since 2019. Mega-spec ex-McLaren demo spider. When it came up for sale close to where I live, I jumped on it. It has not been a disappointment.
Harry Metcalfe pretty much sums up the 650S versus XXX debate in his latest video >
SchillingTwo said:
akadk said:
I think the 720 at such a small premium to the inflated 650 prices are an absolute bargain
Are you getting a coupe or a spider? Even at today’s prices, there is nowt that compares with the 650S spider.
You will probably have more chance finding a 720 coupe than a 650 at the moment, as there are very few of the latter available. Whether that will change come Winter, I don’t know.
There are some rough 720’s about so an inspection is vital, or purchase from one of the reputable dealers.
I have a 650 Spider and love it. Fast, comfortable, well built from what I can tell, and not depreciating.
There are some rough 720’s about so an inspection is vital, or purchase from one of the reputable dealers.
I have a 650 Spider and love it. Fast, comfortable, well built from what I can tell, and not depreciating.
I looked at and had the budget for a 720, 600LT and the 650. Out of the three I preferred the 650. It felt better built and I like the front end of the 650. They are all fantastic looking cars and in terms of performance it would only be on a track that you would notice. Absolutely love mine.
OP, I don't know you, but you sound like a 650s customer. 
I had 12c then 650s and tried a 720s a few years after getting the 650s. The 720 (P14) is a great car, every McLaren since 12c launched is a great car, but I could not live with the doors on the P14 Coupe. They are just so big, awkward, cumbersome, and not like the neat tidy P11, P13, Artura setup.
A 650s is only marginally improved over 12c, and I do think a nice swipe door 12c, with a Thorney remap, ceramic brakes and MSO splitter (front downforce / stability on 650 is better) is as good or better than a 650s.
All P11 have a proper rev counter like a 911, everything else is a back step
P11 is very well put together, (the second shift at Woking killed that for a few years)
P11 access over the sill is the tightest of all models, (if you are 6'6" with size 14 feet that may be a consideration)
12c is the best aesthetically - personal preference
Thorney do all maintenance on my cars, I have never had a breakdown in 10k miles, but the software occasionally shows evidence of a small scale manufacturer.
My 2p
I had 12c then 650s and tried a 720s a few years after getting the 650s. The 720 (P14) is a great car, every McLaren since 12c launched is a great car, but I could not live with the doors on the P14 Coupe. They are just so big, awkward, cumbersome, and not like the neat tidy P11, P13, Artura setup.
A 650s is only marginally improved over 12c, and I do think a nice swipe door 12c, with a Thorney remap, ceramic brakes and MSO splitter (front downforce / stability on 650 is better) is as good or better than a 650s.
All P11 have a proper rev counter like a 911, everything else is a back step
P11 is very well put together, (the second shift at Woking killed that for a few years)
P11 access over the sill is the tightest of all models, (if you are 6'6" with size 14 feet that may be a consideration)
12c is the best aesthetically - personal preference
Thorney do all maintenance on my cars, I have never had a breakdown in 10k miles, but the software occasionally shows evidence of a small scale manufacturer.
My 2p
I suspect some this will come down to asthetics.
I’ve always loved the 720 since I first saw it. Three years of spider ownership and it’s been wonderful. A wonderful car for crossing continents and insanely fast. I would struggle to part with it.
It’s also been reliable and no paint issues. It’s a 2019 car and was 1 owner for 4 years when I got it.
For me, I don’t like the back of the 650, love the side and front. But it doesn’t have that sculpture of the 720. I’ve never driven one.
Obviously there is a price difference. You’re going to have to go looking.
I’ve always loved the 720 since I first saw it. Three years of spider ownership and it’s been wonderful. A wonderful car for crossing continents and insanely fast. I would struggle to part with it.
It’s also been reliable and no paint issues. It’s a 2019 car and was 1 owner for 4 years when I got it.
For me, I don’t like the back of the 650, love the side and front. But it doesn’t have that sculpture of the 720. I’ve never driven one.
Obviously there is a price difference. You’re going to have to go looking.
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