Potential 720S Purchase - Some advice please!

Potential 720S Purchase - Some advice please!

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CyCy

Original Poster:

149 posts

80 months

Tuesday 22nd May 2018
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Hi all!

Been eyeing up a couple of the 720S' on the market recently. Always loved the looks. Can't not love the performance. Not really much to argue with.. Except the value. I intend, fully and upfront, to only keep the car for 6 months or so, during which I'll cover 4000-5000 miles. I have another supercar incoming which this 720S is acting as a stop-gap for.

I do intend on driving it fairly frequently, but my daily is an E63S and I'm not lacking for grunt there. This will be a driving event only type car.. And the occasional milk run, of course!

The cars I've been looking at are sat at roughly £240k. Happy to pay it in cash, but wondering if leasing or financing it is more sensible? Little worried about what it's going to look like at the end of the year. I'd like to not lose £10k per month on a car I don't really intend on keeping for a lifetime. Not too experienced with supercar depreciation having not owned something of this scale before.

In my mind, realistically, a £240k car will be sat at £220k by the end of the year, at 5000 miles. Am I relatively close or completely delusional?

Already made appointments at Rybrook for the second round of viewings. Am fairly serious about this.. Would just like to go in armed with as much information as possible!

Cheers for looking, chaps!

CyCy

Original Poster:

149 posts

80 months

Tuesday 22nd May 2018
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Wilmslowboy said:
A few recent used 720 buyers (that I have heard of) have not paid £240k. (closer to £200k).

I know of at least one buyer that has done a guaranteed buy back with the dealer at £20k less (9 months later)...sounds tasty but at least its a guaranteed position.
That's very interesting. Will go in there with the idea of a guaranteed buyback. The next car, after 6mo, will likely be another McL. Might help the situation.

The cars I'm looking at ->

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

and

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

I'd honestly much rather pay closer to £200k, but, haven't seen any decent spec cars round that price. Only 1 that's available in LHD and 10k miles. Or is it a case of negotiation?


CyCy

Original Poster:

149 posts

80 months

Tuesday 22nd May 2018
quotequote all
ferdi p said:
If true that there are dealers willing to buy back at just 20k less in 9 months, then I'd jump on that. You certainly couldn't hire one for just over 2k per month!
Yeah, if they tell me they'll take it back after 9 months for 20k less I'm writing a cheque on the spot. Gonna go in and see what's what.

CyCy

Original Poster:

149 posts

80 months

Tuesday 22nd May 2018
quotequote all
Wilmslowboy said:
Feedback I have have heard is the deal won't be done on the phone, you need to see them face to face.......when it comes to stock cars, pre-reg - deals can be done, if you push hard.


There are a few private used 720s for sale - where I know deals can be done - I'll point one of the seller to this thread.


If it was my money ...I'd buy a 570s or even a 650s Spyder...perhaps one still with years warranty etc that could probably be owned for 6 month for closer to £15k and you would only have to put £140k into it .........idea - smile
Very fair. I intend to pay cash but will have to meet them first and figure out what works out better for me. Not opposed to taking out finance etc, though.

The 570S comment is apt, I do intend on owning one of those too. Will go round to Bristol and figure out which way I'm gonna do it. I do intend on buying from the dealer so as to establish a relationship, but I'm open to a private sale if Rybrook doesn't work out. Can't miss owning this awesome machine to be honest. I'm new to this world and I do figure that's how people get their grubby paws on the LTs and so on and so forth. Man, that's the stuff dreams are made of. Spec'ing your dream, limited edition McL at the MTC (I don't think they do that for LTs, but let a man dream!). Giving me the fuzzies right now, haha!

CyCy

Original Poster:

149 posts

80 months

Tuesday 29th May 2018
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Turbo cab said:
In your own words and with no disrespect intended you are delusional I'm afraid...

Similiar mileage 5k car that i currently know of has only attracted bids of around £185k in the the trade with Ascot finally selling there 5k example for £205k, talks of sizable discounts being had from main dealers despite being promised 6 months ago by my dealer this would not happen also shows McLaren going down there usual routes to move units further hitting residuals....

The cars for sale currently, like the one sat at top555 has been up for over a month and is around £45k behind list with no miles, also the 1500 mile white £280 list car at ryebrook has been up for sale for months starting at £280, now currently sitting at £247 and it's still too expensive at that price point given what's sold in the market recently.

I was lucky to get out of mine with minimumul losses however, I would say a full spec car that lists at £280k with 5k miles going into winter will be lucky to attract a trade bid of £170k

Edited by Turbo cab on Monday 28th May 20:19


Edited by Turbo cab on Monday 28th May 20:20
Ah, no stress, I asked so that I could gather valuable data points. Thanks for providing the insight, man!

So, the 1500 mile white £280k list car, the one sat at Rybrook Bristol.. For £247k now. What do you reckon would be a reasonable offer for that? I'm going in to see it on Friday, and want to get a good idea of what to expect. Would I be laughed out of the dealer for offering £215-220k?


Edited by CyCy on Tuesday 29th May 00:38

CyCy

Original Poster:

149 posts

80 months

Tuesday 29th May 2018
quotequote all
Turbo cab said:
I have a suspicion that particular car is SOR.

If not, £215k would probably be my starting point given the mileage, there were two full spec white cars that sold earlier in the year with practically no miles on, one at Romans and one at a jaguar dealership and both went for around £232k.

Edited by Turbo cab on Tuesday 29th May 07:03
Yeah, this will actually be my second visit to McL Bristol, saw that car first a few months ago. It was, if I remember correctly, SOR. There is a gorgeous red car with 60 miles on the clock going for £237k or thereabouts as well. May put in an offer on that for £205-210k or so simply because it isn't spec'd as high.

CyCy

Original Poster:

149 posts

80 months

Tuesday 29th May 2018
quotequote all
Well, the different points of reference here are confusing to say the least, but more information is never a bad thing. I am attempting to get into the world of supercar ownership for the first time, and want to do so with the most realistic view possible. Who better to ask than those who are already there? So, thank you gents for the spectrum of answers.

For one, I do not honestly expect very much in terms of reliability. Much less from a highly strung supercar. I'm not fussed in the slightest as long as it's under warranty and nothing is coming out of my pocket. I have a new E63S as the daily driver, so am well taken care of on that front.

On the values, price, and such, I suppose it's somewhere in the middle. Offering £200k for a car that is being advertised for £243k isn't going to take me anywhere. Splitting it down the middle for £220k is probably a tad more realistic, but as mentioned, I should probably go in and actually talk figures with the dealer. The last time I went round was for a cursory look. This time is with a more serious intention to buy, as the cash is ready to go now. Have a meeting at McL Bristol for Friday. Hope a 720S comes out of it. I've been lusting for this machine for a while. Will update thread!

CyCy

Original Poster:

149 posts

80 months

Friday 1st June 2018
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Macman570 said:
So how did the meet go today at Bristol for the 720 - as I was considering going over tomorrow— Worth the Trip ?


Edited by Macman570 on Friday 1st June 20:01
As far as the chaps at McL Bristol are concerned, top lads. Steve and Jonathan are fantastic to deal with. Absolutely cannot recommend them enough.

Personally, will be sleeping on the red car and will be making the call tomorrow. Let the excitement wear down a little before I commit to anything. But, it's looking like a 90% yes, for me.

CyCy

Original Poster:

149 posts

80 months

Saturday 2nd June 2018
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So, putting it out there then. What would you lot place as a bid on a car with 60 miles in Memphis Red with not a lot of carbon? List was close to £260k. Asking is £237k. Where would you go?

I speak of this one, specifically - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

CyCy

Original Poster:

149 posts

80 months

Saturday 2nd June 2018
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Perhaps it's the color? Notice Saros Blue cars are sitting at the lower end of the market by far.

CyCy

Original Poster:

149 posts

80 months

Saturday 2nd June 2018
quotequote all
RamboLambo said:
Depends on the circumstances of how they obtained the car in the first place how much it owes them. If it was a distressed sale with someone needing quick cash they may well have got it for £215k. They are also an independent that can exist on lower margins as they do not have franchise standards to adhere to.
The Memphis red car is far more appealing colour IMHO and from a main dealer who obviously does not have that size of margin in the car in the first place.
TBH its these independents getting hold of the cars at silly prices which is effecting residuals and what McLaren needs to address for both its customers and dealers.
Prices do not reflect the quality of the car merely the supply and demand equation.
To me bought at the right price these cars are the supercar bargain. With most things you quite often pay for the name but that's not the case with McLaren at this stage of its brand life. It wont always be that way as the demand continues to increase provided McLaren controls supply and increases its dealer network which is down to the dealer/manufacturer business model
You seem to know the blokes at Mac Bristol and how it all works. Would they source this car for me if I asked?

CyCy

Original Poster:

149 posts

80 months

Sunday 3rd June 2018
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Gotcha. Cheers for that. I'm liking the color of the Memphis Red car more, but it has so little carbon and no upgraded Bowers and Wilkins. Doesn't have 360 cam or sports exhaust either. This TOP555 car has pretty much every carbon option ticked, 360 cam, sports exhaust, visible Monocage II, carbon roof... Just a far better spec, besides the color.

Don't get me wrong, this is certainly a nice problem to have, but I'm so damn confused right now, haha!

CyCy

Original Poster:

149 posts

80 months

Sunday 3rd June 2018
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Just wanted to say thank you to all of you again for being the angels and devils on either shoulder! Am fairly young so I tend to get over excited and jump the gun a little. Been dreaming of a supercar for many, many years now, since I could walk as a kid, really. So now that it's tantalisingly close, I'm getting a bit antsy and jumpy.

Will try to remain level headed. Update you guys on Monday, am going into Bristol.. Again. These trips from Exeter are racking up miles on the E63 alright! Love it!

CyCy

Original Poster:

149 posts

80 months

Monday 4th June 2018
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Quick update for you guys. Went in today and my heart couldn't say no to the red car. Better spec, carbon, etc be damned. Might die tomorrow. F### it. So I bought it. Delivery is sometime next week. Car going for PPF and all that first. My hype levels are through the roof. Not sure I can wait that long tbh!

Anyway. Thank you all very much for the advice. Will post more as I collect her, etc. I'll be coming to a bunch of PH events and the likes sometime soon too!

Here's a quick picture I grabbed of her.


CyCy

Original Poster:

149 posts

80 months

Monday 4th June 2018
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Thank you very much for the lovely responses, everyone. I can't wait. I can still scarcely believe that I own a McLaren. Kind of. Well.. Sort of. Not entirely yet but.. I mean, you know what I mean! Haha!


CyCy

Original Poster:

149 posts

80 months

Tuesday 5th June 2018
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Green1man said:
Congrads CyCy, car looks amazing.

I agree these are pretty colour sensitive and I think they look stunning in the right colour and this red looks one of the best (not seen colour in person).

All personal choice obviously, but if I was speccing one of these new, I wouldn’t go for any carbon options that weren’t functionally advantageous. I can’t help think this is a bit of a fashion thing that will look awfully dated in 10 years time, pretty academic in my case as I’ll never be in that position weeping
Oh I absolutely respect the love of purely functional carbon, but then again I am the kind of absolute to$$er that has all the carbon boxes ticked on a 2-ton E63S AMG, haha! To each their own matey.

On the never being in that position thing, I say that you never know. A couple of years ago I was a firefighter with a McLaren pinned to my bunk wall. Bit different today. Life's funny that way.

And yes! Thank you everyone else. Haven't seen this color out in the sun yet so I'm really excited to take her out and see it pop!

CyCy

Original Poster:

149 posts

80 months

Friday 15th June 2018
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So, I pick the car up in 2 hours. To say I'm excited is the understatement of the century. Will update post with pictures/videos when able!

CyCy

Original Poster:

149 posts

80 months

Saturday 16th June 2018
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Hahahah! I'll focus mainly on what hit me first about this car, seeing as it's only 24 hours old, I haven't quite had the chance to stretch her legs. Brought it back home yesterday, on the M5 was ridiculous enough, people rolling down their windows and screaming, heart signs all over.. People REALLY react well to the home-team, it seems. Ferraris don't get nearly this kind of attention and love. Driven a fair bit in a 488!

Then went out to dinner at Board, sat in the windows and watched.. MY GOD does this thing attract a lot of attention. Hordes and hordes of people. Played a little game and counted. In the 2 hour window I was at Board, about more than 35 pictures taken, and I went ahead and opened up the car for a bunch of kids that were excitedly jabbering about it. It's an incredible experience to be able to share.

The attention is the thing that I'm most surprised with. Haven't been able to stretch the legs on the car yet, but a couple of pulls on the M5 confirms this much - It's f*cking fast.

Will be at BHP on Sunday, Rambo. You going?

Here's a quick shot of me pulling out of Rybrook in the new monster -



And obligatory picture.


CyCy

Original Poster:

149 posts

80 months

Saturday 16th June 2018
quotequote all
Cheers guys! Taking her out for a proper drive on some of my favorite B-Roads after BHP tomorrow. Will update with driving impressions. I understand my prior post of "attention attention attention" seems a bit... Attention we-y. But this is my first supercar and I honestly, honestly am a bit rattled at how many people love the thing. It's great though. I adore sharing the thing with people and seeing them light up around it. Really quite special.



All ages too!

CyCy

Original Poster:

149 posts

80 months

Saturday 30th June 2018
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Err, following along with advice and all that..

Just scraped the bottom of the front bumper on a nasty incline. Standard supercar affair. I can't see the scrape, so not fussed. I can, however feel it if I grope around the bottom of the car enough. I'm sure a bunch of you have scrapped the bottom of your bumpers here. Whaddya reckon? Fix it? How much do you think that's gonna run me, anyway? Or should I not bother until I've to sell the car?