Discussion
I've been following this forum for months after test driving a 570GT. I fell in love with the Lotus-like handling and boosty engine - not to mention it's gorgeous looks. I used to dream of owning a Ferrari, but McLarens now appeal more to me. I've always had convertibles as it adds another dimension to the driving experience and is a no brainer with McLarens since they look almost as good as their coupe counterparts with no loss in performance.
I convinced myself I need a 570S Spider and have been looking for a keenly priced, nicely specified example for months - ideally bough privately with MC warranty to negate some of the inevitable depreciation. I thought prices would drop over winter, but they've actually firmed up and risen a fraction. I want to tick the McLaren ownership bucket list box, but not throw away £20k-£30k+ in what might be a 1-2 year ownership.
I really want to acquire a car before Spring and am now wondering would a 650S spider tick the McLaren ownership experience, while having solid residuals (I know warranty and running costs are more than Super Series). Ideally, I'd like to back-to-back demo the two models, but lockdown is preventing that. I've read every comparison on the two models and it's been discussed in detail everywhere.
It will be used as a weekend car, for B road blasts and the odd road trip. My thoughts are given the 570S is ballistically fast, would the 650S be too much? I've come from a world of 911 (non-turbo) and M cars, where you can pretty much use 90% of their performance on the roads without needing to go to track.
Maybe the decider will be whichever comes along first at the right price, spec, condition, warranty. Anyone care to convince me either way (or maybe you're considering selling?) I know test driving is the only way to know, but I’d be really interested in peoples’ thoughts.
I convinced myself I need a 570S Spider and have been looking for a keenly priced, nicely specified example for months - ideally bough privately with MC warranty to negate some of the inevitable depreciation. I thought prices would drop over winter, but they've actually firmed up and risen a fraction. I want to tick the McLaren ownership bucket list box, but not throw away £20k-£30k+ in what might be a 1-2 year ownership.
I really want to acquire a car before Spring and am now wondering would a 650S spider tick the McLaren ownership experience, while having solid residuals (I know warranty and running costs are more than Super Series). Ideally, I'd like to back-to-back demo the two models, but lockdown is preventing that. I've read every comparison on the two models and it's been discussed in detail everywhere.
It will be used as a weekend car, for B road blasts and the odd road trip. My thoughts are given the 570S is ballistically fast, would the 650S be too much? I've come from a world of 911 (non-turbo) and M cars, where you can pretty much use 90% of their performance on the roads without needing to go to track.
Maybe the decider will be whichever comes along first at the right price, spec, condition, warranty. Anyone care to convince me either way (or maybe you're considering selling?) I know test driving is the only way to know, but I’d be really interested in peoples’ thoughts.
I agree with you on both counts - the rear end and phyiscal tacho are definitely plus points. Given both are incredible cars, I'm sure I'd be happy with either on the aesthetics, but your comment on the power delivery is interesting. Given more predicable power delivery may mean it may feel more rewarding as you might extract more performance from it? I had a similar thoughts about a GTR, it was so capable it really didn't reward a great driver on the road.
As an experience the 650S might give more of a wow factor but to live with if you want to go out for a spirited drive, would the Super Series offer a more rewarding B road blast?
As an experience the 650S might give more of a wow factor but to live with if you want to go out for a spirited drive, would the Super Series offer a more rewarding B road blast?
Have been monitoring the thread for some time, and very grateful for some useful advice. I think the only way to know is to drive the two models for a good hour or so - impossible in lockdown, and probably difficult to organise in any case. I'm going to enquire over a few and see if I can push my luck!
The general consensus is both are epic cars, and if it's short term ownership "experience" rather than a more usable B road weapon (maybe 4C) is order of the day, maybe a 650S is the way to go. Will keep you updates as the hunt continues!
The general consensus is both are epic cars, and if it's short term ownership "experience" rather than a more usable B road weapon (maybe 4C) is order of the day, maybe a 650S is the way to go. Will keep you updates as the hunt continues!
Congratulations! I wish I had the resolve to buy without driving. Have got my eye on a couple of cars but prices are certainly firming up. Be grateful if you could give me an idea too on the ballpark for the age and spec.
You timed it just right for a spring and lockdown ending. I’m based in Bath so definitely adding to the Southwest McLaren contingent!
You timed it just right for a spring and lockdown ending. I’m based in Bath so definitely adding to the Southwest McLaren contingent!
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