Buying without driving?

Buying without driving?

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xcentric

Original Poster:

722 posts

220 months

Saturday 13th February 2021
quotequote all
Clearly, not ideal.

But given the times we're in, would you? I've driven lots of performance cars, but not a McLaren - so whilst I'm very tempted to just get one, it's a lot of money for me and I'm wondering if I should let my head rule for a while...... found some good spec cars I like, but am assuming others will be around too going forwards.

Car in question is a 570s spider.....

xcentric

Original Poster:

722 posts

220 months

Saturday 13th February 2021
quotequote all
I'll be buying from a Mc dealer (almost certainly) and so am not so sure warranty claims are so relevant (unless there is a real lemon!) but with a few years having had stuff fixed under warranty is ok with me.

If the specific one I bought was a nightmare then I'd be within my rights to return it so am less concerned about that - it's more the not having driven the model type at all that I was getting at.

Am thinking it's a bad idea - but am still perusing the classifieds keenly :-)

xcentric

Original Poster:

722 posts

220 months

Sunday 14th February 2021
quotequote all
SSO said:
That having been said, we've bought 8 out of 9 McLaren's without having a test drive in the car we have purchased.
respect! bow

xcentric

Original Poster:

722 posts

220 months

Monday 15th February 2021
quotequote all
Jules360 said:
I would definitely drive one first. I was convinced i wanted a 650S until the dealer let me have one for a day. Didn't get on with it, didn't like the gearbox at all and it gave me a real back ache after about 30 minutes. Bought the 458 Instead. Also had a 570S for a day, back ache was so bad i was dreading driving it back to the showroom. Maybe its just me, but never had the same issue in any Lambo or Ferrari, except the Huracan Performante with race seats.
Interesting. The 458 spider is the other option I'm considering. Had almost decided to do Mc for 2 years then the Ferrari, but may have to wait and drive to see.....

xcentric

Original Poster:

722 posts

220 months

Wednesday 17th February 2021
quotequote all
McDealer or independent? just wondering why you're getting a Thorney PPI?

Will the return extend to 'just don't like it....'?

xcentric

Original Poster:

722 posts

220 months

Thursday 18th February 2021
quotequote all
I think, clarified by the advice on here, that there are two issues at play:
1. is this particular car ok?
2. is this car in general for me?

For 1 it seems clear that buying without driving is perfectly fine - almost all 'just work' and with a warranty, whilst a hassle, niggles can be put right for minimal costs.

For 2 it's much harder - obviously one can read all about the handling and performance, and it is all wonderful. But there are also other options (458 spider, ?lambo) which are also wonderful but in different ways. And really, without driving, one can't tell which sings to your soul most.

Which doesn't mean I have to wait to drive them all - I need to reassure myself that this is not the last car I'll ever buy, that it can be changed in a few years to try one fo the others, and so on. But maybe it might make sense.

Or I could have one now ready for the summer...... Decisions, decisions......