675LT 4 year ownership review
Discussion
It’s now exactly 4 years since I purchased my 675LT and time for another ownership review.
In the 4 years of ownership we have travelled, exactly 12,000 miles together, that includes a year of lockdown otherwise it could have been more. Purchased at 4,995 miles and serviced yesterday at 16,983 miles
So what have been the costs in my 4 years?
I bought my 675LT with 2 years warranty from McLaren Manchester with a fresh 4th year service included and the receipt for this service was £939+vat. Following this it was looked after by Bell & Colvill, AKA McLaren Guildford. The next services were, 5th service, £477 + vat, 6th service £1,070 + vat, 7th service £ 548 + vat. I have just switched to V Engineering who undertook the 8th year service for £495 + vat.
I zeroed the MPG and trip when I bought the car and haven’t touched it since, the average MPG over the 4 years / 12,000 miles is 23.4 mpg. mixed motorway driving sees 32-36 mpg average and best ever Reading to Bristol) was 40.4. That’s better than any car I have ever owned in 30 years with the exception of an Astra 1.4L.
What about warranty work?
Well I have had 4 new accumulators, suspension arms (bushes), a spring, a damper (but think they did pairs), a headlight and 2 new wings which I upgraded to CF louvred. I also paid £9,670 for 2 years extended warranty which has more than paid for itself with the bits above.
The accumulators seem to need replacing every 4/5 years. Fortunately V Engineering now have a refillable solution based on the Senna so next time I will be getting those. After a lot of pressure from owners McLaren have relented and now have a re-bush kit for the arms so these can also be replaced cost effectively, without the entire arm (were around £4k each). As my entire car (apart from the roof) is now Carbon Fibre or composite I am now safe from aluminium cauliflower.
The big scare for McLarens was always the gearbox, although personally I don’t know anyone who has had an issue. However V engineering can strip down and rebuild the gearbox for around £6k.
As V engineering now have all the common issues (accumulators / arms) covered I have made the decision to join the majority of other 675LT owners and self-warrant the car.
Has it let me down?
A secondary (not engine) coolant leak. All it needed was a new pipe £40. That’s it.
Any other costs?
4 x MPS4S tyres to replace the Trofeo’s were £800 fitted. And must say they are terrific and 4 years later still have plenty of tread and I think will last the full 6 years before they go off. The tracker fob is around £150 subscription per year. Insurance was actually quite palatable but as I have a London postcode I am now paying triple what I was but it’s still reasonable.
As mentioned above it doesn’t drink much petrol so that has never been an issue and it has very good range, approx. 400 motorway miles. During the fuel shortage I had to use 95Ron and I discovered you get more cracks and pops with the lower RON fuel. I checked with other owners and they found the same, didn’t notice any difference in performance and the 40.4mpg was with shell 95RON. £150 excess for a new screen which I needed after a crack.
How does it compare to my previous 12C, owned for 3 years and 14k miles?
The 675LT is much more connected, more analogue and sounds better, not just the whip-cracks but all round throatier and more natural. It does feel much faster with more low down grunt, although the 12C has a real fizz at the top and is more like an old school turbo with quite a thrilling top end adrenalin hit, but not 675LT level. The steering is more accurate as (I think) it has a P1 rack. The running costs have been about the same. The 12C did have more warranty work and more time in the workshop but the new owner has, as far as I know, had no problems since he bought it, I think everything was ironed out in my ownership.
The take away is the traction, the 675LT seems to find traction everywhere, on straights, corners, its just outstanding. The grip is phenomenal. If its dry you can put it in ESC/DYN mode and then it really flies.
The 675LT just gives you a real buzz, it is louder, faster, more connected and raw but still somehow retains the comfort. The 12C is better at touring as its quieter, especially road noise, but is not as connected to the road. The gearbox in the 675LT is better calibrated and it does not ‘creep’ like the 12C, makes reversing up hills from a standstill a little tricky though.
I would certainly have another 12C, they are fabulous cars and I could quite easily make a case for owning both as they are quite different (IMHO).
Any negatives?
The turning circle is challenging but I think all ‘supercars’ need a quirk. The ground clearance was not great but since the accumulators were replaced it stopped grounding, sport mode also helps as the stiffer setting allows less movement. It does have dual axle lift and when its raised it will go anywhere, it does take 10 seconds or so to activate though. The radio is rubbish as is the windscreen wiper / washer. But that’s it. The radio and wiper bug me more than the ground clearance and turning circle. At least you can stream to IRIS very easily and this is what I do with BBC sounds or a radio player.
What do I like about my car?
The fact mine is a Clubsport Professional makes it stand out. It has the iconic chicane grey paint with orange highlights and seat bolsters on the very comfortable bucket seats. It also has a CF rear wing, bonnet and vented wings. Inside it has a titanium roll cage and the track telemetry. I think the only options I don’t have are upgraded stereo and of course the very desirable roof scoop. However as we do quite a bit of touring I am not sure the roof scoop would suit us as it adds a lot of noise (Think GT4RS), but it is very sexy.
Future Plans
I hope to keep enjoying my 675LT for many years, it still remains my ultimate dream car and there is not a single new car post 2015 that has tempted me away from the 675LT. With the ever increasing regulation of cars I doubt anything ever will. The 675LT, for me, was probably peak supercar managing to be modern yet analogue all at the same time.
I will change the wheel colour to silver, just for a change. I am not a fan of black wheels although they do suit the clubsport trim. So Silver wheels will definitely happen. I am also toying with a temporary colour change to green (wrap or PPS) but wary of any issues that might cause long term.
We did a 1,000 mile jaunt around Wales this past spring and we will be repeating this again in spring this year. I have not taken the LT to Europe yet (I take my Boxster) but I would like to this coming year.
As of yet, in 7 years McLaren ownership, I have not experienced any of the issues, other than wing corrosion, that the internet and in particular YouTube would have you believe all McLarens are cursed with. Both have been the most excellent of companions on many adventures.
Pics below from various adventures
Stats
Limited 500 coupes / 500 spiders
Engine M838TL
Engine capacity (cc) 3,799
Format 90° V8
Technology Twin turbo, dry sump
Valvetrain 32 valve, DOHC, VVT
Max rpm 8,500
Power 675 PS (666bhp) (496kW) @7100rpm
Torque 700 Nm (516lb ft) @5500-6500rpm
Transmission 7- speed Seamless Shift dual clutch Gearbox (SSG)
Suspension Type ProActive Chassis Control
Driver Aids ABS, Traction control, ESC, Launch control
Wheel Size (F : R) 19” x 8.5” : 20” x 11.0”
Tyres Pirelli P ZERO Trofeo R
235/35 R19 : 305/30 R20
Maximum Speed 330 kph (205 mph)
0-60 mph (0-97kph) 2.8 s
0-100 mph (0-161kph) 5.5 s
60-0 mph (97-0kph) 28.1 m (92 ft) [2.8 s]
100-0 mph (161-0kph) 79 m (259 ft) [3.7 s]
Fuel Consumption (combined)
EU mpg (litres/100km)
24.2 mpg (11.7 l/100 km) - Almost exactly my long range average
In the 4 years of ownership we have travelled, exactly 12,000 miles together, that includes a year of lockdown otherwise it could have been more. Purchased at 4,995 miles and serviced yesterday at 16,983 miles
So what have been the costs in my 4 years?
I bought my 675LT with 2 years warranty from McLaren Manchester with a fresh 4th year service included and the receipt for this service was £939+vat. Following this it was looked after by Bell & Colvill, AKA McLaren Guildford. The next services were, 5th service, £477 + vat, 6th service £1,070 + vat, 7th service £ 548 + vat. I have just switched to V Engineering who undertook the 8th year service for £495 + vat.
I zeroed the MPG and trip when I bought the car and haven’t touched it since, the average MPG over the 4 years / 12,000 miles is 23.4 mpg. mixed motorway driving sees 32-36 mpg average and best ever Reading to Bristol) was 40.4. That’s better than any car I have ever owned in 30 years with the exception of an Astra 1.4L.
What about warranty work?
Well I have had 4 new accumulators, suspension arms (bushes), a spring, a damper (but think they did pairs), a headlight and 2 new wings which I upgraded to CF louvred. I also paid £9,670 for 2 years extended warranty which has more than paid for itself with the bits above.
The accumulators seem to need replacing every 4/5 years. Fortunately V Engineering now have a refillable solution based on the Senna so next time I will be getting those. After a lot of pressure from owners McLaren have relented and now have a re-bush kit for the arms so these can also be replaced cost effectively, without the entire arm (were around £4k each). As my entire car (apart from the roof) is now Carbon Fibre or composite I am now safe from aluminium cauliflower.
The big scare for McLarens was always the gearbox, although personally I don’t know anyone who has had an issue. However V engineering can strip down and rebuild the gearbox for around £6k.
As V engineering now have all the common issues (accumulators / arms) covered I have made the decision to join the majority of other 675LT owners and self-warrant the car.
Has it let me down?
A secondary (not engine) coolant leak. All it needed was a new pipe £40. That’s it.
Any other costs?
4 x MPS4S tyres to replace the Trofeo’s were £800 fitted. And must say they are terrific and 4 years later still have plenty of tread and I think will last the full 6 years before they go off. The tracker fob is around £150 subscription per year. Insurance was actually quite palatable but as I have a London postcode I am now paying triple what I was but it’s still reasonable.
As mentioned above it doesn’t drink much petrol so that has never been an issue and it has very good range, approx. 400 motorway miles. During the fuel shortage I had to use 95Ron and I discovered you get more cracks and pops with the lower RON fuel. I checked with other owners and they found the same, didn’t notice any difference in performance and the 40.4mpg was with shell 95RON. £150 excess for a new screen which I needed after a crack.
How does it compare to my previous 12C, owned for 3 years and 14k miles?
The 675LT is much more connected, more analogue and sounds better, not just the whip-cracks but all round throatier and more natural. It does feel much faster with more low down grunt, although the 12C has a real fizz at the top and is more like an old school turbo with quite a thrilling top end adrenalin hit, but not 675LT level. The steering is more accurate as (I think) it has a P1 rack. The running costs have been about the same. The 12C did have more warranty work and more time in the workshop but the new owner has, as far as I know, had no problems since he bought it, I think everything was ironed out in my ownership.
The take away is the traction, the 675LT seems to find traction everywhere, on straights, corners, its just outstanding. The grip is phenomenal. If its dry you can put it in ESC/DYN mode and then it really flies.
The 675LT just gives you a real buzz, it is louder, faster, more connected and raw but still somehow retains the comfort. The 12C is better at touring as its quieter, especially road noise, but is not as connected to the road. The gearbox in the 675LT is better calibrated and it does not ‘creep’ like the 12C, makes reversing up hills from a standstill a little tricky though.
I would certainly have another 12C, they are fabulous cars and I could quite easily make a case for owning both as they are quite different (IMHO).
Any negatives?
The turning circle is challenging but I think all ‘supercars’ need a quirk. The ground clearance was not great but since the accumulators were replaced it stopped grounding, sport mode also helps as the stiffer setting allows less movement. It does have dual axle lift and when its raised it will go anywhere, it does take 10 seconds or so to activate though. The radio is rubbish as is the windscreen wiper / washer. But that’s it. The radio and wiper bug me more than the ground clearance and turning circle. At least you can stream to IRIS very easily and this is what I do with BBC sounds or a radio player.
What do I like about my car?
The fact mine is a Clubsport Professional makes it stand out. It has the iconic chicane grey paint with orange highlights and seat bolsters on the very comfortable bucket seats. It also has a CF rear wing, bonnet and vented wings. Inside it has a titanium roll cage and the track telemetry. I think the only options I don’t have are upgraded stereo and of course the very desirable roof scoop. However as we do quite a bit of touring I am not sure the roof scoop would suit us as it adds a lot of noise (Think GT4RS), but it is very sexy.
Future Plans
I hope to keep enjoying my 675LT for many years, it still remains my ultimate dream car and there is not a single new car post 2015 that has tempted me away from the 675LT. With the ever increasing regulation of cars I doubt anything ever will. The 675LT, for me, was probably peak supercar managing to be modern yet analogue all at the same time.
I will change the wheel colour to silver, just for a change. I am not a fan of black wheels although they do suit the clubsport trim. So Silver wheels will definitely happen. I am also toying with a temporary colour change to green (wrap or PPS) but wary of any issues that might cause long term.
We did a 1,000 mile jaunt around Wales this past spring and we will be repeating this again in spring this year. I have not taken the LT to Europe yet (I take my Boxster) but I would like to this coming year.
As of yet, in 7 years McLaren ownership, I have not experienced any of the issues, other than wing corrosion, that the internet and in particular YouTube would have you believe all McLarens are cursed with. Both have been the most excellent of companions on many adventures.
Pics below from various adventures
Stats
Limited 500 coupes / 500 spiders
Engine M838TL
Engine capacity (cc) 3,799
Format 90° V8
Technology Twin turbo, dry sump
Valvetrain 32 valve, DOHC, VVT
Max rpm 8,500
Power 675 PS (666bhp) (496kW) @7100rpm
Torque 700 Nm (516lb ft) @5500-6500rpm
Transmission 7- speed Seamless Shift dual clutch Gearbox (SSG)
Suspension Type ProActive Chassis Control
Driver Aids ABS, Traction control, ESC, Launch control
Wheel Size (F : R) 19” x 8.5” : 20” x 11.0”
Tyres Pirelli P ZERO Trofeo R
235/35 R19 : 305/30 R20
Maximum Speed 330 kph (205 mph)
0-60 mph (0-97kph) 2.8 s
0-100 mph (0-161kph) 5.5 s
60-0 mph (97-0kph) 28.1 m (92 ft) [2.8 s]
100-0 mph (161-0kph) 79 m (259 ft) [3.7 s]
Fuel Consumption (combined)
EU mpg (litres/100km)
24.2 mpg (11.7 l/100 km) - Almost exactly my long range average
Crazy4557 said:
Lovely car amd great colour. Saw you recently somewhere around the Lymington/Chichester area near where I live as I rcognise the numberplate from here.
This is about my only possible upgrade car from my 600 Spider, I need to have a drive of one, have you tried one and if so any feedback compared with yours?
I've just today bought a further 2 years warranty after my gearbox was diagnosed as potentially leaking
it's just run out of the original warranty so after that I didn't want to chance it.
Thanks, I'm not sure its my car you saw? I've been to Goodwood a couple of times this year but that's as close as I have been to Chichester.This is about my only possible upgrade car from my 600 Spider, I need to have a drive of one, have you tried one and if so any feedback compared with yours?
I've just today bought a further 2 years warranty after my gearbox was diagnosed as potentially leaking
it's just run out of the original warranty so after that I didn't want to chance it.I have driven a 600LT back to back with my car. It was really good but I preferred my car. The biggest take away, imho, was the 600LT felt like someone had copied a 675LT but not done the full job. 90% there, like a toy or synthetic version. If that sounds harsh its not meant to be, I just remember they were my honest initial thoughts straight after the drive.
The 675LT has more traction, or you could say the 600LT is more playful, either way the 675LT finds more traction. The 675LT has more go at the top of the rev range and feels more alive, visceral and analogue.
I also prefer the looks of the 675LT, I like all the P11 cars but no interest in anything after. And the big analogue tacho is a thing of wonder. Im not a fan of digital dials and screens, I just think austin maestro. I'm a ludidte so my views are not mainstream.
My friend, I swapped with, had different observations so its all very personal. However as soon as we got back to his house the grin on his face told the full story. And the next bit, as unbelievable as it seems, actually happened. He called Alastair Bols within 5 minutes of returning and bought an orange 675LT, there and then on the phone, no hesitation.
He kept both cars for around 6 months then sold the 600LT. He still has the 675LT.
Tbf the differences are subtle and for many will be aesthetic over performance and feel. The 600LT is a bit of a supercar bargain atm, I think around £80-£100k less than a 675LT, and its newer. You will heed to try one to decide if its worth the extra for you.
HIS LM said:
Nice write up thanks for sharing are the buckets Normal or Touring size and how do you find them ?
Thanks. tThey are touring size and honestly very comfortable. Have done 10 hours plus a few times and no issue's. To give you an idea we sold our 981 Spyder as my wife said it was too hard and uncomfortable but she really likes the 675LT and it is her car of choice for a long trip. They are better than all the porsche buckets I have had. coolchris said:
Car looks stunning think I saw you in it at the black Swan pub meet one Sunday.Nice to know that a lot of the Internet scaremongering towards Mclaren isn't always true and that these cars won't break one on the running costs front.
Thanks, yes been to the black Swan a few times, great morning with a good crowd and cars. Say hello next time.
Stealth 'v' silver (mine at top and one that was for sale at McLaren Toronto at bottom)
Thoughts ???
Also Chicane looks different all the time depending on the light, which makes it an even more difficult choice.
I also quite like the amber indicators on the Canadian spec, rocking early 996/986 vibes.
Thoughts ???
Also Chicane looks different all the time depending on the light, which makes it an even more difficult choice.
I also quite like the amber indicators on the Canadian spec, rocking early 996/986 vibes.
Wheelspinning said:
Chris Sideways said:
Wow that is stunning 
Thank you, and likewise regards yours. Wheelspinning said:
Great post Bispal.
It was yourself and SSO that persuaded me to go down the 675 route 2.5yrs ago...what an absolute amazing car.
I view it as 'peak McLaren'; F1 a tad too expensive and slower in all increments apart from vmax, and the P1 also a tad expensive with the battery a big concern.
Your considering green; mines is napier and I love it; my 20 spokes are liquid silver and defo prefer them over the usual black.
I too have been self warranting also for 18mths, and with the exception of the lower wishbone ball joint McLaren Glasgow remedied last week, its been ultra reliable.
Kermit:
It was yourself and SSO that persuaded me to go down the 675 route 2.5yrs ago...what an absolute amazing car.
I view it as 'peak McLaren'; F1 a tad too expensive and slower in all increments apart from vmax, and the P1 also a tad expensive with the battery a big concern.
Your considering green; mines is napier and I love it; my 20 spokes are liquid silver and defo prefer them over the usual black.
I too have been self warranting also for 18mths, and with the exception of the lower wishbone ball joint McLaren Glasgow remedied last week, its been ultra reliable.
Kermit:
Really like the contrast with the air brake decals on your 675.
I am planning on selling mines early next year so a new guardian can experience the bewitching abilities the 675 possesses; its going into mclaren January to be inspected in order to put the covetrd 12/24months warranty on it...not that it's needed, but for piece of mind for the next owner.
Just don't know what to get next...
In 4 years I have not even thought of another 'supercar' that could replace it. Certainly nothing post 2015 with all the electronic aids, hybrid powertrains, electronic steering, quiet exhausts, mahoosive digital screens and constant bongs. The 675LT really is the peak of the greatest period of supercars.
The only other supercar I have enjoyed was the Superformance GT40. I would be looking at a sportscar like a Cayman / Boxster 4.0 GTS rather than a supercar now, quick enough and analogue. Nothing new appeals at all. Going to be a tough decision for you.
Chris Sideways said:
Paul you and I have very similar tastes buddy I also have a GT40 which I absolutely love, in fact, I’ve driven more miles in the GT40 this year than the McLaren.
I also have a GT40 which I absolutely love, in fact, I’ve driven more miles in the GT40 this year than the McLaren.
Streetbeat said:
Prices were hit with everything else, so more than likey they were removed from sale.
Actually prices of 675LT have held up very well and remained stable. Naturally I look at prices often and haven't really seen a dip. They stopped going up but that was about it. The cars left for sale at low prices are either high miles, poor spec or have a dubious history. Quite a few have been selling off market at good prices too. Gassing Station | McLaren | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff