Discussion
Hi All,
Ok, having admired Mclarens for a while, I managed to recently actually go see some in the flesh and go out in one. First impressions on the exterior is that I don't think it is a car that photo's do justice to. In person the cars have some serious road presence and look every bit supercar regardless of which model in the range it is from sports series to the super series.
What absolutely blew me away though was when in the car on a drive. I have been fortunate to have owned/driven/sat-in most of the exotic marques but I can honestly say for the price point I really don't think anything can beat the Mclaren as a package. I was shocked at the quality of the ride, the brutal performance, and the sense of occasion it gave. The exhaust note whilst not up there with the N/A equivalents it wasn't as muted as I have read about.
I need to explore the brand a bit more and just had a few questions that I am hoping owners can help answer: -
My budget will put me in a 570S, 570GT or at a small stretch a 650S.
At the price point which of these do you think presents the best value and package at the moment?
Whilst I appreciate depreciation isn't at the forefront of many peoples minds, it is still a factor to consider, so same question again which of these cars do you think will fair the best over the next couple of years? (I appreciate its crystal ball stuff but some views will be useful)
Whilst the car will strictly be a weekend toy, I do live in a city so driving will involve a fair bit of traffic and start/stop, is any particular model better than others at this?
Finally is there any items on the spec list that are must-haves and are there any colours which are particularly desirable come resale time? I prefer the bright colours like green, orange, blues as I think they suit supercars but I am not sure whether this puts me in the minority when it comes to Mclarens? What I don't want to do is not understand the equivalent of the effect of say red has with Ferrari's when making my choice of a Mclaren.
I am dipping my toe in at the moment, but am honestly blown away by what I have experienced so far so I can see the Mclaren being a very strong contender as things stand.
Ok, having admired Mclarens for a while, I managed to recently actually go see some in the flesh and go out in one. First impressions on the exterior is that I don't think it is a car that photo's do justice to. In person the cars have some serious road presence and look every bit supercar regardless of which model in the range it is from sports series to the super series.
What absolutely blew me away though was when in the car on a drive. I have been fortunate to have owned/driven/sat-in most of the exotic marques but I can honestly say for the price point I really don't think anything can beat the Mclaren as a package. I was shocked at the quality of the ride, the brutal performance, and the sense of occasion it gave. The exhaust note whilst not up there with the N/A equivalents it wasn't as muted as I have read about.
I need to explore the brand a bit more and just had a few questions that I am hoping owners can help answer: -
My budget will put me in a 570S, 570GT or at a small stretch a 650S.
At the price point which of these do you think presents the best value and package at the moment?
Whilst I appreciate depreciation isn't at the forefront of many peoples minds, it is still a factor to consider, so same question again which of these cars do you think will fair the best over the next couple of years? (I appreciate its crystal ball stuff but some views will be useful)
Whilst the car will strictly be a weekend toy, I do live in a city so driving will involve a fair bit of traffic and start/stop, is any particular model better than others at this?
Finally is there any items on the spec list that are must-haves and are there any colours which are particularly desirable come resale time? I prefer the bright colours like green, orange, blues as I think they suit supercars but I am not sure whether this puts me in the minority when it comes to Mclarens? What I don't want to do is not understand the equivalent of the effect of say red has with Ferrari's when making my choice of a Mclaren.
I am dipping my toe in at the moment, but am honestly blown away by what I have experienced so far so I can see the Mclaren being a very strong contender as things stand.
You won’t regret it. My pick would be (and was) a 650s spider. Most issues well sorted, the missus will actually now ride with me with the clever suspension, and the ability to open the backlight, not to mention lowering the top, makes it sound wonderful inside. I prefer the almost-analog interior. And my Dad uses a two step alighting procedure starting with sitting on the sill, which is only possible with the 12c/650s.
I went for black, as I’ve always done, but liking the volcano colors with matching calipers and interior stitching.
The tech package including the nose lift and parking sensors are likely important for city driving.
In Normal/Automatic mode city driving is a cinch, especially with the great forward visibility.
I went for black, as I’ve always done, but liking the volcano colors with matching calipers and interior stitching.
The tech package including the nose lift and parking sensors are likely important for city driving.
In Normal/Automatic mode city driving is a cinch, especially with the great forward visibility.
Edited by 12pack on Sunday 28th April 13:12
I have been in a similar position for a while.
I don't think you could go wrong with either to be fair, however the 650 is superseries and has the magic carpet ride and the drama of the airbrake, and, although its not like you see a McLaren on each journey, a quick look at the classifieds shows only 20 or so 650spiders for sale against approx. 150 of the 5 series cars which they are still pushing out the factory door.
Higher numbers for sale always gives choice and spread on price so you would like to think with a much smaller volume for sale it shall help with values of the 650 when more of the 5 series start fall out of the 3 year warranty period.
I have spent the last 5 months over analysing the whole McLaren thing about depreciation, servicing, faults blah blah blah so decided to stop mucking about and collect a Volcano Orange 650spider on Wednesday...i genuinely cannot wait!
I don't think you could go wrong with either to be fair, however the 650 is superseries and has the magic carpet ride and the drama of the airbrake, and, although its not like you see a McLaren on each journey, a quick look at the classifieds shows only 20 or so 650spiders for sale against approx. 150 of the 5 series cars which they are still pushing out the factory door.
Higher numbers for sale always gives choice and spread on price so you would like to think with a much smaller volume for sale it shall help with values of the 650 when more of the 5 series start fall out of the 3 year warranty period.
I have spent the last 5 months over analysing the whole McLaren thing about depreciation, servicing, faults blah blah blah so decided to stop mucking about and collect a Volcano Orange 650spider on Wednesday...i genuinely cannot wait!
As someone who is closely following these I think you have also got to think about running costs, and if you are going to warranty one in the future because I think you will be able to completely run the 5 series, tax insure, warranty, service for the price of the warranty alone on a superseries car?
I think the 570s is 2.5k warranty vs a superseries that is 5.5k a year?
That's how I am thinking, regarding bright colours I don't think a mclaren is effected by colours at all. So pick what ever you want.
I think the 570s is 2.5k warranty vs a superseries that is 5.5k a year?
That's how I am thinking, regarding bright colours I don't think a mclaren is effected by colours at all. So pick what ever you want.
I'm in a similar position to the OP having recently had a 570s spider as a courtesy car for a weekend...I too was blown away by it and made my mind up that I have to run one in the near future. For me it would be a 570s couple and there are a few to pick from around the 100k mark I plan and searching properly later on in the summer so hopefully there will be more choice around that level. Think the 570S is a more cohesive design than the 650 but being able to drop the roof has plenty of appeal. Car I had was Blade Silver which I thought was a really nice colour.
RSbandit said:
I'm in a similar position to the OP having recently had a 570s spider as a courtesy car for a weekend...I too was blown away by it and made my mind up that I have to run one in the near future. For me it would be a 570s couple and there are a few to pick from around the 100k mark I plan and searching properly later on in the summer so hopefully there will be more choice around that level. Think the 570S is a more cohesive design than the 650 but being able to drop the roof has plenty of appeal. Car I had was Blade Silver which I thought was a really nice colour.
Yes I too from just a short drive was simply blown away. I cant believe the amount of hate Mclaren seem to get on here when their product is clearly astonishing and in my personal opinion at the price the 570s and the like are now, nothing comes close to it. ”Thanks guys. What was the primary reasons for choosing the 650s, I have heard the gear shifting is a step behind the newer 570s, is this something that is tangible when driving at lower speeds etc?”
I went for the 650s after a back-to back drive. Would be hard pressed to notice any difference in the shifts - they are blazing fast. I did notice the performance and suspension differences though. The 570s was quick, but the mid range on the 650s was in a totally different league.
Don’t get me wrong - the 570s is a still proper rocket. But being used to a monster EV daily driver, I just preferred the extra oomph from the 650s.
Here’s my post from back then
I went for the 650s after a back-to back drive. Would be hard pressed to notice any difference in the shifts - they are blazing fast. I did notice the performance and suspension differences though. The 570s was quick, but the mid range on the 650s was in a totally different league.
Don’t get me wrong - the 570s is a still proper rocket. But being used to a monster EV daily driver, I just preferred the extra oomph from the 650s.
Here’s my post from back then
12pack said:
Here’s a nice article about the differences between the 650s and the 570. I must say that description of the power delivery is exactly what I felt in my back- to back drive per my original post. Also a video of the differences in sound. Coming from a AM V12 I can see why I might prefer the 650’s rounder, mellower tone - think Stan Getz. I can see why many might prefer the 570 which has that flat plane crank tone - more Coltrane.
https://www.carthrottle.com/post/6-ways-the-mclare...
https://www.carthrottle.com/post/6-ways-the-mclare...
Edited by 12pack on Sunday 28th April 21:00
Nothing near the price will touch any of them, if you can squeeze up to a 650 Spider then you get two cars in one, plus the ability to drop the rear window when its not so nice for the top down. I've had three Maccas in three and a half years, only issues have been a dodgy door lock (upgraded to soft close under warranty), a loose hose and a split screen wash pipe.
All are amazing quick and a its a real sense of occasion when you take one out, a comfortable cruiser one minute and a ballistic missile the next! Lift very useful on Sports Series and 650, not so essential on the 12C. All colours work well, generally the brighter, the better! Lots of support and events in the Owners Club, when we rock up somewhere, we put on a colourful show!
Good luck with your search.
All are amazing quick and a its a real sense of occasion when you take one out, a comfortable cruiser one minute and a ballistic missile the next! Lift very useful on Sports Series and 650, not so essential on the 12C. All colours work well, generally the brighter, the better! Lots of support and events in the Owners Club, when we rock up somewhere, we put on a colourful show!
Good luck with your search.
McLaren range & options in a nutshell....
12C - Still very, very fast, active aero, adaptive damping, most luggage space (ditto 650S), 30mpg on m-way, proper turbo boost, very comfortable, air brake, single wiper. Best interior (as 650S) I'm a big fan of the large central tachometer over the digital one in 570 onwards. Smallest McLaren model, even smaller than a 570S.
650S - as above but 5-10% better in gearbox speed and torque, ceramic brakes standard. However as 12C's get updated during services they are catching up and the 20% increase in price from a 12C to a 650S can mostly be attributed to the fact they are newer. 12C 'v' 650S looks are personal. 650S generally more reliable than a 12C.
540C - Not driven, as below but a bit less I would imagine.
570S - Faster & smoother gearbox than both of above, less 'fizz' at the top end but better traction at the low end. Better car than 12C / 650S at low speeds but not as much push at the top end of the rev range. Standard suspension, no active aero. 2 (TWO) wipers!!! (That bugged me). Feels more go-karty at lower speeds. Smaller boot than 12C /650S, yet actually bigger than a 12C! 35MPG and can out drag a 675LT on a runway (too much aero on LT).
570GT - Like a 570S but with slower steering, slower gearbox, comfier (less sporty)suspension. All 5-10% less but noticeable. If you drove both back to back you would want the 570S unless you really prefer the looks of the 570GT and its still a great car. However we swapped our 12C for a GT for a weekend and we couldn't fit our luggage in the GT when we took it out of our 12C, the glass hatch looks lovely but can't fit much in. It is very planted in the rain, must be the softer settings.
675 LT - Not driven but almost 3 x 12C's in price. Track focused and 650S probably a better road car but that is a matter of opinion. Peerless on track.
720S - Stupid fast, like being strapped on to a nuclear warhead! However after driving I think the 12C / 650S feel just as good in different ways and I prefer the interiors of the early cars.
There are no bad cars, they are all great. It all comes down to your budget and what you prefer the look of. At the moment a 12C is a bargain and if you want something rare get a 650S coupe as there are only around 35 RHD cars in the UK! Splitting a 12C & 650S has to be done on spec / mileage / condition. They are too close. Splitting super and sports series is down to looks and type of driving. 570S great at lower speeds, super series better at high speed and for drama.
Coupe 'v' spider. All variants. No loss of rigidity, obvious spider has wind in the hair and you can hear more engine / exhaust (esp. with rear window down) but IMHO coupe looks so much better, but that's personal and looks aren't everything.
For all McLarens allow £3,500pa - £5,000 for warranty (a 100% must) and £1,500 for servicing. Other than that insurance is not bad, fuel consumption is stupidly good and all will get you low 30's on a 70mph m-way run if you want. 12C & 650S will minimise depreciation over a sports series in the short term. The general public love them all.
Good luck choosing, they are all just amazing cars and all can be used everyday and many, in fact most owners do. Lots around with 30-40K+ miles on clock at 3-6 years old. You wont find many Ferrari's being used like that. All are definitely usable everyday but super series have most luggage capacity, don't be fooled by the GT's hatch and the sports series are better if you are going slow more than fast (in a good way)
My pick would be a 12C that drives like a 570s at low speed and a 650s at high speed with a 720s gearbox. Sorted then :-)
12C - Still very, very fast, active aero, adaptive damping, most luggage space (ditto 650S), 30mpg on m-way, proper turbo boost, very comfortable, air brake, single wiper. Best interior (as 650S) I'm a big fan of the large central tachometer over the digital one in 570 onwards. Smallest McLaren model, even smaller than a 570S.
650S - as above but 5-10% better in gearbox speed and torque, ceramic brakes standard. However as 12C's get updated during services they are catching up and the 20% increase in price from a 12C to a 650S can mostly be attributed to the fact they are newer. 12C 'v' 650S looks are personal. 650S generally more reliable than a 12C.
540C - Not driven, as below but a bit less I would imagine.
570S - Faster & smoother gearbox than both of above, less 'fizz' at the top end but better traction at the low end. Better car than 12C / 650S at low speeds but not as much push at the top end of the rev range. Standard suspension, no active aero. 2 (TWO) wipers!!! (That bugged me). Feels more go-karty at lower speeds. Smaller boot than 12C /650S, yet actually bigger than a 12C! 35MPG and can out drag a 675LT on a runway (too much aero on LT).
570GT - Like a 570S but with slower steering, slower gearbox, comfier (less sporty)suspension. All 5-10% less but noticeable. If you drove both back to back you would want the 570S unless you really prefer the looks of the 570GT and its still a great car. However we swapped our 12C for a GT for a weekend and we couldn't fit our luggage in the GT when we took it out of our 12C, the glass hatch looks lovely but can't fit much in. It is very planted in the rain, must be the softer settings.
675 LT - Not driven but almost 3 x 12C's in price. Track focused and 650S probably a better road car but that is a matter of opinion. Peerless on track.
720S - Stupid fast, like being strapped on to a nuclear warhead! However after driving I think the 12C / 650S feel just as good in different ways and I prefer the interiors of the early cars.
There are no bad cars, they are all great. It all comes down to your budget and what you prefer the look of. At the moment a 12C is a bargain and if you want something rare get a 650S coupe as there are only around 35 RHD cars in the UK! Splitting a 12C & 650S has to be done on spec / mileage / condition. They are too close. Splitting super and sports series is down to looks and type of driving. 570S great at lower speeds, super series better at high speed and for drama.
Coupe 'v' spider. All variants. No loss of rigidity, obvious spider has wind in the hair and you can hear more engine / exhaust (esp. with rear window down) but IMHO coupe looks so much better, but that's personal and looks aren't everything.
For all McLarens allow £3,500pa - £5,000 for warranty (a 100% must) and £1,500 for servicing. Other than that insurance is not bad, fuel consumption is stupidly good and all will get you low 30's on a 70mph m-way run if you want. 12C & 650S will minimise depreciation over a sports series in the short term. The general public love them all.
Good luck choosing, they are all just amazing cars and all can be used everyday and many, in fact most owners do. Lots around with 30-40K+ miles on clock at 3-6 years old. You wont find many Ferrari's being used like that. All are definitely usable everyday but super series have most luggage capacity, don't be fooled by the GT's hatch and the sports series are better if you are going slow more than fast (in a good way)
My pick would be a 12C that drives like a 570s at low speed and a 650s at high speed with a 720s gearbox. Sorted then :-)
crimbo said:
As someone who is closely following these I think you have also got to think about running costs, and if you are going to warranty one in the future because I think you will be able to completely run the 5 series, tax insure, warranty, service for the price of the warranty alone on a superseries car?
I think the 570s is 2.5k warranty vs a superseries that is 5.5k a year?
That's how I am thinking, regarding bright colours I don't think a mclaren is effected by colours at all. So pick what ever you want.
I cannot comment on the true costs for servicing and warranty on the 5 series but i can on the superseries.I think the 570s is 2.5k warranty vs a superseries that is 5.5k a year?
That's how I am thinking, regarding bright colours I don't think a mclaren is effected by colours at all. So pick what ever you want.
The car I'm buying is currently under the McLaren warranty, and when I spoke to McLaren Glasgow to enquire about a service and extending the warranty in October when the car turns 4 years old i was told service and inspection shall be £1310 and to extend the warranty a further £3980 on top of that, so a total of £5290 for service and warranty; i shall be buying the 2 year warranty as its far cheaper that than extending for a year next year.
My Ferrari last year cost more than that to be serviced and bits sorted and that was without any warranty purchase included.
Servicing and warranty costs shall only get cheaper when more specialists appear.
Insurance was the big surprise; £720 a year; if it had the tracker that was accepted by Aviva whom i have a group policy through it was going to be £540...
Edited by 355spiderguy on Monday 29th April 08:50
Bispal, thanks for you very useful thoughts. I`ve been thinking for some time if I should swap my 12c for a 570S, 720S, or now a 600LT... At the end of the day I need to drive the different cars to gain my impressions, but what you say makes a lot of sense, and unless I "need" a new car, I`m probably better off (or practically no worse off) keeping my current car.
One reason for changing would be the risk of long term maintenance costs increasing, but so far I will have spent under £8 over the last 4 years fixing problems, plus regular servicing so my decision not to bother with the warranty but ensure the car is serviced properly, and warmed up and cooled down with a bit of common sense has proven correct.
One reason for changing would be the risk of long term maintenance costs increasing, but so far I will have spent under £8 over the last 4 years fixing problems, plus regular servicing so my decision not to bother with the warranty but ensure the car is serviced properly, and warmed up and cooled down with a bit of common sense has proven correct.
Bispal said:
720S - Stupid fast, like being strapped on to a nuclear warhead! However after driving I think the 12C / 650S feel just as good in different ways and I prefer the interiors of the early cars.
There are no bad cars, they are all great.
Excellent Summary and especially agree with these comments above. I would flip the comment below, though. The 12c/650s feel a bit more raw in that its easier to light the rears and then really blast to the top. There are no bad cars, they are all great.
Bispal said:
570S - Faster & smoother gearbox than both of above, less 'fizz' at the top end but better traction at the low end. Better car than 12C / 650S at low speeds but not as much push at the top end of the rev range.
Edited by 12pack on Monday 29th April 12:37
CTE said:
Bispal, thanks for you very useful thoughts. I`ve been thinking for some time if I should swap my 12c for a 570S, 720S, or now a 600LT... At the end of the day I need to drive the different cars to gain my impressions, but what you say makes a lot of sense, and unless I "need" a new car, I`m probably better off (or practically no worse off) keeping my current car.
One reason for changing would be the risk of long term maintenance costs increasing, but so far I will have spent under £8 over the last 4 years fixing problems, plus regular servicing so my decision not to bother with the warranty but ensure the car is serviced properly, and warmed up and cooled down with a bit of common sense has proven correct.
I would be very tempted, if I were you, to keep the 12C and use some of the money you would have spent trading 'up' maintaining the 12C in tip top condition and enjoy it. I am having a break from McLaren at the moment as I wanted to try some different cars but I will get another next year. I am keeping an open mind over which car to get but ATM I am leaning towards a 720S even though I have a big soft spot for the 12C and think its the best looking of all the McLarens, the 720S is the 2nd best looking (or perhaps 675LT). At the end of the day they all have the same engine and offer very similar driving experiences so comes down to which one you like the look of best and weather you do more road or track driving.One reason for changing would be the risk of long term maintenance costs increasing, but so far I will have spent under £8 over the last 4 years fixing problems, plus regular servicing so my decision not to bother with the warranty but ensure the car is serviced properly, and warmed up and cooled down with a bit of common sense has proven correct.
12pack said:
Bispal said:
720S - Stupid fast, like being strapped on to a nuclear warhead! However after driving I think the 12C / 650S feel just as good in different ways and I prefer the interiors of the early cars.
There are no bad cars, they are all great.
Excellent Summary and especially agree with these comments above. I would flip the comment below, though. The 12c/650s feel a bit more raw in that its easier to light the rears and then really blast to the top. There are no bad cars, they are all great.
Bispal said:
570S - Faster & smoother gearbox than both of above, less 'fizz' at the top end but better traction at the low end. Better car than 12C / 650S at low speeds but not as much push at the top end of the rev range.
Edited by 12pack on Monday 29th April 12:37
Some great advice guys thank you.
Really interesting that the warranty costs seem to be so varied for people, you would think Mclaren would have a standard warranty cost per model but this doesn't seem to be the case?
Having read the feedback, clearly the 12C perhaps presents the most incredible value at the moment as they seem to be around £80k now and whilst this is seriously tempting I am a big fan of the front end on the 650 and 570 range although they don't present as good value as the 12C right now.
How are McLaren about allowing prospective customers have an extended test drive for a day? Is this a painful process or are they willing to do this. I think the only way I will be able to decide is to have a go in both the 570 and 650 in varying driving conditions to then decide which model to aspire to.
Really interesting that the warranty costs seem to be so varied for people, you would think Mclaren would have a standard warranty cost per model but this doesn't seem to be the case?
Having read the feedback, clearly the 12C perhaps presents the most incredible value at the moment as they seem to be around £80k now and whilst this is seriously tempting I am a big fan of the front end on the 650 and 570 range although they don't present as good value as the 12C right now.
How are McLaren about allowing prospective customers have an extended test drive for a day? Is this a painful process or are they willing to do this. I think the only way I will be able to decide is to have a go in both the 570 and 650 in varying driving conditions to then decide which model to aspire to.
Some great advice already in this thread. Not much to add to the above, other that I'd advise going for the one you actually like the best.
For me, it's a bit pointless going for a 12C/570 and justifying it, when it truth you'd actually have the other in the garage. None will be cheap to run, so you might aswell buy the one that gets you going.
I originally planned on buying a 12C, but when I saw the sport series I changed my mind.
I'd absolutely love a 720S
one day!
For me, it's a bit pointless going for a 12C/570 and justifying it, when it truth you'd actually have the other in the garage. None will be cheap to run, so you might aswell buy the one that gets you going.
I originally planned on buying a 12C, but when I saw the sport series I changed my mind.
I'd absolutely love a 720S
one day! Personally I prefer the power delivery on the 650S/12C compared to the 570S. Maybe the 570S is more 'playful' at lower speeds but it doesn't quite have that level of acceleration that punches you in the gut like the 650S... potentially that leaves you at illegal speeds very very quickly but I loved that about mine. It was almost superbike fast.
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