Am I mad to look at a Mclaren instead of a Porsche 911?
Discussion
Firstly I love Mclaren cars and he whole styling and story behind it.
But I always thought they were out my piggy bank range.
But recently I have seen some very nice examples at less than £80K.
My budget is around £70-75K for the 991 C4S Porsche . So could possibly stretch it bit more for a Mclaren. But I will need a bit for a decent Mclaren Warranty if you think it is worth it so that has come within the budget.
So Am I mad to even look at a Mclaren on the budget and if not what should I look at ?
I will NOT be doing any trackways (well not initially). The car will be a weekend toy for summer use.
I think I might do between 1500-5000 miles annually maybe more , just don't know
So give me you thoughts as I am sure many of you have moved form a 991 to a Mclaren.
Also give me an idea what to look for in my price range and what to roughly pay for it.
Thanks in advance
Sid
But I always thought they were out my piggy bank range.
But recently I have seen some very nice examples at less than £80K.
My budget is around £70-75K for the 991 C4S Porsche . So could possibly stretch it bit more for a Mclaren. But I will need a bit for a decent Mclaren Warranty if you think it is worth it so that has come within the budget.
So Am I mad to even look at a Mclaren on the budget and if not what should I look at ?
I will NOT be doing any trackways (well not initially). The car will be a weekend toy for summer use.
I think I might do between 1500-5000 miles annually maybe more , just don't know
So give me you thoughts as I am sure many of you have moved form a 991 to a Mclaren.
Also give me an idea what to look for in my price range and what to roughly pay for it.
Thanks in advance
Sid
You should easily get a nice 570s around the 80-85k mark now...was out with a friend for a drive yday who is a big Porsche guy...his first time driving a Mclaren did about 70 miles on some b roads and motorway and he was blown away by it...a league above any standard 911 (c2s c4s etc) sure they are more expensive to run but given the level you can get into one now it's easier to budget extra for those costs.
TLDR: Go test drive a sport series and then drive home in your 911 and this will answer all the questions you have on performance, road manners and presence of the McLaren.
This time last year I had a 991.1 GTS and toyed with the idea of changing for a 992 but when I drove the 992 it didnt feel any different (or better) so wondered what next...then I spotted some photo's on here of Justin in his 540C and loved the colour, styling, everything
So after some research, I went for a drive in a 540C at a BMW dealer of all places...my god, that drive changed my entire perspective of cars...the 911 is quick, feels solid and was 100% reliable but just starting the McLaren was such an event...driving it was out of this world.
The key thing for me was this was to be my daily driver so it had to be compliant in terms of suspension, had to feel special and had to go like the clappers when I wanted it to; Tick, tick and bloody big tick
After the test drive, I was hooked. I put a deposit down on the car. There was some oxidation on the body panels and whilst the dealer initially assured this would be resolved before collection, they changed their mind and said I would collect the car then arrange for McLaren to resolve...didnt like this so I cancelled the order and off I went to the local McLaren dealer for a drive in some other sport series. Net result was I purchased a new 570GT.
It's been back to the dealer a couple of times for a lose rubber strip, the rear glass panel not closing fully and what turned out to be a faulty passenger door lock causing the battery to drain but the dealer has been fantastic throughout and a loan car eased the burden.
If there was ever a car that you need to drive to appreciate just how fantastic it is beyond the looks, this is it.
The main thing to watch for is oxidization on the panel edges...it looks like bubbled paint and is fairly easy to spot. It's been common until maybe 2 years ago so anything in or around the £80K is likely to either have it or been repaired. It seems the repair is to replace the panel and repaint.
Other things are minor electrical glitches...some questions on the IRIS centre console...mine does still occasionally need a reset and it only plays the radio when it feels the need.
Tyre pressure sensors do not like freezing temperatures and in the middle of winter the car has told me that all four tyres are flat...a quick look confirms it's another McLaren feature.
Thorney Motor sport have a lot of knowledge and can give any prospective car the once over should you get to that stage...I'd strongly suggest you take this up if you can...it will give you comfort if they find nothing and a point for negotiation if they do.
HTH
Steve
This time last year I had a 991.1 GTS and toyed with the idea of changing for a 992 but when I drove the 992 it didnt feel any different (or better) so wondered what next...then I spotted some photo's on here of Justin in his 540C and loved the colour, styling, everything
So after some research, I went for a drive in a 540C at a BMW dealer of all places...my god, that drive changed my entire perspective of cars...the 911 is quick, feels solid and was 100% reliable but just starting the McLaren was such an event...driving it was out of this world.
The key thing for me was this was to be my daily driver so it had to be compliant in terms of suspension, had to feel special and had to go like the clappers when I wanted it to; Tick, tick and bloody big tick
After the test drive, I was hooked. I put a deposit down on the car. There was some oxidation on the body panels and whilst the dealer initially assured this would be resolved before collection, they changed their mind and said I would collect the car then arrange for McLaren to resolve...didnt like this so I cancelled the order and off I went to the local McLaren dealer for a drive in some other sport series. Net result was I purchased a new 570GT.
It's been back to the dealer a couple of times for a lose rubber strip, the rear glass panel not closing fully and what turned out to be a faulty passenger door lock causing the battery to drain but the dealer has been fantastic throughout and a loan car eased the burden.
If there was ever a car that you need to drive to appreciate just how fantastic it is beyond the looks, this is it.
The main thing to watch for is oxidization on the panel edges...it looks like bubbled paint and is fairly easy to spot. It's been common until maybe 2 years ago so anything in or around the £80K is likely to either have it or been repaired. It seems the repair is to replace the panel and repaint.
Other things are minor electrical glitches...some questions on the IRIS centre console...mine does still occasionally need a reset and it only plays the radio when it feels the need.
Tyre pressure sensors do not like freezing temperatures and in the middle of winter the car has told me that all four tyres are flat...a quick look confirms it's another McLaren feature.
Thorney Motor sport have a lot of knowledge and can give any prospective car the once over should you get to that stage...I'd strongly suggest you take this up if you can...it will give you comfort if they find nothing and a point for negotiation if they do.
HTH
Steve
Actually 570/40 are also very refined in terms of NVH/noise, actually this was a cons for me as was after a GT3 type of thing, fixed by the LT, but something to bear in mind, positively or negatively it's up to what you're after.
Yes test drive will give you the answer.
Well, for me, it was the first time I sat on a 570S, or even earlier stood next to it, I opened the door, wft I said, Porsche looked like a Golf since then.
Yes test drive will give you the answer.
Well, for me, it was the first time I sat on a 570S, or even earlier stood next to it, I opened the door, wft I said, Porsche looked like a Golf since then.
The short answer is "No, you're not mad". The 991 is a fabulously accomplished sports car. The Mclaren is a supercar. I know the difference, as I own a 991.1 GTS and almost bought a 570S earlier this year (I ended up buying a 458 instead). Drive them both and then make your decision.
39sl said:
TLDR: Go test drive a sport series and then drive home in your 911 and this will answer all the questions you have on performance, road manners and presence of the McLaren.
This time last year I had a 991.1 GTS and toyed with the idea of changing for a 992 but when I drove the 992 it didnt feel any different (or better) so wondered what next...then I spotted some photo's on here of Justin in his 540C and loved the colour, styling, everything
So after some research, I went for a drive in a 540C at a BMW dealer of all places...my god, that drive changed my entire perspective of cars...the 911 is quick, feels solid and was 100% reliable but just starting the McLaren was such an event...driving it was out of this world.
The key thing for me was this was to be my daily driver so it had to be compliant in terms of suspension, had to feel special and had to go like the clappers when I wanted it to; Tick, tick and bloody big tick
After the test drive, I was hooked. I put a deposit down on the car. There was some oxidation on the body panels and whilst the dealer initially assured this would be resolved before collection, they changed their mind and said I would collect the car then arrange for McLaren to resolve...didnt like this so I cancelled the order and off I went to the local McLaren dealer for a drive in some other sport series. Net result was I purchased a new 570GT.
It's been back to the dealer a couple of times for a lose rubber strip, the rear glass panel not closing fully and what turned out to be a faulty passenger door lock causing the battery to drain but the dealer has been fantastic throughout and a loan car eased the burden.
If there was ever a car that you need to drive to appreciate just how fantastic it is beyond the looks, this is it.
The main thing to watch for is oxidization on the panel edges...it looks like bubbled paint and is fairly easy to spot. It's been common until maybe 2 years ago so anything in or around the £80K is likely to either have it or been repaired. It seems the repair is to replace the panel and repaint.
Other things are minor electrical glitches...some questions on the IRIS centre console...mine does still occasionally need a reset and it only plays the radio when it feels the need.
Tyre pressure sensors do not like freezing temperatures and in the middle of winter the car has told me that all four tyres are flat...a quick look confirms it's another McLaren feature.
Thorney Motor sport have a lot of knowledge and can give any prospective car the once over should you get to that stage...I'd strongly suggest you take this up if you can...it will give you comfort if they find nothing and a point for negotiation if they do.
HTH
Steve
Good Post, and thanks for that. It's good to know my thread has done some good.. This time last year I had a 991.1 GTS and toyed with the idea of changing for a 992 but when I drove the 992 it didnt feel any different (or better) so wondered what next...then I spotted some photo's on here of Justin in his 540C and loved the colour, styling, everything
So after some research, I went for a drive in a 540C at a BMW dealer of all places...my god, that drive changed my entire perspective of cars...the 911 is quick, feels solid and was 100% reliable but just starting the McLaren was such an event...driving it was out of this world.
The key thing for me was this was to be my daily driver so it had to be compliant in terms of suspension, had to feel special and had to go like the clappers when I wanted it to; Tick, tick and bloody big tick
After the test drive, I was hooked. I put a deposit down on the car. There was some oxidation on the body panels and whilst the dealer initially assured this would be resolved before collection, they changed their mind and said I would collect the car then arrange for McLaren to resolve...didnt like this so I cancelled the order and off I went to the local McLaren dealer for a drive in some other sport series. Net result was I purchased a new 570GT.
It's been back to the dealer a couple of times for a lose rubber strip, the rear glass panel not closing fully and what turned out to be a faulty passenger door lock causing the battery to drain but the dealer has been fantastic throughout and a loan car eased the burden.
If there was ever a car that you need to drive to appreciate just how fantastic it is beyond the looks, this is it.
The main thing to watch for is oxidization on the panel edges...it looks like bubbled paint and is fairly easy to spot. It's been common until maybe 2 years ago so anything in or around the £80K is likely to either have it or been repaired. It seems the repair is to replace the panel and repaint.
Other things are minor electrical glitches...some questions on the IRIS centre console...mine does still occasionally need a reset and it only plays the radio when it feels the need.
Tyre pressure sensors do not like freezing temperatures and in the middle of winter the car has told me that all four tyres are flat...a quick look confirms it's another McLaren feature.
Thorney Motor sport have a lot of knowledge and can give any prospective car the once over should you get to that stage...I'd strongly suggest you take this up if you can...it will give you comfort if they find nothing and a point for negotiation if they do.
HTH
Steve
I have driven many different Porsches and owned one for a short period. They are great sports cars!
Question is, do you want a sports car or a supercar?
Life is too short...
Buy a McLaren, budget for a warranty £3 - 4.7k via McLaren or under £3k if you live within a reasonable distance to Thorney Motorsport. Servicing and running costs are comparable, the only difference is if something major goes wrong, but with a warranty you don't have to worry about that!
Question is, do you want a sports car or a supercar?
Life is too short...
Buy a McLaren, budget for a warranty £3 - 4.7k via McLaren or under £3k if you live within a reasonable distance to Thorney Motorsport. Servicing and running costs are comparable, the only difference is if something major goes wrong, but with a warranty you don't have to worry about that!
Project 4 said:
I have driven many different Porsches and owned one for a short period. They are great sports cars!
Question is, do you want a sports car or a supercar?
Life is too short...
Buy a McLaren, budget for a warranty £3 - 4.7k via McLaren or under £3k if you live within a reasonable distance to Thorney Motorsport. Servicing and running costs are comparable, the only difference is if something major goes wrong, but with a warranty you don't have to worry about that!
I'd disagree, Porsche are less expensive to service, and not even required every year.Question is, do you want a sports car or a supercar?
Life is too short...
Buy a McLaren, budget for a warranty £3 - 4.7k via McLaren or under £3k if you live within a reasonable distance to Thorney Motorsport. Servicing and running costs are comparable, the only difference is if something major goes wrong, but with a warranty you don't have to worry about that!
I'd say circa 50% cheaper to service, more or less depending on the year of service (plus the fact that not required every year like McLarens).
I am afraid this is were mass produced sportscars differ from hand built supercars.
Get in touch with John Thorney who will warrant a private McLaren for around £3k per annum after an inspection, if he finds anything wrong that needs to be put right before the warranty is issued.
I’ve used him to inspect a 650 spider I was buying and he found a major issue and saved me buying a dog with £20k’s worth of repairs needed.
I’ve had numerous 911’s over the years incl GT’s but the McLarens are in a different league. Get a good one and you won’t look back.
I’ve used him to inspect a 650 spider I was buying and he found a major issue and saved me buying a dog with £20k’s worth of repairs needed.
I’ve had numerous 911’s over the years incl GT’s but the McLarens are in a different league. Get a good one and you won’t look back.
The McLaren extended warranty is transferable in a private sale - so look for that in the classifieds. Renewal costs, done at service time ideally, are £4K if under 5 years old or £5K if over for a 'Super Series' - around £500 less if a 'Sports Series'. Hope that helps. I came from a Porsche GT3 to my current McLaren 12C spider around 3 years ago, would recommend the move to a 12C or 650 Spider!
RSbandit said:
You should easily get a nice 570s around the 80-85k mark now...was out with a friend for a drive yday who is a big Porsche guy...his first time driving a Mclaren did about 70 miles on some b roads and motorway and he was blown away by it...a league above any standard 911 (c2s c4s etc) sure they are more expensive to run but given the level you can get into one now it's easier to budget extra for those costs.
That as what I have seen a 570S for £80K . I have have seen a 2017 570gt go for £75K . I never thought originally that these would be in my price range , but now I think that I could get one for £75-80K . As long as I get a warranty I cut see it being a poor choice tbh. OK running costs will be slighty more than a 991 but I can't imagine it will be hugely different Crazy4557 said:
Get in touch with John Thorney who will warrant a private McLaren for around £3k per annum after an inspection, if he finds anything wrong that needs to be put right before the warranty is issued.
I’ve used him to inspect a 650 spider I was buying and he found a major issue and saved me buying a dog with £20k’s worth of repairs needed.
I’ve had numerous 911’s over the years incl GT’s but the McLarens are in a different league. Get a good one and you won’t look back.
Just to mention - Thorney warranty has a £10k per claim limit, McLaren one has no limits I believe.I’ve used him to inspect a 650 spider I was buying and he found a major issue and saved me buying a dog with £20k’s worth of repairs needed.
I’ve had numerous 911’s over the years incl GT’s but the McLarens are in a different league. Get a good one and you won’t look back.
Unsure of the likelihood of a £10k + claim though (rare would be my guess) or what happens if such a situation arises at Thorney?
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