£100k max for a McLaren, more than enough?
Discussion
So I sold my 570s recently with a view to replacing it next yr with either a 720s coupe or a 600LT Spider. I’m watching the mkt intently and it appears that prices are softening probably due to a mix of economic and seasonal factors. I’m also keeping an eye on the 650S Spider mkt which is between 90-105k for the most part. Which brings me to the topic… is £100k all you really need to spend to get proper experience of the brand and the crazy performance even the ‘entry’ level cars offer you ( call it a 650s Spider , 570s Spider or v low mileage 570s Coupe). Im sure the 600/675LT owners will be along in a second to say no you must spend £150-250k to really get that but objectively speaking is that valid ? I’ve also seen the recent YouTube video talking about a 675LT compared to 650/12c and it just got me thinking again. Can I save myself the £40k and just get a mint 650S Spider? 675LTs are v expensive still so well above the upper bound of my budget. Happy to hear some thoughts on this.
I think the answer is yes.
From a high level viewpoint it’s fundamentally variants of the carbon tub and variants of the same engine.
Even at the entry level these are 200+mph, dihedral doors, c.3 second 0-62, exceptional handling race feel cars.
Will spending more on an LT give you something more special? If you can afford it then yes no doubt. But the entry level cars will still give you the Mclaren experience.
From a high level viewpoint it’s fundamentally variants of the carbon tub and variants of the same engine.
Even at the entry level these are 200+mph, dihedral doors, c.3 second 0-62, exceptional handling race feel cars.
Will spending more on an LT give you something more special? If you can afford it then yes no doubt. But the entry level cars will still give you the Mclaren experience.
30 - 60 mins in each car back to back, with good roads in dry weather will give you a clear answer.
Each persons answer maybe different, depending on budget and use etc etc.
That is the only way, if it is a close decision.
A good 650 S with an exhaust, and in a volcano colour is where I would be at around 100k, nothing comes close.
These are the most fun though!!
Each persons answer maybe different, depending on budget and use etc etc.
That is the only way, if it is a close decision.
A good 650 S with an exhaust, and in a volcano colour is where I would be at around 100k, nothing comes close.
These are the most fun though!!
I've had the same thoughts.
A 720 coupe is tempting - simply because I've had a 650 Spider. But it's only really tempting because it's a bit newer, and it's different to what I've had - there are a lot of things I prefer about the 650. I just can't convince myself that a 720 coupe is better than a 650 where I can drop the roof - and I lose the other things I like.
720 spider would solve the roof issue - but I definitely don't want to spend the cost of two 650 spiders on one.
The 650 spider just seems so much car for £100k I can't really seriously consider anything else.
(Plus - it's what the g/f wants).
ETA : I think the 600 Spider is probably a different beast so harder to judge. For me, it's not tempting - some of the things that caused me to rule out the 570 when I bought my 650 equally apply to the 600, plus cars that are a bit more track focussed don't really suit my use / want.
A 720 coupe is tempting - simply because I've had a 650 Spider. But it's only really tempting because it's a bit newer, and it's different to what I've had - there are a lot of things I prefer about the 650. I just can't convince myself that a 720 coupe is better than a 650 where I can drop the roof - and I lose the other things I like.
720 spider would solve the roof issue - but I definitely don't want to spend the cost of two 650 spiders on one.
The 650 spider just seems so much car for £100k I can't really seriously consider anything else.
(Plus - it's what the g/f wants).
ETA : I think the 600 Spider is probably a different beast so harder to judge. For me, it's not tempting - some of the things that caused me to rule out the 570 when I bought my 650 equally apply to the 600, plus cars that are a bit more track focussed don't really suit my use / want.
Edited by davek_964 on Thursday 15th December 07:04
Edited by davek_964 on Thursday 15th December 08:08
r o n n i e said:
I think the answer is yes.
From a high level viewpoint it’s fundamentally variants of the carbon tub and variants of the same engine.
Even at the entry level these are 200+mph, dihedral doors, c.3 second 0-62, exceptional handling race feel cars.
Will spending more on an LT give you something more special? If you can afford it then yes no doubt. But the entry level cars will still give you the Mclaren experience.
I agree with this. From a high level viewpoint it’s fundamentally variants of the carbon tub and variants of the same engine.
Even at the entry level these are 200+mph, dihedral doors, c.3 second 0-62, exceptional handling race feel cars.
Will spending more on an LT give you something more special? If you can afford it then yes no doubt. But the entry level cars will still give you the Mclaren experience.
Long story short, i visited Mclaren Knightsbridge with a well off friend in 2017, i never ever thought i would be in a position to buy a Mclaren let alone at £100k or less. I still pinch myself that i owned such an incredible car for a year and a half, there is really nothing on the market at that price point that comes close.
It seems everything has softened, particularly at the bottom end and i mean, base cars with base spec, i spoke to a indpendent yesterday who has 2 570s, he literally said he couldnt give the base one away and had it months.
Whatever you buy, the right Mclaren with the right spec will always sell and command the right money, in my humble opinion.
I will have another, but cant stretch to a 720s at the moment and a 600lt is too close to my 570s track pack at 40k plus, obviously in my opinion, its probably a little easier for me to be clear cut as a coupe is all i would want.
It seems everything has softened, particularly at the bottom end and i mean, base cars with base spec, i spoke to a indpendent yesterday who has 2 570s, he literally said he couldnt give the base one away and had it months.
Whatever you buy, the right Mclaren with the right spec will always sell and command the right money, in my humble opinion.
I will have another, but cant stretch to a 720s at the moment and a 600lt is too close to my 570s track pack at 40k plus, obviously in my opinion, its probably a little easier for me to be clear cut as a coupe is all i would want.
A 650s spider over your previous 570 (couple?) will give you
-well, a convertible (with no downsides)
-a fantastic soundtrack top or backlight down + a big V8 rumble when loping through town (the 570 sounds like a typical flat plane crank at low revs, i.e. not a big V8 rumble)
-a suspension that keeps all four corners planted on bumpy roads (no it is NOT a Rolls-Royce ride).
-an analog, driver-focused feel to the cockpit.
-that extra surge at the top of the rev range
As I see EVs now adding fake soundtracks and even fake gears, I am probably in the minority here who believe adding NVH or a faster steering rack to give a car a “raw feel” or “excitement” is a bit like that. No LT needed. So £100k sounds good.
May the
begin
-well, a convertible (with no downsides)
-a fantastic soundtrack top or backlight down + a big V8 rumble when loping through town (the 570 sounds like a typical flat plane crank at low revs, i.e. not a big V8 rumble)
-a suspension that keeps all four corners planted on bumpy roads (no it is NOT a Rolls-Royce ride).
-an analog, driver-focused feel to the cockpit.
-that extra surge at the top of the rev range
As I see EVs now adding fake soundtracks and even fake gears, I am probably in the minority here who believe adding NVH or a faster steering rack to give a car a “raw feel” or “excitement” is a bit like that. No LT needed. So £100k sounds good.
May the
beginEdited by 12pack on Friday 16th December 06:57
Looking at solely the car you get for the money - 650S or 570S Spider, I can't think of a car that betters it for the target market/use case. As long as you get a decent example and maintain it properly / keep it under warranty and as long as your expectations align with running a thoroughbred supercar then yes.
I can't help but feel the people chopping in their 10th consecutive daily-driven new-ish 911 for a 650S and expecting the same sort of ownership experience might be in for a rude awakening.
I can't help but feel the people chopping in their 10th consecutive daily-driven new-ish 911 for a 650S and expecting the same sort of ownership experience might be in for a rude awakening.
lambo666 said:
30 - 60 mins in each car back to back, with good roads in dry weather will give you a clear answer.
Each persons answer maybe different, depending on budget and use etc etc.
That is the only way, if it is a close decision.
A good 650 S with an exhaust, and in a volcano colour is where I would be at around 100k, nothing comes close.
These are the most fun though!!
me too, bought the 650 at 95k and it gets used as a daily Each persons answer maybe different, depending on budget and use etc etc.
That is the only way, if it is a close decision.
A good 650 S with an exhaust, and in a volcano colour is where I would be at around 100k, nothing comes close.
These are the most fun though!!
In all honesty, I think that 100k is all you really need and that points to 650s. I would obviously love to have a 675 or indeed a 765 but I'm not in that pay bracket. I could not justify me changing at the moment from my 12c to a 650 adding 25% purchase price for a 5% gain in performance and there seems nothing to gain bar top exit exhaust from 650 to 600lt. I'd take the 650. The Thorney video on this is a good example of differing models explained. However, a nice problem to have and keep us posted. They are all fantastic cars.
Edited by macdeb on Thursday 15th December 13:45
I'm in the same boat having just sold my Exige and around £100k there's so much choice it's definitely a nice problem to have. I initially started out looking for a 570GT but seriously considering stepping up to the GT coupe which is now sub 120k, a lot of car for the money and would be the one I'd choose. Some still have the balance of their manufacturers warranty which de-risks the proposition a lot and I prefer the newer design with cleaner lines. The only downside is the muted exhaust sound which is tempting me back towards a 570 spider with the MSO Titanium exhaust or something NA within the same budget around £125k - 458 or 991.2 GT3, the latter not being a supercar and similar to an AMG GTR
PinkHouse said:
I'm in the same boat having just sold my Exige and around £100k there's so much choice it's definitely a nice problem to have. I initially started out looking for a 570GT but seriously considering stepping up to the GT coupe which is now sub 120k, a lot of car for the money and would be the one I'd choose. Some still have the balance of their manufacturers warranty which de-risks the proposition a lot and I prefer the newer design with cleaner lines. The only downside is the muted exhaust sound which is tempting me back towards a 570 spider with the MSO Titanium exhaust or something NA within the same budget around £125k - 458 or 991.2 GT3, the latter not being a supercar and similar to an AMG GTR
570S Spider and GT are quite different propositions which might suggest you're still not sure what you want from your next car. Of course, the GT is no slouch and in a straight line is marginally quicker than the 570S but in terms of being an event to drive the 570S Spider is on another level, especially as the roof comes off. You pay for that in general usability though, the GT is much more adept at long drives, especially for two with associated luggage if the trip is longer than a week.I paid a lot more than £120k for mine (at just under 1 year old) even though at the time there were examples well under £130k but as ever, spec and colour makes a big difference. There are quite a few cars out there without the full leather interior which IMO ruins the GT experience but from talking to other owners some want the alcantara so as ever, personal choice and taste is a factor. I viewed the Practicality and Premium packs as essential when buying and most cars do have both but not all so weigh those up. The Alu insert in the steering wheel is (again, IMO) tragic and feels absolutely awful so I personally viewed having the CF interior bits as a must as well. Sports Exhaust is a given, of course. Having ran a 720S for a few months as well, I would say the GT's exhaust is 1-1.5 notches "below" the 720S, ie Comfort in the 720S is like Sport in the GT etc etc. Have a long think about colour as well - seeing a few different colours in the flesh might help as often they don't photo well. If it is a daily alongside something else more special then the darker colours do serve to make the car pretty anonymous by hiding all the lines. I went for Papaya Spark which is the exact opposite
Edited to add a clip of a sound comparison with an F8: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2h7Mb7E0Z5E
Edited by DRZ on Thursday 15th December 16:21
RSbandit said:
Im sure the 600/675LT owners will be along in a second to say no you must spend £150-250k to really get that but objectively speaking is that valid ? I’ve also seen the recent YouTube video talking about a 675LT compared to 650/12c and it just got me thinking again. Can I save myself the £40k and just get a mint 650S Spider? 675LTs are v expensive still so well above the upper bound of my budget. Happy to hear some thoughts on this.
Here i am 
I had a few chats with James yesterday and there were errors in his facts but he is entitled to his opinion and views. However he has not compared back to back and the one he drove had missed its service by some considerable margin. It's always better to drive them yourself and form your own opinion as most people have different traits they appreciate in cars. Its dangerous to just trust in a youtubers view after a short drive.
As a prior 12C owner for 3 years and 14k miles and a current 675LT owner, also for 3 years and 9k miles I hope my experiences are somewhat more informed.
The cars are very, very different. Despite looking similar to a 650S a 675LT has 60% different parts. James said the engine was basically a chipped 650s engine but that is entirely wrong, it is in fact a completely different engine based on the 570S not the 650S with many upgraded parts, different turbos, Cosworth pistons, titanium exhaust. The 675LT is 100 kilos lighter than a 650S at only 1,230 kilos. 200 kilos lighter than the new Lotus Emira. The 675LT's panels are almost all carbon composite apart from the wings, bonnet and roof. The gearbox is twice as fast as the 650S. If you watch Tavarish's 675LT rebuild series on YouTube you will see that he tried some 650S parts and they would not fit.
The 675LT uses quite a lot of P1 parts, especially in the suspension and the steering rack.
The BHP per tonne figures below speak for themselves:-
675LT - 541
P1 - 521
F1 - 506
720S - 500
650S - 480 (same as a 488 GTB)
600LT - 474
The 675LT is far more connected and feels more analogue than any other McLaren I have driven, its a real adrenalin rush especially in ESC DYN mode which James did not have the opportunity to try. The traction in the 675LT is unbelievable, like witch craft, I don't know how McLaren did it but it just grips and goes like nothing else. Is it worth £150k more than a 650S? Yes if you can afford it definitely, which is why they are appreciated. Does that mean the 650S is a bad car? Absolutely not, its amazing and along with the 12C one of my all time favourites but its like comparing a 458 and a speciale or a C2S and a GT3RS.
You will never feel short changed in a 650S or 12C, they are both amazing but they are very different in feel to the 675LT, i could easily argue to have one of each as they are so different and know quite a few who do own both. So go with a 650S or if you want something with more zing 675LT.
PS a 650S coupe is one of the rarest McLarens in existence, only 22 in the UK as most owners wanted the spider. So an early swipe door 12C coupe or 650S coupe should be good bet for beating depreciation in the medium term.
AL001 said:
Bispal said:
The BHP per tonne figures below speak for themselves:-
675LT - 541
P1 - 521
F1 - 506
720S - 500
650S - 480 (same as a 488 GTB)
600LT - 474
Erm, not when they are incorrect. Not sure why you using dry weight for 675 and wet weight for 720. Maybe Xmas drinks kicking in early.675LT - 541
P1 - 521
F1 - 506
720S - 500
650S - 480 (same as a 488 GTB)
600LT - 474
https://www.autosnout.com/Cars-Bhp-Per-Ton-List.ph...
Wet or dry were not noted. I'm not a walking encyclopaedia...
.
DRZ said:
PinkHouse said:
I'm in the same boat having just sold my Exige and around £100k there's so much choice it's definitely a nice problem to have. I initially started out looking for a 570GT but seriously considering stepping up to the GT coupe which is now sub 120k, a lot of car for the money and would be the one I'd choose. Some still have the balance of their manufacturers warranty which de-risks the proposition a lot and I prefer the newer design with cleaner lines. The only downside is the muted exhaust sound which is tempting me back towards a 570 spider with the MSO Titanium exhaust or something NA within the same budget around £125k - 458 or 991.2 GT3, the latter not being a supercar and similar to an AMG GTR
570S Spider and GT are quite different propositions which might suggest you're still not sure what you want from your next car. Of course, the GT is no slouch and in a straight line is marginally quicker than the 570S but in terms of being an event to drive the 570S Spider is on another level, especially as the roof comes off. You pay for that in general usability though, the GT is much more adept at long drives, especially for two with associated luggage if the trip is longer than a week.I paid a lot more than £120k for mine (at just under 1 year old) even though at the time there were examples well under £130k but as ever, spec and colour makes a big difference. There are quite a few cars out there without the full leather interior which IMO ruins the GT experience but from talking to other owners some want the alcantara so as ever, personal choice and taste is a factor. I viewed the Practicality and Premium packs as essential when buying and most cars do have both but not all so weigh those up. The Alu insert in the steering wheel is (again, IMO) tragic and feels absolutely awful so I personally viewed having the CF interior bits as a must as well. Sports Exhaust is a given, of course. Having ran a 720S for a few months as well, I would say the GT's exhaust is 1-1.5 notches "below" the 720S, ie Comfort in the 720S is like Sport in the GT etc etc. Have a long think about colour as well - seeing a few different colours in the flesh might help as often they don't photo well. If it is a daily alongside something else more special then the darker colours do serve to make the car pretty anonymous by hiding all the lines. I went for Papaya Spark which is the exact opposite
Edited to add a clip of a sound comparison with an F8: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2h7Mb7E0Z5E
Spec wise, I've seen the Black metallic one at Alexanders and also like the look of the MSO Borealis one at Glasgow and both have the carbon interior and practicality+premium packs and actually prefer the darker colours on the GT coupe. I haven't actually driven one yet and will do shortly which might help with my decision In your video it actually sounds quite similar to the F8 which is a surprise.
Bispal said:
Figures from the great Oracle of truth the internet.
https://www.autosnout.com/Cars-Bhp-Per-Ton-List.ph...
Wet or dry were not noted. I'm not a walking encyclopaedia...
.
Couldn't you do some quick basic maths to check it? 521bhp/tonne from a P1 sounds ridiculously low. 916PS/521ps/tonne = 1.76 tonnes. Does that really seem likely to you.https://www.autosnout.com/Cars-Bhp-Per-Ton-List.ph...
Wet or dry were not noted. I'm not a walking encyclopaedia...
.
Actial bhp/tonne figures to those who care....
675lt - 503
720s - 502
P1 - 619
P1 way in the lead. 720s and 675lt split by spec options basically. And I'd hazard a lightly specified 720s would be better as most 675lts had the lighter options as standard.
123RY said:
Couldn't you do some quick basic maths to check it? 521bhp/tonne from a P1 sounds ridiculously low. 916PS/521ps/tonne = 1.76 tonnes. Does that really seem likely to you.
Actial bhp/tonne figures to those who care....
675lt - 503
720s - 502
P1 - 619
P1 way in the lead. 720s and 675lt split by spec options basically. And I'd hazard a lightly specified 720s would be better as most 675lts had the lighter options as standard.
Is it not fairly widely accepted that the 720 is understated on power output by a fair measure? Also, it is markedly quicker than a 675lt in a straight line in any test I've seen. Actial bhp/tonne figures to those who care....
675lt - 503
720s - 502
P1 - 619
P1 way in the lead. 720s and 675lt split by spec options basically. And I'd hazard a lightly specified 720s would be better as most 675lts had the lighter options as standard.
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