600LT Buying Advice

[Masterplan]

Hi all

Been looking recently for something special this year and toying with a few ideas - mainly 488, Huracan, GT3 and of course the lovely 600LT.

I’ve come across this car at McLaren Glasgow - ww.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401225795030

It’s fairly local so will go and see it in person, but what’s your thoughts?

I’m not entirely sure what spec is a must have, but this does appeal to me, but keen to get your opinions on spec, price etc.

Edit: I’m 6’2 and hope I fit…

Edited by Masterplan on Monday 5th February 12:19

[samoht]

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401225...

Personally I'd want the extended shift paddles, and I think it's rare for a 600LT to lack them:

I understand they can be retro-fitted though.
Normally they come as part of the carbon fibre driving zone option, which nearly all LTs have, it's odd to see one without. It's an unusual spec as it has quite a bit of visible CF on the outside but not that.

This car has the standard seats (same as 570), there are also 'P1' and 'Senna' seats I think. It's very much a question of what you find comfortable, I don't think there are right and wrong seats only right and wrong for you, but it's worth being aware of the three varieties. I think the different seats also affect the available headroom; generally McLarens are pretty good at accommodating tall people. One advantage of the standard seats is that they're heated.

ETA: on price, it feels a shade high to me, these two look slightly better value in terms of spec for the price
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307149...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401316...
I think the Glasgow car is being priced for its exterior visible carbon parts, but personally I wouldn't put a high premium on those in isolation without buckets, carbon interior trim, front wing louvres etc.

Edited by samoht on Monday 5th February 12:32

[Frankychops]

its also got standard seats, which the seats are part of the LT vibe.

for the same cash

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401316...

Edited by Frankychops on Monday 5th February 12:31

[davek_964]

Extended paddles seems to get mentioned fairly often about cars that don't have them. I didn't have them on my first McLaren, and don't have them on the current one, and never noticed a problem with the standard paddles.

[Davyt]

Not many about without the CF interior pack, most owners have this ticked as a must have,, Comfort seats generally suit the shorter type person so you’d need to try them,, if it was me I’d be looking at the Blue car that Leeds have,,

[Gibbo205]

Hi there

i'd not touch a 600 without P1 buckets or Senna's, you sit too high in the comfort seats, I guess OK if you have a short torso but they disconnect you somewhat from the driving experience.

Also I have to say the 600 ethos is about lightweight true sports/supercar as such buckets/senna seats, carbon interior and alcantara is a must.

that car is low spec and over priced, I'd avoid it personally. There are better spec cars for similar money, also at time of resale you will struggle to move it on.

When I was buying mine my must haves were:
- Bright or rare colour
- P1 or Senna seats
- Suede interior with carbon interior options
- Wing louvres
- Spider
- Roof same colour as body, but black roofs do look cool
- Upgraded sound system
- Under 30k miles
- Warranty

I fell lucky as found a car for sale private with manufacturers warranty intact, it even had an insane spec list, was like 270k new.




I looked at loads but in the end just waited for a car in my dream spec, as soon as I went to view the above I had to buy it, had it 18 months now, done around 7000 miles and its been flawless, bloody love it!

I've owned 458, GT3, Exige and driven a lot of exotica like Huracans and have to say the 600 is the one if you truly enjoy driving, lots of feel and feedback, more than quick enough for the road and the sound track is unbeatable with those exhaust position right behind your head which you can enjoy to the maximum with a Spider.

Edited by Gibbo205 on Monday 5th February 14:15

[biondi]

Another perspective from a 600LT owner (me - who's selling soon but has had a blast this past year) - don't write off a car just because it has the comfort seats (which are heated and electric) - they look great and are awesome if you actually want to drive the thing. Personally, I always thought the other seats just made the driver look like they're trying to be some kind of Halfords 'pro racer', but each to their own. Get a crash helmet to complete the look if you're doing that so people can't see you

Re. CF - personal preference, realistically, you won't notice any difference in weight whatever you do, don't be told otherwise. Helps in resale for some reason but if you live in the sticks like me, the external CF is just something else to worry about with the potholes and other stuff that's now normal for our roads. Depends how much of a snob you are I guess - wouldn't stop me getting one regardless. If that stuff matters to you then that's fine - budget for a bit more obvs. Mine has some CF inside but I didn't enjoy it any more because it did.

They're awesome cars, regardless of the seats / amount of CF / colour or however they're spec'd. Make sure you get front lift, but honestly, apart from that - just get the best you can afford in the colour you want. Then, drive it - a lot. Don't worry about mileage when you're looking to buy and if you're going to keep it for a long time, don't worry about McLaren warranty - go elsewhere.

[PinkHouse]

biondi said:

Another perspective from a 600LT owner (me - who's selling soon but has had a blast this past year) - don't write off a car just because it has the comfort seats (which are heated and electric) - they look great and are awesome if you actually want to drive the thing. Personally, I always thought the other seats just made the driver look like they're trying to be some kind of Halfords 'pro racer', but each to their own. Get a crash helmet to complete the look if you're doing that so people can't see you

Re. CF - personal preference, realistically, you won't notice any difference in weight whatever you do, don't be told otherwise. Helps in resale for some reason but if you live in the sticks like me, the external CF is just something else to worry about with the potholes and other stuff that's now normal for our roads. Depends how much of a snob you are I guess - wouldn't stop me getting one regardless. If that stuff matters to you then that's fine - budget for a bit more obvs. Mine has some CF inside but I didn't enjoy it any more because it did.

They're awesome cars, regardless of the seats / amount of CF / colour or however they're spec'd. Make sure you get front lift, but honestly, apart from that - just get the best you can afford in the colour you want. Then, drive it - a lot. Don't worry about mileage when you're looking to buy and if you're going to keep it for a long time, don't worry about McLaren warranty - go elsewhere.

Well said, the defining characteristics of the 600 are the aggressive rear diffuser which is the best looking rear end of any McLaren bar the P1 and the top exit exhausts - both of which are standard. Arguably the biggest difference is coupe Vs spider with the added sensations you get from the open back window. Buy what appeals to your use case, but I agree with the other posters that the Glasgow car is a tad overpriced but if you love it then throw them a very cheeky offer

[Gibbo205]

biondi said:

Another perspective from a 600LT owner (me - who's selling soon but has had a blast this past year) - don't write off a car just because it has the comfort seats (which are heated and electric) - they look great and are awesome if you actually want to drive the thing. Personally, I always thought the other seats just made the driver look like they're trying to be some kind of Halfords 'pro racer', but each to their own. Get a crash helmet to complete the look if you're doing that so people can't see you

Re. CF - personal preference, realistically, you won't notice any difference in weight whatever you do, don't be told otherwise. Helps in resale for some reason but if you live in the sticks like me, the external CF is just something else to worry about with the potholes and other stuff that's now normal for our roads. Depends how much of a snob you are I guess - wouldn't stop me getting one regardless. If that stuff matters to you then that's fine - budget for a bit more obvs. Mine has some CF inside but I didn't enjoy it any more because it did.

They're awesome cars, regardless of the seats / amount of CF / colour or however they're spec'd. Make sure you get front lift, but honestly, apart from that - just get the best you can afford in the colour you want. Then, drive it - a lot. Don't worry about mileage when you're looking to buy and if you're going to keep it for a long time, don't worry about McLaren warranty - go elsewhere.

I also find the P1's comfier than the supposedly comfort seats, I've driven a 600 with every seat and for me:
- Senna's are a work of art, a statement, but check comfort wise, I found them OK.
- P1's were comfiest for me, I am 6ft slim/medium build, having done a few track days they really hold you and you sit low.
- Comforts look OK, but I hated the seating position, I simply could not get my seat low enough, felt like I was sat on top of the car, more appropiate in a Spider as they are heated but were a deal breaker for me.

All 600 LT's have carbon, all of them. The options were:
- No cost option, carbon patined palladium
- MSO black pack at circa £6500, carbon painted gloss black
- Carbon packs 1, 2 and 3 what your paying for is to have the carbon on show.

As others have said its not that important, though of course some colours really suit carbon, but they are all carbon.

Yes lifter is an absolute must, very useful though as I went Isle of Man last year, the ferry ramps looked daunting but lifter dealt with it all fine.

[Rocketreid]

Masterplan said:

Hi all

Been looking recently for something special this year and toying with a few ideas - mainly 488, Huracan, GT3 and of course the lovely 600LT.

I’ve come across this car at McLaren Glasgow - ww.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401225795030

It’s fairly local so will go and see it in person, but what’s your thoughts?

I’m not entirely sure what spec is a must have, but this does appeal to me, but keen to get your opinions on spec, price etc.

Edit: I’m 6’2 and hope I fit…

Edited by Masterplan on Monday 5th February 12:19

I would not get hung up on the seat issue unless you are going to track it hard and in any case the comforts probably suit passengers better than the P1’s and Sennas which have little to none adjustment

For me spec is personal, of course some folks do get a bit anal about it, but the must haves are really exterior colour and interior trim.

Fit should be no problem on comfort seats

Edited by Rocketreid on Monday 5th February 19:14

[Davyt]

We’re all different shapes and sizes at the end of the day so for some the sportier P1’s or Sennas just won’t work for some people, that said I’ve had two 600 LT’s now and both have had Sennas, I think they look awesome and are comfy enough, the OP needs to get in a few cars and see what he prefers and not listen to us lot who are bias depending on what our own car has fitted,,

[BobM]

I'm 6'5" and have plenty of room in my LT, but mine has the P1 seats.

I know resale value shouldn't be a big factor when choosing your car, but these cars are hard to sell anyway, and I think most folks looking for an LT want the interior carbon pack and either P1 or Senna seats. I wasn't bothered about the exterior carbon, it always just looks very expensive to repair from stone chips etc!

[Masterplan]

Thank you all for the feedback. Pretty much all replies were incredibly insightful, too many to quote, so thank you.

Regarding the 600LT, I've taken your advice and spec recommendations and started conversations with the dealerships from the cars you posted.

It's going to be a difficult choice as a lot of cars are in this price range, and the only way to decide is to drive them.

From an ownership perspective, is there anything I need to budget for repair/maintenance outside the usual tyres, services, etc?

[Frankychops]

the other way to look at it, is that without the seats its at least £10k over or more?

[Masterplan]

Frankychops said:

the other way to look at it, is that without the seats its at least £10k over or more?

Great point. Appreciate the advice

[Davyt]

Looks like the Hamilton car has just been reduced this morning , must be reading this thread

[Masterplan]

Davyt said:

Looks like the Hamilton car has just been reduced this morning , must be reading this thread

Any way to track how long an advert has been live and the price changes associated?

[Davyt]

Masterplan said:

Any way to track how long an advert has been live and the price changes associated?

Yes! Is the answer but the Hamilton car has been re-listed this morning so hides all that

[RSbandit]

Mcl Glasgow read these threads!

[PinkHouse]

Davyt said:

Masterplan said:

Any way to track how long an advert has been live and the price changes associated?

Yes! Is the answer but the Hamilton car has been re-listed this morning so hides all that

They also regularly re-list all their outstanding stock every couple of weeks to give the impression that the ads are recent and to hide all price changes