McLaren afterservice
Discussion
Hi All. doing my research on a few future cars I would like to look into. From the Emira, McLaren 540 and 570 to the Porsche GT4 and such like.
Main job of my future car would be touring with mates or the wife over the next few years. exploring and finding new areas to explore and places to see
Plus this will be a big investment for me as I don't often change cars and normally keep them long term. At the FOS both myself and the wife liked the thought of a McLaren.
One thing I have found over the years is you can have a great car but really crap after service.
Most of my past cars have had local dealers but being in Bristol the New forest is closest.
How to generally people find McLaren after service. I'm not worried if they offer a coffee or fancy drink when you come in. More waiting times for parts, competence of work done, and time scales etc..
thank
Matt
Main job of my future car would be touring with mates or the wife over the next few years. exploring and finding new areas to explore and places to see
Plus this will be a big investment for me as I don't often change cars and normally keep them long term. At the FOS both myself and the wife liked the thought of a McLaren.
One thing I have found over the years is you can have a great car but really crap after service.
Most of my past cars have had local dealers but being in Bristol the New forest is closest.
How to generally people find McLaren after service. I'm not worried if they offer a coffee or fancy drink when you come in. More waiting times for parts, competence of work done, and time scales etc..
thank
Matt
t show, you won't be too far wrong........My first (used) 650 came from Ascot. Their service was OK - not great, but OK - and at that time, I found McLaren customer services / goodwill first class.
Ascot gave me a silly quote for some work (retrofit soft close) so I moved to Guildford. They were mostly very good (and better than Ascot) - we only had one disagreement and they eventually backed down.
I don't think that Guildford is as good as it was though - they've had a lot of staff turnover.
I've heard mixed things about NF, but mostly positive.
My second 650 goes to V Engineering and wouldn't go anywhere else - absolutely first class.
I think McLaren got hit badly by Covid / delayed Artura launch and are a lot less generous with goodwill these days - and I think part availability can be a problem.
But having said that - I owned my first 650 for 3 years, and have had the current one for 18 months - I've had no major issues, no problems waiting for parts etc. and no problems with "McLaren" - so overall, I think they're excellent cars and I'm happy I own one. In fact - 6 months ago I was 100% sure I'd get rid of mine next Spring (we need it for something in October, so couldn't sell it earlier) - but it's such a good car that I think I've changed my mind about that.
Ascot gave me a silly quote for some work (retrofit soft close) so I moved to Guildford. They were mostly very good (and better than Ascot) - we only had one disagreement and they eventually backed down.
I don't think that Guildford is as good as it was though - they've had a lot of staff turnover.
I've heard mixed things about NF, but mostly positive.
My second 650 goes to V Engineering and wouldn't go anywhere else - absolutely first class.
I think McLaren got hit badly by Covid / delayed Artura launch and are a lot less generous with goodwill these days - and I think part availability can be a problem.
But having said that - I owned my first 650 for 3 years, and have had the current one for 18 months - I've had no major issues, no problems waiting for parts etc. and no problems with "McLaren" - so overall, I think they're excellent cars and I'm happy I own one. In fact - 6 months ago I was 100% sure I'd get rid of mine next Spring (we need it for something in October, so couldn't sell it earlier) - but it's such a good car that I think I've changed my mind about that.
The only thing that puts me off a McLaren is the after service. I know a few people who have had horrendous experiences with their respective dealers.
Expensive warranties that seemingly are like Swiss cheese when it comes to any kind of claims being one that comes up repeatedly for me.
Expensive warranties that seemingly are like Swiss cheese when it comes to any kind of claims being one that comes up repeatedly for me.
Freakuk said:
Expensive warranties that seemingly are like Swiss cheese when it comes to any kind of claims being one that comes up repeatedly for me.
The extended warranty does have some exclusions (and I think they've got stricter) but I don't think that's representative. It's generally pretty comprehensive and if you want a warranty, it's by far the best.Both of my cars have been reliable enough that I don't bother (the first one was under the extended warranty for 2 years - had a few claims but nothing that made it worth keeping the warranty going).
davek_964 said:
Freakuk said:
Expensive warranties that seemingly are like Swiss cheese when it comes to any kind of claims being one that comes up repeatedly for me.
The extended warranty does have some exclusions (and I think they've got stricter) but I don't think that's representative. It's generally pretty comprehensive and if you want a warranty, it's by far the best.Both of my cars have been reliable enough that I don't bother (the first one was under the extended warranty for 2 years - had a few claims but nothing that made it worth keeping the warranty going).
Freakuk said:
davek_964 said:
Freakuk said:
Expensive warranties that seemingly are like Swiss cheese when it comes to any kind of claims being one that comes up repeatedly for me.
The extended warranty does have some exclusions (and I think they've got stricter) but I don't think that's representative. It's generally pretty comprehensive and if you want a warranty, it's by far the best.Both of my cars have been reliable enough that I don't bother (the first one was under the extended warranty for 2 years - had a few claims but nothing that made it worth keeping the warranty going).
I don't know or care what the universally best warranty is.
bennno said:
Is McLaren Bristol not still trading?
I brought from New Forest, but there service centre is on an industrial estate in Eastleigh from memory.....
They shut Bristol for both sales and servicing now.I brought from New Forest, but there service centre is on an industrial estate in Eastleigh from memory.....
Any car past manufacturers warranty I'd strongly suggest using either V engineering or Thorney Motor Sports. Both are more cost effective and, arguably, better than dealers for the older cars. Thorney even do their own warranty for the older cars.
McBristol were part of the Rybrook chain and therefore worked hand in hand with McBirmingham. When they rationalised they set up a system to service Bristol customers in Birmingham … they run a covered transporter between Birmingham and Bristol 3 times a week (I think) and it’s free of charge. I used the service a few weeks ago for a 3rd year service and MOT and cannot complain. It does mean that the car is away for a couple of more days than usual but that isn’t an issue for me. Birmingham seem competent and I have no complaint with the service so I’ll likely stick with them rather than switching to New Forest (who are equidistant with Bristol for me).
[quote=RemaL]Hi All. doing my research on a few future cars I would like to look into. From the Emira, McLaren 540 and 570 to the Porsche GT4 and such like.
Main job of my future car would be touring with mates or the wife over the next few years. exploring and finding new areas to explore and places to see
Plus this will be a big investment for me as I don't often change cars and normally keep them long term. At the FOS both myself and the wife liked the thought of a McLaren.
One thing I have found over the years is you can have a great car but really crap after service.
Most of my past cars have had local dealers but being in Bristol the New forest is closest.
How to generally people find McLaren after service. I'm not worried if they offer a coffee or fancy drink when you come in. More waiting times for parts, competence of work done, and time scales etc..
thank
Matt
Afternoon Matt,
As already seen here views can be pretty mixed and I guess in time a number of the regular knobheads will voice their opinions ( although that seems to have reduced of late and some may view me also as one )
In any event I’m no expert but have owned 4 McLaren’s and still have 1.
McLaren dealers are owned mostly by the same companies who own Porsche, Ferrari and Lambo etc,
However there is a difference on how they operate McLaren franchises..
By and large my experience has been positive and no better or worse than my experiences with Sytner Porsche,
I have mainly used McLaren Grange Hatfield and imo the way you get on with the Service Manager is probably the best relationship
The 570 is an absolute belter of a car and head and shoulders above the other cars you considering and more so at its current price point.
Very few issues with them except the wing corrosion.
Main job of my future car would be touring with mates or the wife over the next few years. exploring and finding new areas to explore and places to see
Plus this will be a big investment for me as I don't often change cars and normally keep them long term. At the FOS both myself and the wife liked the thought of a McLaren.
One thing I have found over the years is you can have a great car but really crap after service.
Most of my past cars have had local dealers but being in Bristol the New forest is closest.
How to generally people find McLaren after service. I'm not worried if they offer a coffee or fancy drink when you come in. More waiting times for parts, competence of work done, and time scales etc..
thank
Matt
Afternoon Matt,
As already seen here views can be pretty mixed and I guess in time a number of the regular knobheads will voice their opinions ( although that seems to have reduced of late and some may view me also as one )
In any event I’m no expert but have owned 4 McLaren’s and still have 1.
McLaren dealers are owned mostly by the same companies who own Porsche, Ferrari and Lambo etc,
However there is a difference on how they operate McLaren franchises..
By and large my experience has been positive and no better or worse than my experiences with Sytner Porsche,
I have mainly used McLaren Grange Hatfield and imo the way you get on with the Service Manager is probably the best relationship
The 570 is an absolute belter of a car and head and shoulders above the other cars you considering and more so at its current price point.
Very few issues with them except the wing corrosion.
12C owned for 2.5 hrs. No warranty. I’ve used V Engineering and have been very happy with the service and the prices. I had to change the accumulators, an aircon radiator and an oil pipe that looked tired (as a precaution). The only problem I’ve had was a retro-fitted soft close door latch that failed. I keep mine on a trickle charger for 4hrs a day. Good practice as there can be weird error messages if you let the battery get low.
Get a PPI and you will be fine. Maybe have a warranty for the first year just in case.
Get a PPI and you will be fine. Maybe have a warranty for the first year just in case.
McLarens make great touring cars. We did 14k touring miles in our 12C coupe with no issues. It did have warranty issues but in 3 years of ownership everything was covered and we never paid a penny over and above usual running costs. We used McBrum. Then we switched to a 981 Spyder and it was great but I preferred the 12C. Then switched to a 675LT and in 4 years not had a single issue. Used Guildford, who were excellent. Again never paid a penny for anything over and above the warranty. That's why I decided to go without the warranty and 6 months ago started using V engineering.
If i was buying a McLaren for touring I would get a 650S coupe (just personal preference over a 570s) The rear parcel shelf is massive and can hold lots of additional luggage. Its also a lot quicker than a GT4 or Emira. The GT4 has excellent luggage space too. I have a 718 Spyder as well now and its a great touring car but still I prefer our old 12C. The 570GT might be a good shout as you can see the Alps through the glass roof and access your luggage inside. Mind you a 12C has more luggage space AND is smaller!
After many years touring I think a 'normal' Boxster is best or a 12C/650s/. I had an Emira on order but the luggage capacity put me off.
If you go McLaren negotiate a 2 year warranty from a dealer (easy enough to do, even I managed that twice) Make sure any niggles are sorted in the 2 years, then self warranty and go to V. I find the dealers a bit self serving. They will find work to do work and get paid. Doesn't matter if its all under warranty BUT its the time and hassle.
If i was buying a McLaren for touring I would get a 650S coupe (just personal preference over a 570s) The rear parcel shelf is massive and can hold lots of additional luggage. Its also a lot quicker than a GT4 or Emira. The GT4 has excellent luggage space too. I have a 718 Spyder as well now and its a great touring car but still I prefer our old 12C. The 570GT might be a good shout as you can see the Alps through the glass roof and access your luggage inside. Mind you a 12C has more luggage space AND is smaller!
After many years touring I think a 'normal' Boxster is best or a 12C/650s/. I had an Emira on order but the luggage capacity put me off.
If you go McLaren negotiate a 2 year warranty from a dealer (easy enough to do, even I managed that twice) Make sure any niggles are sorted in the 2 years, then self warranty and go to V. I find the dealers a bit self serving. They will find work to do work and get paid. Doesn't matter if its all under warranty BUT its the time and hassle.
kevinpsw said:
12C owned for 2.5 hrs. No warranty. I’ve used V Engineering and have been very happy with the service and the prices. I had to change the accumulators, an aircon radiator and an oil pipe that looked tired (as a precaution). The only problem I’ve had was a retro-fitted soft close door latch that failed. I keep mine on a trickle charger for 4hrs a day. Good practice as there can be weird error messages if you let the battery get low.
Get a PPI and you will be fine. Maybe have a warranty for the first year just in case.
That's some going for 2.5 hours of ownership Get a PPI and you will be fine. Maybe have a warranty for the first year just in case.
Had mine delivered back twice only to immediately send it back so they can finish the jobs properly... Very frustrating - time visits for when you least need the car...
Experiences will vary as the dealers vary and will vary by shift and by day.
HQ do sometimes unfairly try to knock back claims so you end up in a tussle which is bad blood and tiring.
I suspect Porsche will be top of the tree for reliability - but a GT3 looks like as tall as a minibus when you are behind one in a Mac
Experiences will vary as the dealers vary and will vary by shift and by day.
HQ do sometimes unfairly try to knock back claims so you end up in a tussle which is bad blood and tiring.
I suspect Porsche will be top of the tree for reliability - but a GT3 looks like as tall as a minibus when you are behind one in a Mac
Gassing Station | McLaren | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff