Should I Buy A McLaren 12C? (Why I Really Might, But Probably Won't)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.ค. 2021
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In today's video I am yet again behind the wheel of my friend Michael's McLaren 12C. The last time I drove this car I asked whether I should actually buy one - and today I'll go into reasons why I would, and why I wouldn't.
#McLaren #12C #Vlog
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![Here's Why A McLaren Loses £50,000 a year: How They Are Failing Their Customers (IMHO) [VLOG]](/img/n.gif)
Could be me but I noticed a more laid back having fun, more modest presenting style. While still being very knowledgeable and revealing about all aspects of this car. I like it.
Thanks, I like doing videos this way - it's easier when you know the car better and have more time
@@JayEmmOnCars Definitely made a difference. Yes, I can imagine the time pressures normally make it harder.
What a golden opportunity for someone at Maclaren to reach out. Bringing you round to their cars would be great PR and as you say, offer an opportunity for some content.
I have a black 12c and have owned it for nearly 7 years. First 2 years it was in the dealers more often than not and I nearly sold it. Since then though, it has been pretty much trouble free. It is a joy to own in pretty much every respect. It can feel a bit archaic in some respects but that is part of its charm. I personally love the 'nothing, nothing, nothing - ohh shhiitttt!!' nature of the driving experience. It also still looks fabulous - far less fussy then recent cars. Looks like these videos were shot in and around Sible Hedingham, which is where I work. Short comment - buy one :)
Next video: I'm buying a Lotus Emira.
Must say I respect folk who change their minds.
@@andrewnorris5415 I don't say it in jest. I think it's a no brainer for him and his channel. A better built Evora, better looking (subjective). Life will have come full circle.
Lmfaooooooo. I’m sure he will come around when they make a higher hp version
Having just been to festival of speed I watched this and thought exactly that 👍
@@RKW1138 except for the fact that he has been super public about lotus video just tanking
Once you see the 12C next to all the others it’s easily the best looking of the new McLarens except the P1. The new ones are so overstyled. I wish they would go back to this more beautiful minimal look.
The 650c is underrated but 12c is best of the lot
Totally agree, i like the 12c even better than the P1
Great insight into the pros and cons of the 12C and McLaren brand as a whole. As a McLaren owner, I can relate completely- including your going slow fast bit
Congrats, great cars!
Im a former McL owner : That fast thing, great if you don’t have to Congrats, great cars!
Im a former Mac owner : speed fine risk or a tad too boring…
However comfy, sophistication and supercar looks mostly make up for it.
I hadn't seen one of these in the flesh in years, and then in my local tesco yesterday, one pulled in! The looks have aged so well imo.
I honestly think it has aged very very well, almost in the same way the McLaren f1 stil looks fresh, interesting and beautiful. The 650 for some reason feels a touch more outdated with the redesign
I was about to say they look modern from the rear but the front is looking dated now.
@@strongerandwiser2023 I have a feeling that in 5 years, the 650 will look much more dated. The simplicity of the ornamakes the design last longer
It looks like a dated Toyota mr2 from the front. Those headlights and front bumper was dated years ago
@@mperformance3502 Toyota MR2? No dude, you're thinking of Gordon Murry's T50 (MR2 MK6)
The roof shot is really cool.
That shirt is next level.
He and James May should have a competition to see who has the best shirts.
Have to say the 12 c in that colour has added well to my eyes.
Great bit of editing James - nice to see that everytime the cars clock was in view it was always going upwards in chronological order! ⏰
Great and balanced review relaxed and concidered, cant fault you on this one! Thinking on buying one myself.
I know it's not really comparable but at this price I'd be looking at an R8 V10 manual. Doesn't have the badge cred but being able to get parts and not worry about obscene bills would push me away from the McLaren even though it's in a different league.
I think it's comparable, those R8s are supercars to me thorugh and through
@@graygamingps4503 I think they are brilliant and on the road I don't think you'd ever notice the difference as it'll only become apparent above 7 tenths. Long term I think a V10 manual may even be a better bet on values. Having driven my first Ferrari on track recently (458) I can understand why they have held their value so much more than a 12C, it was a revelation.
As a GT racing fan. Yes, different leagues... The 12C (and all McLarens) are nowhere. Audi: Dominant, for rthe most part. McLaren have done themselves no favours going GT racing in the past 8 years.
No team, not even their own test driver (Chris Goodwin) Fred Mackowiecki or Alvaro Parente have managed to get real consistent pace out of the things - and they started out unreliable (I know, shock...); whereas works and customer Audis have been very successful all over the world.
Now, they are aside from the chassis and engine blocks, very different from a road car to a GT3, but the reflections are still poor for McLaren.
Also depends if you prefer the feel of awd or rwd in performance cars etc
After an M3 convertibel, a 997 GTS with roof… I’ve owned a 12C spider for 3 fantastic years. If you like speed, holy shit type of acceleration, efficient road grip, and also the roof off when sunny … then there is no better alternative and certainly not at this price point!
The look of the 12C has aged so well …
Great video. Owned my Evora for 10 years and have always had a eye for the 12c, but just could not justify the huge cost of ownership. I can get over the cost of entry to the McLaren, but here in the states the dealer suggest the $4-$6K extended warranty and that does not include routine service. I'm more than capable of doing routine maintenance on the Evora saving a load of cash and having a bit of fun too. Track days in the McLaren would be fun but I would not be able to afford a home to come back too.
I have or have had a S2000 AP1, Mini Clubman S, MX-5 ND Club, and of course the Evora, so I know what you mean when you say "going slow fast"
As I have also recently acquired a 650S I agree with the slow fast response of these cars. These cars need pushed to the max to be enjoyed. Also the hesitant steering is usually from the the front accumulators going bad should be an easy fix.
Hope you also join the mclaren gang
Mclaren Customer Service Department have just left chat
🤣😂🤣
Can't wait for you to return to the states. My favorite videos!!
Jay its a hell of alot of car for the money! And you have a good mechanic for these local which i don't have. I came close to this and a 570s but the warranty and repairs made my mind up.
Defo get you on the slow fast thing!
I have a V8 Mustang and below about 4K rpm it doesn’t really have that much power. But on a lovey twisty road with an unfortunately broken surface, driving the car slow fast lets the Mustang ‘not try and kill you’ and you can just enjoy the road.
Nicely laid out opinion on the car. Nice to follow the arguments even when the statements sound at first a bit confusing.
Love these cars! But I do think it's a lose-lose situation for you as you say! Still, would love to see more McLaren's on the channel 🤙
I hope you'll come around to owning one. I would if I could. And while I get the "good colour" argument you brought out in the last video, me own favourite colours for the 12C would actually be silver or black, combined with the original 10-spoke alloys. Keep the McLaren content coming :)
Amazing shirt James 👌love it!
Great car, great video, great shirt. Thanks.
I really enjoyed this video and also the last one that you did on the Michael's 12C, it looks like a wonderful car and as you say, any car can have faults, not just McLarens, you'll never please all of the people all of the time, you will know the reason that you bought it and why, no matter what anyone says in the comments, sometimes people criticize just because they can and not because they think they know anything about the car or the reviewer if you know what I mean, I always enjoy your videos and this one as I said at the beginning of this comment, is no exception, you seem to have a very laid back attitude to the cars that you review, and you tell it how it is, no matter what they are and who knows, one day, McLaren might be big enough to offer you one of their cars to review knowing full well they will have someone that will give their car a good honest to goodness no holes barred review, we'll just need to wait and see, I hope that eventually, you do manage to get one for yourself as you really looked at home in that 12C, the very best of luck.
That’s an awesome shirt! ❤️ love it! you should’ve worn it on the Maserati convertible video
Regarding exhaust notes: loud doesn't matter. What really matters is the tone. What frequencies and timbres the engine makes. It's what feeling that evokes. The Sagaris engined TVR you showed the other day, brilliant tone. Loudness is okay but the throaty growls and wonderful low end was what made that engine note for me. I've been near and photographed Lambos, that were incredibly loud but didn't have that emotional character to the engine sound. Dunno what else to say. All Subjective of course.
Thanks J!
I thought Elvis had swapped seats with you when I saw those shades... loving your reviews. And your shirts.
You SHOULD GET IT! It’s so good and underrated
gotta say it, the sound of these earlier 12c, 650s are so so so much better than the current 720s, which is just a loud noise. These early Mclarens (and the P1) always sounded like a spaceship to me which I love
Very good analysis of the driving experience... I know there's no comparison but my 168 hp A3 TDI is exactly the same... Dreadful at going slow - fast.
yes the feeling of speed not actly going fast i love that i reely want to modify for the feeling not the speed
Try the new NSX next. The only time we see you drive it was in the US and you seem to like it
I have plans to drive one soon
Yes this !
The new NSX looks freaking badass in black. I want one. (with a manual geabox conversion please)
@@GM-fh5jp Yes thats the one !
I’m a relatively recent subscriber but I find these videos incredibly informative entertaining and even relaxing. However, what they bring home to me most of all, which is what I’ve been coming to suspect in the last few years, is that the perfect car of course does not exist. This is regardless what your budget might be, as you can get brilliant sports cars for family car money, albeit used. I have to add though a sub theory, that everything pretty much points to a Boxster when it comes to sports car ownership. I continuously browse for one even though I’m loving my Merc R171 to bits
"What on earth are you talking about you mad man?" I get that all the time lol.
Very good point on keeping the RPM up confines the best fun to crazy speeds. Totally bonkers - but is an engine and gear swap out of the question? Audi R8 engine? Anything with less lag or NA? Just a mad idea, prob not going to fit lol.
An "Italian Tune-Up" ?? I've never heard that, before. But, the SECOND I heard it, I knew EXACTLY what you meant.
LOL !!
@jayemm on cars If you really want exclusive, look up an SLC SL1 Kit car. Mid engine super car at half the price built at your own pace. 👍🏿
The looks of the 12C have really grown on me. I couldn't bring myself to buy a car without a manual but always enjoy seeing them on the road
What will happen to you if you buy an automatic car?
Great and interesting video! Jay, PLEASE tell me where you get your shirts from? They're always nice and are a bit of me!
52 Greek st Soho
I’m sure you can find a 12C in good nick. Treat yourself and your channel to exploring the virtues of a McLaren 12C spider. I’ve driven a few McLaren’s, and the one that still stands out in my memory is the acceleration in the 12C.
Great video, admire anyone who commits to a supercar as they will all bring bills. Also don't you have a good relationship with Bell & Colvill? They service Mclaren now though maybe not local for you.
The only good sounding new era Mclaren in my opinion,
I think this could be a great addition to your fleet especially with your experience with Mclaren this can be documented from a personal owner experience and also you could detail the other available routes in more detail like Thorney etc..
How much is a Nobles these days ? (food for thought)
Always enjoy your content
Keep it up!
‘Driving slow fast’ I get this. Since I have had my M140i I’ve learnt how to do this. I now enjoy driving it so much more
I don't get it. Please explain
@@4our6ixkwvmz It doesn't matter what level of performance your car is capable of, the likelihood is that you'll drive it at moderate speeds for much of the time, and when you really want to have fun you'll drive it at perhaps 60-70% of its performance. Just very occasionally you'll try and extract the maximum, after which you will be both exhilarated and exhausted in equal measure, but for maximum enjoyment it's that 60-70% that matters.
@@saxon-mt5by good explanation 👍🏻
@@saxon-mt5by Clarified. Thank you. I guess that's why stuff like S2000s and VXRs are more fun than RS3s and the like. You get to use more of the car
@JayEmm on Cars If you really are wedded to a hard top/ targa, your options are (very) limited. But have you tried an R8 Spyder? It might be a rag-top, but it seems to be a bloody good one. Just a thought.
I would rather walk into a casino and put $100,000 on black or red. Great car when it works, which is almost never, and when it breaks you have to visit a McLaren dealer which is like having a colonoscopy. Well known that McLaren has abandoned these cars, some parts are becoming hard to find.
Makes another video about the McLaren 12C.
Me: JUST DO IT!!!!!!!
Yeah I know what you meant by 'slow fast'. I like 'slow fast' too cause all the cars I've driven were way slooooooooooooooow so it's nice when you can make yourself feel like you're actually going quick in a car that won't even do 62 mph (100 km/h) within 10 seconds. 😆😆
The Emira is calling for you James...Emira...Emira...Emira
Lol
agreed, soft-topped convertibles do look awful, but i do like a removable hardtop.
one of the design features of my beloved 1992 nissan 300zx twin-turbo was (were?) their removeable T-tops. a win/win automotive compromise if there ever was one!
I am sure there's a McLaren workshop out there who would be more interested in the notoriety they could receive for appearing for a series of your videos, then in some angst filled sense of defending the brand. If you could find the perfect, or nearly that, one mechanically and in a color/spec combo you can life with, I would say go for it. Cheers man
How I wished I lived in the UK! Prices on McLarens have increased exponentially here in Australia just with the general import tax and nature of the automotive market. A lightly used 540c for example will be closer to 300,000 AUD. :(
Sofa top convertibles do not look awful, some sure but I find them elegant in the main. Subjective obviously
Your absolutely right! If only McLaren dealers can support the older machines, life would be a better place for a unique mark!
This is so much better than the new McLarens. We got a 720S part exchanged at my dealership the other day, first time getting up close to one, it's an ugly overstyled mess. This is much cleaner.
I can't imagine why anybody wouldn't want the McLaren over the cars you mentioned, the only drawback being any potential problems, although I would have thought in car of this age they would have emerged and been dealt with by now.
I think lots “better” out there. Maybe not technically but definitely from an enjoyment perspective.
I’m seriously considering getting a 12C. I think they look better now than they did on release and will be a future classic (not a money making classic), but a well appreciated drivers classic.
I'm considering one as well. Thinking a spider
Completely agree with you
There is no soft top out there that looks good
300sl roadster mmmmm
@@russcooke5671 NO. FUCK NO. That’s absolutely hideous. Worse with the soft top. What’s wrong with you?!!?
You could always get a 996/997 Turbo, but I think what you should really get is a Sagaris...
Maybe save getting a McLaren for another 4-5 years when they've released more cars and people have let things go to some extent.
please be the first to buy and do a long term reviews of the Lotus Emira and please buy a car body colour to go with your shirts!
Pretty sure Knowl Hill garage has one for sale. Dont know if thats within your area. (Maidenhead. M4 J 8/9).
That looks a lovely car, it's a shame that your previous statements about the brand might end up stopping it being suitable, even if the vehicle itself is.
Have you driven an Ultima? There seem to be quite a few about, for about the money you have, and they could be described as a supercar.
I love Ultima's... there was one across the road from my mother in law's old house. When the guy started it up in his garage it sounded like the gates of hell were opening. Epic cars, if a little unrefined
I have one car with an enormous engine (6+ litre) and another less than half that with turbochargers--both make the same total horsepower. The former does the fast-slow thing extraordinarily well; the latter almost forgets it has an engine in that sort of driving.
Aston Martin V12?
Buy on price on originality and this will only appreciate now it's done all it's money.... esp as it was Maclarens launch model (granted, warts and all reliability at time).
This car is safe money now like a E26, E30, SLS Roadster, Slk black, RS2, i8 Roadster, NSX new/old, Lancia Evo2, Z8, 550/575,360 manual and all 993/964/930, etc..etc...
IMO McLaren’s v8 (especially on the p1) is one of the best sounding engines out there. Possibly my favourite
I have not watched this review. I have went straight to comments. What people can afford is relative to each individual but knowing your car history and what you say in your videos the 12c is the best value car for your money. I owned one for two years and drove it nearly everyday. I had no issues. The only problem I had was the infotainment needed reset. My car was advertised recently for £75k and sold very quickly. I have never had as many nice comments and attention as I did with the Mclaren.
love catching a JayEmm video as soon as it’s uploaded!
The Boxster 4.0 would have no trouble keeping up with the 12c on the back roads. And it’s more fun because it’s smaller, more nimble and doesn’t scrape its nose over uneven tarmac. James is literally the only reviewer who thinks the Boxster is too “busy” on a b-road.
I’ve said this over and over, don’t buy an out of warranty McLaren. EVER.
To my eyes, McLaren make the most exciting cars. But well known history of astronomical repair costs, has so far, kept me from buying one. I'm watching the experience of current 570 owners to see if reliability is up. 2 or 3 more years and depreciation may put them within reach.
Feel much the same - the fact that Thorney are on my doorstep does make the proposition less risky. However every time I see a video like this, I think it (and it must be said most supercars) are just too wide for our fun roads.
@@johnclucas1523 I appreciate your perspective. Having Thorney (or someone like them) close by would definitely be a positive.
I’ve owned 570 spider two full years and have had zero issues. I run it hard on track but also mince about to shops. Tyres can be bought from black circles at realistic costs( ie half price of main dealer) and normal service costs in line with previous Aston Martin DB9 and Porsche 911
@@jonathancollard3710 this is good news. Thanks Man!
Couldn't you just do diy maintenance?
Brother, I'd rather watch you,more than 90% of other motoring journalists...your just so naturally natural...if you know what I mean..lol
Your need for another super car will be difficult to justify after the initial buying process and excitement has passed , that SL you drove the over day would be the thing classy comfortable
Merc supplied strong warranty .
Get one
Very nice indeed
I agree with the hardtop convertible, I would never buy a soft top either.
I have a 12C Spider it’s the best car I have ever driven or owned.
It’s fully loaded with every option, it was a quarter of a million pounds new, bought it for a third of that and feel sure it has now turned the proverbial corner value wise.
I never go to an MCL dealer always use Thorney for service, repairs and warranty.
The 12C and tub was designed to be a convertible which is why it’s so good.
Practical, you can tear around race tracks and then take it to the garden centre and Tesco’s which I have!
It’s understated, classy and does not age looks wise. I also think it sounds perfectly acceptable unless you live in Monaco or Nürburg or Chavsville
I disagree about slow fast it’s only because it’s not naturally aspirated, and that steering sounds like it just needs a re-alignment.
No car is perfect full stop, that’s because of preference and use.
Yep they are quirky and some ancillary stuff is an after thought and reliability of those components indifferent, definitely not German.
And yes they are expensive to fix, but show me a supercar and it’s complex components that’s not.
But my word in my eyes it’s an understated thing of beauty and is exciting to drive anywhere!
I think you are right, you’re a bit buggered if you buy one it’s a no win situation regards comments but to be fair that’s because of your previous comments.
Maybe you could just keep it off TH-cam enjoy it half full and evaluate it privately whilst in the moment hairing round a track corner or country lane with the wind in your hair in a suitably bright and colourful shirt 🏎💨
Frank Stephenson is a genius….
Are you certain this is less expensive then a 458 over the ownership period? Remember: purchase-price minus sales-price equals real cost of car. I guess the 458 will appreciate, whilst the mclaren will depreciate?
best shirt of the channel so far
Been looking in Oz for one but can’t seem to find any for sale.
Just get one.... a modern classic 👌
Be 100% differently as you usually are but also brilliant as you usually are and buy a 12c that would actually be different to usual car content for anyone
Great car when it is working, Unfortunately the risk of something going wrong is very high - and even more expensive! If I bought one of those I'd be in constant fear of something major going wrong every time I started it. Not worth the stress!!
You'd want to keep a spare transmission in the garage
100% agree.
I looked up for secondhand 12C for sale in Pistonheads. Only 9 came up for sale, coupe and Spider combined. Plus, there were only 10 650S for sale. None came from McLaren dealers.
Then I searched for Senna. 13 came up.
That's not right...
A challenging road these days would be one full of 2 inch deep potholes.
If you can afford to buy one and keep a few thousand in savings for repairs and maintenance then buy one.
I agree with James regarding no interest from main dealers in selling or supporting
older models, this i think is short sighted, if they did then they might eventually sell
the buyers of older models a new one.
As i have found out the hard and expensive way, make sure that you find a good
independant specialist that is a sensible distance from you, or like me and an Aston Martin Vantage, you will be in tears when things go wrong.
My friend who owns several McLarens, including a Senna, advised me against buying his originally-bought MP-4 because McLaren no longer support the car in the after-market and so it is ridiculously expensive to maintain. Shame, because it is an iconic car to drive.
JAMES I have been watching this channel for four years,and not once have I heard you bag a McClaren car more than like vehicles,your only complaint has been with the way McCLAREN run the company and most of the Dealers poor service,keep the good work up one of your many AUSTRALIAN Fans
Not supporting your used stock is a big misstep. I know so so many people who started their journey with a car brand in an older used model, fell in love and gradually moved their way through the lineup buying newer and newer cars until they are a bit older with a bit more pocket money and started buying new models from dealers they already knew and trusted.
Maybe you should. I wonder, same as with Lotus, why don't they treat you better? You make wonderful reviews on their cars. Driving slow, fast? Buy a classic mini. But this will be better in going fast, very fast..in comfort.
McLaren, the same philosophy as Tim Cook, Apple perhaps. Upgrade, upgrade, upgrade!!! You must have the latest !!!. Thankyou for shedding some light, I won't be getting one.
There are a lot of things to consider when buying a car like this one.
I would rather rent than own.
I think it's cheaper in the long run.
Wouldn't touch it with a badge pole. Look at hoovies garage and his problems . I'm sure the warranty work was well over 100k dollars in total.
Where do you buy your shirts?
I’m just here for the shirts
If you really must get a McLaren, then the MP4-12C is the least offensive choice. But I think you should get an Emira instead - it’s like an Evora in a McLaren costume!
wow, quite fast indeed
Why not look at the new Lotus Emira ?
Yep, that delay is, well... "interesting"
That golf is a bit close behind!! As half the cars on the road these days it seems
That's a lot of car for circa 70k, you get the doors, the badge, the looks, and maybe you can run one for a year or two and not lose a lot of money, surely they can't go too much lower?