06032

Lots of experience on this site. For those with personal experience, if you had to choose between your garage queen' GTS (tuned) and what may be a sweet deal on a used '12 McLaren 12C ($298k MSRP with every option imaginable) but with 20k miles - even trade - which would it be?

06032

Should add that the GTS is a '16 Ed1 - 3k miles.
These cars have so much in common but couldn't be more different.
Neither is a DD and would only be driven 3-5k miles/yr.
I'm guessing the GTS has more depreciation left than the 12C?

str8blst

If it were me I would do it... the Mp4-12c is a amazing car. Different in many obvious ways... IMHO.. the 12C is a better car performance wise and has more power which is nice too....

thebishman

RobbieRob

What Bish said, warranty issues would be the decision maker for me. The 12c has more power and looks exotic, but that's about it, outdated interior and has been known for many problems. 20K miles on a car like that scares me.

06032

Its the miles that concern me too (the ice silver, full carbon everything, CCF brakes with upgraded wheels and sport seats look awesome). It will take me 6-7 years to accumulate that on my GTS and at least I'll know where they came from. I have far more experience with MB where those miles are meaningless.
Unfortunately, I don't have the spousal approval to harbor multiple 2-seaters, so this is a 'either or' decision. Wish I could do both. Wondering if the 12C is worthy as a 'once in a lifetime' gig that might be 90% depreciated, even with say, another 20k miles? I mean, its already $.30-cents on the dollar. The ca is pristine.

After taking the 12C for a spin, I immediately drove home to unplug the GTS for a 'compare and contrast' ride. I thought a preference would be clear. The GTS delivered giggles (again) in the way a bodacious muscleboat speaks overindulgence. It's a German Corvette. By contrast, the 12C was supple, quiet, surgical and dare I say, more comfortable. But 23k miles?? First World problem, for sure.

AMG 17GT

guynamedsean

guynamedsean

06032

Thanks for the feedback, guys.
I know the 12C is special (as is the GTS). I guess it comes down to, has a 23k mile, $300k MSRP 12C nearly bottomed out in depreciation at $100k? For that matter, if a $144k GTS Ed1 can bottom at say, $50k, would the 12C not be a better place to park the cash? Assuming the GTS can be traded - even - for the 12C today and both are essentially without warranty. If the answers lean positive, it might be a fun chance to experience both cars. Again, I don't necessarily believe the 12C to be 'better', just very different and cool.

I know the earliest 12C's had their birthing issues (this is #500+) but I also assume that over 20k miles, this one - if it had any - got sorted under warranty. Still need to confirm everything with documentation. But might be a cool exchange.

ronin amg

I passed on a 12c, no warrantee, too much to go sideways and no real dealership net work,,

06032

Decision made for me. Someone bought it before they could produce any maintenance history reports.
Probably saved me from myself.
Tempting though!

emericr

I would not touch a Mclaren without a factory warranty. too much can go wrong too quickly as there is not enough data to prove their reliability.
The 12C looks much more exotic than the GT-S and it is very attractive at this kind of price but I personally thinks it looks outdated with the new models out there. I think the sweet spot will be to pick up a 570 in about 2 year from now for low 100s and an extended warranty.

Surge

You neglected to mention the asking prices, so it's hard to tell how much depreciation is left!

And aside from both having twin turbo V8s, they don't have anything in common.

Surge

This is wishful thinking. More like $175-200K for a 2 year old 570.
I've been researching McLaren pricing for some time. They actually depreciate LESS on a % basis than most cars, less than a 911 Turbo, for example.

emericr

maybe in your neck of the woods but right now in the US you can buy a new one for $190k or practically new one for low $150s (2016 with less than 10k miles)

Vic55

You are correct- wholesale values stateside are already in the low 150's on the 2016's and the average starting msrp of a 570S is about 15k higher than that of a Turbo S. So once again the McLaren vehicles drop at a faster pace and are a great 2nd owner car for sure. Supply and demand is obviously the key along with lack of dealer support and nameplate recognition.

fastmd