6 McLarens all inspected in one day. What did they need?

[@andrewneil9684]

Wow, such an honest appraisal of what to look for and how much it will cost. I would be 100% confident buying a car from you.

[@colinturner4158]

I do find it incredible that there are paint issues on a expensive vehicle or any vehicle that said again appreciate all your information and a excellent video.

[@executiveinvestments]

Do you find it incredible that people don’t take care of their cars?

[@davidg3944]

@@executiveinvestments The paint failures (really, seems to be composite prep or lamination failure) should not be happening, certainly not due to "lack of care" by the owner. It's an "inside out" problem, not outside in.

[@barrowboy66]

Very useful video thanks John. Great work from all at Thorney to prep the 720S I bought through you :) 18 plate but drives like a new car :)

[@ratman9802]

This is essential viewing for prospective owners. When I'm in the market for one I'm coming here!

[@michaelsuz]

Really interesting. Great to see you in action on the test drive - how you can feel the things that are likely needing attention. The benefit of years of experience.

[@duncanbleak3819]

Massively informative.

[@rupertm2542]

Great video John! I remember meeting you years ago at Ford fair when you had a dabble with the Mk2 rs. We were talking about the cage you had in your blue one. I’ve still got mine from way back then.

[@philipadkins5055]

Superb video, there are some premium retailers that could learn a lot from the way you prepare a car! I bought a 911 Turbo S last year, had to reject as it had been in a front end collision, the front radiator was held in with cable ties... I would love a Mclaren one day, from what I can see I would buy from you before a main dealer. The passion is there for all to see.

[@markcary8165]

Paint and corrosion and pipes on such low mileage? Costs have just put me off upgrading from my GT-R which has never required a 4 digit service in 15 years,

[@nicholasupson6779]

Blimey, been looking at 720s and 570s and this has put me off.

[@ThorneyMotorsport]

Dont let it out you off, just get them inspected before buying one

[@davidm-1965tb]

Don’t be put off. Inspect and warranty. 18 months in here, albeit summer use, and only issue on the 720 spider is one of door struts has started to fail. The odd random dash message, but that it. Car is sublime and this side of £500k I can’t imagine a car with such performance.

[@nicholasupson6779]

Thanks guys. I guess you hear the horror stories and then think about even if I buy a good one problems can still arise in the future. Comprehensive warranty would certainly ease concerns. My previous Aston was a real pain and I ended up losing the love for it due to the issues.

[@executiveinvestments]

@@nicholasupson6779 You dont hear horror stories from owners. All the RUMORS are from people that never owned one. Go to the forums and you will get a lot of info.

[@arieltrajano1864]

Thank you for sharing. I wish we have a specialist like you here in Los Angeles California.

[@ThorneyMotorsport]

We are working on SoCal

[@adam25325]

Very informative piece! But bloody hell, not far off 10k of maintenance every 10k miles from the sounds of it.

[@TheRoggan123]

5 years owning 570 and 600LT, one broken water hose ($20) is the only mechanical issue i had to fix during my ownership so far. Did have some corrosion on the 570 but was fixed under warranty.

[@adogmcdizzle]

That is impressive for any vehicle!

[@was786loaded]

Stop lying 😂😂

[@popeyepanther4519]

Thank you. I really want to buy a 720s. When I come to viewing one I will use all my notes from these videos.

[@GazMoby]

Very enjoyable watch.

[@colinturner4158]

A great informative video thanks

[@davidburton8351]

This is why I bought a Porsche 😂

[@TheRoggan123]

Driven McLarens for 5 years with only a busted water hose as issue. Had two Porsches (GT3 and Turbo) that needed to be towed 5(!) times in 2 years... Only towed a car once in 18 years of sports car ownership prior to that. Still love Porsches but the reliability is just not true based on mine and several friends experiences.

[@Therealtrump544]

Enjoy your boring beetle.

[@pauloliver619]

Me too !!!...It just works.

[@executiveinvestments]

@@TheRoggan123 Had a 911 turbo, front diff went, o2 sensor went THREE times, one of the mufflers broke apart inside.

[@howarddavies136]

I'd have a 720s in a heartbeat. If I could afford two 720s.

[@johngreen8693]

What a fantastic video, superbly presented. If I sell my 911 for a McLaren I'd not buy from anywhere else. 500 things checked, £500 charge. Bargain!! I'm surprised by the amount of corrosion/ paint/ suspension issues on such young/ low mileage cars. Tempted to call in on my way to visit my daughter, just to ogle the cars!

[@rossross8224]

iam going out for a drive on my McLaren now to see if I have any of these problems , to be fair I love it , I find the costs are similar to my boat on those you spend 10% a year of the value , if its lest you had a good year

[@user-yu6ru7jg4v]

Great video. I just bought a 991 turbo S and guess what. Spent weekend pulling interior out to find rattles. Chassis ear on and it’s a suspension.

[@johnmorrison27]

Brilliant content as always 👍

[@bastogne315]

My Mazda 3s accumulaors are rusty.

[@nocomment_2023]

What you’re saying is quite standard for all sports / super cars. What you’ve shown is the space you’ve taken up in the indy McLaren’s world. And rightly so!

[@bastogne315]

I changed spring on my Mazda/McLaren 3 for 200 inc vat.

[@MM-lc2vn]

John - I've just sold a 540c. It had every single panel changed/repaired due to corrosion. The front wings were replaced twice! Last week I called a McLaren dealer about a 2022 720s and it has had both wings changed already due to corrosion - and close to a dozen different issues addressed. Why can't McLaren sort this out?

[@davidtraylor4505]

This is unbelievable! The price of these and they rust😮

[@johntechwriter]

Exposure to water causes “conventional” rusting of untreated iron and steel. But there is another kind of rust-like corrosion, one whose cause is the bonding of different metal types. “Galvanic corrosion” happens when stainless steel and aluminum are bonded in the manufacturing process. Between different metal types, the transfer of electrons from one to another causes a kind of “rusting” that is just as consequential as the old-fashioned kind. All manufacturers are aware of this issue and avoid combining wrong metal types. And so it seems unfathomable that McLaren would be guilty of such a fatal manufacturing error. And yet, “There is a known issue with the fasteners on the 570S having some galvanic reaction, and causing paint bubbling.” - McLaren Life website. Another warning sign: McLaren’s warranty is ten years for conventional rusting but only five for other kinds of corrosion. It would seem these cars are not built to last. This is consistent with the priorities of the super-rich: rare and ephemeral acquisitions are orders of magnitude more desirable to this demographic than longevity or low running operating costs. What is a normal cost of ownership to a .001 percenter is a red flag for those who are not wealthy. If you are a typical motorhead, buying a used McLaren is “caveat emptor” big-time.

[@SuperAndytaylor]

Comprehensive video- am I right McClaren seem to have a real quality control problem? these cars dont seem to last without very expensive intervention?

[@CovKid2K10]

Not sure what happening about the resolution about the videos

[@ThorneyMotorsport]

Had to zoom in as I was walking about, drops resolution I'm afraid

[@BAC_Mono]

Are (non main I imagine) dealers generally happy to have cars sent to you for inspections? Presumably the prospective purchaser ends up footing the cost for this?

[@diegocajn]

Surprised by how common corrosion is. Wow.

[@smurf9857]

I was genuinely surprised to hear how much paint work was required - I’d be surprised if they are regularly used in the rain, in winter, and they sit outside all year round. Even then most of other cars don’t have corrosion like that nowadays Given the low mileages , the list of mechanical issues isn’t impressive either. Credit to you for sharing the insight and making the video. If buyers and owners have the right expectations then they are less likely to be disappointed

[@ThorneyMotorsport]

The corrosion isn't really corrosion but a manufacturing defect in the preparation of the panels. The issue is that McLaren will only cover it under warranty for 5 years. All cars are affected. It's fixable of course but it's something we feel needs sharing to avoid the shock of buying a car and then being faced with the cost to repair.

[@smurf9857]

Thanks for the insight and I think you’re right to highlight it

[@driftslide8848]

Great video the 23k for a gear box would be a tuf conversation with the wife Mc Laren is definitely on my bucket list but guess need a few quid contingency for unforeseen repairs

[@was786loaded]

Warranty mate

[@driftslide8848]

@@was786loaded Thanks mate for the wise words have a great weekend

[@hughmann1908]

Can you rebuild steering racks, or what do you do if they are leaking?

[@hamidq9547]

Brilliant video👍🏽

[@flat6croc]

Don't know why so many people are freaking out. It's a supercar, what do you expect. The bills really aren't that bit. The only aspect I found off putting is that two out of six had potential gearbox problems. Now that would make the bill properly big and nasty.

[@grinner317]

I was going to buy a McLaren ! This has put me off tremendously! Due to your experience !which model is the best for the money????

[@alanbagnall4578]

Corrosion after 12k miles?? Did that guy live on the bonneville saltflats? I’m with the other comments guy - bought a Porsche. Only a late 981 boxster - but I sleep pretty good at night knowing it isn’t planning to mug my kids uni fund! Yes it’s not a McLaren, but YES, it will always start!

[@exe889]

Interesting. The cars you are selling for customers, have they had this work done, or is it that the report is available, or a mix?

[@ThorneyMotorsport]

All work done, we won't sell the car otherwise so send back a lot for those owners not willing to invest into the car (if they need to)

[@neilbridgeman7768]

So, how many do you think you drive a day?

[@johnthorne2920]

@@neilbridgeman7768 between 5-8 a day, record was 17. Average 25 a week, 100 a month, 1200 a year, been that rate for the past 3 years.

[@flat4-]

Found this channel trough Harry's Garage. I probably never will own a McLaren,b ut if I ever going to buy one I know where to go.... thank for the video's ! Do you also do F1's from time to time or just the newer models N

[@AdrianBlakey]

Very useful - ty

[@RickyLake]

I'd be worried getting an out of warranty McLaren in the hybrid age. I had my transmission replaced in my Artura. It would have cost around $70k if it was out of warranty.

[@chukwuka419]

How much was your warranty ? Or it was factory warranty

[@RickyLake]

@@chukwuka419 factory

[@leedstown]

I would love to know the most expensive reports you have given

[@ThorneyMotorsport]

Non crash repair? Record is £38k but dealer quote was £160k

[@leedstown]

@@ThorneyMotorsportyes non crash repair

[@angrydwarf6563]

Great video. Eye opening. Buyer beware!

[@7747bruno1]

Really interesting video..👍👍

[@2HYPR]

Jeezuz.. I'm here because a 720s was on my shortlist... However McClaren seems to be emulating what happened to the once great British Leyland... good design poorly built out of stuff that breaks... might go back to the Gardner Douglas T70 Modena idea now :(

[@JStryker7]

Idk why I watch these videos when I’m nowhere near being able to afford one of these right now…

[@JamesPink-j2k]

The key is a bargain compared to the "emotional control" key at £1100 plus £91 for AM main dealer pairing!

[@jasonruch3529]

We should talk more about thermostat...do they go bad frequently or is it like anything else..you get 1 out of 50 that went bad oddly before service life is up. None of the issues you spoke of would be a deal breaker for me...but i create parts for a living.

[@ThorneyMotorsport]

Common enough on 650s and sports but they aren't that expensive anyway really

[@jasonruch3529]

@ThorneyMotorsport sorry i was in a rush on my last comment. What i meant was a over heating is not common or is? I would never by a bespoke engine that has been above running temp...that would be a game changer because just the head gaskets are over 2 grand .....ouch!

[@smiconsulting8434]

Just did mine. There are two and one went bad. The top of the engine has to be taken off to access, so labor is expensive. It was suggested to replace the other one that wasn’t bad, just to avoid the costly service if the other one went bad. $400 each thermostat and 2k labor.

[@robsvtgt500]

I heard thermostat is the same as Mercedes benz c class 70$ each

[@smiconsulting8434]

@@robsvtgt500I did ask my McLaren mechanic about it and they are not the same performance specs, is what I was told.

[@andtime4918]

Can anyone recommend track day insurance for McLaren? Morris don’t insure them!

[@RedBatRacing]

Hi John. My instrument cluster has stopped working and I'm getting a tech to look at it but I have still been able to drive the car so I guess my milage is not going to match. Are there any issues for the electronics to keep working when the mileage doesn't match? Is this something that can be rectified by a instrument tech or you or does it need McLaren to match the miles back up? Thanks

[@ThorneyMotorsport]

If it needs replacing then you will need to reset the mileage on the new dash, pretty sure only a dealer can do that as it needs a code from McLaren

[@wheelsandwatches]

Do all cars have to come to you for pre purchase inspection or do you also travel to do them?

[@ThorneyMotorsport]

They have to come here I'm afraid

[@wheelsandwatches]

I assume these were not main dealer serviced cars?

[@ThorneyMotorsport]

@@wheelsandwatches interesting question, all had full dealer service history

[@wheelsandwatches]

@@ThorneyMotorsport oh! Wow. Didn’t expect that. Assume no McLaren warranty then as aside from tyres and corrosion they should cover all the other items? Sorry for all the questions!

[@ThorneyMotorsport]

@@wheelsandwatches some have warranty and there are a few bits that may be covered but most will not I'm afraid.

[@bastogne315]

Mazda and McLaren parts are interchangable.

[@DavidRodriguez-mw7ie]

I'd love a 12c but after hearing there could be a £23k new gearbox needed puts me off 😮

[@SilverstoneShootingCentre]

Its really not the case, internet is full of BS like this. Gearboxes can be repaired for under £10k and their failure rate is now dramatically lower, we last did one last month, prior to that none for months.

[@krisdelta-uk]

Great video, categorically not buying a super series McLaren. Had numerous Astons, none of this silliness.

[@ellmoreable]

How much is an extended warranty from McLaren on one of these?

[@alphaboy1872]

USD $4-5k a year

[@simonhughes7382]

£3800/yr

[@ellmoreable]

@ thanks!🤩

[@jonathancollard3710]

You are frightening me John…. and I’ve owned a 570 Spider for 5 years 😱.

[@ThorneyMotorsport]

Not trying to frighten anyone I've owned our 570 for 6 years still brilliant

[@Denno220]

Porsche it is then 😮

[@PixelVogue]

They never go wrong or rust!

[@MrDead1975]

my 911 cost more to run and had more mechanical issues than my lambo

[@conner.9262]

Great information….. CONCLUSION….. Purchase your McLaren from main dealer OR Thorney MotoSports….. preferably Thorney MotoSports….! You are myopic if you don’t ???

[@jasonruch3529]

I agree 👍 💯 percent

[@kiwitelevision]

You just said some of them will be once you just sold so how can you objectively say whether or not there's anything wrong with them as you would not do that to a car that you've just sold and make that be known in this video

[@ThorneyMotorsport]

@@kiwitelevision not sure I understand the comment?

[@AndrewLopez-o1j]

Like with BTC, I am NOT selling! 😊

[@6th.replicant577]

Conclusion: if you want to own a great design executed using crap paint and fragile third-rate components, buy a McLaren. 🥴

[@pauloliver619]

Money pit comes to mind...Just a road test inside it, Its thousands !. Buy a 'cheap' one 80- 90k...Budget 20-30k . Bargan.

[@davidharrison9004]

You're not selling this to me.

[@colinturner4158]

Is that mclaren compared to Porsche use inferior parts just asking

[@adogmcdizzle]

Depends where they buy them from - McLaren have used some very small suppliers who don't have the quality of bigger parts manufacturers. So short answer is yes, but not in all cases.

[@bootneck401664]

This is beyond ridiculous 😂😂😂

[@RexKarrs]

Especially considering the relatively low mileage!

[@TucanoTMK1]

From Watching this it Seems a McLaren is No Better Made than a TVR or a Landrover Defender Was,Regarding Corrosion etc,Most of What You Talk about Checking Things Applies to Any Road Car With Regards to Checking for Wear in The Running Gear Though !!! I Used to Check over RAF Military aircraft Everyday for Faults £150 Million Pounds Worth of Aircraft all By Myself !!!! These Cars are Still Just a Car and All Cars are The Same Nothing Special Really Only The Same Types of Problems and Quirks as Any machine Can Have.

[@colinturner4158]

Why can Porsche build a great car and mclaren can’t surely it’s in their interest to build a great car.

[@SNORKYMEDIA]

You think Porsches don't have these issues....???

[@adogmcdizzle]

Porsche are a much bigger organisation with much more experience. They have had the backing of VW in the past. Not to say they are perfect, but they have had more time to get things right. In many cases it comes down to the way problems are dealt with, and porsche has a better reputation that regard.

[@LeviticalLaws]

Such low mileage with rust issues… put me right off.

[@joebob7730]

It’s a shame McLarens are such problematic and unserviceable money pits because they are awesome vehicles.

[@johntechwriter]

A half-hour’s worth of essential advice for the used McLaren shopper? Not necessarily. People are not rational, particularly when contemplating an extravagant purchase like a McLaren. They are looking to be seduced. Every used car salesman knows the importance of stroking and petting a stone-cold walk-in, teasing and emotionally manipulating him to the point he is lusting after that car. Then comes the close. A skilled salesman willing to misrepresent a car’s value to earn greater profit is more likely to get the sale than John, whose dispassionate checklist rings hollow to the individual who is desiring, in the automotive sense, to be ravished.

[@ThorneyMotorsport]

Thats fair. I would be insulted if anyone calls me a car salesman

[@alansilver3482]

Maclaren great concept. Racing pedigree. Awful pitiful build quality. Would never buy one. Too much stress maclaren are pathetic

[@sresto7943]

Possibly the worst advertisement for your business, other dealers would never admit to common issues with anything they are trying to sell and this is the very reason McLarens have such a bad reputation.

[@fraserwright9482]

Him articulating what he is doing and the costs involved are no different if you driving a 992? Ask your Porsche dealer to take your car out for a test drive with their head technician and ask them what and why they are doing it and it's the same thing 😂 PCCB brake squeak 😮

[@Tyrekickingwetdreamer]

Please don't lean on a customer's car Thank you

[@Al_is_XXX]

great video, that didn't quite answer the question I have... which are the best models, that go wrong the least ? Obviously they all have the same engines, in various states of tune, and no doubt many common issues, but are they all roughly equal, or are there some models that are better than others ?

[@ThorneyMotorsport]

They are all pretty much equal.