Announcement regarding McLaren car sales

We have had some frustrations of late with the quality of cars being brought to use for sale or return, so after a somewhat badly presented announcement we wanted to fully explain why we are doing this.

[@MrLaughinggrass]

I don't own a McLaren, but came across this video. Love it.

[@AnthonyKellett]

No apology necessary. Integrity is everything, in a business such as yours. Bravo.

[@TheS4jordan]

What a refreshing approach to Customer service and reminding everyone it cuts both ways and that customers have their own obligations too.

[@timlv6317]

From someone that is not a MCLaren owner but aspires to be one, this video reassures me even more of your honesty and transparency. You’ll never be able to please everybody but your approach will prioritise those that are more deserving. Excellent video.

[@ollydorman2213]

I totally agreed. This gives me even more confidence in buying through Thorney. A smart move by John! I have serviced and sold a 720s with them and although I was lucky that my car (purchased elsewhere) did not need a huge amount of money spending on it, I wouldn’t buy a secondhand McLaren from anyone other than Thorney. McLaren - maybe you should consider bringing John in to take over the production line so that you can start building them properly in the first place!😂

[@larssonk22]

My thoughts exactly

[@spikyone79]

Same boat here, giving serious consideration to replacing one of my cars with a McLaren. The level of engagement and transparency from Thorney ought to be a lesson to McLaren themselves, never mind an independent specialist. I've seen Thorney criticised on certain forums for selling cars priced higher than elsewhere, but if a car from elsewhere might need £10k of work to get it into the condition that it should be in, it becomes a no-brainer to buy a properly inspected, fixed, and warrantied car from someone that obviously cares about their reputation and the quality of their work.

[@staninator8827]

​@@spikyone79Yeah, I guess that's the lottery of it. How much can you trust the dealer you're buying off. I bought from McLaren and had an inspection from Thorney. There was not a huge amount that needed doing, and McLaren sorted it under their warranty. There ARE good McLaren dealers out there, there are also bad ones. With Thorney you'll know that a car you buy from them will have been prepared to very high standards, that's why they're a little more expensive.

[@marklee7545]

Completely agree (as another non-McLaren owner). Outstanding video. If only all used car dealers were as honest and transparent. If I was considered a McLaren (and yes, I’m tempted!) Thorney would be one of my first points of call.

[@dancundiff3316]

If you only sold cars in the USA!!!!!! Very well done by you, I have admired your for sale video's and wished that you were closer, and sold US cars. My hat is off to you sir!

[@chimp1964]

John - you have been the best advocate of McLaren since the start , my own dealings with you selling my Mckaren 720 s last year were excellent .. Yes it needed wing repair , but everything you did was excellent and puts the dealers to shame . The price achieved was excellent and to achieve a £155k price point without the new owner even seeing the car based on your name and warranty says it all . Spot on John . Mike

[@avidpix]

Straight talking common sense, no apology needed, that’s called integrity 👍👍

[@davidchecker1340]

Very well said John. As a recent purchaser of one of your SOR cars I can say that I would not have purchased a Mclaren if you were not doing this service. I am glad you are selling cars like you are, as this has got me into a Mclaren which is absolutely fabulous, may you long continue and help to put stupid smiles on peoples faces like you did for me.

[@SilverstoneShootingCentre]

Appreciate that David, coming from a new owner that we have supplied a McLaren, frankly your opinion is what matters to us.

[@alphaboy1872]

Unfortunately Thorney motor sports is getting hit with the toxicity in general that comes with the car community. I agree with you guys 100% since it's your name and warranty you cannot simply let broken things slide as in the end you will ultimately pay for it one way or another. Cheers from across the pond. Great job guys keep up the good work. Wish you guys were here to service our cars.😊

[@barrowboy66]

Very well said John :) To be clear, I am only in a Mclaren because of you guys - I'm more in the 'over-extended enthusiast' category than the 'casually comfortable'... so I couldn't risk the Mc-dealer network (which is quite an indictment) and damn certainly not any generic sports-car outlet! So great job, please carry on.

[@Danielmeek1330]

Bravo! About time someone finally tells the truth, I don’t see why you apologises so much either, your reputation is second to none, well done for saying what needs to be said!

[@adamcollingburn430]

Video randomly suggested to me and never heard of you guys before… but now the only person I’d want to buy a McLaren through

[@SuperWayneyb]

Now that comes across as a bloke that genuinely cares about the cars and his customers. 🤘😎🤘

[@andyliptrot5036]

Just stumbled across this video. I'm not a McLaren owner and will probably never have the money to be one either. Unfortunately. I've taken the time to comment, however, because I love this guys attitude and honesty. What a refreshing change. He should run for prime minister!!

[@TABonTV]

Shouldn't be apologising for this - makes perfect sense and good on you for doing what you can to keep the brand strong!

[@TWWM70]

Great video, I’m ready to purchase a McLaren but going wait until the winter months to see what happens to prices. My biggest worry is reliability as I felt confident in my Gen 2 R8 +. I would be more than happy to buy knowing it has been properly looked after. If that means paying more for hopefully less stress then 100%

[@derekedgley5074]

Well done to speak out like this. Very refreshing and completely at odds with the vast majority of the motor trade.

[@theclutch19]

I wish you were in the US. I love this video. And thank you for your candidness.

[@tuomasholo]

If a seller is unhappy their car needs work, I'd tell the buyer the work that needs to be done and how much it would cost to bring it up to standard. Your reputation is not worth ruining over a cheap seller.

[@Eastbarn1]

Unfortunately, he can’t do that unless he refuses to sell the car without doing all the work. The buyer who says, no problem, I will get it done usually won’t bother and then tells everyone that he was sold a crap car. It is surprising that these cars get in such bad condition though, surely most only do Sunday morning mileage?

[@adogmcdizzle]

Sounds eminently sensible. If I ever want to buy a McLaren I think i'll be coming to you.

[@mr_jdes]

💯

[@markdean3217]

If I could afford to buy a McLaren, I would buy a car from this guy in a heart beat 👍🏻

[@lesliewoodcock5880]

Integrity is the cornerstone of all our businesses. Your right to dismiss the car flipping crowd. They can go elsewhere.

[@7747bruno1]

Well said john, honest appreciation of how it is..👍

[@DavidWilliams-bg5yk]

This is the service level I always got from Parrs in Crawley on my 911. You are absolutely spot on. I know where I’m going if I ever go down the McLaren route.

[@marcusjohnstone6561]

Thanks for being so candid

[@Lord.Crawford]

Im researching my 1st supercar purchase and the maclaren is the one i feel i can realistically afford, i do find all your videos very informative and extremely helpful for my future purchase. 🎉

[@ohbollox2it]

I’ve just stumbled across this video at 02:33 in the morning and I love your honesty and integrity if only every other car retailer/service centre could just do the same

[@718GT4RS]

Not enough people like you around 👊🏻🔥

[@pt99810]

I am not a McLaren owner and not likely to be, but this is a refreshingly honest and direct summary of your business's situation and philosophy. Well done! As an aside, there must be a lot of crappy McLarens out there, awaiting hapless potential owners.

[@farmergeddon7527]

I can’t and never will be able to afford a McLaren. Just happened to pop up on my feed. I wish the rest of the motor industry was such an antidote to BS. I love the way that your apology for your previous frankness was rather frank 😂 I would imagine the bulk of your customers appreciate a lack of fannying about and being told exactly how things are. Love it.

[@john1703]

Ab-so-bloody-lutely

[@hectorsnet]

Quite right man, tell it as it is. Having worked as a main dealer bike mechanic I totally understand how you feel. Some customers are just assholes, there's no other way to put it and that goes for pretty much all businesses.. it spoils it for all the reasonable people in the world, but heyho that's the way it goes

[@driftslide8848]

Sincere and honesty and like u said its your money on the line and if I ever decide to buy a Mc Laren you will be my first person I reach out too.

[@DeeperImageAutomotive]

This is the issue when people buy an entry level or used super car. Many lack the understanding that limited production cars like McLarens come with limited production inventory, which means really high prices. Many used super cars, McLarens included, are poorly maintained once outside of the factory warranty because of the high cost. This is why it is important to do PPIs, to have customer sign forms like the AS-IS NO WARRANTY, have them acknowledge that this is a USED CAR and things can fail even if all the inspections and precautions have been taken. But many people still fail to understand that when they buy their first used super car. Super cars should be treated like boat ownership. Expect to pay 10-20% of the MSRP a year in upkeep and maintenance. If that sounds like too much money, you should probably just buy a new car like a C8 Corvette with a warranty instead of a used Super Car.

[@shadygtr3346]

Honesty all round is the best policy, well done John and keep up the good work

[@guycarr360]

Always a couple of wide boys spoil it for others, good video, your integrity is intact.

[@johnmorrison27]

Yep its always spoilt by a few, but you’ve made the right decision 👍👍

[@kevinwhite8836]

I am looking at purchasing a Mclaren soon and you are my first choice because of this exact video. If you care about a vehicle and more importantly safety, cost is a byproduct. These sorts of cars do have a higher maintenance cost than say a Ford Focus and you need to budget accordingly.

[@manisbho]

Form IS temporary, class IS permanent. Dont change what you're doing you are a credit to the McLaren and wider car loving community.

[@K22MDL]

Just watched your video and very well said. Just wish the oufit that recently did a load of work over three months on one of my cars recently, were so upfront and honest as you appear to be. Good luck to you and your business.

[@jonathonmanxrusby7762]

Excellent presentation and sensible approach to your business, well done - nothing more needs saying and no apology needed IMO.

[@mentonish]

You have done the right thing to clarify and define a real mc Claren client. If you cannot afford the car you should not have purchased it in the first place. The cost of servicing and repairs goes with the purchase of a dream car.

[@robertprimrose869]

Love the honesty! Well done sir!

[@steveashby5342]

A very good statement; I may buy a Mclaren in due course, and it is more likely after watching this, through yourselves, needless to say. A poor experience with Aston Martin dealership with my DB9 has made me wary!

[@fredc8882009]

As a recent owner of 570s Spyder in the US, I love this car. I only wish you had a mentorship program so I could learn how to maintain my car here in tjr States.

[@davidporeilly1]

Having been in the prestige and performance car sales industry in Australia and the UK I want to commend you on standing up for what is right and fair and pushing back against the unreasonable behaviour of a significant minority of unscrupulous, unreasonable and rude customers. You speak the truth. The customer is not always right.

[@nickscho1970]

I can only add to the comments from other SOR purchasers that the reassurance of buying a Thorney car was paramount in my decision making process. This took away the anxiety that arises from spending a large amount of money and allowed me to focus on enjoying a car that had been properly sorted. Please don't be deterred John

[@TheWooTravels]

Well said John, not a Mclaren owner (I wish) 👏

[@MercuryGremlin]

Fantastic video. I’d use it as a filter for prospective customers. People who’ve never used Thorney before. Every time the phone rings, every email that lands, they have to watch this first. If they like and agree, crack on. If not, they are better taking their car elsewhere…

[@Dung_Beetle1617]

Another great video. I really hope to buy a McLaren from you and have your team look after it for me one day!

[@BAC_Mono]

John, that seems very straightforward and refreshingly open. Are you still offering an inspection service for people who have found a car that they want to buy?

[@VMVarga-yf6eg]

You are a good man, love your attitude. I have my own business in a different industry and I try and be exactly like you

[@edrperformance]

I've had 2 McLarens now. My current 650s just hit 23k miles only 1 issue ever and it was a hose clamp. Cost me 3 hours time & $12 for a hose. The smaller one by firewall. That's it! But I also keep it on charger 24/7/365, I don't leave driveway until oil temp is grey on display(very warm) then I drive like an old lady first 10-15 mins shifting easy to allow gear and trans temps to come up too. I don't get it imo it's people like you guys say that beat shit up. Also the motorcycle industry is the same! It's our 27th year in the USA & we see more and more complaining about the bike or how long it takes to do. It's part of the world post C 1 9 the world supply of parts is bad, staffing shortages at all levels etc. ppl are extremely entitled nowadays man. I resonated with your comments & just know it's the same across the pond 🇺🇸 & with 1/2 the wheels 😂

[@DD-fc1rv]

Why has it taken so long for the algorithm to put this in front of me? It's great that it finally has, though. 🙂👍

[@andrewstorm8240]

Good reflection video. Why don’t you only sell existing customers cars?

[@mark-kf3md]

Thank you for your honesty. It is truly refreshing and I hope and wish others would follow your lead. Mclaren would be remiss in not supporting you and what you are doing for the brand.

[@zhpregistrynet]

How much of this problem is that McLarens generally are sub-par quality cars from the factory given their price tag?

[@Power_Pistes_and_Paddling]

Nothing to apologise for John. Too many charlatans in the car sales business generally, so a healthy dose of honesty is always refreshing. Why not only offer your SOR service to “known owners” - not any old walk ins - so owners that have their car serviced or repaired by you and your team already??

[@rampanttwattery4844]

Good for you for not compromising on quality. You shouldn’t have to apologise. I find it hard to fathom that anyone who has the means to own one of these cars would want to cut corners on maintenance.

[@john1703]

I hope that McLaren are taking note. Bruce is turning in his grave, and Ron is shaking his head.

[@grumpy9478]

lotsa Image Over Content going around these days.

[@cliveyboyb5770]

Its usually people buy them to boast they have one. Do token minimum servicing on it and then sell it to avoid having to spend money on major servicing etc. Car dealer buys it does minimum service and sells it and the cycle continues till something goes wrong.

[@ChrisPlow]

I bought a 12C Spider from a used dealer a few years ago, I had Thorney check it out first and then bought their in house warranty. I wouldn’t have done it any other way. They are great super cars, but fragile in so many ways and as has been said before they are not cheap to maintain.

[@swen5247]

Only person I'd be happy buying another mclaren off and/or looking after it going forward. Main dealer was shocking, these guys wrre great. Fair play to you.

[@steverogers7473]

Don't apologise. It makes total sense. Some people just don't look after their cars and don't want to put the correct amount of money into them. It happens with all brands sadly, but you have every right to stick to your principles in this way. 👍

[@NH00531]

Why this video appeared in my recommendations I’m not sure as I’ve got no interest in McLaren at all. However, the approach John expresses here is spot on. Whilst my profession is a little different, it’s a service industry. When (potential) customers expect a top notch service for not a lot and get told to go elsewhere if they don’t like the fee some have become difficult. They seem to think that because they have requested assistance then you have an obligation to help them, I think not. It’s sometimes as though we should be honoured to have them as a customer 😂😂😂😂👍

[@francis191]

John you are the single reason why I would even consider a McLaren. Straightforward honest talking makes most people feel good. However we live in a world that the tiny noisy minority are the loudest. Stay the course and vent when necessary but stay the course!

[@juliangoddard7084]

Very well said. If I’m ever in the position to consider owning a used McLaren, yours is the door I’ll be knocking on. As others have mentioned, you have no reason to apologise.

[@gregvickers3633]

Well done John - you can’t please all the people all the time 👍

[@johnroskruge2752]

It’s sad that felt the need to make this video. Keep up the good work.

[@smurf9857]

Good set of points, well made I doubt I’ll be in the market for a McLaren but based on what I’ve heard and read I’d only be buying it from you.

[@lawrencesher4020]

Good on you John and please G-d you guys come Stateside we need someone like yourself here

[@richardfenner6096]

How nice to hear this POV! If I ever get rich enough to own a NcLaren, John, it'll be a) bought from you; or b) you'll do the PDI, even if I have to fly you to Canuckistan!

[@maaasaa]

Sounds totally logical and fair to me. If i ever head back to McLaren I will look you guys up.

[@MrCamperman]

Good for you. It's your business, so therefore your reputation on the line. One of the most difficult things in the business is to tell someone to just fuck off and stop imposing their stupid expectations upon you. Good luck to you.

[@itc9251]

Well said , customers hey they can be the worst and a pain . I’d sooner pay £5-£10!more with your warranty knowing it as no faults and could be in the workshop for weeks than get one and having find out it needs £10k or more spending on it . The key thing here is keep them maintained fixing any issues along the way and take out a warranty mine had 13 months warranty remaining had just a few door opening issues which was all done under warranty I then took out McLaren extended warranty for another 2 years . I’ve had no major issues in 2 years of ownership but there’s peace of mind there just in case , you can’t beat a McLaren spider they’re fantastic to drive

[@colinturner4158]

Appreciate all your content and knowledge

[@TheJensenInterceptor]

Clarity produces progress

[@sunshinecoastdetailing1822]

It’s tough turning away business but it has to be the right business for you

[@ImBarryScottCSS]

Willing to bet the few whingers are lifelong employees who've never even been near running their own business, correct decision - reputation is everything in this game and trust is hard won and very very easily lost.

[@Kentviking]

The McLaren brand is where it is because they haven't adopted your approach. Know that anyone who lusts after one of the cars and does their research is consistently recommended to head in your direction. Your brand has a hard earned and well respected reputation. Please keep it up. I will coming to you for my McLaren as and when I am ready for that reason.

[@Benjy9845]

Completely fair statement

[@craigmp]

Oh my goodness, if I were ever in the market for buying a McLaren, I would want it to come from you. I don't see why you had to apologise for wanting to sell good quality cars, their brand already suffers from.poor customer service, you are the shining light trying to make things better. Keep up the good work

[@craigyirush3492]

Broken springs in cars that are, what, 5-10 years old on average? My Elise, which is nearly 20 years old and has been tracked hard, still has its factory Eibach springs, and they are fine.

[@SilverstoneShootingCentre]

@@craigyirush3492 McLaren springs are also made by eibach

[@martinboulden4388]

Sometimes you have to break eggs to make an omelette. Fascinating problem to have but a great video. ❤

[@oneeleven9832]

Well said John 👍

[@prime1971]

Sounds like common sense to me, I for one prefer a straight forward honest and transparent deal, that is one you can trust.

[@ToniGladding]

So they either get the work done or take it away. When I buy a McLaren I'll be visiting you.

[@HANNON1066]

Just keep doing what you are going Thorney.. I’d only buy a McLaren if it’s been in your workshop and has a Thorney warranty..

[@Sothisismidlife]

Seems very reasonable really. I guess maybe some people got into cars they couldn’t afford to run and didn’t take the proper care or invest in a decent extended warranty. It’s good to know that if someone buys a car from you it’s backed up 100%.

[@tonynegus2390]

Well said sir Why can’t people be honest with themselves and others Hopefully one day I will be able to come to you to buy my mclaren❤

[@carter83419]

Very well said. 👊🏻

[@mzivtins]

John, I'm a happy customer of Thorney, I didn't buy my car through you but my car has been all over your workshop with its knickers down many times! Maybe you could offer car sales services to only customers you have a history with? It sounds like Thorney Motorsport are starting to feel the negative side of being a bit of a hero. I hope this rough patch moves on, you have plenty of repeat customers like me who love you and will always take your advice as if it were from god himself!

[@Coatsey007]

That’s the way to do it. The wonderful benefits of owning your own business without being corporately constrained by virtual signalling rubbish.

[@pjcornell9691]

Well Said!

[@MM-lc2vn]

I fully admire the sentiment but I am trying to work out the true underlying message. Is it that the quality of incoming SOR McLarens is so poor it is causing capacity issues in the workshop? Or is it that owners who want to sell are moaning about the amount of money needed to get their car into a saleable condition? Or both? Ironically the fragile/unreliable build of McLarens is something Thorney Motor Sport benefit from - i.e. their USP is how they turn a potential dog into a good trustworthy car. I've just sold a McLaren and in the market for another - videos like this make me question my sanity!

[@SB-vb8ch]

Can't say fairer than that, no apology required.

[@alexbrady8893]

No is always a perfectly good answer.

[@PutSomeDsonThatBlink]

I can imagine this is because a lot of people are in finance deals they can't get out of and can't afford to spend the money to sell the car. So they're getting annoyed at your because of their own issues

[@christianmontgomery7490]

If the car needs loads of work i would just say its going to take 8 weeks to fix only then will it be listed the serious ones will wait due to the weight of the Thorney brand and the usual know it all my car is perfect will go elsewhere.I only even considered a Mclaren due to yourselves a bit like Litchfield for the GTR.

[@racekar80]

The exact reason I will never buy one, 40 hours of work to get a car sold! These cars are delicate toys, I will stick with my Porsches. McClarens make Ferrari’s look like a cheap reliable commuter car.

[@dennismccarthy7032]

❤ brilliant well said ❤,

[@chrispig7748]

Absolutely right

[@edisonyoung4693]

Top brass! I would only ever buy a second-hand McLaren from TM. John, you should be running the company (McLaren, that is). I suspect their financial woes would be nonexistent with you at the helm.