The McLaren 650S Spider - British Garbage or BRILLIANT Engineering?

[@jasonvitali544]

I just traded my F430 spider on an orange 650s coupe . I live in New Zealand, not far from where Bruce Mclaren’s family had their workshop . Papaya orange is stunning and it’s a true Mclaren heritage colour . I am absolutely amazed with the performance of the vehicle. So much car for the money . Mine has an Akrapovic rear exhaust system and it really improves the sound . Dan , there is a shortcut for the front lifter if you don’t already know ( with this video being a year old now ) Thanks for the cool and honest videos as usual . I’ve been watching for many years now because I bought my 430 at about the same time as you had your first 430 and I really appreciated your down to earth approach to ownership and maintenance. You took the scary out of it . Thanks again

[@normalguysupercar]

You bet

[@shoobidyboop8634]

I have front axle lift on my C8, GPS activated, and it's great, it saves the front from scraping on my high-sloped driveway. Also, speed bumps.

[@normalguysupercar]

Yup

[@majedalameeri7089]

Another way to activate the axle lift is to hold the stalk up, when it bongs pull it up and it will activate the axle lift.

[@normalguysupercar]

Yeah we figured that out after the video.

[@paulgart]

Yes, I’ve heard in a few reviews that explanation about how difficult it is to operate the front lift which is totally misleading as it’s as quick as any other supercar with a lift kit to operate!

[@samn1217]

Your comment that people who haven’t driven high powered cars should never jump into a McLaren was spot on. I came from a 911 Turbo with similar HP and the McLaren was still a stunningly fast machine! Look on your face said it all! 😂

[@normalguysupercar]

Haha yes indeed

[@PatrickNosker]

Love the McLaren videos! The 12C originally was 600 PS but upgraded via software update to 625 PS, so just 25 PS off the 650 in the 650S.

[@normalguysupercar]

Yeah they both fast AF

[@jdmimportlogistics]

Great insight on the differences btw the 650 and 12C. Have you had the chance to drive the 600LT?

[@normalguysupercar]

Yes and I love it

[@lefuedebout]

Great video of an interesting alternative to the usual Ferrari seen here. The one thing I've taken from this video is your statement, " people not accustomed to high powered cars should ever drive the McLaren " I think Porsche exclusively offers free driving training to buyers of their models with the rest, you pays your money and off you go and may the force be with you!

[@normalguysupercar]

Well that's no fun

[@richardtaylor2449]

Thanks Dan for this if you had your old 458 and this which would you drive the most?

[@normalguysupercar]

The 458

[@fadialkhatib6804]

I have had a 458 and currently 675lt . Hands down better than the over priced ferrari . I can actually beat 911 turbo s . With 458 it was impossible . I'd take the British power and design way over the 458

[@normalguysupercar]

Yup

[@Slayvoff]

Did this 650 have the upgraded exhaust option do you know? I heard that makes these sound much better

[@normalguysupercar]

I'm not sure honestly

[@kurtkaster5666]

The only thing I don't like about these, the 90's slats over tail lights. And the fact that there are no controls on the steering wheel. For a car that's supposed to be a racecar, which have tons of controls at your fingertips, they blew it there.

[@normalguysupercar]

Yeah

[@sbaby7008]

How much and is it still available?

[@normalguysupercar]

This was many months ago, it's long since sold

[@freddiejones4598]

It is open dif but they use a clever electronic version instead

[@normalguysupercar]

Yup

[@garyleibitzke4166]

IIRC the 720S has a separate button on the dash for the axle lift.

[@normalguysupercar]

Yeah they learned

[@albertholl4836]

Great video!👍 Do you know what the flex is like in Ferrari convertibles like the 488 Spider in comparison to this McLaren?

[@normalguysupercar]

Well it's hard to define

[@markcole1473]

458/488/F8 Spiders (almost identical chassis) all have noticeable chassis flex as well as being a fair bit heavier than their Coupe versions. Just look in the rear view mirror and watch the world wobble 🤭

[@sprezzatura8755]

I have heard the McLaren is infinitely more rigid than the Ferrari.

[@johnstoneberg5532]

I owned a 2015 650S for two months. Car was quick and attracted a crowd. I just did not like the doors and the general quirkiness of the car. Went to a 2022 4GTS Cab Porsche. Really like it and much more reliable but I have had 10 Porshes over the years and love the brand.

[@normalguysupercar]

To each their own

[@TheRealTomLauda]

I just looked up the prices on 650S in France. Even here, it's stupid cheap ! Well, for a super car of course. Never thought you could buy a McLaren for 150k euros... Seems like a bargain for this kind of power.

[@normalguysupercar]

Yeah it's a crazy amount of car for the money

[@vincentschneuwly9783]

I was thinking the same but I am not brave enough to actually own one, I would always be worried about something going wrong on the car. When with Porsche you just drive it and I never got an real issue

[@snapple6024]

I’m not sure weather I should go for the 2013 Ferrari 458 Italia or the 2015 McLaren 650s coupe… can anyone help?

[@normalguysupercar]

Try driving them

[@HEAVY_IS_THE_METAL]

It's good the 0-60 is low, but sad the quality is so low.

[@normalguysupercar]

Eh I disagree

[@thiosemicarbizidebenzoylal2921]

McLaren is the track car company, and they most certainly are extraordinary.

[@normalguysupercar]

Indeed

[@brae1088]

love the channel refresh with the dealership lets get you to 100k!

[@normalguysupercar]

Thanks

[@GarettFinney]

Nope! You don't need to go into the menu to activate the lift. I know because I have one. Just hold the menu lever up for 3 seconds then tap it up once.

[@normalguysupercar]

Yeah found that out later

[@_VelociDad]

Great review! I’m looking at 12C or 650s used now. Also, you need a “Guy Supercar” mini sticker so you can tag all the cars you drive next to the “Normal” setting! 😉

[@normalguysupercar]

That would be cool!

[@John-wp9ex]

Is this the same car that was featured on the LNC Collision KZbin channel? See the episode, “Rebuilding Crashed McLaren 650S Spider 15 minutes”. It explains why some of the radiator clamps were replaced. I think the car was completely repainted.

[@carsinthewild7883]

Clamp replacements due to subpar parts from the factory are an issue on many McLaren models. One of those 'when' vs 'if' issues.

[@normalguysupercar]

No it wasn't

[@anthonystulpin2623]

Is it my imagination, or does the gap around the "frunk" need to be adjusted. It looks wide near the bumper and front of the left fender. Other than that, it is a beautiful car. I still prefer a Murcielago or a 458.

[@normalguysupercar]

I didn't have it closed all the way

[@anthonystulpin2623]

Thanks Dan. That would definitely explain the gap. Keep up the great work!

[@kevinm8715]

I think that the best way to think about "driver aids" like traction control in these high end sports cars isn't to think of them as a nanny that prevents you from accessing the full potential or fun of the car. The better way to think of it is as just another tool in the arsenal to allow you to drive the car faster. Systems like these have existed in race cars, even at the Formula 1 level, to some extent over the years. Turning them off isn't going to make you faster or a better driver. It's just going to make it a lot more difficult to handle under normal conditions, and almost guarantee disaster under high performance conditions.

[@normalguysupercar]

That's valid

[@Zyworski]

The one that everyone wants is the 600 LT check around the country they are rare in the dealerships and are now out of production. They are still producing the spyder but no coupe and that means that an already tight market will get tighter. Everyone knows that Mclarens are breakdown machines but the 600 LT has a better reputation that the rest of the fleet.

[@normalguysupercar]

Yes but this ride like shit so some people may not want that

[@brianiswrong]

As long as you have windscreen cover and don't mind driving your 600lt with a crack in the window,while they source a new screen.

[@Zyworski]

@@brianiswrong I thought they solved that problem with thicker glass.

[@Zyworski]

@@normalguysupercar I imagine that the big selling point with them is the flaming exhaust. This is the first report of poor handling and that is surprising to hear about a Mclaren, I figured they lived and breathed racing,

[@sierrasautosalon]

Damn you guys are making it very hard to not buy a McLaren. If this was blue, I would be pinging you on trading in my R8 and 911 as a down for it!

[@normalguysupercar]

Lol I can find you one

[@sierrasautosalon]

@@normalguysupercar lol, I have four kids, I’m broke! 😂

[@bigmotor3845]

I can’t begin to tell you what a great review this was! Thanks a bunch Dan!

[@normalguysupercar]

Thanks

[@HealthMidas]

I believe the McLaren reliability myths on the Internet are perpetuated by 1. Non owners who believe everything on the Internet. 2. Complaints vented by customers who bought used cars (because they are so affordable) and expected the McLaren to drive better than a Ferrari but easy and cheap to maintain like a Volkswagen. 3. Customers who modify their cars improperly. 4. Customers who have never had other brands of supercars and expect a McLaren to be like a Toyota in reliability. 5. Porsche Fanboys who dislike anything else no matter how better the other cars are. 6. IO hired by competitors to kill a new brand that is a possible threat. Yes, McLaren is a serious threat to quite a few long established brands. 7. Customers who are not happy with the service of authorized dealers. This is partly McLaren’s responsibility. 8. Lack of a good marketing and PR team in McLaren company. 9. Early production batches owners. 10. Simply…haters. Certainly, there are real cases of unhappy customers but which brands don’t?

[@Nacho_Ferrari]

Hey Dan don’t worry if you become a McLaren fan. I’m not gonna judge you. Just drive whatever makes you happy, and I’m sure it’ll always be fun to watch in this channel. The car looks pretty awesome, but if I have to point things I don’t like: shifting paddles on the steering wheel. I *quack* hate those. And the engine compartment is such a bloody letdown. Otherwise, pretty cool. Glad you enjoyed it😉👍🏻

[@normalguysupercar]

Yeah I really prefer shift paddles on the column

[@GarthGoldberg]

You need a WingCam on the dash so you can watch the wing going up and down.

[@normalguysupercar]

Yes!

[@matthewlaughlin4244]

$169,420, nice, will never cease to be funny

[@normalguysupercar]

Lol

[@TaffPlays]

It's ok if you're turning to the british side, I'm more of a Lamborghini fan (1st gen Gallardo and Aventador are my personal favourites), but I love all supercars, sure some McLaren's (I think it's mostly newer models since they began to make more of them, meaning the quality is getting worse) aren't reliable and some out there are pure lemon's, it's a great car, only downside to me is the sound being a turbo V8 car, I wish they sounded more like the M177 AMG motor's, they sound amazing, but apart from that, amazing car

[@normalguysupercar]

I just love fun cars

[@paulgart]

Great video and a good review, just one thing, the rear is very different than on the MP4-12C 😉

[@normalguysupercar]

Not really

[@freddaniali]

Always professing that you are not a fan of spiders.... secretly you ARE!!! 😎

[@normalguysupercar]

Lol no I'm really not

[@freddaniali]

@@normalguysupercar It's ok, your safe is secret with me! lol!!!!

[@meowworld3878]

Thanks bro for good explanation on this 650s, i m also ferrari die hard fan, but after i knowing this run 3.8 tt with 650ps it ve changed my mind, plus it come with monocoque cf body.. it is such super great

[@normalguysupercar]

Yeah it's a great car

[@jimalcock5132]

Went from a 650s to the 458 Italia. The torque of the McLaren is astonishing, the airbrake is great, the doors are cool, but everything else about the 458 especially the reliability is better.

[@normalguysupercar]

I pretty much agree. In an ideal world, I'd have both. :)

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

What’s the point of the engine hatch? You can’t do anything with it.

[@lefuedebout]

Usually, when cars have that " porthole " type engine hatch it's so you can add water and oil without dismantling the car! :-)

[@normalguysupercar]

Yeah it's basically pointless

[@wcads623]

@@lefuedebout And you need to return to the dealer for any maintenance.

[@lefuedebout]

@@wcads623 Correct! Plus the nearest McLaren dealer to me is 1000Km away. :-(

[@spencerreinstein7352]

Well you can get MC12 as convert, difference is software..So 616hp compared 641hp if I remember correctly..I actually like MC12 looks especially the double vent scoop on the side..A 650s came with Ceramic Brakes which was opt on MC12, so if you get 2013 or newer ur getting a great car..Myself I'm in Miami Blue Turbo 911 so it does everything rite But since its not a very new 911 Turbo S iv been think of get used McLaren🎸

[@normalguysupercar]

Nice

[@UAE-VIP]

McLaren is better then any American junk.

[@normalguysupercar]

Well that's not saying much

[@stevenf7683]

I guess you haven't driven a C8...

[@wcads623]

@@stevenf7683 Is that good then??

[@josephmccormack6910]

Wow.....superb. Yes....McLaren is an absolute ripper. And will stand out for a long time. Just a great video about a super cool car. You're right! This car will take your breath away.

[@normalguysupercar]

Yup

[@brianiswrong]

For any buyer of there first McLaren, the signature orange and convertible is the way to go 👍

[@normalguysupercar]

I love this color

[@WildDigger]

I am more of a Lamborghini guy then Ferrari but I do like McClaren. The only thing that I don't like it that it reminds me of a kit car. But that's OK. Matt.

[@normalguysupercar]

Eh it's better than that

[@sungkim742]

Mclaren reputation of low QC and reliability turns people off including myself.

[@normalguysupercar]

Eh I think the unbelievably is over hyped

[@rjnation5042]

I've never owned one, but I've driven a few & they are excellent fun especially in the spyder, but I'm more of a Porsche/Lamborghini guy, Rj in Oz

[@normalguysupercar]

Yup

[@dzikijohnny]

They are also like the Ferrari California in that with the hard top up they look like a perfect coupé. Not like a car with a hat on.

[@normalguysupercar]

Yup

[@ryanhansen8312]

I honestly feel like I have found a completely normal guy in a supercar!

[@normalguysupercar]

Haha thanks

[@davidrpriest]

It's a really cool car. I prefer the beauty of the Ferrari and outrageous character of Lamborghini but it is cool to have so many choices in this price range.

[@normalguysupercar]

Yes indeed

[@fredsalfa]

Sounds like a great car. I’d probably chose a different colour though

[@normalguysupercar]

I love the orange

[@johnmorrison27]

Glad your seeing the light 👍👍

[@normalguysupercar]

Yup

[@benlee6500]

For faster shifts some prefer 570S spider and 675LT....due to better transmission built....but McLaren does produce adequate power under 650S with the top down, Dan this car looks good and with your commitment to maintain for the new buyer it will sell 👍....regards from Malaysia 🇲🇾

[@normalguysupercar]

Thanks

[@markcole1473]

It's the exact same transmission! 570/675 have lighter crank/rod/flywheel assemblies (than 12C/650S) which allows faster downshifts to be programmed via the gearbox electronics 🤓

[@YOUNGNGRATEFUL]

Include review in the title.

[@normalguysupercar]

Ok

[@GarthGoldberg]

McLaren should take a lesson in User Experience from Honda. Honda has sweated all the details.

[@normalguysupercar]

Ha

[@zzzzzsleeping]

As i said over and over - Mclaren reminded me of my Lotuses. The world has a nickname for Lotus "Prince of darkness" because of LUCAS electronics . Still true today, the nickname NOW taken by MCLAREN the same British design with awful electronics, self oiling system and money pit. At least Lotus took the trend of Toyota and now one of the most reliable sports car.

[@normalguysupercar]

Lol

[@zzzzzsleeping]

@@normalguysupercar am I right mr. Normal guy?

[@abbeyhall4624]

Nice one Dan, let's hope you are the convert forever!

[@normalguysupercar]

Haha

[@garyleibitzke4166]

I have a suggestion............................................................... keep it and hand the keys to Meg.

[@normalguysupercar]

Hmm

[@connergoldberg]

I love how Dan comments the obligatory "nice" for pricing the 650S at $1 #69 #420. Subtle xD!!

[@normalguysupercar]

Lol yup

[@teddyg210]

Great video!

[@normalguysupercar]

Thanks

[@dzikijohnny]

Your channel is ruining my taste. I used to always want a Porsche…never thinking that a Ferrari was a possibility for a normal guy (ok below normal in my case)…and now you’re switching me to McLarens.

[@Revmasterofin5]

John stay on 458 track! Lol

[@normalguysupercar]

Lol I'm succeeding

[@Grey_Area570]

Welcome from over the pond, from now on we'll call you Darkside Dan....

[@normalguysupercar]

Lol

[@tonystratoudakis548]

McLaren forever my friend 👍🏼😁

[@normalguysupercar]

Yay

[@TheLEMRR]

amazing car

[@normalguysupercar]

Yup

[@the_merc9918]

How about Brilliant Brittish Engineering?

[@normalguysupercar]

It is

[@MrOmar0021]

Dans next car might be a McLaren 👀👀

[@normalguysupercar]

Maybe so

[@ashishpatel350]

performance is top notch reliability is amber heard pooping in the bed.

[@normalguysupercar]

Lol

[@ndpesicgroup]

A super nice spec !!!

[@normalguysupercar]

Thanks

[@teamgmotorsports]

Though I’m half British, I’m not a fan!!! My Italian half is a hater!!! 🤣

[@normalguysupercar]

Lol

[@balasubramaniyansubbuswamy5348]

Excellent SUV car. But the driver of Ferrari won't like this!

[@normalguysupercar]

Yup

[@PixelVogue]

WAS British Garbage now BRILLIANT Engineering lol

[@normalguysupercar]

Lol yup

[@Emadavid]

You can't really tell he's a Ferrari fan 😂

[@normalguysupercar]

Haha

[@shovel_head80]

The English are experts at the art of separating the wealthy people from their money for a image with subpar quality ✌️

[@freddiejones4598]

Name an example?

[@cryptoleed5646]

Just the first four words are all that is needed 😊

[@bigmotor3845]

Ouch!

[@philipgreensmith1694]

Greatest American car ever made.... GT40. Designed, Developed and built in ENGLAND 🇬🇧 💪 👌 😎

[@shovel_head80]

@@freddiejones4598 Land Rover , Jaguars, Rolls Royce, Bentley …..

[@CC-sj8hd]

Forget the McLaren, is that an EGO zero turn I see in the back?

[@normalguysupercar]

Yup

[@MarcSob22]

Mclaresn are the worst sport cars on the market ! My worst experiences in sports were in Mclarens, they are boring without real communication with the driver, they are unreliable, badly built, almost 10 years later and to this day I regret having bought a 12C, of all the Mclarens I have driven so far the only one that I really liked it was the 675 LT but unfortunately it's also unreliable! I haven't fixed the 765LT yet but a friend from Monaco bought it recently and has already sold it because it already had problems so I don't think they've improved at all! When they work they are very fast in a straight line up to a certain speed, because even in a straight line after 270 maybe 280 km / h all Mclarens I drove are slow and don't maintain acceleration like the competitors! I'm lucky to live relatively close to Germany and our test "circuit" always includes an autobahn stretch! Great content as always mate

[@normalguysupercar]

Ok

[@chriswashburn9430]

The 570S is the sweet spot. They’re all still British garbage though.

[@normalguysupercar]

Haha yup

[@wcads623]

Love it when Yanks talk about British cars as garbage. Lets talk Murican cars 🤣🤣🤣

[@normalguysupercar]

Did I?

[@chrispig7748]

I’m a Brit but wouldn’t have a McLaren if you gave me one for free, I think they are garbage. Would rather have a Ferrari or Lamborghini or even a Porsche

[@normalguysupercar]

Interesting

[@markcole1473]

... and I'm a Brit who wouldn't have any of that Eye-talian junk for free for the exact same reason 🤮

[@michaelbutcher9343]

First

[@normalguysupercar]

Yup

[@mariodelcid2479]

There is super car for everyone just find the one suits you drive them find that works for you and no I am not talking about Tesla that’s not a super car it’s electric toy that needs to be trashed lol 😝

[@normalguysupercar]

Exactly

[@cyuiyuwyguiyui]

Its ugly as ** compared to a 488 GTS..

[@normalguysupercar]

Hmm no

[@albertobenelli]

Looks soooooooo bland and dated

[@normalguysupercar]

Hmm I think most people would disagree

[@albertobenelli]

@@normalguysupercar i did not write it, but i meant it looks bland and dated when compared to recent Lamborghinis or Ferraris and even Porsche . At least they have this effect on me . They all kinda look the same .

[@celtekrider2]

650S is garbage

[@normalguysupercar]

Eh I'm a fan

[@joseph2707]

Great video!

[@normalguysupercar]

Glad you enjoyed it