Should I Buy A McLaren 12C? (Why I Really Might, But Probably Won't) 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

The roof shot is really cool.

That shirt is next level.

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.

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.

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"

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 …

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

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 :)

Can't wait for you to return to the states. My favorite videos!!

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.

The Emira is calling for you James...Emira...Emira...Emira

Nicely laid out opinion on the car. Nice to follow the arguments even when the statements sound at first a bit confusing.

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.

Mclaren Customer Service Department have just left chat

Try the new NSX next. The only time we see you drive it was in the US and you seem to like it

"What on earth are you talking about you mad man?" I get that all the time lol.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Great car, great video, great shirt. Thanks.

Unpopular opinion... I prefer the 12C to the 458. I think it sounds better and the gulf in value means I could see me buying one and using it. Although my perfect configuration of the platform is the GT. I just love the subtle beauty and the practicality on offer. And that V8 just sounds oh so delicious to my ear.

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.

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

Amazing shirt James 👌love it!

I thought Elvis had swapped seats with you when I saw those shades... loving your reviews. And your shirts.

An "Italian Tune-Up" ?? I've never heard that, before. But, the SECOND I heard it, I knew EXACTLY what you meant. LOL !!

Great and interesting video! Jay, PLEASE tell me where you get your shirts from? They're always nice and are a bit of me!

You SHOULD GET IT! It’s so good and underrated

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

That’s an awesome shirt! ❤️ love it! you should’ve worn it on the Maserati convertible video

Makes another video about the McLaren 12C. Me: JUST DO IT!!!!!!!

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

‘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

@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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

Thanks J!

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 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.

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.

Your absolutely right! If only McLaren dealers can support the older machines, life would be a better place for a unique mark!

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.

yes the feeling of speed not actly going fast i love that i reely want to modify for the feeling not the speed

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. :(

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!

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?

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.

@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. 👍🏿

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.

Sofa top convertibles do not look awful, some sure but I find them elegant in the main. Subjective obviously

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 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.

IMO McLaren’s v8 (especially on the p1) is one of the best sounding engines out there. Possibly my favourite

Pretty sure Knowl Hill garage has one for sale. Dont know if thats within your area. (Maidenhead. M4 J 8/9).

I think lots “better” out there. Maybe not technically but definitely from an enjoyment perspective.

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.

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!!

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

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...

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

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.

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.

love catching a JayEmm video as soon as it’s uploaded!

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...

Been looking in Oz for one but can’t seem to find any for sale.

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!

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

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 RU-vid 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….

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.

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

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?

you just got out of a Gallardo that caused you only problems and you are thinking about getting another car that also is very well known for causing lots of problems? :) - so yeah, i agree with the title, you probably should not xD why not getting something fun thats also reliable, smth like a Porsche GT product from the last 3-4 years.

616bhp car, with a carbon tub, an amazing steering and suspension setup with a mid engine V8 for £70K. YES! YES YOU SHOULD BUY ONE! They won’t stay at this price tag for long with the brand getting older and becoming more established, grab yourself a 12C and a Thorney Motorsport Warranty and jobs a good one, enjoy! Edit: Just realised you’d like a spider; although more money it’s all the more reason to get a Mclaren, drives much better is spider form than a 458, drives much better than a 458 in coupe form too for that matter. The Carbon Tub in the 12C allows you to whack the roof off without losing rigidity. (If you can’t tell I own and love Mclaren’s 😂)

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.

Completely agree with you There is no soft top out there that looks good

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.

A challenging road these days would be one full of 2 inch deep potholes.

best shirt of the channel so far

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.

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!

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.

I think you will find McLaren Automotive more forgiving than you imagine. It is in their interest to welcome a critical reviewer in from the cold.

Thought the Maranello was your perfect car lol

Where do you buy your shirts?

Why not look at the new Lotus Emira ?

Very nice indeed