Is McLaren's Original 12C Still Worth Buying? (Drive and Review)
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- čas přidán 18. 12. 2019
- Ten years ago, McLaren revealed their big plan to enter the world of car production. They had already created a legend with the F1 over a decade earlier, but that was a hugely expensive hypercar, with very limited numbers sold. Their newest venture was to go after a much harder target, Ferrari.
At the time, Ferrari were at the top of their game with the incredible 458 - and McLaren's 12C was often unfavourably compared with those cars. But, eight years after its release, is the first modern McLaren worth your money?
#McLaren #12C #Review
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I'm not even joking, this guy's ability to talk without a script, in one go, is impressive and shows how intelligent he is; I love this channel. Keep up the good work!
There's a man who appreciates talent ;)
Anyone who’s worked in video knows how frustrating it is to edit around a useless presenter who looses their train of thought every 3 seconds. So when we make videos ourselves we have a point to prove, and it saves so much time in post
@@JayEmmOnCars you are such an enthusiast and I respect you for that
I agree. Unlike the Russian guy that commented on the BMW M6 video, demanding to see more of the car than him talking.
He’s a pro waffler
Such a good looking car, I can see why people like them.
aging so well...
Personally I think this is one of the coolest and most beautiful supercars ever made. I remember people were criticizing the model for being unoriginal and generic, don't quite remember the specific criticism but as usual I tend to differ from the crowd and I absolutely loved this car
You introduced a new perspective for me of this car, “the Esprit that never happened”.
Entertainingly, and reliability aside, I've also heard this called the true successor to the original NSX (with respect to ease of use, outward visibility, and piles of road-car firsts).
"The Esprit we never got."
not left blank not left blank both things mean the exact same thing..
Lap of the World I had the pleasure of renting one of these for a few days while in Vegas with my wife. What a phenomenal car. So light. So quick. So nimble. Beautiful and fast. It inspires confidence. Planted. I absolutely loved it!
Lap of the World for comparison, I’ve had the rear end come out on me in a Huracan and a Viper with no warning. McLaren really knows how to design cars. I also love the BMW i8. Not as fast but fits my kids in the back and those doors!
Ferraris are great for winning races but they don’t excite me as much as Lambo and McLaren unless it’s an Enzo, F-40, F-50, La Ferrari but those are 7 figure cars.
The 12C has aged well! Looks better than all the birthday cakes they have released lately
I agree this is McLarens most coherent design and a lovely thing, this was an excellent review with an accurate unscripted commentary - how do you do that ?!
It just happens!
A daily glass of blue waffle
tech wise... not the most reliable car and resell just hell....
Fee lemme stop u right there
Albert Perez you still trying ? How’s it working out? You see the way this works is you are reading a comment that’s already been typed and posted. The voice you’re hearing in your head is you (hopefully, I mean I’m giving you the benefit of the doubt if it’s not it might be the voice of government spies reminding you to take your meds)
Regardless, there is no “let me stop you right there” when it comes to text based communication, or any non real-time communication for that matter.
I love the looks of the 12C, much more so than other McLarens, apart from the P1.
I agree
Knocking it out of the park this week. Great content.
Thanks! One more to go, and the next one's a bit different
JayEmm on Cars Definitely agree. The last few weeks have been excellent. I’ve enjoyed the brand focus.
It sounds like a P1, where the 720 and 570 don’t
Jordeycap This, the P1, and the 650S has a log style turbo manifold which makes it sound like a cross-plane v8 even though it isn’t. Starting with the 675LT and models that come after it, they used a tubular-style manifold which makes the engine sound like a normal flat-plane v8. It looses the cross-plane sound but have a better power curve at high rpms.
It’s kind of like UEL and EL manifolds in Impreza STis. UEL will give you that rumble, EL will give you more high-end performance.
@@devandrasimanjuntak1646 no, this is an mc12C. Not a p1
Behindthen0thing yes, what I’m saying is that the 12C, the P1, and the 650S has a log style turbo manifold. This is why the 12C sounds like the P1. Unlike most modern McLarens nowadays (starting with the 675LT)
Behindthen0thing yes, what I’m saying is that the 12C, the P1, and the 650S has a log style turbo manifold. This is why the 12C sounds like the P1. Unlike most modern McLarens nowadays (starting with the 675LT)
@@devandrasimanjuntak1646 ok. They sound good
Brilliant week's content James. Love that last lingering shot of the 12c driving away from the camera looking & sounding really special. Put your feet up for the xmas period, you've earned it. Looking forward to your 2020 reviews even more. Regards.
the 12c has always sounded better than the later cars, the newer versions dont have that deep growl
I remember when these things were relatively new. The tiny display screen above the window switches costs around $4,000 to replace
Nice review. Spot on with the NSX comparison, I've had my NSX for 14yrs and a 12C joined it 4yrs ago. No problems with either of them and they're both keepers for me :)
Lucky you ! Enjoy
The 12c is definitely starting to become a bargain now I've been looking at them for a while now as a weekend driver and would love to have a 1st gen NSX also.
Nice to hear you have had no problems!👍🏽
I was romancing the 458. I am thoroughly convinced. Pound for pound the 12vc is the better choice. I was out in my Conty GT the other day. And saw one. White with dark grey interior. He caught up to me at a light. I was like a little kid checking out the sheer beauty of the body lines. That sucka is mine!
I see a Mclaren in Jay's future. His love for Mclaren is like my love for Aston Martin. And when you love a car brand like that, you just have to own one, no questions asked.
And do you?
@@seaalon138 Own an Aston? I wish....
Great quality content James!
I love the 12C spyder, as usual though, wish they made a manual
I have loved this weeks content. Stand out is the 12C. What a lovely thing! And it could/should of been the Esprit we all yearned for. A comparison between your mates Exige and Mac please! Happy Xmas!
Maybe the looks are growing on you and are so cohesive because every car McClaren has released since kinda looks like something a high school boy would drive. Take the Senna for example...they all look like a Hodge lodge of swoops and curves going every which way. This one looks more pure like a classic Ferrari
Donald Salkovick im feeling this statement. back in 2012 i wasn’t really feeling this design but now...idk i think it looks better than the new mclaren models 🤔
edit. i wrote this before i saw that he said the same thing about the design lol weird how we all seem to think that way
Well done....great review....think you're going to attract more followers....
What a great review by JayEmm. How can a person talk so well and informatively, whilst driving a super car. Great video quality as well. He sold me the model; if I had the money.
Love that minimalist gauge cluster, very cool.
Great week of specials yet again Jay. Looking forward to what’s next.
Despite the rear being a bit 'technical' looking... With that cheeky front. And simple classic supercar side profile... I still think this is the best looking car Mclaren have made. The rest are wild.. But a bit fussy
disturbed250
I think the P1 looks much cleaner
Great content mate. One of only a very few channels I am subscribed to. Loved this video.
Thankyou, really appreciate it.
Nice one jay and merry Christmas bud
This is the car that made me fall in love with Mclaren again. This one is timeless, and short of a million dollar hypercar, is what a super car should be
New subscriber. New Fan, and loving the last three episodes! Your buddies buying the two McLaren's in Manchester was a real eye-opener and as the owner of two Lambos I struggle with service as well. I have resorted to changing my Gallardo's oil myself, and now that I have a new Performante Spyder I am not looking forward to the headaches that may ensue! Thank you for your excellent verbiage, I mean who in the US here uses the word; "sonorous" and even gets away without a cross-eyed look. I appreciate your takes!
Thanks Dean! Hope the Lambos are good
Loved that review and now look at them in a different light
thanks for another great series....inspiring, thoughtful, honest
There's one last video to come today
Great review :-)
You know you should look to do the north coast 500 or something, review cars as you go combined with some pure driving videos 😃
Great review Jay, thank you
I love the story build up in the intro of this video!
Great vid as always James.
Great review, thanks James. The 12C is a much misunderstood car. I owned mine for 2.5 years and 14k miles and it was an awesome car that a miss very much. McLarens USP is its ability to be a relaxed and surprisingly economical cruiser with lots of luggage space and then change to a ballistic missile at the turn of a dial. They really are remarkable and crazy fast & composed. In 14K miles I had some niggles but they were all sorted under warranty and the car was always picked up and returned to me at home. In the time I owned my 12C other than 2 x £1,000 services and the warranty ( 2 years included with purchase) I paid nothing other than 4 new tyres (£880).
At the time the warranty was £3,500 pa. To put this in perspective I spent the same last year on preventative maintenance on my NA MX5 and close to double that on my Ferrari F355 (on just servicing & repairs). A have spent more per year on BMW M cars I have had in the past.
We used the 12C for 2 Alpine trips at over 2,000 miles each. We took loads of luggage (the frunk is huge as is the rear shelf on the coupe - which holds more than a 570GT as we could not swap our luggage into a loaner we had) We saw 28 mpg average on both trips and the 12C does not need 98 ron fuel, 95 is fine which makes a difference in Italy!
Off all the McLarens made its my favourite (F1 & 675LT aside). It looks classy & clean and I adore the huge old skool instrument binnacle over the 570/720 Tandy displays. I sold mine and replaced it with an Exige 430CUP (I wanted a manual box again). The Exige & 12C are totally different and I don't have time to compare the two here. Now the 12C is a relative bargain I am starting to think of getting another or perhaps a 675LT to compliment the 430 CUP.
Good to see you here Bispal, long time observer on many a forum where you've posted on the 12C. Not one to post usually but a lot of your insight into the car was really helpful when looking to purchase mine. It's served me perfectly so far and I have used it a great deal this summer. Warranty with Thorney is definite peace of mind. Had less issues than my brother's 17 plate RS5 which has been for no less than 3 warranty claims in half the time I've had my 12C.
@@dutoitm1 Thanks very much! Great to know my posts are being read across forums and are not in vein :-) Congratulations on your car I hope you have lots of fun and adventures in it like we did. I'm off to browse Autotrader I'm so tempted to buy one again. If you look at the facts, F1 constructor built, UK company, Nascar proven engine, Carbon fibre tub, single wiper (very important), revolutionary ride & suspension and the ability to outrun the millennium falcon and do the Kessel run in just 11 parsecs.
@@bispal Definitely not in vain mate, you know how the forums are. Too many are bombarded by people claiming to know of someone's friend whose 12C cost the same amount to run as it did to buy. It's a breath of fresh air when you get someone who genuinely owned the car and is reviewing the ownership without bias or prejudice. What people forget to realise is that for the equivalent 458 you need to spend about £50k more which equates to almost 10 years worth of McLaren's no fuss, comprehensive warranty. And that's if you don't warranty a 458 which would be incredibly stupid. Sure, having to wait for your car to go in for work is a massive nuisance, but if it's fully covered that's peace of mind. At the price point 12Cs are now they cannot depreciate a great deal more so that isn't of too much worry. If you can afford to stretch to the 675LT (spider would make a nice alternative to your 12C coupe) that would be incredible. Last of Ron's cars.
@@dutoitm1 Great point. 458's are now around £50k more, that's a lot of warranty and the 12C will experience a lot less depreciation than the 458 will ultimately, esp.once all the sticky interiors manifest themselves! 12C's are approaching R8 and AMV8 money, they are crazy value. But people have to get their head around the warranty. If you can afford the car but not the warranty then unfortunately you really can't afford a 12C and its not the car for you. The warranty cost has to be factored in, but as you point out even then its still a bargain compared to the competition. The plus side of having niggles fixed are the loan cars, I have had all-sorts of cars, Range Rovers, BMW's, other McLaren's and even been out in a Rolls Royce for a day!
@@dutoitm1 I think your last sentence sums up why McLaren have gone a bit awry on reliability and customer care lately.
Great video, love the 12C, totally agree, I'm not a warranty person either but if I got a McLaren you're dam sure I would get a warranty
What an excellent review. Subscribed.
The best looking McLaren in the modern Era.
Brilliant content. So professional
Thankyou very much
Great video. Just bought a 2014 12C. It is a spectacular car. Very accurate and fair review!
How is it so far? Any major issues?
How is it
Couldn't really put words to it myself about why I've always appreciated these a little more than the later McLarens. But what you said about it growing on you over time and it's more 'coherent design' resonates with me a lot.
Part of it is also probably the fact that, at 25 years old, this was the first McLaren to really appear on my radar; the F1 was a big deal when I was too small to have any interest.
I've caught of few of these vids so far You sir deserve 1000x the subs you have now
Your presentations are unmatched
Thankyou very much
Subscribed and notified!!! Love your channel, the cars you pick and your presentation! It feels like your more like your one of us 'Petrolheads' than many car CZcamsrs!!
Thanks Pip, plenty of other videos to watch!
@@JayEmmOnCars Cheers!!! On to it already!
Love your videos, mate.
Subscribed. Good work Sir.
Great review James, engineering lead and can be credited for the 12C and later McLaren's was Mark Vinnels. He also launched the Opel Speedster (built by Lotus, same time as the MK2 Elise launch)...top man, top engineer. Now at Rivian creating more magic.
Possibly the most interesting supercar channel on the net!
Well described in clear and precise terms and really pulls you toward these great cars, we now know there can be a downside to ownership but watching this video and surely all is forgiven? Not quite, but the practicalities and problems clearly outlined in these great expose's. Love this.
I love this car so much. I live how it looks and I love the engineering behind it. Great video on it, hope I'll one day be able to afford a McLaren.
Great review James
I actually quite like the noise, more than the other McLaren’s this week
One for the shortlist
Looks amazing in that color
Still gorgeous Awesome review Subscribed
another terrific review.
Excellent review, clearly knowledgeable and watchable, can’t watch US or shouty or over stimulated vloggers, nice job.....
Thankyou
Say what you want but to my ears, the 12C had a deeper and throatier exhaust note than anything that came after (with the exception of P1, which sounded insanely amazing).
Loved this.
Bell & Colvill in Surrey are now approved by McLaren for aftersales/servicing. I'm sure they'll have some more toys for you to play with soon as well!
Just subscribed. Great channel ;)
Great review.
I have owned a Ferrari 355 spider for 15 years. They have always had a reputation as being one of the most expensive ferraris to service/run. That has never phased me and I have loved it.
However, as for the MP-12 as much as I would love one, this cars servicing/running costs ....that would phase me and cause me sleepless nights😥😥. Now that's saying something😁
Probably why there is currently a £50,000 MP-12 for sale on the UK market this week.
I owned a 12C & F355 at the same time. The F355 made my blood boil. Even factoring in the McWarranty the F355's running costs were eye watering. I was very happy to see the back of my F355 and won't get another. I definitely would get another 12C. The F355 is not a bad car, it looks and sounds great but it was 100% not worth the hassle and expense and cannot be daily driven like a 12C its far too delicate.
@@bispal a brave man indeed to have both.
So you paid McLaren £3000- £5000 a year for there warranty!!😂
Hey this is why there now 50k.
A 355 cost less than half that to run .
You must have a wealth of contacts...to keep bringing us such a great variety of interesting motors 😀
I'm just lucky I guess!
I'm not in the least bit a Ferrari fan but after this week's content I'm definitely a bit of a McLaren one, the 12C being my favourite, especially in that colour.
I recently saw a metalic black one parked up...and it looked amazing...Much better than any pic..
Other than the F1 this is the only McLaren I'd want.
720s? 😍
I just watch this channel for this guy. Talking about cars is just a plus.
Great car, great video!
This cat killed this review. subscribing
Isn't a "flying buttress" something like my '18 NSX has, or the Ford GT, where you can see through a space in the body?
I'm 18 now, and by 21 I'll have one of these.
Leonard R Have us all over for a track day.
Lol go on son
Go for it. Make sure _you_ own _it_ though. It should be a disposable toy, I speak from ruinous experience with fast cars
@@visionist7 word
No.....no you won't
Great road that Sibble Hedingham Road. Really good review
Gareth Howells
I’ve been driving that road to and from work for 18 years - it’s a great road. The journey is far enough to unwind a bit but not so far it’s a chore. Perfect. The only issue this time of year is the lack of grit when it freezes
Great week! Now I just need to win the lottery!🤣
... the good Doug Demuria quirks.
I LOVE IT!
My old boss had one of these as a daily and it was amazing. Yes, they get huge attention and yes, the acceleration will hurt your neck!
Great video - I recognise the roads around Castle Hedingham. I have a black 12c and work in Sible Hedingham. Not sure if you have spotted me at some stage :)
I saw this car on the Fish and Chip run, epic spec!!
The criticism of this car being as pedantic as “too computer like” and “too generic” are simply pointers to how fantastic the car actually is, which forces critics to clutch at straws. It’s absolutely stunning with its curvaceous bodywork and regardless of the turbos, it’s V8 howl is completely unique and frankly gorgeous. Added to that, it wipes the floor with a 458 Italia round a track. Plus you don’t get the Ferrari owners club bullshit with this thing, which is a massive bonus in itself.
Great review. I still like the 12c:-)
Great video
great video!.. from an original NSX owner!
A 1991 Berlina black 5 speed.
Check it out on my channel!
Great review..... didn't Hoovie from Hoovies garage have one of these and said they were notorious in the USA for not if but when the engine would let go?
He had an MP4
Love these videos. They seem relevant even here in Canada
JayEmm you need a TV show of your own. You are easily equal to anyone else on the tube, let alone CZcams. Hello, Top Gear?
Definitely considering purchasing this car in the future, really love it
That SC from the mid-80s must be exceedingly rare indeed!
Interior still looks modern in 2020. That is the best sign of a car ahead of its time. Don't love the plastic grill in the front or the back but everything else is more than acceptable. Still a beautiful car!
m8, where do you get those shirts? I'd be rather keen to acquire some. They're all sixes and sevens.
Much better looking than the Sports Series cars. Still my favourite McLaren
To this day still one of my favorite super cars. The technology and performance so underrated
Excellent video Jay. Does Thorney have a partner in North America for aftermarket warranties?
I'd still have one!
I like the 12C because it looks like a Lotus :-D - Nice Review!
Terrific review james, best looking mclaren bar the original f1..
Disagree. The P1, 675LT and 720s all look better, to me.
Subscribed for your continuous praises of the NSX.
Welcome!
MP4-12C still best-looking McLaren
Love the spec
Honestly if the MP4-12C came out today it would look fine, the only thing that seems to look dated is the dashboard, which looks fine to me personally. Cool car!
A friend of mine works at McLaren, an MR2 SW20 was used as a mule development car to develop the HVAC system due to a similar cabin size, I've still pictures of it.
It is very nice, despite the review you posted about the problems with MCLAREN Manchester. Good review. I had an espirit turbo so I know what you mean.
This looks so similar to my 2015 McLaren 650s! The back end and side profile is almost identical
I really think the MP4 is the best looking of the new McLaren's.
I disagree. I think this and the new GT are the worst looking. I think the 600LT looks the best.
@@vika0194
I disagree with you both. I think the 675LT, P1 and 720s all look better.
Bc its true.
Only mpc12 does not look like an angry, chinese toy.
Mpc12 is an adult, well proportioned, classical, not screaming, 90s nostalgia lines, design.
Like the seat of the pants style review!
At some angles and during nighttime the front headlights are very reminiscent of the F1. I first realised this when I tuned into the late hours of the Le Castellet GT endurance race and thought "nice F1" for a second.
Well yes it is and here’s my list:
1. It’s a super car
2. It’s Mclaren soo it’s a fast and good car
3. Since it’s 8 years old it’s cheap than it once was so it’s a budget super if that way u call it