[Calitalia]

The last few days had been fairly bad in terms of the MP4-12c purchase done a while ago. I cannot deny that my feelings are mixed and fairly affected. The showroom is barely open and dealership info. barely out and demo isn't ready most likely till September which is still a long time away.

I wonder, my purchase intent say deposits are refundable up to 2 weeks prior to sales contract which will come 6 months before order. If I want to get out and have a golden parachute, maybe it is time to do it earlier than later.

Am I too impulsive given all the mixed feelings from bad reviews. I know I shouldn't be affected but these journals and how they vote for the 458 had me down. However, I must admit that I hadn't given the car enough of a chance. I had only seen it once when it was on tour in Asia and sat in it for 5 min. Then I bought it.

I truly liked it and had butterflies and was very excited at the outset but now my feelings have turned 180 degrees. I know this is illogical but I couldn't help it.

Now it is the dividing point. I can write in black and white, get back the deposit with a handling fee of 2% walk out and never back into the dealer (I suspect they wouldn't welcome me anymore after I pull out) or that I should wait and let the feelings subside or at least till the demo and showroom opens (which makes no diff anyway as the votes are all out).

I suspect one advantage of doing this early is that I probably can get out with higher chance in case many start dropping out and writing ahead of me and they start putting me in the early orders and I would be caught off guard. Maybe I am imaginating but I suspect other buyers are all already contemplating writing and as order books start to drop and cancelled cheque requests start to come in, they will be more reluctant to do the refund. Hence, before the media goes worst on this, maybe writing first will have me protected. Cheques are refundable 15 working days post written request received and delaying it may not be wise.

Plus I still don't understand why they haven't announced pricing and still price it rougly > 458. It makes no sense.

 

[andy c]

The last few days had been fairly bad in terms of the MP4-12c purchase done a while ago. I cannot deny that my feelings are mixed and fairly affected. The showroom is barely open and dealership info. barely out and demo isn't ready most likely till September which is still a long time away.

I wonder, my purchase intent say deposits are refundable up to 2 weeks prior to sales contract which will come 6 months before order. If I want to get out and have a golden parachute, maybe it is time to do it earlier than later.

Am I too impulsive given all the mixed feelings from bad reviews. I know I shouldn't be affected but these journals and how they vote for the 458 had me down. However, I must admit that I hadn't given the car enough of a chance. I had only seen it once when it was on tour in Asia and sat in it for 5 min. Then I bought it.

I truly liked it and had butterflies and was very excited at the outset but now my feelings have turned 180 degrees. I know this is illogical but I couldn't help it.

Now it is the dividing point. I can write in black and white, get back the deposit with a handling fee of 2% walk out and never back into the dealer (I suspect they wouldn't welcome me anymore after I pull out) or that I should wait and let the feelings subside or at least till the demo and showroom opens (which makes no diff anyway as the votes are all out).

I suspect one advantage of doing this early is that I probably can get out with higher chance in case many start dropping out and writing ahead of me and they start putting me in the early orders and I would be caught off guard. Maybe I am imaginating but I suspect other buyers are all already contemplating writing and as order books start to drop and cancelled cheque requests start to come in, they will be more reluctant to do the refund. Hence, before the media goes worst on this, maybe writing first will have me protected. Cheques are refundable 15 working days post written request received and delaying it may not be wise.

Plus I still don't understand why they haven't announced pricing and still price it rougly > 458. It makes no sense.

i think that you have taken this too much to heart,even if the public think its not the best,its still the quickest car for the money,and with numbers so ltd over the next year,there are still people who want something rarer and different to the crowd,so residuals are not going any where soon.
In the british auto press,there are 2 avaible at £35 to £50k premium and 2 people wanting to buy contracts.So if your one of the early cars in your country,i dont think you will have a problem if you dont like it,which if your not interested in going sideways everywhere i think you will.
Still looking forward to mine

 

[Calitalia]

Thanks for the reassurance. It provides some relief for sure. My biggest worry is residuals and liquidity given the massively bad reviews. It will affect sales numbers, make demand <<< supply. Maybe I am thinking too much but the 5th gear video is going viral... I will wait 2 weeks and see. It is too early in the game. I hope I will be rewarded as early adopters but I am not sure.

 

[andy c]

Thanks for the reassurance. It provides some relief for sure. My biggest worry is residuals and liquidity given the massively bad reviews. It will affect sales numbers, make demand <<< supply. Maybe I am thinking too much but the 5th gear video is going viral... I will wait 2 weeks and see. It is too early in the game. I hope I will be rewarded as early adopters but I am not sure.

i would think it will only affect 10% of buyers,but not residuals because 1000 worldwide at this price is such a small amount,dont forget that 90% wont be petrolheads and wont be following any of this,and if you wanted to find out about the car,the first reviews on the net are the most positive.non petrolheads will want the newest and rarest,there are alot of cars out there at this price and most cant touch a 12c,but their sales were not decimated by the 458,some people just cant stand ferrari and everything it stands for,and im sure the same for Mclaren,but they are producing such small numbers the only people it pisses off is us

 

[dmax]

Am I too impulsive given all the mixed feelings from bad reviews. I know I .

Not talking about portugal which was just a short drive, but and Chris harris and Clarkson (not sure which other mags) had a full day drive on track at llandow and on wales road, and all reviews after that day was absolutely great.
so in April Evo there is 6-7 pages of a really great review by Chris Harris including about handling and how fast the car is, 2 months after in the same mag the car is said not to handle well is is slow o the track.

so personally, i dont see why to give more importance to the June article than to the April one.
Would be very curious to have Evo opinion about that, how in the same magazine, the same car can have so different review in just 2 months.
Until i have an explication about that, i must say that i read with even more distance than before what is written in magazine.

 

[andy c]

Not talking about portugal which was just a short drive, but and Chris harris and Clarkson (not sure which other mags) had a full day drive on track at llandow and on wales road, and all reviews after that day was absolutely great.
so in April Evo there is 6-7 pages of a really great review by Chris Harris including about handling and how fast the car is, 2 months after in the same mag the car is said not to handle well is is slow o the track.

so personally, i dont see why to give more importance to the June article than to the April one.
Would be very curious to have Evo opinion about that, how in the same magazine, the same car can have so different review in just 2 months.
Until i have an explication about that, i must say that i read with even more distance than before what is written in magazine.

Dont forget Harry Metcalfe is so far up ferraris backside,hes thinking of moving in there,sorry couldnt resist

 

[TAG]

Hi there!

I must say that i might have given you wrong information about the lap times?? YET i still could not say that my source have changed his mind a part from one point... That the lap times 1min 14.118 seconds where done on corsas AND a pre production vehicle with the weight 1301 kg DRY! The same source claims that the McLaren active suspension gives that car +2 seconds a lap around Dunsfold. Chris Goodwin this same source claims have always been faster with a production vehicle than a Super Sport Bugatti Veyron and that's ONE HELL OF AN ACHIVEMENT for 168500£! Ride comfort in class with the new Mercedes Benz E Klasse! I for one would never change my mind on why i ordered the MP4-12C!

Let's hope the TG "STIG" test shows what Chris Goodwin claims is faster than anything but the Ariel Atom in production version! Well i did say that McLaren source informed me about 1301 kg for the lightest version (DRY) and 1336 kg for the standard version. Only 0.2 seconds beetween 35kg they say so why even bother to have the lightest version?? Watch CAR magazine editor driving around with a certain McLaren Jean Pierre PR personal. Ferrari 458 got very light suddenly.. Hmm i doubt McLaren with all there know how would design a McLaren that's newer and slower hmm.. Ferrari 458 1min 19.1 seconds.. And the MP4-12C would be slower.. Either McLaren counts there lap times in different way or Ferrari is bullshiting with there numbers! Anyway i always wanted a faster car than an Enzo and a better everyday usability than a Ferrari or Lamborghini and now it's here and at a lovely cost 168500£. Porsche is coming on with there midengined 961 and Lamborghini with there Cabrera (Gallardo replacement) Ferrari 458 Scuderia comes 2013 and McLaren with there SS or call it the GT/GTR version of the MP4-12C so it's great times for thoose who loves quality vehicles.



Lukie

 

[6th element]

Dont forget Harry Metcalfe is so far up ferraris backside,hes thinking of moving in there

Hope he knows how crowded it is, in there.

 

[6th element]

Hi there!

I must say that i might have given you wrong information about the lap times?? YET i still could not say that my source have changed his mind a part from one point... That the lap times 1min 14.118 seconds where done on corsas AND a pre production vehicle with the weight 1301 kg DRY! The same source claims that the McLaren actice suspension gives that car 2 seconds a lap around Dunsfold. Chris Goodwin this same source says have always been faster with a production vehicle than a Super Sport Bugatti Veyron and that's ONE HELL OF AN ACHIVEMENT for 168500£! Ride comfort in class with the new Mercedes Benz E Klasse! I for one would never change my mind on why i ordered the MP4-12C! Let's hope the TG "STIG" test shows what Chris Goodwin claims is faster than anything but the Ariel Atom in production version! Well i did say that McLaren source informed me about 1301 kg for the lightest version (DRY) and 1336 kg for the standard version. Only 0.2 seconds beetween 35kg they say so why even bother to have the lightest version??

Lukie

oh jesus, TAG, you picked a bad time to come back to the forum. I'm surprised some members aren't calling for your head... (just joking, of course).

But, you may want to reveal who exactly is your source, if you hope to retain any credibility around here.

 

[falb]

Regardless if the Ferrari was a ringer or not it appears that the McLaren requires a different driving style. Using the gas to accelerate out of understeer is a little counter intuitive until you realize that the brake steer will point the car and shoot it out of the turn faster than an E-diff. These are clearly different philosophies and technologies. Sometimes you have to let the tool do the work and based on how Ben Collins muscles a car around the track I would be surprised if he could do 5 laps within 00:00.20 in the same car.

The bad part here is that you should always underpromise and overdeliver. So far this is not the case from McLaren and the rumors that have circulated.

 

[Doubleclutch]

I am keeping mine on order. I have a feeling it's going to be a great road car that is mod friendly! I am getting on of the first ones, drive it for few months if it sucks which I highly doubt I will sell it and take a small loss. I think it going to be a sick car, there was just too much hype for too long....same thing happens with some movies that you can't wait to see, great previews with your favorite actors, watch it in the theater and it's was okay but then you end up loving it and watching it 10 times once it's on hbo! Just have to wait and see.

 

[Ritesh]

I think you are being a bit premature! Then again - I haven't sat in or driven it. I plan to drive it before making my final decision.

 

[Calitalia]

i would think it will only affect 10% of buyers,but not residuals because 1000 worldwide at this price is such a small amount,dont forget that 90% wont be petrolheads and wont be following any of this,and if you wanted to find out about the car,the first reviews on the net are the most positive.non petrolheads will want the newest and rarest,there are alot of cars out there at this price and most cant touch a 12c,but their sales were not decimated by the 458,some people just cant stand ferrari and everything it stands for,and im sure the same for Mclaren,but they are producing such small numbers the only people it pisses off is us

Listen, these days, Dubai money is yesterday, Japan money is yesterday, it's the Chinese money despite I don't have any.

I maybe thinking too much as I am one of those 10% of buyers/petrolheads who actually go about studying the carbon monocell and the brake steer deal... seriously, let's hope 90% of those don't care and they only want the newest and the rarest then I am in luck. Rarity, sure. Heck some people may just buy the car cos the doors are cool as the only single metric and I wouldn't discredit some rich Chinese noveau riches who will buy the car without knowing how to spell McDonald's.

It is a thinking man's sports car. I would coin it that. The diff is do you wanna be cool or do you wanna be smart right? In some sense, I always tell the 1% who think I am an idiot to even think of the MP4 this:

You drive a Ferrari 458, you are mighty cool. You drive up to a hotel, people say "my friend, nice car".

You drive a McLaren. You drive up to a hotel, people stand there speechless. They don't know what to say (for good and bad reason, good reason is that the car is just different and special and bad reason is that they have never seen a Ferrari with these doors

So it comes between this, you go to a hotel and wanna be cool like Justin Bieber in his 430 Matt black ride or wanna be smart and intellectual like a connoisseur, Jay Leno. To 99.9999% of the World Bieber is cooler in his matt black fashionable 430

http://celebritycarshomes.com/2286/justin-biebers-flat-black-ferrari-f430/

To those in the knows, who's who and what Jay Leno stands for in the car world is pretty obvious.

 

[Calitalia]

Hi there!

I must say that i might have given you wrong information about the lap times?? YET i still could not say that my source have changed his mind a part from one point... That the lap times 1min 14.118 seconds where done on corsas AND a pre production vehicle with the weight 1301 kg DRY! The same source claims that the McLaren active suspension gives that car +2 seconds a lap around Dunsfold. Chris Goodwin this same source claims have always been faster with a production vehicle than a Super Sport Bugatti Veyron and that's ONE HELL OF AN ACHIVEMENT for 168500£! Ride comfort in class with the new Mercedes Benz E Klasse! I for one would never change my mind on why i ordered the MP4-12C!

Let's hope the TG "STIG" test shows what Chris Goodwin claims is faster than anything but the Ariel Atom in production version! Well i did say that McLaren source informed me about 1301 kg for the lightest version (DRY) and 1336 kg for the standard version. Only 0.2 seconds beetween 35kg they say so why even bother to have the lightest version?? Watch CAR magazine editor driving around with a certain McLaren Jean Pierre PR personal. Ferrari 458 got very light suddenly.. Hmm i doubt McLaren with all there know how would design a McLaren that's newer and slower hmm.. Ferrari 458 1min 19.1 seconds.. And the MP4-12C would be slower.. Either McLaren counts there lap times in different way or Ferrari is bullshiting with there numbers! Anyway i always wanted a faster car than an Enzo and a better everyday usability than a Ferrari or Lamborghini and now it's here and at a lovely cost 168500£. Porsche is coming on with there midengined 961 and Lamborghini with there Cabrera (Gallardo replacement) Ferrari 458 Scuderia comes 2013 and McLaren with there SS or call it the GT/GTR version of the MP4-12C so it's great times for thoose who loves quality vehicles.



Lukie

I truly hope you are right but can it really be true and if it is, it will be media save and basically a real turnaround for MP4. People respect TG a lot and viewership and all and if stunned people will look at it differently from the 6 thumbs down. Ex Stig Ben Collins did times that slammed MP4 in a very very embarassing position behind a Gallardo Spyder (old tech too) and 458. Fine, Ben drove all the cars before except MP4 maybe that had something to do with it BUT... the BIG BUT is... it can't be off that much. What about Tiff and Jason? They are respectable drivers. So I am very cautious to manage my own expectations on TG this sunday. I can't say my doubts overshadow my hopes... I kindly await this sunday's show. I do want you to be right. Is your source is providing confirmation? There must be some in the KNOWS in on the secret.

Maybe that's why McLaren is not doing a thing and smiling there sitting waiting to wow the naysayers... maybe. We shall know soon.

 

[Calitalia]

Not talking about portugal which was just a short drive, but and Chris harris and Clarkson (not sure which other mags) had a full day drive on track at llandow and on wales road, and all reviews after that day was absolutely great.
so in April Evo there is 6-7 pages of a really great review by Chris Harris including about handling and how fast the car is, 2 months after in the same mag the car is said not to handle well is is slow o the track.

so personally, i dont see why to give more importance to the June article than to the April one.
Would be very curious to have Evo opinion about that, how in the same magazine, the same car can have so different review in just 2 months.
Until i have an explication about that, i must say that i read with even more distance than before what is written in magazine.

Whatever it is, I agree with you and couldn't come up with a reason why the cars have TRANSFORMED itself like TRANSFORMER (the 458 Mirage) from a car in another league and running circles around 458 to absolute bad gearbox, bad engine and bad handling... I m seriously scratching my head.

 

[Calitalia]

I am keeping mine on order. I have a feeling it's going to be a great road car that is mod friendly! I am getting on of the first ones, drive it for few months if it sucks which I highly doubt I will sell it and take a small loss. I think it going to be a sick car, there was just too much hype for too long....same thing happens with some movies that you can't wait to see, great previews with your favorite actors, watch it in the theater and it's was okay but then you end up loving it and watching it 10 times once it's on hbo! Just have to wait and see.

I am sitting tight and wait. No choice anyway deposit in. It will always be iconic but I don't know what depreciation will be (a small loss) if I sell it within 12 months. Maybe a lot maybe little maybe none as it truly depends.

I am more worrying about a scenario when you have a movie which you had had great expectations on, talked about 2-3 years pre release, excellent previews and reviews with all the right scenes, actors and mix... then you watch it in the theatre and then it was completely disappointing. Hence, too high an expectation maybe? I hope the HBO part is right.

 

[AMLVantageV12]

Based on the statements trickling out of McLaren and the last few road tests I'd say premature is the answer to the question.

 

[Russell Mills]

based on the statements trickingly out of mclaren and the last few road tests i'd say premature is the answer to the question.

+1 you will regret it