Imagine buying a supercar only to find out it’s a ticking time bomb. That’s what some owners experienced with the 720S. While McLaren’s flagship model is a beast on the track, its reliability varies wildly depending on the model year.
You might be wondering, which years you should avoid and which ones are safe to invest in. The answer lies in understanding the common issues, maintenance, and recalls that have plagued this iconic car.
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Key Takeaways
- 2016 models have problems due to earlier builds, making them the worst year to consider.
- 2017 models have no specific issues mentioned but are still a year to avoid due to lack of reliability.
- 2018 models have reported issues, but others had no problems, making it a year to approach with caution.
- Early 2019 models have reported issues, while others had no problems, making them a mixed bag.
- The best years to consider are late 2019 models, as they have refined performance and luxury features, making them a safer bet.
Worst Years to Avoid
When considering a McLaren 720S, you should be cautious of models from certain years that are plagued by issues.
The 2016 model is another one of the worst years to avoid due to earlier builds having problems.
Another year to avoid is 2017, although no specific issues are mentioned.
I’ve come across some owners of 2018 models who reported issues, while others had no problems, making it a year to approach with caution.
Early 2019 models are also among the worst years to avoid, with some owners reporting issues, while others had no problems.
Best Years to Consider
You’ve navigated the problematic models, and now it’s time to focus on the McLaren 720S’s sweet spots.
The 2018 and 2019 models are standouts, offering a refined blend of performance and luxury you expect from a McLaren.
These cars I’ve driven have showcased impressive driving modes, allowing you to tailor your experience to suit your preferences.
Additionally, the 720S’s panels are crafted with precision, ensuring a seamless fusion of form and function.
Common Issues Reported
When you own a McLaren 720S, you’ll want to be aware of common issues that can malfunction, causing the rear wing to become stuck in an upright position.
Additionally, allowing your 720S to sit idle for extended periods, a state known as “prolonged hibernation,” can lead to battery drain and other electrical problems.
You should also inspect the roof glass regularly, as it’s prone to cracking due to thermal stress and other environmental factors.
Rear Wing Issues
What’s behind the McLaren 720S’s tendency to malfunction? You’re not alone if your car I’ve developed issues.
The rear wing is a notorious trouble spot.
- Faulty actuators cause the rear wing to fail to deploy or retract properly, leading to inconsistent downforce and reduced handling performance.
- Misaligned or loose wing mounts can lead to uneven stress on the rear wing, resulting in premature wear or even catastrophic failure.
- In some cases, the rear wing’s electronic control unit may malfunction, preventing the wing from adjusting to changing driving conditions.
Prolonged Hibernation
Prolonged periods of inactivity can wreak havoc on your McLaren 720S.
When you finally take it out for a spin, you might notice a little bit of sluggishness in the infotainment system delay. I’m not sure if it’s a minor glitch or a sign of a deeper issue, but it’s not ideal.
The batteries might need a recharge, and the tires might require some extra pressure.
Give your 720S the TLC it needs, and it’ll roar back to life in no time.
Regular check-ups can prevent these minor issues from becoming major headaches down the road.
Cracked Roof Glass
Because you’ve invested so heavily in your McLaren 720S, you expect nothing but perfection.
However, some owners have reported issues that may leave you wondering if you’re not sure about the quality of your car.
Among the cars I’ve researched, cracked roof glass is a common problem.
- Debris on the road can chip the roof glass, causing it to crack over time.
- Poor installation or manufacturing defects can lead to cracked roof glass.
- Even minor accidents can cause the roof glass to crack, leaving you with an expensive repair bill.
Maintenance and Repair
As you excavate into the maintenance and repair of your McLaren 720S, it’s essential to prioritize routine checks to prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems.
People say the infotainment system can be glitchy, but updating to the latest software and ensuring Apple CarPlay is functioning correctly can resolve these problems.
Regular oil changes, tire pressure checks, and brake pad replacements are also vital.
By staying on top of these tasks, you’ll avoid costly repairs down the line.
Additionally, keeping your McLaren 720S in a clean, dry environment will help prevent rust and corrosion.
General Advice
Your McLaren 720S is a high-performance machine that demands attention to detail, and understanding its nuances is key to getting the most out of it.
As a car owner, you should be aware that daily driving requires a delicate balance between speed and control.
When it comes to handling, recall that its advanced suspension system can be fine-tuned to suit your driving style.
- Familiarize yourself with the car’s advanced traction control systems to maximize road handling.
- Regularly check and adjust suspension settings to guarantee peak daily driving performance.
- Consider taking a performance driving course to tap the full potential of your McLaren 720S.
Design, Features, and Variants
As you step into the McLaren 720S, you’ll notice the iconic dihedral doors that not only make a bold design statement but also provide easier access in and out of the car.
The cabin is where McLaren’s attention to detail shines, offering a perfect blend of luxury and performance-oriented features, including an advanced folding driver display.
You’ll appreciate the meticulous design that has gone into creating a comfortable and technologically advanced space.
Iconic Dihedral Doors
The McLaren 720S’s iconic dihedral doors, a hallmark of the brand’s design language, masterfully blend sophistication and raw power.
These doors showcase McLaren’s attention to detail, offering a perfect mix of comfort and performance-oriented design.
As you step in, you’ll notice the decent headroom, thanks to the lack of electronics underneath the seat.
- The dihedral doors are a unique feature that sets the McLaren 720S apart from its competitors.
- They’re a legacy to McLaren’s meticulous attention to detail.
- However, some owners have noticed a design flaw – noticeable gaps, especially on the hood, which may be due to the lightweight and flexible design.
Luxurious Cabin Features
Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by a cabin that masterfully blends luxury and performance.
The innovative folding driver display offers a perfect mix of comfort and performance-oriented design.
The 720S Luxury variant takes it up a notch, adding premium materials, upgraded leather interiors, and additional comfort features.
Meanwhile, the 720S Performance variant incorporates carbon fiber components, further enhancing the cabin’s luxury features.
Throughout, McLaren’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in the use of luxury interiors, premium materials, ensuring a comfortable and exhilarating driving experience.
Performance and Model Changes
With its adaptive suspension and trio of driving modes – Comfort, Sport, and Track – you can tailor your driving experience to your mood and the road ahead.
The Proactive Chassis Control II system predicts and reacts to road conditions, driver inputs, and cornering forces in real-time, optimizing the car’s performance for any driving scenario.
- The 2017 model marks a significant improvement in performance and driving dynamics, replacing the McLaren 650S.
- Dynamic shifts and Performance upgrades are evident in the 720S Special Edition, commemorating McLaren’s historic 1-2-3 finish at the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans.
- The 720S Spider offers a retractable hardtop, maintaining the same level of performance as the coupe.
Competitors, Specifications, and Pricing
You’ll find the McLaren 720S competing with high-performance sports cars like the Porsche GT3 RS, Mercedes AMG GTR, Lamborghini Huracan, and Ferrari 488.
With a starting price of around $288,000, it’s positioned alongside the Lamborghini Huracan and Ferrari 488.
The 720S boasts a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 710 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque.
Pricing and Competition
The luxury sports car market is where the McLaren 720S finds its natural habitat, surrounded by stiff competition from the Porsche GT3 RS, Mercedes AMG GTR, Lamborghini Huracan, and Ferrari 488.
You’ll notice the 720S slots alongside the Lamborghini Huracan and Ferrari 488 in terms of pricing.
Market trends suggest luxury options are driving price wars, with the 720S starting at around $288,000.
The 720S’s 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 710hp makes it a strong competitor.
The 765LT‘s aerodynamic refinements and 755hp output set a new benchmark in the luxury sports car segment.
Performance Specifications
Performance Specifications set the McLaren 720S apart from its competitors in the high-performance sports car market. You’ll notice its 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine pumps out 710hp, making it one of the most powerful cars in its class. In comparison, the Lamborghini Huracan and Ferrari 488 produce similar power outputs. The 720S’s engine tuning focuses on delivering exceptional performance, while its aerodynamics prioritize speed and agility.
| Model | Power Output | Engine Tuning |
|---|---|---|
| McLaren 720S | 710hp | Performance-oriented |
| McLaren 765LT | 755hp | Optimized for speed and agility |
| Lamborghini Huracan | 710hp | High-performance focus |
Common Issues, Recalls, and Maintenance
Buying a used McLaren 720S can be a formidable challenge, especially in the domain of uncovering potential problems.
Be cautious of earlier builds, as 2016 is considered one of the worst years to avoid. Some owners reported issues with 2018 and early 2019 models, but others had no issues.
- Check for recalls, such as the 2019-2020 service brake recall and fuel system storage tank assembly recall.
- Regular maintenance and repairs are still required, including a 10,000-mile/12-month synthetic McLaren oil change and filter replacement.
- Conduct a multipoint inspection of steering components, suspension joints, radiators, air filters, brake system, electrical connections, wheels, rims, and tire repair kit for reliability checks and maintenance tips.
Buying Guide and Ownership Costs
As you move forward in your McLaren 720S purchasing journey, you’ll want to focus on finding the right variant to suit your needs. Consider the following buying strategy, taking into account market trends and collector demand.
| Variant | Description |
|---|---|
| 765 LT | Track-focused, highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts |
| Le Mans Special Edition | Unique, limited edition (1 of 50) with higher value |
| Regular Production | Luxury or performance package, desirable for buyers |
| Internal Combustion V8, highly valued by collectors and enthusiasts | |
| Condition and Mileage | Important factors affecting overall value and maintenance costs |
Exterior and Design
Three key elements – the carbon fibre chassis, dihedral doors, and active rear spoiler – define the McLaren 720S’s exterior design.
These components work in harmony to create a sleek silhouette that slices through the air with ease.
You’ll appreciate the:
- Aerodynamic features, which reduces drag and boosts downforce
- Visual upgrades, such as the LED headlights and taillights that provide a distinctive glow
- Active rear spoiler, which deploys at high speeds to provide added stability and traction
Interior and Ergonomics
Slipping into the McLaren 720S’s cockpit reveals a complex, driver-focused environment.
You’ll find the power seat adjustments can be confusing due to the narrow cockpit and unique button layout, but storing seat settings eliminates the need to adjust frequently.
The manual seat is beneficial for headroom considerations, allowing for decent headroom even for taller individuals.
You’ll find storage compartments throughout the vehicle, making up for the absence of a glove box.
The cockpit layout takes practice to get used to, with time, you’ll master the buttons and knobs, and appreciate the one-handed driving capability.
When looking at performance cars, make sure to check out our guides on models like the McLaren Artura, McLaren GT, McLaren 750S and McLaren Senna. Knowing which model years to target and which to avoid is crucial. Our expert reviews break down these models, providing insights into the years that are celebrated for their engineering excellence and driving satisfaction, as well as those that are best to avoid due to potential issues.
