I smiled at your post. I was the complete opposite. I was and am a true Ferrari fan boy; however, I found my 720S to be an all around better proposition than my 458. I test drove the F8 and just didn't gel with it. I actually liked the sound of the sports exhaust on my 720S performance over the F8. Believe it or not, I actually had less issues with my 720 compared to my 458 (maybe I was one of the lucky ones). In any case, right now I found Mclaren to be the more engaging proposition for mid-engine V8 ICE cars. The Pista certainly tempted me back to being a loyalist, and then I drove the 765LT... In any case, this is what makes the world such an interesting place, the diversity of choice and preference. Whatever your preference is, enjoy it in good health... what a time to be alive!
One thing I’ve always disliked about Mclaren is that they will void your warranty for track events unless you meet extremely strict requirements that are highly burdensome, like a Mclaren dealer inspection of the car immediately before and immediately following a track event. Don’t take it to the Mclaren dealer before your track day? Voided warranty. These inspections add another unnecessary $750-1500 of dealer expenses on top of any track day, and more importantly, add an additional two days you have to spend on the front and back end to schedule the inspections. Mclaren does not accept standard HPDE tech inspections that are typically good for 30 days…has to be “immediately” preceding and following the event and they do not define “immediate” giving Mclaren wide discretion in voiding your warranty. There were rumors on the Mclaren forum that some dealers will accept third party inspections as long as they are still “immediately” before and after the event, however this is dealer dependent and also up to their discretion (i.e. the dealer has no appointment availability). Gee, so kind of Mclaren to be so flexible! Ferrari doesn’t do this or require such nonsense. When we here on FerrariChat are labeled with cognitive dissidence, blind brand loyalty, etc. just because we talk about the passion and culture of Ferrari - this passion and culture of Ferrari translates into real world matters like customer relations, factory warranty terms for track use, etc. providing for favorable conditions for owners. Companies who wholly lack this culture and have battled bankruptcy in very recent history (Mclaren) do not apply such culture and passion into their business model of things that matter like favorable warranty conditions for owners who ACTUALLY use their vehicles. I could not possibly care less if the 720 is two seconds faster than a Pista around Laguna Seca when I have to take time out of my day to visit the Mclaren dealer on a Friday before a track weekend, and then more time out of my day on the Monday immediately following the track weekend just to hand the Mclaren dealer $1500 to “inspect” my car otherwise suffer the consequences of a voided warranty. I will never buy a Mclaren for so many legitimate reasons that wholly render them inferior to Ferrari, Lamborghini, and other supercar manufactures, and this is one of them. Porsche does not do this. Lamborghini does not do this. While I don’t prefer these manufacturers, I have unfettered respect for them. Mclaren, as a business, I cannot and will not support so long as their fine print abdicates the very joys of supercar ownership. When we use phrases like “there is more to a car than just lap times” this is not an excuse just because we’re saddened that our beloved Ferrari is two seconds slower than a Mclaren, nor do phrases on here like this in any way indicate blind loyalty to a brand. When we say things like there is more to a car than just the data sheet, THIS is what we are referring to and is but one example of the overall ownership experience where Mclaren (and others) cannot and never will be able to compare nor compete with Ferrari. [FerrariCognoscenti has left the chat] From Mclaren: Image Unavailable, Please Login Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
More excuses and justification. If all those caveats did not exist, you still would not purchase a McLaren. Your moniker reveals it all. Ferrari cognoscenti must be JCMD of the past.
You are in big trouble over here. Preferred 720s over 458 and F8 and to compound your woes you picked the 765 over the Pista. Banned.
Just curious What does your Ferrari warranty booklet say for track events??? Does it cover non Ferrari track events?
I did lots in my 458. Only have about 50-60 track days under my belt but what do I know. I’ve also read the warranty booklet that came with the car.
But sir, the caveats and conditions do exist and therefore each of my statements is valid. Perhaps blind loyalty exists when one knowingly purchases a product filled with terms and conditions counter to their best interests? Not buying a supercar because of predatory fine print by the manufacturer to void ones warranty, often unknowingly? Seems like a valid reason to avoid such a manufacturer and certainly not an excuse. Just like in private equity, I refuse to work with groups who bring with them unreasonable conditions. And just like in cars, I do the same for manufacturers. Mclaren is a great car, probably produces a slightly superior product in the 2018-2021 model years than Ferrari, but is a vastly inferior company and business. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I’m still a Ferrari guy… trying to find the right spec 812 or F12, there will never be a better front mid-engine GT than what Ferrari builds. However, I like options… it’s the spice of life.
I can only assume he doesn’t use an iPhone since he wont do business with a company that has restrictive terms & conditions.
812 GTS is a grail level car for me. I had the opportunity to purchase a friends allocation slot and the dealer denied it. Heart breaking.
@exoticcardreamer has more track experience in a Mclaren than anyone. I’m sure he can chime in on the warranty issues.
Take this for what it’s worth. I asked my wife- honey, we have a new house coming with a big ass garage. We I’ll have a ferrari Pista and a mclaren 765 in it. If we were to add another car, I’m thinking the 720 replacement or the 296. Which one would you get? she said, get the Ferrari. I asked why? Well, it’s a Ferrari. I said but you told me that the 720 was your favorite car to ride in. Her response- I know but everyone knows a Ferrari. Lol Brand recognition does make a difference. She is not completely ignorant of cars as before I started this hobby but she is still fairly clueless as to the nuances. Some people just want something that is more familiar and comfortable. I’m cool with it.
Very very true!! I still get “what kind of car is that. A Mclaren. Who makes it? Mclaren”. Not sure there is anyone who doesn’t know the prancing horse.
You can include me in the group that loves all cars! If I had the bank account I would have my current cars F8 and Porsche turbo S cab and add: 765LT spider Aventador (I know dated but I love the looks and sound) Rolls Royce Dawn (for old man cruising) Not including cars currently not sold, that would include F40, Miuria, etc… But for me yes I am a Ferrari fanboy and if I could only have one it would be the Ferrari.
Funny how my wife and I are not at all into ostentatious, conspicuous displays of wealth. Super cars are my passion because they enhance my enjoyment of life. Could not care less if that impresses others are not. I am highly reticent to discuss my car ownership with friends or acquaintances. I do gain great satisfaction when I am out driving and the cars put a smile on strangers’ faces, especially when it brings joy to children.
Funny what wives tend to like for no real reason. My wife loves Aston Martins not exactly sure why other than they are gorgeous. She also for some weird reason now loves Corvettes, LOL. I have never owned a Corvette but she loves them!