Imagine owning a McLaren MP4-12C for the price of a brand new German made luxury sedan
I am sure that some of you reading this would have dreamed of owning a McLaren in your lifetime? When you see any McLaren parked outside of a 5-Star hotel or fashion boutique, the desire to take a picture of it with your smartphone was there.
However, when you checked on its launch selling price, you would just sigh and move along.
Well, we are no different, except we have had the opportunity of test driving some McLaren cars and even visited the McLaren factory in England.
The experiences from the above mentioned gave us inspiration to work hard, very hard, so that someday we can afford a McLaren.
So, it was surprising to stumble on this used classified recently. Imagine this, a used McLaren supercar for RM339k and this is before negotiations.
The McLaren MP4-12C is generally considered a very well engineered car, particularly for its performance and useability. It embodies McLaren’s strengths in technological expertise, efficiency, and also speed. However, it does have some issues that reduces its appeal as a daily driver. Yes, if you buy this car you must drive it almost everyday.
This McLaren MP4-12C (2012 model) was priced around RM2.036 million when it was launched new in Malaysia.
The McLaren MP4-12C was a high-performance supercar which was produced from 2011 to 2014 and it comes with drop dead gorgeous looks that many might still mistaken to be a latest model from 2025.
The MP4-12C features a 3.8-liter V8 twin-turbo engine, producing 591 horsepower and 600Nm of torque. It has a top speed of 330km/h and accelerates from zero to 100km/h in just 3.3 seconds. Its dry weight is just 1336kg.
The car’s design is inspired by Formula 1, with a focus on performance and technology. The production of the MP4-12C ended in April 2014, after over 3,400 units were manufactured and sold around the world.
A quick check on the internet and the main ownership issue with the McLaren MP4-12C starts with the “volcano” color models (like Volcano Red and Volcano Orange), and it is paint degradation that is the issue due to a thin clear coat.
This can cause fading and discoloration, especially in areas exposed to UV rays, heat, and even paint correction.
The other most common issues seem to be failures with hoses (due to age) brake system and AC system.
As with any used supercar purchase, the pre-purchase inspection is very important and you must pay to get an expert to check the car. Accident cars must be avoided and and you must understand that McLaren’s will not be the most reliable if not used.
The McLaren MP4-12C’s recommended service interval is annually or every 10,000 miles, whichever comes first. To determine the exact date for your next service, consult your vehicle’s service schedule or contact the Malaysian McLaren authorized service center.
The running costs for a McLaren MP4-12C in Malaysia can vary as it depends on use, but expect to pay around RM5,730 annually for yearly road tax and put aside about RM50k (its is better to use it as much as possible) a year for running and wear and tear costs.
In Malaysia, after-sales service for the McLaren MP4-12C is provided exclusively by McLaren Kuala Lumpur. They are the sole official importer and retailer for McLaren Automotive in Malaysia, and their service center is equipped with the latest tools and trained personnel to meet McLaren’s global standards. The McLaren Kuala Lumpur service center is located in Glenmarie, Shah Alam.
