[scoobysaurus]

My BMW and AMG seem to be getting a bit long in the tooth so I'm considering replacing one of them. I was thinking about a Viper first since they're discontinuing it next year, and I doubt well see a manual 8.4L V10 sports car with a long hood and 355 rear tires ever again. The dealer here in Dubai is offering the new Viper SRT (base) for $109k, and GTS for $149k. (I'm converting the prices from UAE Dirham to USD)

Since the prices were on the higher side, many people suggested that I should look at other brands as well before making my decision. I found a 2013 Gallardo LP560-4 in great condition and under warranty for $98k but I can't help but think that it looks rather outdated especially after the debut of the Huracan. That's when I started looking at McLarens and apparently the dealer is selling "McLaren Qualified" 2012 12C Coupes for around $121k, with 2 years, unlimited mileage warranty, 2 years of free service, and 1 year of free insurance.

I feel like the McLaren is an insanely good deal and the car itself looks, feels and drives superbly, but I can't help but feel that I'd be missing out on an opportunity of a lifetime if I pass the chance to buy a new Viper while it's still available. If I were to get a McLaren now, I'll trade it in for a used Viper in 2 years when the warranty is up, and if I were to buy the Viper, I plan on trading it in after the warranty period for a used 650S. Whatever I choose, this is going to be my first bona fide supercar. My SL 63 comes close with 564hp and 664lbft, but it's much more of a luxury cruiser than a supercar.

I'm torn between the two I'd appreciate any advice you guys could give me.

The CPO McLaren looks exactly like this:


And the Viper I was looking forward to buying looks exactly like this:

[Fundguy1]

Viper. I bet you don't see many and you can easily make it a beast.

[John Tanglewood]

McLaren because that color is insane in person, and the car is a fantastic drive.

[GuidoK]

Imho the mclaren has the charisma of a real supercar.
TBH I also like the front of the 12c better that the current nose/headlight styling on the 650s/P1 etc. the 12c has a more conventional supercar look. Maybe too many people were reminded of a lotus and mclaren didnt like that so they took on a whole different look.

Will it be worth anything if the warranty is expired? I can imagine that service, updates maintenance/parts etc on these cars is insanely expensive.

[scoobysaurus]

Originally Posted by GuidoK

Imho the mclaren has the charisma of a real supercar.
Will it be worth anything if the warranty is expired? I can imagine that service, updates maintenance/parts etc on these cars is insanely expensive.

The same car without warranty seems to be selling for around $100-105k here.

I did a bit of research on McLarenLife and they're saying the price floor is somewhere between a 430 and 458. That's pretty good I guess. I'm not really familiar with the whole exotic supercar market though.

[DocWeatherington]

Viper.. get it drive it.. then get a McLaren later..

As you stated the concept/idea of the Viper is most likely dead..

[GuidoK]

Originally Posted by scoobysaurus

I found a 2013 Gallardo LP560-4 in great condition and under warranty for $98k but I can't help but think that it looks rather outdated especially after the debut of the Huracan.

As long as you're in a part of the world where supercars are abundant and insanely cheap, cant you find a gallardo 550-2 with manual?
That will be a true classic!
Last of the supercars/exotics with rwd and manual (and NA)
(not counting vipers and corvettes, are they exotics?)

[scoobysaurus]

Originally Posted by GuidoK

As long as you're in a part of the world where supercars are abundant and insanely cheap, cant you find a gallardo 550-2 with manual?
That will be a true classic!
Last of the supercars/exotics with rwd and manual (and NA)
(not counting vipers and corvettes, are they exotics?)

I doubt I've ever seen a manual Gallardo here - I've seen a few manual R8's though. It sucks how I turned 18 and got my license in 2011 so now I'm having to face an era of hybrids, turbocharging and the slow and painful death of the manual.. I wish I was born in the 80's or something lol. Tbh I only have the 2 aforementioned cars on my wishlist before I can be done with buying cars for fun and focus on better investments in life. I've had the following cars so far since 2011:

Lexus LX 470
Lexus RX 350
Ford Mustang GT 5.0
BMW Z4 E89
BMW 640i F13
Ford Mustang 289 coupe (1964.5 classic)
Audi TT Quattro (6MT)
Porsche 958 Cayenne turbo
Nissan Patrol Platinum
Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG Biturbo
Jaguar XF

I guess I'm thankful to have had all those cars (a bit of everything, and a mix of new and used) over the past 5 years. I really want to experience a mid engined exotic supercar and a manual car with a huge engine up front under a long hood (explains why I'm so into the Viper ), before autonomous and electric cars spoil everything. I guess the hardest part about this whole thing is letting go of my 6er. The McLaren dealer suggested that it's better to trade in the SL63 instead, as resale values are going to plummet once the facelift is out.

As for the Viper, I think it's very much an exotic here, mostly due to price, design and exclusivity. The Vette on the other hand is about as common as Mustangs and Camaros.

[GuidoK]

how the hell can you afford all those cars at your age?!

[mremg]

Originally Posted by GuidoK

how the hell can you afford all those cars at your age?!

OP's Location: UAE

Back to the question OP- as great as the McLaren is, I would recommend the Viper. V10 mated with manual is already extinct and I would grab it if I have the dough.

Pretty interesting car history. Lexus RX 350 & Nissan Patrol Platinum? Didn't expect those.

[scoobysaurus]

Originally Posted by GuidoK

how the hell can you afford all those cars at your age?!

Well to be honest I guess my parents were rather supportive of my hobby :P, but thankfully I'm in a position to do it myself now. The Jag was the first car that I bought for myself, and the McLaren or Viper will be the second (and third).

Originally Posted by mremg

OP's Location: UAE

Back to the question OP- as great as the McLaren is, I would recommend the Viper. V10 mated with manual is already extinct and I would grab it if I have the dough.

Pretty interesting car history. Lexus RX 350 & Nissan Patrol Platinum? Didn't expect those.

Thanks! The RX was my mom's car (at the time) and the first car that I learnt to drive on. I used it as my DD for a while. The LX was my offroad SUV, and was eventually replaced by the Patrol. A LandCruiser or Patrol is almost mandatory in every household here lol

[CanadianGatorBacon]

Mid-engine exotics aren't disappearing anytime soon. I'm sure there are product lines mapped out for years at Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren. Not to mention, at the rate you go through cars, if your buying used there will be plenty around from the current stock. But, like you mentioned, the Viper is a rare and dying breed. If that's a driving experience you want, it's only going to get more and more rare, and much faster than the mid-engine exotic.

[oolas3]

Viper all the way if you get the GTS. You can always buy a McLaren later.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars...track-records/

[1MOREMOD]

Viper my vote also, is ta still made also ot not?

[scoobysaurus]

Originally Posted by m3m3mr

Viper all the way if you get the GTS.

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

Viper my vote also, is ta still made also ot not?

They only have 4 trim levels here: the SRT, GTC, GTS and ACR. The only one that's reasonably priced is the base SRT ($25k more than US MSRP). They're charging $30k more than the US price for GTC and GTS, and $50k more for the ACR. It's ridiculous.

To answer your question, they still make the TA and I suppose I could order the TA as part of the GTC (custom) package but I feel the prices they're charging could be considered as daylight robbery. Might as well import one from the US like a lot of people do, but then I'd be stuck without a warranty. If I'm getting a Viper brand new from the dealership here I can't justify getting anything more than the SRT.

[///M Kidding]

I would vote for the McLaren, which is a real supercar as previous posters have said. Viper being discontinued doesn't mean they are all going to disappear, you can always get a viper later. Also, I think viper looks dated too although its kind of new... Just my .02

[The Wind Breezes]

McLaren is a better car all around, it will probably have some stuff break but if you can afford to buy the car you can probably deal with that stuff. I heard $20K a year in maintenance from an owner on Matt Farah's show.

McLaren, aside from looking better, has a hugely bigger kerb presence, a badass and ultra trick active aero system, and a really top engine--that's saying something when you're comparing it to a goddamn Viper engine lol.

[HyeWarrior]

I'm going with the Viper.

The 12-C looks dated to the 650S

[scoobysaurus]

Originally Posted by The Wind Breezes

McLaren is a better car all around, it will probably have some stuff break but if you can afford to buy the car you can probably deal with that stuff. I heard $20K a year in maintenance from an owner on Matt Farah's show.

McLaren is offering me a 2 year warranty and service contract, all inclusive for $121k so I wouldn't spend a penny on the car until April 2018 other than for fuel. If something does go wrong they'll pick it up, repair/service the car and drop it back for free. It's all part of the deal as per the salesman.

[86Zed]

Originally Posted by scoobysaurus

My BMW and AMG seem to be getting a bit long in the tooth so I'm considering replacing one of them.

What are you looking for in the next car and how to get enjoyment out of it? The Viper and MP4-12C offer very different ownership experiences and it really depends if you are going to be bombing roads, track days or simply looking to roll in style.

Even in light of the dealership and markup issues stated, I think the Viper TA or ACR are the only versions worth comparing to the McLaren. I say Viper if you plan to track a lot (cheaper consumables), McLaren if you want to experience a true exotic.

[scoobysaurus]

Originally Posted by B_Dol

What are you looking for in the next car and how to get enjoyment out of it? The Viper and MP4-12C offer very different ownership experiences and it really depends if you are going to be bombing roads, track days or simply looking to roll in style.

Even in light of the dealership and markup issues stated, I think the Viper TA or ACR are the only versions worth comparing to the McLaren. I say Viper if you plan to track a lot (cheaper consumables), McLaren if you want to experience a true exotic.

I wouldn't personally take a $100-200k car to the track. My experience is limited on the track and I wouldn't risk it with 600hp sports cars just yet. I bought a used TT with a 6 speed for that purpose before and my friend ended up totaling it so I'm going to have to wait and buy another small 200-300hp car for the track again.

I drive SUV's most of the time going to work and grad school so I want a weekend car that provides a very different experience. I understand that the Viper and McLaren have very different ways of doing so. I love how different they are and really wish I could have both but unfortunately it's not possible. I'll be using the car for cruising and occasional bursts of spirited driving.

I also considered the i8 before venturing away from BMW but that car just does not excite me at all. If only they made the i8 with the S85 and 6MT.

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by scoobysaurus

I also considered the i8 before venturing away from BMW but that car just does not excite me at all. If only they made the i8 with the S85 and 6MT.

No kidding.

Question, when you sit in each, which one fits better? Driving position? Which engine note do you like better: RIGHT NOW?