For XOTech - Questions

[cujo_s13]

Hi XOTech,

I have a couple of general interest questions for you if you have time to answer them:

1. Let's say, hypotetically, that someone was to buy a Mclaren F1 for $1.4m. How much would you say would be required on top of that to run it for a year or two, and what would these costs cover? I assume like most cars, running/maintanence costs take up a good deal of the budget.

2. What kind of security do people get for their F1s? I personally wouldn't want to just keep it in a home garage with a simple alarm system.

Thanks...

[AmErIcAnMuScLe813]

Who cares?!?!

[XOTech]

Cujo,

Great question. Most people take for granted what it takes to own the very high end exotics. A Ferrari of old will definitely be more expensive to maintain than todays more advanced 360. Even the older Lamborghinis can be a handful, whereas the newer cars are huge improvements over previous cars and are actually quite reasonable to maintain.

As for the McLaren, it is a remarkable car. The quality of the original production is as plain as day. That quality translates into a reliable and pleasant car to drive and own. There are regular services that must be performed on any exotic car, the McLaren is no different. In fact, it isn't all that much more expensive to regularly maintain. Generally, I would say about twice of a recent Lamborghini or Ferrari, approximately $5000-10,000 per year.

When buying a McLaren, there are certain things to be very mindful of. The McLaren has a rubber fuel cell that is certified for 5 years. At the end of that time, they must be replaced. There are two cells per car. The service for that can take place at an authorized McLaren Service Facility of which there is one in nearly every country or general geographic area. The cost for this form of maintenance is about $50,000-75,000. Not too cheap.

There is also the concern that many cars being offered for sale have not been properly maintained (usually about 50%). The cost to bring a car up to proper standards can easily top $100,000.

Once in top form, however, the car is not so far removed from other cars that require nominal attention.

Hope that helps.

[hermunn123]

calm down there chief.

obviously cujo does....

[XOTech]

Cujo,
With regard to security, very few owners install any security systems in the car. Such installations would require altering the car in such a way that it cannot be returned to its original condition. Holes would have to be drilled and other equipment installed. As such, I have never seen a McLaren with a security system.

Most owners do not do anything out of the ordinary to protect their cars. The car is of such high stature that few people would dare damage it or have any way to sell or even use such a limited production car. A thief would not be able to go far without drawing a lot of attention. Much less the fact that few would have any clue how to start it or even drive the car.

As far as storage, most owners are of considerable wealth and typically have houses that are very large and are quite removed from normal access. They are protected in that they are somewhat secluded from the normal public. You are correct in that it would be irresponsible to store the car in an unprotected garage, especially if the car was worth more than the house it is stored in.

[carbuilder2002]

Hi XOTech.
You interest me how do you know so much inside information on the F1?
carbuilder2002

[Peloton25]

Ummm - try not to ressuect 3 year old threads, especially just to ask someone a question. If you want to contact someone directly, send them a PM. I can tell you that XOTech's last visit to this site was in January 2005 so you might not have much luck on that with him.

>8^)
ER