So yesterday I finally did it – decided to hunt for that McLaren Sports Series I’ve been dreaming about. Stumbled into this whole mess thinking it’d be like buying my old Honda, but damn was I wrong. Started scrolling forums at midnight, coffee cold beside me.
Where I started looking
Called up three dealers first thing Monday morning. First guy sounded like he’d rather be anywhere else, second tried selling me a Porsche instead, third actually let me test drive one. Felt that engine roar kick in at 6,000 RPM and I was hooked.
Big things I almost missed:
- Checked tire tread like I always do but forgot these use Pirelli Trofeo R tires – special order only
- Opened the “frunk” only to find it filled with random trim pieces (turned out previous owner dismantled the front radar)
- Almost bought one without seeing the undercarriage – good thing I crawled under with flashlight and found scrapes
Money talk nightmares
Thought I was hot stuff negotiating until they handed me the maintenance estimate. Brake job costing more than my first car. Then the warranty talk – standard 3 years ain’t cutting it when single headlight costs five grand. Insurance guy laughed when I gave VIN number.
What saved my ass:
- Paid extra for PPI at specialist shop (found hidden coolant leak)
- Tracked down previous owner through Facebook group (turned out he tracked it every weekend)
- Tested EVERY button – even the passenger window got stuck halfway
Final reality check
Staring at the paperwork ready to sign when buddy texts: “U know carbon fiber repairs cost what?” Cue me scrambling to find local shops that could actually work on it. Ended up walking from two “perfect” cars before finding the actual perfect one collecting dust at small-town dealer.
Now she’s sitting in my garage. Still sweating over the insurance premium, but that first proper drive through canyon roads? Worth every damn panic attack.