6 min read · McLarenBuyers.com.au
McLaren 720S problems: what owners report, and what it means when you sell
A McLaren 720S assessment should include the Proactive Chassis Control II hydraulic suspension, doors, infotainment, folding driver display and nose lift. Reported concerns are prompts for diagnosis, not proof that every example has a fault, and documented condition matters more than a general reputation when you sell. McLarenBuyers.com.au explains the checks and documents to consider before selling.
What are the common 720S issues by year?
Use the VIN, build information and workshop records rather than a simple early-versus-late rule. Registration dates do not establish which software, replacement parts or service actions a particular car has received. Ask an authorised service provider to confirm any outstanding actions for that VIN. This guide does not assign recall numbers or claim that an entire production year is affected by a specific defect.
Proactive Chassis Control II is a hydraulic suspension system that warrants specialist assessment when warnings, abnormal ride behaviour or other symptoms arise. Accumulator condition can be relevant to diagnosis, but do not assume every harsh ride or suspension message requires the same repair. Ask what tests support the recommendation and whether the quoted work includes related checks. There is no universal accumulator replacement interval asserted here; follow the applicable service information and actual findings.
Check door struts and seals carefully. A door should be assessed for proper support and closure, and seals inspected for damage, poor seating or evidence of water entry. Do not use a hose test or forceful adjustment as a substitute for workshop guidance. Photograph any staining or damaged sealing surfaces. An owner who can explain when a problem appears gives the inspector a better starting point than a vague claim that the doors are temperamental.
Infotainment glitches and folding driver display concerns should be described separately. Check normal screen startup and authorised display operation while stationary, noting intermittent failures and warning messages. A phone connection issue is not automatically a failed vehicle display. Do not fold, force or dismantle the mechanism to make it look normal for an inspection. Retain any previous diagnostic reports and distinguish a completed fix from a reset that temporarily restored operation.
Where fitted, test the nose lift according to the handbook on suitable ground. Note failure to respond, unusual messages or inconsistent operation and have the cause checked. Australian driveways and abrupt ramps make this feature practically important, but lift does not remove every clearance risk. Inspect the splitter and underside as well as the dashboard indication. PPF condition also deserves close photographs, particularly around edges, exposed front panels and areas with visible stone impacts.
Is the 720S reliable?
A credible answer starts with the car in front of you. Service history, storage, use and the quality of previous repairs are more informative than counting online complaints. Owner reports help identify questions; they do not supply an Australian failure rate. A healthy car can still have an upcoming service, while a low-kilometre car can need attention after extended storage. Neither mileage nor appearance is a substitute for inspection.
Ask the inspector to separate active faults, historical diagnostic entries, normal maintenance and items needing further investigation. That distinction matters when negotiating because uncertainty is often priced more cautiously than a documented repair. If the car has recently had suspension work, obtain the invoice and description of testing afterwards. A parts receipt alone does not establish that the original symptom has been resolved.
Australian storage conditions deserve ordinary, practical attention. Use the handbook's battery care guidance and a compatible conditioner where appropriate for extended storage. Heat and sunlight can affect cabin materials and film presentation, while coastal conditions justify inspecting exposed surfaces closely. Do not explain away an electrical warning as weather-related without diagnosis. If the car has been parked for a long period, tell the workshop before arranging a drive.
Warranty expiry changes who may pay for a covered repair; it does not make a healthy car suddenly defective. Check the contract, exact expiry, transfer rules and exclusions. Book assessment of an existing concern while cover is active where possible, and confirm the provider's claim procedure. A fault reported before expiry is not automatically an accepted claim. Keep written correspondence so a buyer can understand what was approved, declined or still unresolved.
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How involved are 720S repairs?
Hydraulic suspension and accumulators: Moderate or major depending on diagnosis and affected components; use a McLaren-experienced technician. We still buy cars with this issue, subject to inspection and an agreed purchase.
Door struts and seals: Moderate for replacement or adjustment; water entry or unsafe closure can require more extensive work. We still buy cars with this issue, subject to inspection and an agreed purchase.
Infotainment and folding display: Minor for an approved software resolution; moderate or major if hardware or mechanisms are involved. We still buy cars with this issue, subject to inspection and an agreed purchase.
Nose lift: Moderate or major depending on the diagnosed cause, components and access required. We still buy cars with this issue, subject to inspection and an agreed purchase.
PPF and paint condition: Minor for local wear; moderate or major where removal, renewal or paint repair is required. We still buy cars with this issue, subject to inspection and an agreed purchase.
These descriptions explain possible repair scope, not a diagnosis for your car. The same symptom can have different causes. Disclose the issue in the quiz, keep any workshop findings handy and avoid driving with an unresolved safety concern.
Should I fix it before selling?
Fixing a known issue can make a sale easier, but it is not automatically the best financial decision. Compare a written as-is offer with realistic net proceeds after the repair, transport, waiting time and any further findings. A buyer may be willing to manage the work directly. Conversely, an inexpensive confirmed repair can sometimes remove uncertainty out of proportion to its cost. Ask for the diagnosis before making that judgement.
Safety comes before presentation. A door that will not secure, a suspension concern affecting control or another unresolved safety issue should change how the car is inspected and transported. Disclose the condition before an inspector travels. Do not clear messages, unplug components or perform temporary adjustments to make a test drive possible. If repair is not practical before sale, document the restriction and agree a collection method that does not depend on driving the car.
For cosmetic items, resist last-minute spending without a reason. Removing old PPF can reveal paint problems and requires care; replacement coverage is also a matter of buyer preference. Photographs and an honest account may be more useful than rushed film work. Keep invoices for paint repairs and explain any accident history you know. A repaired panel is a fact to assess, not something to hide behind new film.
Will you buy a 720S with these issues?
McLarenBuyers.com.au can consider a 720S with disclosed suspension, door, display, lift or cosmetic issues, subject to inspection and agreement. Filip handles enquiries for the LMCT-licensed Melbourne buyer purchasing cars Australia-wide. Provide the service record, warranty position, photographs and any diagnostic report. An accurate account allows a more useful assessment than a request for a fault-free valuation followed by surprises at inspection.
The business handles PPSR, finance payout arrangements and transfer paperwork. Have the VIN, registration details, ownership evidence and current lender payout letter ready where finance exists. Interstate registration rules are not interchangeable: disposal notices, roadworthy requirements, plates and transport arrangements should be agreed for the relevant states. Do not assume a Melbourne buyer means every interstate transaction follows the Victorian private-sale process.
The agreed purchase is paid by bank transfer at inspection, with any lender payment and owner equity clearly separated in the settlement instructions. Confirm funds independently through your bank and retain the contract and handover record. If settlement requires a lender or bank confirmation, allow for that before releasing the car. The purpose is a documented direct purchase, not a promise that every car can settle immediately regardless of finance or identity checks.
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