"PatBateman" (PatBateman)
08/01/2015 at 09:59 • Filed to: McLaren
36
100|
"PatBateman" (PatBateman)
08/01/2015 at 09:59 • Filed to: McLaren | 36
| 100 |
In case you haven’t looked at a calendar in a few years, it’s 2015. This means that exotic supercars that were $250k in 2012 have now depreciated down to about $155k. They are great buys if you have the cash and, with the 12C, enjoy looking like a moron while trying to open a car door that doesn’t have handles.
So I went with a good friend of mine, Al, last week to go McLaren shopping. He is tired of having a fast car that makes him look like a boy racer and wants to upgrade to an exotic with comparable speed. Seriously, at each of the two dealerships we went to, the salesman who greeted us said, “Do you race this around a lot? Because that’s why people own GT-Rs. To race around.” No, he doesn’t, and stop insulting the guy here to give you $155k.
Anywho, we walked up to this gorgeous grey MP4 parked right next to two Ferrari 458s in the warehouse. The key fob was sitting at the bottom of the windshield, so I unlocked the car and placed my hand where any decent and logical human being who designed cars for a living would put a door handle: on the door. It became quite apparent that I had no idea how to get into this fine example of automotive batshitness. I felt like an idiot.
Al couldn’t open the door either. We were both idiots, apparently. Then the salesman couldn’t open it. Vindication? No. IDIOTS.
The dealership’s valet came and opened it with one try, hopped in, and pulled it into an open area. We were now all confirmed idiots.
By this time, I’m literally googling “McLaren MP4-12C door opening”. This video pops up:
However, this is how I still look (not me, not my video):
Al, who entered the vehicle after the valet kept the door open for him, finally grants me mercy and opens the passenger door from the inside. I am now a Certified Idiot.
The car itself is otherwise masterful in design and performance. Unleashing a plethora of light-hearted obscenities while making a pull at full acceleration is not uncommon. It’s fast, rides on rails, and is masterfully simplistic in it’s interior design while screaming “I AM AN EXOTIC” to all we pass by on the street. BUT THOSE FUCKING DOORS...
This problem is well documented on the interweb. In fact, early reports called the car a !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! due to the doors and a few other quirks. And yes, there is a software update that has cured some of the related problems. But not all. Not all of them at all.
If Al buys it (he’s still considering the purchase), the main worry rattling around his head is that he will look like an idiot trying to open his door in front of other people. Basically, like he’s giving his McLaren a good scratch behind the ears as if it were a lap dog. And it’s a valid concern, really. Who the hell wants to look like an idiot while trying to make a smooth exit from a Coffee & Cars event? Certainly not a non-peasant.
With all things considered, the car is an absolutely glorious piece of technology. It would be even better if the doors weren’t assholes, though.
PS9
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 10:02 |
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You...you have to give the car a bit of foreplay before it will let you in?
I can’t decide whether or not that’s awesome or awful.
Flavien Vidal
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 10:03 |
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No they are billionaire’s doors... You wouldn’t understand :)
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PatBateman
> PS9
08/01/2015 at 10:05 |
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You have to rub it the right way to get it to let you inside.
I am not being misogynistic with this comment. It's totally true.
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PatBateman
> Flavien Vidal
08/01/2015 at 10:07 |
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Nah. No Triple Comma Club membership card needed for this. Just eight digits BEFORE the decimal in your investment portfolio.
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PS9
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 10:09 |
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Hey, can you unlock the door with the keyfob? Even a crappy poor person $30k Corolla will give you a keyfob with a door unlock on it, so this six figure exotic definitely has the same, right? RIGHT?
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PatBateman
> PS9
08/01/2015 at 10:31 |
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Yup, you can unlock it with the fob BUTTON. Otherwise... No key holes that I saw.
beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 10:41 |
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I BLAME IPHONES.
SLIDE TO UNLOCK BULLSHIT
PUT A HANDLE ON IT YOU WANKERS
Your boy, BJR
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 11:03 |
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First time I ever valet’d one, the owner stops me “let me show you how to open the door, because you won’t figure it out.” Best part was that then I was the only valet that could do it, so whenever he or the other McLaren pulled up, I was the only one to park/retrieve them.
macanamera
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 11:09 |
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Yep. I couldn't open the door either when o test drove. Felt dumb. Now feel less dumb.
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PatBateman
> Your boy, BJR
08/01/2015 at 11:22 |
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PERFECT.
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PatBateman
> macanamera
08/01/2015 at 11:23 |
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I feel less dumb as well now. Thank you.
415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°)
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 11:41 |
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For used exotics I think a V10 R8 would be cool, personally if I had that kind of money to spend on a car it would be older, I’d probably find a 432 240Z or put a Hakosuka motor in mine and make a 432 clone. Or build an RSR clone out of a Carerra, could easily do that for $155K, could do it for 80k. I saw a black Diablo coming out of a neighborhood near me this morning. Never seen it before, maybe a new purchase or he just always drives it earlier than I get up. There is a a guy with a dark purple targa Diablo around here somewhere though.
boxrocket
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 11:50 |
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I actually like that about the doors. Makes it extra special, and the potential glitchiness reminds you it’s a Brit, in the wonky tradition of Lucas, Lotus, Noble, Jaguar, Aston Martin, Land Rover, etc.
Viggen
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 12:11 |
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Did they continue with this on the 650S?
MLGCarGuy
> Viggen
08/01/2015 at 12:30 |
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They changed the design for the 650S, it’s now an actual button under the top curve.
Svend
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 13:21 |
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“Basically, like he’s giving his McLaren a good scratch behind the ears as if it were a lap dog.”
If you owned a McLaren I think people will forgive you stroking the car.
I mean it's not like TVR who put the door release under the wing mirror, awesome place till some idiot doesn't see your car properly while they are parking and takes off your wing mirror.
Gripevo1
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 13:38 |
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I put a couple thousand miles on an early 12c...you get used to it. Im pretty sure only the first year cars have it..they went over to a small button on later models. Hope your buddy enjoys his 12c...my buddy got rid of his for a P1 and he regrets not keeping the 12c also.
Frank Grimes
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 14:14 |
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Why can’t they just put a button to pop the door up they could hide it under the body line?
Also why do rich people buy cars and not know how to open the door? Did they have it delivered? Did they not research anything or at least read the manual?
AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC
> Frank Grimes
08/01/2015 at 14:28 |
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They did add a small Button after the first batch when people had issues opening the doors. There’s a clip explaining it in one of the videos Evo did for their long term test of one.
Mr. Ligier 812 GTC4Lusso Rubicon Pista
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 14:52 |
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I miss my 2012 12C. BEST doors. Most original owners prefer the swipe to the current button.
Kruezerman
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 14:52 |
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Ah, the joys of being poor, don’t have to worry about complicated doors!
Apex Assassin
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 14:54 |
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Fixed.
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
pvabezerra
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 14:55 |
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From what I saw on both videos, it was a problem with the fingertips. The guy from McLaren clearly says to make sure the fingertips are touching each other.
soundman98
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 14:57 |
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lol, so the car needs to be stroked, just like the owners ego!!
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soundman98
> Your boy, BJR
08/01/2015 at 14:58 |
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this is a huge warning sign— if people need to be instructed how to open a car door, the car door is what’s screwed up.
smalleyxb122
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 14:58 |
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If you’re going to make something “better”, be damned sure it actually is. I think McLaren missed the mark on the door “handles”, and they have even conceded the point, as evidenced by the button added to subsequent models.
Well Spoken Waffle
> PS9
08/01/2015 at 14:59 |
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...you... you used me... *me to my mclaren*
Tohru
> beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard
08/01/2015 at 15:00 |
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PUT A HANDLE ON IT YOU WANKERS
I’m sitting here laughing my ass off imagining this being said instead of Beyonce’s infernal screeching “If you like it you should’ve put a ring on it”
AndrosZ
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 15:01 |
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Definitely not a getaway car.
Chech
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 15:01 |
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McLaren just wanted to give you that TVR experience. Button under the side mirror to open from the outside. Button on the stereo to open from the inside.
Bryson
> Frank Grimes
08/01/2015 at 15:04 |
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They put a button on the 650S
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Bryson
> PS9
08/01/2015 at 15:06 |
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If you press the unlock button on the keyfob twice it’ll pop the door open so you can just lift it up.
willmederski
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 15:09 |
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yeah, if you’re going to make something gesture activated, don’t make it a super precise gesture.
because that’s the point of a gesture, rather than having to put a key in a 1/4 slot...
Joan Barreda Borts 3rd Knee
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 15:12 |
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Well good thing you posted this, I’d probably just live inside it because I’d be too embarassed to leave close the door, and have to figure it out.
Can’t say that’d be that bad though.
cire78
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 15:21 |
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So what happens when your in an accident and nobody can figure out how to open the doors. Hell I was at a local accident scene and I had to tell the f.d. where the battery was in a BMW.
Unitedmoviemaker
> Gripevo1
08/01/2015 at 15:22 |
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I’m not sure if I’d be upset with having a P1 over a 12c. I think if I could afford a P1, I’d still be able to keep the 12c, as well (why not have more than one McLaren anyway?).
-Tom-
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 15:26 |
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Thats weird, the MP4-12c I got to play around in didnt seem to open the doors like that. I thought I just touched at the “end” spot of the swipe with two fingers and it opened. I also remember the owner had a small pad of clear bra under there just to protect that one little touch spot...hrm. I wonder if there was a change made at some point in time?
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Gripevo1
> Unitedmoviemaker
08/01/2015 at 15:29 |
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In his case it was a space issue (big city problems lol). I think he misses the smooth ride (seriously, the 12c rides like a s-class in comfort mode),way less attention, and daily-driver ability of the 12c. It is one of the all time great everyday supercars.
Leon711
> Tohru
08/01/2015 at 15:32 |
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“IF YOU LIKE IT THEN YOU SHOULD HAVE PUT A HANDLE ON IT YOU WANKERS”
Brilliant.
RossEnzo
> Flavien Vidal
08/01/2015 at 15:35 |
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To buy a $155k you really don’t even have to be a millionaire. You just have to make over $500k a year
X-cchannel-M
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 15:37 |
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Here is an instructional video on the correct method to open the doors:
Lopoetve
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 15:44 |
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Totally this. Those doors suck ass. Both times I've driven the 12C I've had to spend a good minute getting them open and I even know most of the tricks >_<
For Sweden
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 15:48 |
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Psh it’s a six figure car all I need are six figures
TurboBrick
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 15:54 |
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It's theft protection!
BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
> beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard
08/01/2015 at 15:58 |
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I’m of the iPhone generation.
Opening this car’s doors seems pretty fucking simple to me, honestly.
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whooosh
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 16:01 |
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Don’t be afraid to touch it.
stillthrottledown
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 16:05 |
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He will eventually get used to opening the door. But after the first wave of MP4-12Cs they replaced the swipe with an actual button.
porschephile463
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 16:07 |
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There has to be a manual override for dead battery....that's exotic car 101. Even if you have it on a charger, Consuela may accidentally unplug it while dusting it.
GLHNSLHT2
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 16:12 |
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Lame you have to rub the paint every time you want in.
JimHallChaparral2F
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 16:19 |
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This is almost the same scenario only in reverse when Corvette owners have been unable to get out of their cars. Did McLaren do this as a theft deterrent or was it done to clean up the outside of the door area?
Laurie
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 16:21 |
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I actually think it’s a cool feature. It was explained to me as “it’s like a beautiful woman... if you want to play with her you’ve got to have the right touch.” - and for that reason I think it’s awesome. Sadly, later McLarens have a more conventional soft touch rubber pad.
nelbol
> PS9
08/01/2015 at 16:23 |
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That has to be some special Corolla to cost $30k.
Dr_Watson
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 16:23 |
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So if you use a closed fist to swipe rather than an open hand; you can open the door with a “ wanker” gesture... Interesting feature.
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Huffytoss
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 16:29 |
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SlickMcRick
> PS9
08/01/2015 at 16:35 |
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You can price a Corolla to $30k!? What have I missed?
Soused
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 16:36 |
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My dad bought a 1968 Mercedes 220D. The guy at the dealership showerd him how to start it, but for some reason, when he got home he had a total brain fart.
He had to call the dealership up and have them walk him through the start-up procedure. He didn’t forget after that.
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Flavien Vidal
> RossEnzo
08/01/2015 at 16:40 |
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWoQvy…
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PS9
> SlickMcRick
08/01/2015 at 16:41 |
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PS9
> nelbol
08/01/2015 at 16:45 |
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What’chu talkin’ bout willis? Only ballas and shot callas can afford to drive a Corolla!
Garrett Davis
> BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
08/01/2015 at 16:58 |
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It’s simple once you know how it’s done, but you never would have guessed it otherwise.
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Unitedmoviemaker
> Gripevo1
08/01/2015 at 17:03 |
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Ah, that makes sense.
I didn’t know that about the 12c. Well, when the ship arrives, I guess I’ll have to find a good used 12c example.
(Also, the 12c is better than the 650s in the fact that the 12c doesn’t look like a mini-P1).
StingrayJake
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 17:06 |
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Didn't you leave Oppo?
Mad Raph
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 17:08 |
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Still better than Tesla S
Aldairion
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 17:16 |
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Oh that’s just asinine.
EL_ULY
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 17:37 |
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C7 Z06 doesn’t have this issue
Menebrio
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 17:54 |
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Opening McLaren Doors 101:
Place your fingers together, with an open palm and run your hands along the crease of shit metal. You don't have to do it to soft or too hard. Basically, what you want to think about is wiping your ass. Just run your hand along the body line and at the end, flick it upwards.
Pitmang1
> PS9
08/01/2015 at 18:06 |
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wætherman
> For Sweden
08/01/2015 at 18:14 |
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You missed the meme - google billionaire doors.
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For Sweden
> wætherman
08/01/2015 at 18:15 |
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I know the meme, and it is stupid
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wætherman
> For Sweden
08/01/2015 at 18:49 |
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Technically, you’re wrong.
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DoneWithKinja
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 18:55 |
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These doors are nothing compared to TVR doors
Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment
> PS9
08/01/2015 at 19:06 |
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It’s awesome.
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Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment
> PS9
08/01/2015 at 19:08 |
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....yes? Lol. Pretty much ever car has keyless entry, and this car also has a “keyless-go” setup where you keep the fob in your pocket and unlocks for you when you try to open it if you have the key fob on you. And then can start/stop it as well with a button.
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Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment
> beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard
08/01/2015 at 19:08 |
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No.
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Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment
> BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
08/01/2015 at 19:09 |
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It’s literally almost easier than regular door handles. This site should just change its fucking name to “Ludditenik”
bratkitty
> PS9
08/01/2015 at 19:09 |
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My car was cheaper than a Corolla. :(
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Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment
> RossEnzo
08/01/2015 at 19:10 |
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Not even that, if you’re financing it or leasing it, so long as you’re pulling down 200k or so after taxes you should be fine. If you’re single, of course. Otherwise there’s all kinds of variables and expenses.
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Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment
> soundman98
08/01/2015 at 19:11 |
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...no...they just need to learn how to use it. Did you come out of the womb knowing how to use an iPhone? A computer in general? A car? A blender? A light switch? No. You had to learn.
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Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 19:11 |
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I’d like to join this club of Less Dumb Gentlemen as well.
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Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment
> EL_ULY
08/01/2015 at 19:12 |
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No it just wants to melt itself is all
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Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment
> Mr. Ligier 812 GTC4Lusso Rubicon Pista
08/01/2015 at 19:13 |
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If I ever bought one I’d want the swipe...much more unique. Sounds like an excuse to pick up a cheap first-year car.
Stef Schrader
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 19:13 |
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BUY IT!
I don’t even care about the doors. The doors are dumb. Just. BUY IT!
It’s a McLaren from before they ruined the headlamps buy it buy it buy it.
I remember it being an awkward seating position for me, but sounding awesome. If you fit in it. BUY IT. Also, I think other people opened the doors when we got to drive the Spider around, thus preventing autojourno rage mode, and also why I don’t remember door rage. Clever. Very clever.
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Mr. Ligier 812 GTC4Lusso Rubicon Pista
> Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment
08/01/2015 at 19:15 |
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The sheer number of other, genuine issues with the first cars would be a better reason to avoid 2012 12Cs
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kraziek
> BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
08/01/2015 at 19:19 |
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I have to agree. Plus you get better aerodynamics because of it.
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beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard
> Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment
08/01/2015 at 19:21 |
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ever missed a call on an iPhone that wouldn’t unlock?
The touch sensors on these doors are known to potentially fail, especially in wet weather.
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PatBateman
> Stef Schrader
08/01/2015 at 19:22 |
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I just texted him the link. “BUY IT” is the same advice I gave him.
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PatBateman
> Gripevo1
08/01/2015 at 19:27 |
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The ride is something we noticed. The 12C floats. When we got back into the GT-R, it felt like we were off-roading on a rock course.
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PatBateman
> StingrayJake
08/01/2015 at 19:31 |
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I made a post this morning explaining my return. The situation was rectified as best as it could be.
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PatBateman
> soundman98
08/01/2015 at 19:33 |
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I’ll tell you that my friend doesn’t need his ego stroked. He just likes fast cars. Very nice guy.
However, for the majority of McLaren owners, that statement is probably correct.
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PatBateman
> Apex Assassin
08/01/2015 at 19:35 |
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Y U Jelly?
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PatBateman
> Joan Barreda Borts 3rd Knee
08/01/2015 at 19:36 |
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Surprisingly comfortable car.
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PatBateman
> cire78
08/01/2015 at 19:37 |
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Windows break easily if you know exactly where and how to hit them.
-Former Firefighter/EMT
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theWong
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 19:38 |
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Is there a manual way of opening from the outside? What If it’s faulty and need an alternative say to get in?
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PatBateman
> theWong
08/01/2015 at 19:41 |
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To my knowledge, there isn't. Also: don't let the battery die.
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EL_ULY
> Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment
08/01/2015 at 19:42 |
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Like a true supercar lolololol
sammyjay
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 19:59 |
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Gonna trust Pat Bateman’s advice on this one.
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Gripevo1
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 19:59 |
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Yea. Its pretty amazing...you actually tend to forget your driving a supercar after a while. Not in the p1 though...the comfort setting on the p1 is about the same as the track setting on the 12c....the power though...oye
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Gripevo1
> PatBateman
08/01/2015 at 20:02 |
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Actually the large majority of mclaren owners that ive met are real car guys. Also, they actually use their cars on track way more than Ferrari or Lamborghini owners. But of course there are douche bags that with any car brand.
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Gripevo1
> theWong
08/01/2015 at 20:08 |
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Theres a small removable access under the top of the main side air intakes(turning vane in mclaren speak) that has a keyhole to manually open the drivers door. Also theres a manual release inside the car to get outout.
Funktheduck
> PS9
08/01/2015 at 20:22 |
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How did you beat me?