Used Mclaren 570s 2015-2019 Review

This Woking wonder punches far above its weight Want a V8-powered semi-supercar for the same price as a new six-pot sports car? The classifieds are full of supercar slayers that make a mockery of buying new, and for less than £70,000 you can get your hands on one of the best: the McLaren 570S.The flagship in McLaren's Sports Series line-up was launched as an 'entry model' to sit beneath the 650S and 675LT, but one look at the 570S's technical spec shows it was a cut above the likes of the Porsche Cayman and Lotus Evora.With 562bhp and 443lb ft, the McLaren's sizzling 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 has the firepower to keep pace with true supercars. Despite being 40bhp and two cylinders down on the Audi R8 V10, the 570S matches its 3.1sec 0-60mph time and will top 200mph. It can cover a standing quarter mile in 11.0sec, too, the same as its 650S big sibling.The engine is crisp and responsive, the seven-speed dual-clutch 'box is slick in all driving modes and the 8000rpm redline ensures plenty of drama.However, it's worth mentioning that the soundtrack is somewhat lacking in character compared with the 570S's Italian and German rivals. You could try aftermarket exhausts from Larini, QuickSilver or Novitec to improve things, but note that extreme mods can void the McLaren warranty.The 570S has the handling prowess and ride quality to match its scintillating performance partly because weight is kept low thanks to its carbonfibre tub and aluminium panels: this car tips the scales at just 1440kg.Unlike its Super Series relations, the 570S goes without McLaren's clever hydraulic suspension and instead uses adaptive dampers and regular anti-roll bars. But that's no matter, because it can still muster supercar levels of engagement."Grip levels are huge and the handling is incisive and never hyperactive" is how our five-star road test summarised the dynamics. The weighty steering has scalpel-sharp precision, and there is impressive poise and predictability. Lumps and bumps are ironed out effectively, and the otherwise pliant ride is only caught out by sharp edges and potholes.The supercar's touring credentials shine brightest in the slightly plusher 570GT that landed in 2017. Its softened spring rates are even more pliant, and it's better on the eye, with a sleek, fastback rear end. The side-hinged glass hatch can be opened to access the GT's 220-litre "Touring deck' (that's Woking-speak for 'boot').So do you go for the stiffer S or more supple GT? Or split the difference with the 570GT Sport Pack? It gets the same suspension, steering and Pirelli Corsas as the 570S but has the GT's touring add-ons and sleek curves. It's a rare find in the classifieds but worth seeking out for its spread of abilities.You pay closer to £80,000 for a GT, which makes them marginally dearer than a 570S, but you'll easily find a car with a full McLaren history and only a few previous owners.The readout on the odometer is important but less of a determining factor when it comes to price: McLaren owners are generally a conscientious bunch who stick to servicing schedules and shell out on big-name parts.Make sure you check for the options you want, though, and ensure every part is working and/or gleaming as it should be. Then all you need do is drive this Brit brute as its maker intended.