1. Are McLaren prices finally stabilizing?

2. The pandemic price boom and bust

3. The 650S: Leading the bottoming trend

4. Other models showing bottoming patterns

5. The losers: GT and Artura still falling fast

6. McLaren vs Ferrari: How do they compare?

7. Putting it all together

8. Conclusion

Are McLaren prices finally stabilizing?

McLarens have long been infamous for their steep depreciation rates — with some models historically losing up to 20% of their value per year. Unlike other high-end marques, even older McLarens have often continued to depreciate with no clear bottom in sight. But 2024 may be the turning point.

Recent pricing data suggests that the freefall is slowing. Some models have stabilized, and a few are even appreciating in value. If you’re a buyer, seller, or simply a car market enthusiast, now’s the time to pay attention.

The pandemic price boom and bust

Back in May 2020, McLaren prices surged alongside the broader market, spurred by pandemic-driven demand and supply shortages. This rally peaked in early 2022. Afterward, however, McLarens took a harder hit than most, with depreciation rates well above average. By mid-2023, the market began to normalize, and by mid-2024, signs of stabilization emerged.

The 650S: Leading the bottoming trend

Let’s start with the 650S, a model that’s long been praised for its performance and value. In May 2020, the median price for a 650S Spider was €136,000. It climbed to €164,000 before falling back to €135,000 in March 2024. Most recently, prices ticked up slightly to €139,000 — a modest 1% gain.

While this increase isn’t statistically significant due to small market size, the fact that prices have stayed flat for 16 months suggests a real shift in market dynamics. However, when adjusting for inflation, prices are still 18.16% below their pre-pandemic levels — consistent with broader market trends.

Other models showing bottoming patterns

12C

This model shows a similar, albeit more volatile trend. Spiders depreciated just 2.2% last year, while coupes dropped by 5.3%. Though the data is noisier, the signs point toward a stabilizing market.

570S

In the 570S Spider market, prices remained stable over the last year. Coupes, on the other hand, declined 6.2%. Given the strong historical correlation between both body types, this discrepancy might resolve soon — either coupes will flatten, or spiders will drop.

600LT

Echoing the 570S, 600LT Spiders lost only 2.3% over the past year, while coupes dropped 7.3%. Again, the trend suggests bottoming, with a stronger flattening seen in coupe data.

720S & 765LT

While still depreciating, both models are doing so at slower rates. The 720S Spider dropped 6.7%, and the coupe 7.4%. Similarly, the 765LT fell by 7.2%, down from previously much steeper rates.

675LT

Though inventory is low, the 675LT appears to have reversed course in 2024, with a 6.1% price increase. Due to market size and volatility, it’s hard to confirm, but it’s a promising sign.

The losers: GT and Artura still falling fast

Not all McLarens are seeing relief. The GT continues to slide, with a 9.3% drop over the past year. Unsold cars are at record highs, and dealers recently offered discounts averaging 5%.

Worse still is the Artura, which plunged 21.2% — about €45,800 — in just one year. While the bleeding seems to be slowing, half of all Arturas still sit unsold after 3 months on the market.

McLaren vs Ferrari: How do they compare?

The McLaren market isn’t alone in its recovery. Ferrari’s mid-engine models — particularly the 458 — are also showing signs of strength. Prices for 458 Spiders are climbing again and outperforming the 650S.

Compared to Ferraris like the 488 and F8, the McLaren 720S depreciates slightly more, but the gap isn’t dramatic. However, when looking at newer models, Ferrari clearly holds the edge. For instance, the Artura has fallen far more than the Ferrari 296 or SF90.

Interestingly, McLaren models like the 600LT and 570S — which lack direct Ferrari competitors — are faring relatively well when compared to general market depreciation trends.

Putting it all together

Let’s zoom out. Between March 2023 and March 2024, McLarens (excluding the Artura) lost an average of 3.4%, down from 7.4% the previous year. That’s an encouraging shift.

Best-performing models (strong bottoming trends):

• 650S

• 675LT

• 570S

• 600LT

• 12C

Moderate stabilization:

• 720S

• 765LT

Still declining quickly:

• GT

• Artura

Compared to the rest of the used car market — which saw an average price drop of 4% — McLarens are now performing slightly better, though Ferraris still maintain the upper hand.

Conclusion

For the first time in years, depreciation rates for McLarens are approaching reasonable levels. If you’re a value-conscious buyer, this may be your moment — particularly for the 650S and 675LT. While reliability concerns remain (and an extended warranty is still a smart choice), McLarens now present a more attractive value proposition than ever before.

Inspired by the analysis of our friend @fourwheeltrader. Make sure you check his other videos https://www.youtube.com/@fourwheeltrader/featured.

 

 

Are you already a proud owner of a classic car? If so, check out our selection of parts for this car at the following link:

https://octoclassic.com/

 

 

Photos sources: amaxofilia.com, ausmotive.com, hdcarwallpapers.com, alastairbols.com, MOTOR1, autocar.co.uk