Should I Buy a New or Used McLaren 720S?

The Reality: You're Buying Used, Whether You Know It Yet

Let's start with a hard truth. McLaren discontinued the 720S in 2022, replacing it with the next-generation 750S. If you're shopping for a 720S today in 2026, you have exactly three options: purchase a used example from the secondary market, buy remaining new-old-stock inventory from dealers (rare and expensive), or buy the 750S instead.

The "new" 720S doesn't exist anymore. What remains are scattered 2021 and 2022 examples sitting in dealer inventory—sometimes called "new-old-stock" or NOS—with original factory miles and full factory warranty. These vehicles exist in small numbers, command significant premiums over comparable used examples, and increasingly, buyers are asking whether the premium is justified when you could buy a low-mileage 2021 720S for $50,000–$80,000 less.

This article will help you navigate that decision. We'll examine pricing across both markets, compare ownership costs, analyze warranty implications, and help you determine whether a "new" 720S is worth buying or whether the used market offers better value.

The McLaren 720S: Where It Came From and Why It Ended

The McLaren 720S debuted in 2017 as a successor to the critically acclaimed 650S. Over its five-year production run, it became one of the most important modern supercars—a twin-turbo V8 that delivered 710 horsepower, 0–60 mph in 2.7 seconds, and a driving experience that won global acclaim. Road & Track, Car and Driver, and dozens of international publications called it one of the finest driver's cars ever made.

In 2022, McLaren discontinued the 720S to make room for the 765LT and the next-generation 750S. The 750S inherited the 720S's twin-turbo architecture but received a +30 hp upgrade (740 hp vs 710 hp), revised aerodynamics, lighter weight, and a starting price of $299,000 MSRP. That $299,000 figure is critical to understand when comparing new 720S inventory against used examples.

This is why the new vs used decision matters so much. The 750S is the spiritual successor to the 720S, and it exists right now at authorized dealers. A buyer comparing a new-old-stock 2022 720S at $320,000 with a brand-new 750S at $299,000 needs to understand what they're gaining or losing in that trade-off.

The Complete Pricing Picture: New-Old-Stock vs Used Across Model Years

Let's establish the market reality as of early 2026. Pricing varies by mileage, condition, color, specification, and region, but these ranges reflect actual dealer and private sale data:

Year	Condition	Market Range	Sweet Spot (Mileage)	Notes
2018	Used	$155K–$190K	8K–20K miles	Original 720S; good baseline value
2019	Used	$165K–$210K	5K–18K miles	Improved electronics; preferred year
2020	Used	$175K–$220K	2K–15K miles	COVID-era low-mileage examples
2021	Used	$185K–$230K	Under 8K miles	Final refresh; premium pricing
2022	Used	$200K–$260K	Under 5K miles	Last production year; rare low-mileage
2022	New-Old-Stock	$310K–$340K	0 miles (factory)	Full warranty; severe premium
2021	New-Old-Stock	$290K–$315K	0 miles (factory)	Extremely rare; priced aggressively

Notice the pricing cliff. A new-old-stock 2022 720S at $320,000 is $60,000–$120,000 more expensive than a pristine, low-mileage used 2022 example in nearly identical condition. That premium buys you three years of remaining factory warranty coverage and bragging rights about "factory original" status—but both cars are mechanically identical, both have never been driven, and both will depreciate at similar rates from that point forward.

Understanding Warranty: The Hidden Value in Used 720S Purchase

Here's where the comparison gets interesting. McLaren's factory warranty structure changes everything about the used vs new decision:

New-Old-Stock (Factory): Full three-year factory warranty, transferable to second owner. Some dealer inventory includes McLaren Extended Care packages extending coverage to 12 years or unlimited mileage. This is valuable, but used 720S cars don't come without protection either.

Used 720S from Authorized Dealer: If purchased through a McLaren dealership certified pre-owned program, the car typically includes 12 months of additional warranty coverage on top of whatever original warranty remains. A 2021 720S with one year remaining on factory warranty suddenly has two years of coverage.

Used 720S from Private Sale: No warranty. You inherit the remaining original three-year factory coverage from delivery date. A 2021 delivered in mid-2021 has roughly 4.5 years of warranty left—more than a brand-new 750S at purchase.

That last point bears repeating: a well-timed used 720S purchase can provide more warranty coverage than buying a new 750S. If you buy a 2020 720S delivered in late 2020, it still has 18+ months of original warranty remaining. Add a McLaren Qualified Pre-Owned certification, and you've got 30+ months of coverage for $175,000–$220,000 instead of $299,000 for a new 750S with only 36 months of warranty.

Depreciation Math: Why Used Buyers Win This Round

The 720S has already lost approximately 40–50% of its original MSRP. A 2018 launch edition with $315,000 MSRP now trades for $155,000–$190,000. That's brutal for the original buyer but fantastic for today's used car shoppers.

Here's the critical insight: the steepest depreciation is behind you. The graph looks roughly like this:

• Years 0–2: 30–40% depreciation (original owners suffer this)
• Years 2–5: 8–15% additional depreciation
• Years 5+: 3–5% annual depreciation (relatively stable)

If you buy a used 2021 720S for $210,000 and keep it for three years, you'll likely sell it for $190,000–$200,000. That's $10,000–$20,000 in total depreciation, or roughly $280–$555 per month. For a supercar, that's extraordinarily cheap. Contrast that with buying a new-old-stock 2022 at $330,000: in three years, expect to sell for roughly $280,000–$290,000 in the used market. You'll have absorbed $40,000–$50,000 in depreciation—about $1,100–$1,400 per month—just to avoid the word "pre-owned."

Used buyers get an asymmetrical advantage here. The depreciation curve has already flattened by the time you buy, which means your holding costs are lower and your eventual resale value is more predictable.

Total Cost of Ownership: New-Old-Stock vs Used Over Three Years

Purchase price is just the beginning. Let's calculate what it actually costs to own each option for three years of typical driving (8,000 miles/year):

Expense Category	Used 2021 (210K)	New-Old-Stock 2022 (330K)	New 750S (299K)	Winner
Purchase Price	$210,000	$330,000	$299,000	Used
Insurance (3 yr annual avg)	$5,200	$5,800	$5,400	Used
Maintenance (24K miles)	$4,800	$2,400	$2,400	NOS/750S
Fuel (24K miles)	$5,600	$5,600	$5,400	750S
Tires & Brakes	$4,200	$2,800	$2,800	NOS/750S
Registration & Taxes	$3,600	$3,600	$3,600	Tie
Depreciation (3 years)	$15,000	$45,000	$50,000	Used
Total 3-Year Cost	$248,400	$395,200	$368,600	Used by $147K
Monthly Cost	$688	$1,098	$1,024	Used by $410/mo

The used 2021 720S costs $147,000 less to own than a new-old-stock 2022 over three years. Even versus the new 750S—which is technically superior in almost every way—the used 720S comes out $120,000 ahead. That's life-changing money. For most buyers, that gap makes the choice obvious.

The 720S vs 750S Comparison: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

This is the question that matters most. If you're considering a $310,000 new-old-stock 720S, you're essentially competing against a $299,000 new 750S. Here's how they stack up:

Specification	720S	750S	Advantage
Engine	4.0L Twin-Turbo V8	4.0L Twin-Turbo V8	Identical
Horsepower	710 hp	740 hp	750S (+30)
0–60 mph	2.7 seconds	2.6 seconds	750S
Top Speed	212 mph	217 mph	750S
Aerodynamics	Proven; effective	Revised; enhanced	750S
Weight	2,642 lbs	2,590 lbs	750S (-52 lbs)
Infotainment	8.0-inch screen	10.2-inch screen	750S
Interior Design	Aggressive; dated	Refined; modern	750S
Warranty	3 years (factory)	3 years (factory)	Tie
Sound Character	Iconic; raw	Refined; quieter	720S
Rarity/Collectibility	Final 720S model	New generation	720S

The 750S is objectively the superior car. It's lighter, faster, more modern, and equipped with better technology. McLaren's engineering team refined every aspect to make it a generational improvement. But it costs slightly more at MSRP, and that premium grows significantly when comparing new-old-stock 720S (which dealers are aggressively pricing) against the 750S.

The 720S has something the 750S doesn't: finality. It's the last of its lineage, the final iteration of a design that defined modern supercar excellence. Some buyers value that narrative. Others prefer the 750S's upgrades.

From a purely financial standpoint, the used 720S wins decisively. A $200,000 used 2022 example delivers 99% of the driving experience at 67% of the new 750S price.

Common Used Market Concerns: What Actually Matters and What Doesn't

Buying used exotic cars creates anxiety. Let's address the real risks versus the imagined ones:

Service History Gaps (Real Concern)

McLaren's dealer network is small. Some buyers fail to service their 720S cars through McLaren dealerships, instead using independent exotic specialists. This creates gaps in the official service history. Before buying any used 720S, request complete service records and verify that all work was performed by qualified technicians. A full-service 720S is worth a $10,000 premium over one with questionable service gaps.

Track Use and Abuse (Real Concern)

Some 720S examples have been tracked. Hard cornering, sustained high-RPM running, and track day participation accelerate wear on transmission fluid, brake fluid, and cooling systems. A pre-purchase inspection should include a diagnostic scan to check for track-related fault codes. Ask the seller directly about track use—most will be honest, and documentation exists (racing slick tire marks, circuit insurance records).

Modification Reversals (Real Concern)

The 720S community includes tuners. Some cars have been modified (turbo upgrades, ECU tunes, exhaust work) and then returned to stock configuration. While modern McLarens can usually be safely reversed, inconsistent modifications can damage reliability. Always get a thorough inspection of the engine bay and request ECU diagnostic history. Stock, unmodified cars command a premium, and that premium is justified.

Hidden Damage from Accidents (Real but Manageable)

It happens. A $200,000 supercar gets hit, repaired, and resold without full transparency. This is why pre-purchase inspection is non-negotiable. A certified exotic car inspector should check panel gaps, paint thickness with a gauge, suspension alignment, and request accident history reports. Budget $800–$1,500 for a thorough inspection—it's the cheapest insurance you'll ever buy.

Dealer vs Private Purchase (Preference, Not Risk)

Buying from a McLaren dealership certified pre-owned program includes inspection, warranty extension, and peace of mind. Buying from a private seller is cheaper but riskier. Both are viable. A private 2021 720S at $205,000 with full service records and no red flags is arguably a better deal than a dealer example at $230,000 with aggressive warranty markups.

Should You Buy McLaren Certified Pre-Owned?

McLaren's certified pre-owned program adds value but comes with a price. A CPO 2021 720S costs roughly $15,000–$25,000 more than an identical private sale example. What do you get?

• 112-point inspection (thorough, documented)
• 12-month warranty extension beyond original factory warranty
• 24/7 roadside assistance
• Dealer network access for any future service
• Psychological comfort and potential resale value premium

For first-time exotic car buyers or those prioritizing peace of mind, McLaren CPO is worth it. For experienced buyers comfortable with independent inspections, private sales offer better value. Calculate your comfort level—if the CPO premium feels acceptable, buy CPO. If that $15,000–$25,000 gap bothers you, a private car with a pre-purchase inspection is equally safe.

The Winning Strategy: How to Actually Buy

If you're convinced that a used 720S makes financial sense, here's the process:

Step 1: Define Your Budget and Timeline

Decide whether you're buying new-old-stock, certified pre-owned, or private sale. Determine how much mileage you can tolerate (under 5K is pristine; 5–15K is excellent; 15–25K is good; above 25K needs scrutiny). Set your price ceiling—these cars are expensive, and emotional decisions lead to overpaying.

Step 2: Search the Market Broadly

Don't limit yourself to your local area. Check authorized McLaren dealers in major metros, Bring a Trailer auctions, Dunn Automotive, exotic specialty dealers, and private listings. Use year-by-year comparisons to identify the sweet spot for your needs.

Step 3: Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection

Non-negotiable. A comprehensive exotic car inspection costs $1,000–$1,500 and examines transmission function, cooling system integrity, suspension geometry, engine diagnostics, paint/body condition, and interior functionality. This step has saved countless buyers from $10,000–$50,000 problems after purchase.

Step 4: Negotiate from Data, Not Emotion

Know your market. A 2021 720S with 8K miles should cost roughly $205,000–$220,000 nationally. If a dealer is asking $240,000, you have leverage. Use Automonitor's market data, recent comparable sales, and auction results to establish a realistic offer.

Step 5: Secure Financing Early

Exotic car lenders like JJ Best Banc and Woodside Credit specialize in McLaren financing. Typical terms: 20–30% down, 60–72 month terms, 5.9–9.9% APR depending on credit and vehicle age. Get pre-approved before shopping so you negotiate from a position of strength.

Step 6: Use Automonitor's Concierge Service

If the process feels overwhelming, Automonitor's buying service handles market research, pre-purchase inspection coordination, negotiation, and logistics. We've completed hundreds of supercar purchases and take the guesswork out of this decision.

When a New-Old-Stock 720S Actually Makes Sense

Despite the financial disadvantages, some buyers should prioritize new-old-stock:

Collectors with specific specifications: If you want a particular color, interior combination, or option package no longer available used, new-old-stock might be your only path. Some 2022 720S examples came with exclusive colors that older cars don't have.

Buyers prioritizing peace of mind: If warranty anxiety keeps you up at night, buying new eliminates 100% of hidden problem risk. You inherit the car from the factory, sealed and untouched.

Tax and incentive considerations: In some jurisdictions, purchasing a new vehicle unlocks tax credits or incentive programs unavailable for used purchases. Consult a CPA about your specific situation.

Marketing purposes: If you plan to resell the car publicly and want to advertise "factory original," new-old-stock has marketing value that used examples don't.

For everyone else? Used wins on the math.

The Final Verdict

You should buy a used McLaren 720S instead of new-old-stock or a new 750S if you're making a rational financial decision. A pristine 2021 720S with full service records, pre-purchase inspection, and remaining warranty coverage costs $100,000–$150,000 less than new-old-stock over a three-year ownership period while delivering identical driving experience.

The 720S is an extraordinary car. Its twin-turbo engine remains one of the finest powertrains ever engineered. Its chassis handling defines modern supercar behavior. Its depreciation has already absorbed the steepest loss—your job is to capture the value by buying in the used market where the best prices exist.

Focus on low mileage (under 15K), complete service history, pre-purchase inspection clearance, and warranty status. Use Automonitor's buying guides to understand market pricing. Compare competing cars like the Lamborghini Huracan and Ferrari F8 Tributo to confirm you're buying the right car for your needs.

The McLaren 720S is worth buying. Just buy it used.