McLaren 720S Maintenance Cost: What Owners Don’t Tell You

The common perception of owning a supercar is that it is a way of living the life of luxury and finally achieving a long-held ambition. Certainly, these cars look fabulous, they can take you from 0-60 in next to no time and they will always guarantee you the attention you wish for. But, as with everything in life there are two sides to every coin and it isn't long before the subject of the costs are always to the fore of the minds of even the most eager of owners. The servicing, maintenance and repairs to a car such as a McLaren 720S are inevitably overlooked in the initial euphoria of finally realising the long-held dream of owning one of these magnificent beasts.

A car that defies definition as simply a luxury sports car, the 720S is a testament to McLaren’s relentless commitment to innovation. Powered by an all-aluminium 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine delivering over 700hp and aided by the strategic deployment of a host of active aerodynamic devices, the 720S is propelled by a uniquely hydraulically-linked suspension system. The car must be looked after with the same relentless attention to detail that defined its creation.

A very transparent guide giving a true experience based costing of the cost of ownership. Very useful for all those thinking of purchasing and for all existing owners when deciding on what can often be very practical changes and upgrades.

Understanding the Real Cost of Ownership

Owning a 720S is not just about fuel and oil changes. Maintenance involves:

• Scheduled annual servicing
• Wear and tear components (brakes, tires, battery)
• Unexpected repairs
• Software updates and diagnostics
• Insurance and extended warranty coverage

While many drivers are not in the habit of driving their car frequently, there are still numerous fees and charges that need to be paid out as years go by.

The annual maintenance cost is in the range of $3,000 to $8,000. Again, this estimate is highly dependent on the degree of degradation that occurred prior to maintenance. Replacement of the high performance components can significantly increase this cost.

Annual Service Costs

McLaren has revealed that the recommended servicing interval for the new 720S will be 12 months or 10,000 miles – whichever comes first.

What is Included in a Standard Service?

• Engine oil and filter change
• Brake inspection
• Suspension system check
• Software diagnostics
• Fluid top-offs and system updates

Average Cost:

$2,000 – $3,500 per year at an authorized dealership

Independent exotic specialists to TDC will charge a similar price but often with a slightly lower margin. The 720S has a plethora of state of the art technology incorporated into the chassis and suspension, such as the Proactive Chassis Control II suspension system, which demands a highly skilled technician to carry out any work.

Brake Replacement- A Major Expense

The 720S has carbon ceramic brakes as standard which are excellent for braking performance. But these are extremely costly to replace.

Carbon-Ceramic Brake Costs:

• Rotors (full set) - $15,000 – $20,000
• Brake pads - $3,000 – $5,000
• Labor - $1,000+

Carbon ceramic rotors will outlast steel rotors. Not just by a small margin but by thousands of miles. Steel rotor life will vary but we would say a conservative estimate is a minimum of 3 to 4 thousand miles less than the carbon ceramic units. Under average street driving conditions, the carbon-ceramic units will last in excess of 30,000 miles. On the track, their lifespan will be drastically reduced.

What owners don’t tell you?

Brake wear is highly dependent on your driving behavior. And aggressive canyon running or participating in track days can further accelerate that process.

Tire Replacement Costs

The McLaren 720S typically uses Pirelli P Zero or similar ultra high performance tires.

Cost Breakdown:

• Full set of tires- $2000 – $3000
• Installation and balancing- $300 – $500

Tires may last:

• 8,000–12,000 miles (aggressive driving)
• 12,000–15,000 miles (moderate driving)

The rear tires are wearing out quicker because of the rear wheel drive of the truck, as well as the amount of torque being produced, which is 568 lb-ft.

Battery Replacement and Electrical System

One of the downsides to owning a supercar is the problem of battery drain. Our 720S needs to be kept on a trickle charger.

Battery Replacement:

• Cost- $800 – $1,500
• Lifespan- 3–4 years (less if not maintained)

Failing to keep the vehicle on a charger can cause electronic faults and warning lights—leading to costly diagnostics.

Suspension System Repairs

The hydraulic suspension system in the 720S replaces the conventional anti-roll bars and is claimed to provide a superior ride and better handling. Unsurprisingly, it is an eye-wateringly costly piece of kit too.

While generally reliable, out-of-warranty repairs can cost:

• Hydraulic line repairs- $2,000 – $5,000
• Major suspension component replacement- $8,000+

Since many cars are still under warranty, owners hardly ever discuss these risks in public..

Clutch and Transmission

The 720S has a more sophisticated and long-lasting 7-speed dual-clutch transmission than previous McLarens.

Transmission service or repairs can cost:

• Fluid service- $1,000 – $2,000
• Major repair- $10,000+

The good news? When compared to previous models, the 720S has demonstrated increased dependability.

Warranty Considerations

McLaren offers:

• 3-year standard warranty (unlimited miles)
• Optional extended warranty programs

Although an extended warranty can cost between $4,000 and $6,000 annually, many owners believe it is necessary for peace of mind. 

Without warranty coverage, even minor electronic issues can become expensive.

Insurance Costs

The cost of insurance varies depending on the driver's location and profile but typical rates fall between:

• $4,000 – $8,000 annually,

Factors affecting cost:-

• Driving record
• Location
• Storage security
• Mileage driven

Supercars are classified as high-risk, high-value vehicles, increasing premiums.

Hidden Costs Owners Rarely Discuss

1. Depreciation

While not a maintenance cost, depreciation is a significant ownership expense. Early 720S models experienced notable value drops, though the market has stabilized.

2. Software Updates

Modern McLarens rely heavily on software integration. Occasional system updates or recalibrations can incur additional dealership charges.

3. Minor Repairs Add Up

Small items like:

• Door struts
• Sensors
• Infotainment glitches
• Carbon fiber trim replacement

Each can cost hundreds or thousands.

DIY Maintenance- Is It Possible?

In many ways the 720S is a very unusual car to maintain and repair. Although we do replace the cabin air filters and have even had to repaint the brake calipers for cosmetic repairs, a huge amount of work requires either bespoke tools or specialist computer software.

McLaren 720S parts are required. Using aftermarket or low quality parts will affect not only the performance and the safety of the vehicle but also the future value of the car.

The majority of car owners will have to visit distant specialists because the cheaper alternative parts to McLaren’s expensive products cannot be sourced locally. Purchasing aftermarket components for the McLaren 720S therefore offers them the opportunity of saving on the high prices charged by McLaren dealers.

Long-Term Ownership Costs (5-Year Estimate)

Here’s a realistic 5-year ownership projection (excluding fuel):

Estimated Total: $55,000 – $75,000 over five years

This estimate assumes no major failures. A significant repair could increase costs substantially.

Is the McLaren 720S Reliable?

The 720S is generally more reliable than an older car like the 12C. Still, this is a hypercar you pay a fortune for and something you’ll want to look after to the maximum extent possible.

Reliability depends heavily on:

• Regular servicing
• Proper storage
• Responsible driving
• Quality replacement components

Owners who maintain their vehicles proactively report fewer major issues.

Tips to Reduce Maintenance Costs

• When the car is parked, keep it on a battery tender.
• Warm up the engine properly before aggressive driving.
• Avoid excessive track use unless you have a budget for higher wear.
• Always follow the annual service schedule strictly.
• Buy quality McLaren 720S parts from trusted and popular suppliers.
• Consider extended warranty coverage if planning long term ownership.
• Reactive repairs are much more expensive than preventive maintenance.

What Owners Don’t Tell You

Many owners highlight the thrill, speed, and exclusivity but not the financial discipline required.They rarely mention:

• The anxiety of warranty expiration
• The cost of cosmetic carbon fiber damage
• The time spent scheduling specialist service
• The importance of proper parts sourcing

Owning a 720S is as much about responsibility as it is about performance.

Final Thoughts- Is It Worth It?

The McLaren 720S is a car that, when you really think about it, presents you with some truly remarkable handling, a revolutionary design and a host of new ideas and systems. A car that seems to ask for a price in return, though- your road respect, a healthy sum of money and probably a few nights of the occasional bad dream about the cost of replacing a dented panel.

Maintenance is manageable if:

• You budget realistically
• You maintain warranty coverage
• You use high-quality McLaren 720S parts
• You work with experienced exotic specialists

If you really get what these cars are all about, you might just find them the most satisfying of motoring experiences.

Are you looking to maintain or upgrade your exotic supercar? Finding a quality supplier for OEM parts or performance upgraded parts can be a difficult and daunting task. Here at Exotic Auto Parts we specialize in sourcing and supplying quality McLaren 720S parts whilst maintaining and preserving the performance and integrity of your exotic vehicle, as well as maintaining the high value and resale of your McLaren 720S.
Owning a McLaren 720S isn’t cheap but for many, the experience is priceless.