by Gabrielle DeSantis

While no one would jump as far as saying a McLaren is an affordable car, there is one model that has decreased in price down into a price range that’s more attainable as a dream car. The McLaren MP4-12C might seem like the entry-level model for drivers looking to get behind the wheel of a McLaren, but you won’t be disappointed by the car in any aspect. Of course, you can tell by looking at it that the MP4-12C is an astonishing car, but you may be surprised to learn just how great of a daily driver it can be.

Is the McLaren MP4-12C a good daily driver?

The McLaren MP4-12C was the first production vehicle completely manufactured by McLaren themselves, and they couldn’t have done a better job. Because they are older models, you can only find them in used condition, so the prices can range drastically from more attainable to more expensive. In heavily driven but still drivable condition, it isn’t impossible to find them for as low as $80,000, but you can also expect to see many between that price and much higher.

Like most supercars, the McLaren MP4-12C comes with the option to choose between several drive modes. In the standard comfort mode, the MP4-12C is smooth and comfortable, which makes sitting in traffic or longer trips enjoyable. Switching the controls over for full performance and you’ll be blown away by the driving experience.

Practicality, pricing, and fuel consumption

Financially, choosing the McLaren MP4-12C doesn’t seem like a reasonable option for a daily driver. According to Edmunds, it doesn’t offer particularly impressive fuel economy, with an average fuel consumption of about 18mpg — though that can vary greatly depending on driving style and traffic.

Maintenance on the MP4-12C isn’t as outrageous as some other vehicles, like just about any Bugatti, but it might still be an intimidating idea for some drivers new to the idea of daily driving an exotic car. If you’re more familiar with daily driving an exotic car, however, the McLaren MP4-12C is one of the most practical and comfortable options I’ve tried yet.

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Space and storage in the MP4-12C

One thing that I found particularly exciting about the McLaren MP4-12C was the amount of space the car has to offer, without appearing to be a large or spacious car. Next to the Lotus Evora, the MP4-12C didn’t appear to be an above-average-sized supercar but sitting down into either seat, you won’t feel cramped or claustrophobic.

Even more impressively, the McLaren MP4-12C is a genuine grocery getter. We were able to fit an entire shopping cart worth of groceries. This included a 40-pound bag of dog food and enough food for a small bbq. I anticipated a cramped drive home, but instead, all of the cart’s contents managed to fit comfortably and safely into the frunk.

RELATED: Can you Daily Drive a Lotus Elise

While you obviously wouldn’t be making weekend runs to the local home renovation store and bringing home anything too large in the McLaren MP4-12C, there is still plenty of space for what most people do on an average day, even if you’re trying to fit in oversized gym bags and groceries.

The cost of maintaining and repairing a McLaren prevents most people from choosing them as a daily drive, but with MP4-12C coming down to a more reasonable price, it isn’t a completely outlandish option, and

The post Is McLaren’s Most Affordable Supercar a Good Daily Driver? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Every car has a laundry list of features and functions that aren’t widely shared with consumers. Dealerships and automakers include some information that drivers should make note of but there are more hidden features and secret codes that are often passed over. Being aware of these codes and features can make home repairs easier or improve your fuel economy and handling under some road conditions.

Radio resets can be frustrating

Drivers who have had to replace a battery know that car radios can lock after they lose power. Resetting the radio is as simple as entering a code. That code can typically be found in the owner’s manual, but sometimes it can be harder to find. A VIN search with the manufacturer can provide the code as well.

This feature is meant to be a theft deterrent so many manufacturers make it difficult to bypass without specific knowledge. Many models have a work-around for lost codes. Owners can call their local dealership to confirm the alternative methods.

Honda owners who find themselves locked out of their sound system with no access to a reset code or dealership can try holding down the power button on their radio for around 50 minutes. Ford models equipped with this workaround will hold the seek button. A small object and some tape makes depressing these button for close to an hour much more convenient.

Paint touchups don’t have to be expensive

RELATED: 5 Old School Repair Tricks Every Car Owner Should Know

Paint and finishes are often where cars show their age first. No matter how expected they are, scratches and dents in a brand new car can still be incredibly upsetting. Body work and paint repair can be expensive, but owners don’t need to rely on the local body shop for every tiny tiny nick.

Drivers mention the color of their car thousands of times during the life of the car or period of ownership. How many can say they actually know the manufacturer name for their shade? A quick search of the vehicle’s VIN plates will provide the answer.

Each car is tagged with a unique code the matches up with a paint color. This code is found in most places the VIN is found. Owners should check the driver’s door frame tag first. If the paint code isn’t there, try the windshield. Once the code is found, drivers can order a spray of their car’s paint for small at-home touchups. A glossy topcoat is necessary to blend touchups with the original paint.

Extra grip isn’t always better

RELATED: You Can Improve Your Car’s Fuel Economy With A Few Tricks

Disabling safety features is a risky endeavor but can be safe when good judgement is applies. Traction control is an important safety feature that makes driving in slick conditions much safer. There are some valid reasons why drivers may choose to temporarily disable this system

When road conditions are dry and controlled, such as driving on a paved city street during mild weather, traction control serves little to no purpose. If a driver is traveling at reasonable speeds during dry conditions, they can safely turn off the system. This can reduce wear on tires and improve gas milage. Those benefits make this a popular hack among taxi drivers.

Manual overrides like this one often involve a complicated and seemingly arbitrary combination of shifting. The specifics of these rituals will vary based on make and model. Owner forums are a great place to find detailed instructions but driver’s should proceed with caution.

Before an owner considers disabling traction control on their own vehicle they should be sure they are confident and capable of turning it back on quickly. The car will likely need to be in park to do so. Road conditions can change at the drop of a hat. No one wants to be caught out in the rain with no traction control.

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