MCLAREN 540 (2017)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 250 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,042
£170/month
MOT Pass Rate
96%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
3799cc Petrol
Great Choice
96% pass rate, £2042/year to run. 14 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 14 points above the national average of 82%.
At 9 years old, 96% of MCLAREN 540s from 2017 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 250 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 22,117 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
22,117
Average miles
66,600
Expected for age
The average 2017 MCLAREN 540 has 22,117 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 66,600 miles for a 9-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2016 model with a 99% MOT pass rate, while the 2017 model has the lowest at 96%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
MCLAREN 540 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2017 MCLAREN 540
The 2017 MCLAREN 540 is a luxury with a 3799cc petrol engine. 250 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 11% of all 2017 cars for reliability.
With an average of 22,117 miles at 9 years old, MCLAREN 540 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
2017 MCLAREN 540 Fuel Costs
The 3799cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2017 MCLAREN 540?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,042 (£170/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 96% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Buying a Used 2017 MCLAREN 540
At 9 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2017 MCLAREN 540's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 9 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2017 MCLAREN 540 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCLAREN 540(2017) | 96% | £1592 | £195 | Grp 35-50 | £2042 |
| MERCEDES C(2016) | 88% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247+£205 |
| AUDI A6(2016) | 89% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247+£205 |
| PORSCHE MACAN(2015) | 91% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2097+£55 |
| VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG(2015) | 85% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247+£205 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Mclaren Models
Explore other Mclaren cars or similar models in the same category.
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MCLAREN 720S V8 S-A
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MERCEDES C
2016 · 3982cc Petrol
AUDI A6
2016 · 3993cc Petrol
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2015 · 3604cc Petrol
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