The real problem here is that you must educate yourself so you don't pay $25K for a car worth $10K and when you see one for $25K that is worth $30K you can recognize it. Or get someone who can help you value the car BEFORE you buy it. Never buy and spend more than you can afford, you will regret it when you don't have anything left to spend on it to fix the inevitable things that will happen to an old car. Always buy the best car you CAN afford, it is cheaper in the end. Expect to spend money on the car during at least the first year of ownership to get things the way you want them to be. For instance tires, struts, fluids, filters, tune-up, and some cosmetic stuff. Don't forget fees like Title, plates, insurance, and sales tax. You do need to go into this with a budget but don't think you will buy a beater for $10K and spend $15K and now you have a car that is worth $25K. To make that $10K car worth $25K will take more than $15K. Especially if you don't do the majority of the work yourself. This applies to any classic car, not just Deloreans.