Help me pick a car

[08087]

In my quest to buy a Delorean I have reconsidered my choice many times over and to this point have always come back to wanting the Delorean.

My question to you all is this, if it were to be another car what would you pick? Keep in mind it has to be something rare so a Mustang or Vette of any year won't do. The budget will still be the same 30K or less etc..

A couple of options I've thought of have been the Plymouth/Chrysler Prowler, top down fun, looks that will always catch an eye, fast enough in stock form for me (253 HP V6), it's fairly modern by Delorean standards and dealers can be found for service if I ever needed it. It only comes in an AUTO with the option to up/down shift. Price line is 25K middle of the road. 11,700 made.

The other option is the Saturn Sky/Pontiac Solstice, again top down fun, modern, the "Red Line" edition puts out 260 HP from a turbo 4 banger, comes in both Man. and auto. trans. GM still has dealers (for now). Priceline is 17-20K middle of the road.

No doubt the Prowler has more looks than the Sky/Solstice option but it would still be fun to drive and is fairly unique.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on these options to the Delorean or any other car you find would fit the bill.

[PlutonimicX]

A nice driveable Series II or III E-type or a Lamborghini Jalpa can be had within that budget I believe. There's also the Lotus Esprit of course. There's just a whole lot of choices out there for that much money.

[robvanderveer]

I fail to see your argument. You say you would like to buy a DeLorean, yet you seem to be contemplating on another car.. If you want a DeLorean, by all means get a DeLorean. If you settle for something else, that's alright, but it will never be the same thing.

[Michael]

I had 4 to choose from, the Delorean won. The runners up in order were:

1st gen Dodge Viper...If I ever decide to sell my D, I will probably still get one. Although future Vipers were more refined(with actual side windows), I like the first gen for the same reason. They were just pure animal, side pipes that burnt your leg when getting out, and a complete lack of civility.

95- Acura NSX-T..couldnt bring myself to pay 25k+ for a 20 year old Honda...still probably the best road machine Honda ever made.

1978-85 Ferrari 308 GTS...In the words of Jeremy Clarkson..."A proper Ferrari"

[PlutonimicX]

Better yet, if you want something really unique $30k is a good budget to have a cool car that was never sold in the U.S. imported as long as it's at least 25 years old(I believe that's the rule).

[stevedmc]

Do you want something that looks cool or something that is reliable?

[PlutonimicX]

I'm guessing he's looking for a "toy", not something to get him back and forth to work or haul a family around. I don't forsee reliability being an issue if he can keep up with maintenance anyhow.

[stevedmc]

I'm guessing he's looking for a "toy", not something to get him back and forth to work or haul a family around. I don't forsee reliability being an issue if he can keep up with maintenance anyhow.

If reliability isn't a concern, I'd get a Delorean.

[robvanderveer]

What made me reply is the issue of reliability. What makes a 30 years old DeLorean less (or more) reliable than a 30 year old Ferrari 308? It's all down to proper maintenance. My D was as reliable as a casino, but after two years of proper maintenance I will gladly take it anywhere with the same comfort (or better) as my 2009 company car.

[Rich W]

As a related side note...

I have never seen the rear part of the soft top on a Solstice fit properly, when up.

I have seen several in person (in the lot at work, during the Summer), plenty on
dealership lots or just driving out on the roads and dozens in photos on the web.

None of the tops, regardless of age/miles, fits worth a damn on the "side spats" of
the rear portion of the convertible top, when the top is up.

One would think a production convertible top should fit better that this one.

Later,
Rich W.