New DeLorean buyer

[Scootdive]

New DeLorean buyer

Hello all, please forgive the obvious new questions but I am newly interested in purchasing a DeLorean and I've a great deal of questions. I've always been fascinated by the DeLorean both by the myth and style but now I am finally at a point my life where I can afford to buy a quality model. I've spoken to the DMC dealerships to get as much information as I can, however, at the end of the day they're still used car salesman and I have to take what they say with a grain of salt.

I am familiar with the basic history of the DeLorean , Production started in 1981 and ran towards 1983. There were no true model years and the factory simple made minor changes as parts progressed there are significant difference the early 1981s in the late 1983's but there are no defining characteristics to separate one from the other. Of course I know about the all stainless steel construction gull wing doors etc. etc.

What I would really like to know are you intangibles that you're not easily available online or unknown as common knowledge.

I would very much like to purchase myself a DeLorean but I'm not quite sure where to start. Do I purchase an already restored DeLorean from DMC? Do I buy a used to Delorean from a private seller and then have a restored or is there some other option that I have anything thought ouf. I am looking for a five speed manual. My priorities are appearance and mechanical functionality, mileage and originality are not high on priority list as long it runs and does not become a money pit and I really have no idea what a reasonable priceis from where to start off. Again, originality is not high on my priority list so any "cool "upgrades would be something right up my alley.

My budget is somewhere between $40,000 and $70,000. I knew that is a huge range but I would much rather wait some time to have an example that I am proud of as opposed to settling for something just because I can afford it now.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions comments or answers and I would be greatly appreciated Thank you very much. BTW, I am in the Ohio area about 45 min west of Pittsburg.

[David T]

With a budget like that you should just go to one of the Delorean vendors and see what they have in inventory. That way you will be buying a good car that should be reliable and clean. You may pay a little more but at least you will know what you are getting. If you buy privately and don't know what to look for you WILL overpay and get something less than you expected. One way to educate yourself is to get James Espey's book. BTW $40K should get you a very nice, clean reliable car. In fact you could probably get one for less.

[Delorean Industries]

Contact us directly Scott. We specialize I what you are looking for. Also the only company in the world innovating and updating the car while properly maintaining the nostalgic aspects.

[BladeBronson]

Also the only company in the world innovating and updating the car while properly maintaining the nostalgic aspects.

Is that really true?

[Delorean Industries]

Is that really true?

Yes. You won't find anyone else doing what we do. Simply put we have engineered and continue to manufacture more and more of the car every day. Everyone else depends on nos resources as a primary stop gap.

[BladeBronson]

Ah, cool. I just bought a DeLorean that has the Stage IIengine, cruise control, and taillight boards that you innovated. I also just installed an updated angle drive on it, so thanks for that too.

[Scootdive]

Contact us directly Scott. We specialize I what you are looking for. Also the only company in the world innovating and updating the car while properly maintaining the nostalgic aspects.


Does anyone else have any experience eith this company? I've never heard of them before. I spoke with the owner last night and he was very helpful. He had all the right things to say but, if you will forgive the pun, buyer bewhere. Any info you could give me would be helpful. Especially if you have pictures and or have worked with them as well as DMC. Thanks!

[davidc89]

He is legit...

[Ikeaboy1]

Josh at DPI is first class. He's done a bunch of work on my car and I can't recommend him more highly.

http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?9924-My-Very-Positive-Experience-Working-With-DPI

[PJ Grady Inc.]

Ah, cool. I just bought a DeLorean that has the Stage IIengine, cruise control, and taillight boards that you innovated. I also just installed an updated angle drive on it, so thanks for that too.

Ah...I thought the boards were our innovation as we've been making them since 1990. We also have several cars available in various price ranges.
Rob Grady

[Dangermouse]

I though "Stage II" was a DMC upgrade?

[Rad Dad]

As an owner of a DeLoran for 33 years, here's a personal 2¢. There are several competent and honest DeLorean vendors and repair services. And, I will admit that my recommendations are colored by my personal experience............but, having said that, I would have no qualms using the following for parts, service or advice:

In no special order- - - -Dave & Julee Swingle, Josh Bengston, Rob Grady & Dave Baurele.

Dick Ryan, The Rad Dad, currently Vin 16867

[davidc89]

I try to buy stuff from all the vendors as they are the ones that help keep this car alive. Sure there are favorites, but they all seem to be pretty good.

[Soundkillr]

Ah...I thought the boards were our innovation as we've been making them since 1990. We also have several cars available in various price ranges.
Rob Grady

I may have read it wrong, but I thought the original poster was making a jab at the fact that other vendors have innovated several other parts as well....

[Delorean Industries]

Haven't had a chance to answer prior. To clarify my statement. Our goal is to innovate moving away from the use of reproduction components that have the same failure issues as the oem component. Example being replacement angle drives. Our solution implements modern technology tastefully and properly into the application. There are OEM type components that are by all means better than a stock NOS part. Like your example of lamp boards. Not saying that others haven't tried to improve over the years we have simply taken an all out approach with no expense spared that builds on itself. IE our components can be installed in stages allowing for owners to properly update over time if budget dictates progress. I am extremely outspoken on this topic as it is crucial for owners to understand the planned obsolesce put in place with the use of reproduction parts. This is not to say that other updates haven't been created that will help to enhance the car. But no one has taken the total approach. We are through engine, transmission, electrical, chassis,brake and suspension phases with everything tested. Now are on to cosmetic to finish out the ability to produce a fully updated superior example with minimal oem parts reused/only by owner choice.

Stage is dmch name for engine upgrades. K jet engine with exhaust/ports pushed open and mild cams.

SPEC upgrades are Delorean Industries aka branded as Delorean Performance

[GRINCH]

Scootdive I'm in the same boat. The only difference is I'm only looking to spend up to $45k for a DeLorean. When I pull the trigger in January, I'm going to be buying from a dealer. Sure it costs a bit more, but at least I know the car has been inspected & what items need to be addressed. Keep us posted when you find your ride:)

[BladeBronson]

Thanks Josh. To clarify where I'm coming from... I was trolling you a bit. I think it's fantastic that you've developed and will continue to develop performance-minded components for our DeLoreans. I've seen a lot of praise for your parts and I look forward to buying from you. An aggressive attitude can be an asset, but does you a disservice when your passion for your mission obstructs the accuracy of your statements. There's a world of difference between:


Also the only company in the world innovating and updating the car while properly maintaining the nostalgic aspects.

and:


Our goal is to innovate moving away from the use of reproduction components that have the same failure issues as the oem component.

It's a fantastic goal and I wish you the best.

[Delorean Industries]

lol.... yeah my statement was extremely accurate for anyone who asserts themselves and looks into our products and short term goals. With the size of what our following has grown to I can safely generalize with little concern of owners misunderstanding. Kinda like we don't need to advertise: "we sort "new build" cars."Owners just know its discrete and safe. Wish you could say that about a lot of things in life. The list of people we tell to shove DAP/DMCH parts back where they came from is massive with just about everyone thankful in the end. There is a clear and understood difference of the word innovate in this community and I can proudly say that the first quoted remark is indisputable. It's not a "cross reference" solution to an NOS component or a failure prone copy of the original its a highly engineered and tested superior method of refining the DMC-12.


Same thing... Not seeing a world of difference here:

"Also the only company in the world innovating and updating the car while properly maintaining the nostalgic aspects."

We are. Further stated with:

"Our goal is to innovate moving away from the use of reproduction components that have the same failure issues as the oem component."

Which is moving owners away from this not us. We are already educated on the matter and know better. The only thing I could have said better in the last quote would have been the use of the word "customer" with this: Our goal is to innovate moving THE CUSTOMER away from the use of reproduction components that have the same failure issues as the oem component.

I appreciate the trolling and it was well done as I seriously thought you were like many who truly don't know the difference between this or that and have the part is a part mentality. With all of the threads asking the same thing on this forum no post surprises me anymore.

Rest assured my passion for my mission has never influenced the accuracy of my statements. Apparently I'm what this community has always needed. Someone with a backbone who won't stand for others blatant short comings and lack of accountability that will say so. Besides the aggressive attitude is the only thing that saved me from being a DMC franchised pawn. Then there would be no one to fix the screw ups discretely when others won't stand behind their product. What kind of world would that be! Not one that I would want to own a DeLorean in. I wouldn't have survived the first brushed under the rug scandal let alone fuel pumps with check valves. Again there is a difference and people already know. Most are just afraid to say so openly.

Troll on :)

[DMC-81]

Does anyone else have any experience eith this company? I've never heard of them before. I spoke with the owner last night and he was very helpful. He had all the right things to say but, if you will forgive the pun, buyer bewhere. Any info you could give me would be helpful. Especially if you have pictures and or have worked with them as well as DMC. Thanks!

Hi there,

I have bought one part from DPI so far. I was delivered timely and fit.

I bought my car from DMCFL as a restoration project, and I couldn't be happier with the car, the deal, and the service afterwards. As my restoration goal is mostly correct, I buy most parts from DMC Texas. The parts are professionally packaged and reasonably priced. It's like Christmas Day when I get a new box of parts. I have had one or two problems with the parts (I'm fussy), but when I do, they always make it right. They are always there to answer any questions and share instructions when asked. They actually do improve parts. You can simply browse their extensive and informative website.

You won't see them talking about their business on here, so I thought I'd share my experience in buying both a car and parts from DMC.

Still, I shop around and do research. I have bought a few parts from other vendors.

As far as pictures go, I have several on my profile.

Good luck shopping! I can be a fun experience. :thumbup:

[88KPH]

Man that's heavy!!!

I'm a newbie & have a Delorean for fun & the good feelings it brings to me and others.
Its the same reason I join helpful forums.
If you have a great or improved product, brilliant, tell people about it. And their recommendations/reviews will filter through our small interconnected community.
Sorry but, Mean spirited, aggressive posts do nothing for me and no favours for yourself.

[Iznodmad]

This thread is sad. We have a new enthusiast wanting to buy a car with specific requirements, then we have a vendor come in and offer to help, then we have others come in and bash the vendor for trying to help. What's wrong with you people? Why can't we be supportive and not constantly question others and what they have to offer. For you new guys that don't understand, DPI Josh has the best of the best. I've owned and/or currently own cars that have been through each vendor out there. I'm extremely happy with DPI parts and service and switched to them exclusively after trying all others over the past 2 decades. If the OP wants a quality DeLorean, then work with DPI to achieve that goal. I personally don't view anything Josh has written as mean spirited or even aggressive. He is just telling you all what he does that is different from the others. If you don't want to work with him, then fine...I've got plenty for him to do. I'm as picky and fussy of an owner as there is and I was lucky to find someone with my same goals and passion for perfection of the DeLorean platform. Good luck with whatever you do Scootdive.

[DMCVegas]

I understand how Josh's comments can seem almost shocking given the fact that nowadays most companies advertise in a rather inoffensive, milquetoast manner. Whereas Josh going and making his claims clear and laying down a challenge in many cases. More to the point, he does that in an interactive manner here on the forum. DAP for example has done the same thing over the years, but since the comments are instead buried in web pages across his site, they seem a bit more passive, and perhaps are not as easily recognized.

As was once told to me by a prominent vendor/repair shop, you can always tell which shops are in it for the long haul: The ones that keep their customers happy in order to keep them coming back tomorrow, instead of just wanting the money today. There have been TONS of DeLorean shops over the years, and they come and go. But only the committed ones survive because they're committed to doing good business.

I've not heard anything negative about Josh's work or products. No, I've not dealt with him directly as a parts supplier yet, as I am no where near being ready to commence my restoration. But for a planned engine swap that I mentioned, he already contacted me saying that he's got the parts ready that I need. Which blew me away. He already knew exactly what I was talking about that I needed. That's pretty significant to me, as well as the DIY aspect of being able to order the parts and assemble your own performance engine.

Again, Vendors one-upping another really isn't anything new. I even remember when one vendor debuted their new carpet, and the other complained that it fit the DMC-12 like a wet sock...

[Ron]

In no special order- - - -Dave & Julee Swingle, Josh Bengston, Rob Grady & Dave Baurele.

Dick Ryan, The Rad Dad, currently Vin 16867+1

[bfloyd]

I've used many and/or most of the various DMC vendors with the exception of Grady's. Nothing against them, just haven't had a reason to try them out yet. I did say "Yet".

I've bought parts from DMCH, DPI, DAP, DMCMW, and DMCNW, and all have come through in flying colors. In my opinion, DMCH seems to have the most organized parts shipping department I've run across. Every individual part separately bagged, labeled with part numbers... no confusion to be had there.

Josh at DPI has been one of the most helpful and interactive vendors I've dealt with. His products are top notch, super fast response time to emails and questions. Only DMC vendor I've dealt with who called me on my cell unexpectedly on a Saturday afternoon to help me troubleshoot my engine starting problems after I made a post my facebook status. He could tell by the symptoms I was describing with my engine what was wrong (fuel/air mixture ratio), and I was able to get the thing started immediately after his phone call.

Dave at DMCMW was able to help me troubleshoot my automatic transmission shift governor, determined it needed replacing, and did so within a couple of hours after receiving mine in his shop.

However.. even with all the praise given to the vendors, the biggest help within my first year of ownership has come from the folks right here on these forums and the wealth of knowledge and experiences shared freely amongst the other owners.

If you spend $40k - $70k at a DMC vendor, you'll end up with a very nice, dependable completely restored car. A lot can be said for that. For me however, I spent $9k on a 34 year old car that hadn't run in 20 years, put another $6k-$7k in parts in it. It turned out to be a decently reliable car that I myself took apart, put back together, know how it all works or supposed to work, and came to bed many nights covered in grease and smelling like PB Blaster. A lot can be said for that too.

[dn010]

I also have ordered from a variety of vendors in my 13+ years of ownership. I now order from DPI unless I can't find something on the site, then it's DMCH. I've gotten the Spec exhaust, Stainless LCAs (I bought the LCAs from Rob Grady though), and other misc items and am happy with the parts. I know of some who make fun of all the "stainless" and call it a waste, but if you've ever worked on a car that has every nut and bolt and bracket rusted and impossible to work with, you'll appreciate the stainless factor in the future.

I ordered a pair of A pillar post trim and a windshield from DMCH, it was cheaper to drive the 6 hour round trip to pick it up than it was to pay shipping costs, plus as an added bonus I got 6 hours of peace, away from the wife and kids!

After my latest order with DPI I don't anticipate needing a whole lot more for my car, I do plan on getting more stainless parts so DPI will have more of my business. Rob Grady was great when it came to ordering the arms, spent a while talking on the phone which is nice since you can't really BS about Deloreans with just anyone - but until something happens with his web page, you need to call Rob to order which is hard for me and my working hours.

I'm sure all vendors are great, but you can't get a lot of what DPI is offering through them. If you question whether one of them is a good vendor or not, just look through old messages and see who has gotten blasted in the past.

[Jeremy Popp]

New DeLorean buyer
What I would really like to know are you intangibles that you're not easily available online or unknown as common knowledge.

I would very much like to purchase myself a DeLorean but I'm not quite sure where to start. Do I purchase an already restored DeLorean from DMC? Do I buy a used to Delorean from a private seller and then have a restored or is there some other option that I have anything thought ouf. I am looking for a five speed manual. My priorities are appearance and mechanical functionality, mileage and originality are not high on priority list as long it runs and does not become a money pit and I really have no idea what a reasonable priceis from where to start off. Again, originality is not high on my priority list so any "cool "upgrades would be something right up my alley.

My budget is somewhere between $40,000 and $70,000. I knew that is a huge range but I would much rather wait some time to have an example that I am proud of as opposed to settling for something just because I can afford it now.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions comments or answers and I would be greatly appreciated Thank you very much. BTW, I am in the Ohio area about 45 min west of Pittsburg.

You will have no shortage of nice example Deloreans in that price range. Just like any used car market, buying from a private party poses more risk, but will generally cost less than one of the "dealers". However, you will have good piece of mind buying from a dealer as I would assume the car has been thoroughly inspected, and may come with a warranty. I would browse the Cars for Sale section of this forum, and generally all categories of this forum for some of those small details you're after. One big issue is having a nice clean frame.

Since you're in Ohio, I would suggest talking to Dave Bauerle, just north of Columbus:
www.ohiodeloreans.com/Bauerle-v3.htm (http://www.ohiodeloreans.com/Bauerle-v3.htm)

He may be aware of some for sale in the area since he services them. Good luck on your search.

Jeremy