Should I?

[fmprocks26]

I am getting my license in a few months and was wondering if the delorean would make a good first car. The delorean seems easy to maintain and the engine bay is open and allows for access to important components without too much "digging". I have experience diagnosing and maintaining other cars (My dad's 2000 BMW 528i) and know how to use torque wrenches, ratchets, and breaker bars. The K-jet system is a bit more complex than I'd like, but it's not nearly as bad as D-jetronic. The delorean also lacks power steering and VANOS, two major components which should make it easier to maintain than the BMW. The prices on delorean components aren't too bad (Cheaper than E39 528i components), and I have saved up quite a bit over the past 15 years. ($25,000, it wasn't easy!) I plan to use the initial $15k to purchase a well- maintained delorean, and the last 10k for maintenance (No labor price here-I have more than adequate experience to tackle any issue a car could throw at me). I am well aware of the "project car spiral" and I have found examples with the major things like the clutch and brake master cylinders as well the fuel pump replaced for under $15k. My bigger question here is, why haven't people replaced components like 37-year-old fuel lines and 15 amp fans with low current ones on their cars? Driving around and selling a ticking time bomb seems pretty dumb to me. Insurance Isn't a problem, as I can get it insured under my mom or dad. If I end up not getting a delorean, I will probably have to buy my dad's 528, which is harder to maintain and has lower fuel economy compounded by a hard to repair automatic transmission. (At least it has steptronic :headbang: )So what do you think? Should I take the plunge?

[nullset]

I am getting my license in a few months and was wondering if the delorean would make a good first car. The delorean seems easy to maintain and the engine bay is open and allows for access to important components without too much "digging". I have experience diagnosing and maintaining other cars (My dad's 2000 BMW 528i) and know how to use torque wrenches, ratchets, and breaker bars. The K-jet system is a bit more complex than I'd like, but it's not nearly as bad as D-jetronic. The delorean also lacks power steering and VANOS, two major components which should make it easier to maintain than the BMW. The prices on delorean components aren't too bad (Cheaper than E39 528i components), and I have saved up quite a bit over the past 15 years. ($25,000, it wasn't easy!) I plan to use the initial $15k to purchase a well- maintained delorean, and the last 10k for maintenance (No labor price here-I have more than adequate experience to tackle any issue a car could throw at me). I am well aware of the "project car spiral" and I have found examples with the major things like the clutch and brake master cylinders as well the fuel pump replaced for under $15k. My bigger question here is, why haven't people replaced components like 37-year-old fuel lines and 15 amp fans with low current ones on their cars? Driving around and selling a ticking time bomb seems pretty dumb to me. Insurance Isn't a problem, as I can get it insured under my mom or dad. If I end up not getting a delorean, I will probably have to buy my dad's 528, which is harder to maintain and has lower fuel economy compounded by a hard to repair automatic transmission. (At least it has steptronic :headbang: )So what do you think? Should I take the plunge?

You won't find a well-maintained drivable Delorean for 15k these days. You're young. Get a beater car and drive it into the ground. A Delorean does not make a good first car.

[fmprocks26]

You won't find a well-maintained drivable Delorean for 15k these days. You're young. Get a beater car and drive it into the ground. A Delorean does not make a good first car.

Links removed

What about these? They look pretty good. Is there something I'm missing?

[nullset]

Why do I get the feeling that this is just a spam post to promote a shady "car" site?

You will not find a reasonable condition delorean for under 20k, and that'd be a steal at todays prices.

[OverlandMan]

I am getting my license in a few months and was wondering if the delorean would make a good first car. The delorean seems easy to maintain and the engine bay is open and allows for access to important components without too much "digging". I have experience diagnosing and maintaining other cars (My dad's 2000 BMW 528i) and know how to use torque wrenches, ratchets, and breaker bars. The K-jet system is a bit more complex than I'd like, but it's not nearly as bad as D-jetronic. The delorean also lacks power steering and VANOS, two major components which should make it easier to maintain than the BMW. The prices on delorean components aren't too bad (Cheaper than E39 528i components), and I have saved up quite a bit over the past 15 years. ($25,000, it wasn't easy!) I plan to use the initial $15k to purchase a well- maintained delorean, and the last 10k for maintenance (No labor price here-I have more than adequate experience to tackle any issue a car could throw at me). I am well aware of the "project car spiral" and I have found examples with the major things like the clutch and brake master cylinders as well the fuel pump replaced for under $15k. My bigger question here is, why haven't people replaced components like 37-year-old fuel lines and 15 amp fans with low current ones on their cars? Driving around and selling a ticking time bomb seems pretty dumb to me. Insurance Isn't a problem, as I can get it insured under my mom or dad. If I end up not getting a delorean, I will probably have to buy my dad's 528, which is harder to maintain and has lower fuel economy compounded by a hard to repair automatic transmission. (At least it has steptronic :headbang: )So what do you think? Should I take the plunge?

If you saved up $25k already for your first car (good for you BTW!), I would get a nice, newer car that would be more reliable and not a huge PITA to replace/repair if you had a wreck.


As badly as I wanted a DeLorean when I was in High School, I'm very glad I became an owner much later in life. Knowing now many of the "quirks" of these little cars, I can't imagine having to fiddle with that on a 16 yr old budget and 16 yr old general knowledge and life experience.

[DavidProehl]

Why do I get the feeling that this is just a spam post to promote a shady "car" site?

You will not find a reasonable condition delorean for under 20k, and that'd be a steal at todays prices.

Ha! Was thinking the same thing after seeing those links.

If this is a legit post, please do yourself a favor and don't buy a DeLorean as a first car. They can be reliable daily drivers, but you will need to spend more than $25k to make that happen, and getting a $15k car to a reliable state will consume your life.

Also, unless you are about to make a lot of money for a teenager (>$50k per year) having $25k+ tied up in a car likely would hold you back from other financial goals. Stay the course, you'll get there. Just give yourself 5-10 years when spending $40-50k on a DeLorean won't be as big of a deal for you as spending $25k today is.

[Dangermouse]

uh-huh

Your dad drives a car 3 years older than you are, yet you have managed to save $25k in cash. ?

And D-jet wasn't used in the E39




Why do I get the feeling that this is just a spam post to promote a shady "car" site?


Indeed.

None of those cars are presently for sale, certainly not at the listed prices

[Alex Brooks]

You won't find a well-maintained drivable Delorean for 15k these days. You're young. Get a beater car and drive it into the ground. A Delorean does not make a good first car.

I had a DeLorean when I was 16 I think I paid about 8000 for it but it was in 2004. It was not my only car I had 97 grand Cherokee I drove daily.

[fmprocks26]

If you saved up $25k already for your first car (good for you BTW!), I would get a nice, newer car that would be more reliable and not a huge PITA to replace/repair if you had a wreck.


As badly as I wanted a DeLorean when I was in High School, I'm very glad I became an owner much later in life. Knowing now many of the "quirks" of these little cars, I can't imagine having to fiddle with that on a 16 yr old budget and 16 yr old general knowledge and life experience.

I am not a fan of cars produced after 2000, as newer cars have tons of electronics and their engine bays have components that are piled on top of each other in a bid to make the cars more compact. My family's 2013 Honda Odyssey is a pain in the a$$ to maintain since the engine bay is super cramped. (You have to remove the air box to acess the BATTERY). I'm suprised when people complain about DeLorean quirks, as they seem MUCH more straightforward than modern cars. The most complex they get is k-jet, but even that is simpler than modern twin-turbo engines, designed from the factory to be maintained in shops, not at home. The most attractive feature of the DeLorean is the lack of a uni body steel frame. Virtually any components, including frame pices, can be replaced. This means that the DeLorean could last a hundred years I'd you wanted to. I intend to buy the DeLorean and have it last a lifetime. This is something that new cars simply cannot do.

[DaraSue]

Sure, Mattycakes, go for it :rolleyes1::rolleyes1::rolleyes1:

(On the off chance this is legit- like most everybody else, I'd recommend against it. Even if you/your family have the money/mechanical skills to deal with restoration & maintenance, statistically there's a high chance you're going to wreck it. Get a beater Honda and save your money to get a nicer car in a few years when you've got a decent job and your own place.)

[Nicholas R]

What is ....? I've never heard of that site before. There is no way any of those prices are legitimate.

Also, this listing is for the old "world's fastest delorean" If anything about this listing is legitimate, we need proof (dyno'd at 707.8HP.... sure...). Last post I remember about this car was that the engine was beat, and it was being rebuilt naturally aspirated.

Also no, you should not buy a DeLorean for your first car. Go with that BMW that you're familiar with, and then buy the DeLorean once you have a reliable daily driver.

EDIT: According to scamadviser.com yupyi has an extremely low trust rating: https://www.scamadviser.com/is-yupyi.com-a-fake-site.html
The domain itself is only 45 days old, launched on June 3rd, which makes at least 3 of those listings complete BS, as they claim that the vehicles were listed for sale in May. Every bit of this has "Scam" written all over it.
Find a new site to search for cars on.

5740857407

[TheMaverick]

OP you shouldn't buy one as a daily driver.

Yes some things are easier to replace since they is more space but some are just as hard as any car and require contorting yourself or reaching in blind spots to fix. Also while modern systems have some complexities it does help to have OBD as a guide to where to start to look for an issue. Older cars without it require some level of patience and some skill to debug electrical and mechanical issues without a "check engine light code".

I think you need to research a little more on cost vs condition (call the sellers, I found most ads outdated or incorrect when looking for mine), the lower end ones will have issues that cannot be fixed without fabrication or body work knowledge which in turn means way more $$ for repairs than planned...

There are daily drivers out there but it took some TLC to get them to that condition and/or to maintain them in that state, those are my two cents..

[Jimmyvonviggle]

Go ahead and buy one. You seem to know what you are doing. I mean you are young, and obviously have all the answers. Don’t listen to everyone here with experience, we are probably all old crabby men (and women). A 30plus year Frankenstein car as your first ride, what could go wrong?

[nullset]

Mods - should probably remove the spam links. This is most likely an attempt to raise the search ranking of that site.

[OverlandMan]

I am not a fan of cars produced after 2000, as newer cars have tons of electronics and their engine bays have components that are piled on top of each other in a bid to make the cars more compact. My family's 2013 Honda Odyssey is a pain in the a$$ to maintain since the engine bay is super cramped. (You have to remove the air box to acess the BATTERY). I'm suprised when people complain about DeLorean quirks, as they seem MUCH more straightforward than modern cars. The most complex they get is k-jet, but even that is simpler than modern twin-turbo engines, designed from the factory to be maintained in shops, not at home. The most attractive feature of the DeLorean is the lack of a uni body steel frame. Virtually any components, including frame pices, can be replaced. This means that the DeLorean could last a hundred years I'd you wanted to. I intend to buy the DeLorean and have it last a lifetime. This is something that new cars simply cannot do.

https://media.giphy.com/media/INeHYuRFNxdja/giphy.gif

[fmprocks26]

What is .....? I've never heard of that site before. There is no way any of those prices are legitimate.

Also, this listing is for the old "world's fastest delorean" If anything about this listing is legitimate, we need proof (dyno'd at 707.8HP.... sure...). Last post I remember about this car was that the engine was beat, and it was being rebuilt naturally aspirated.

Also no, you should not buy a DeLorean for your first car. Go with that BMW that you're familiar with, and then buy the DeLorean once you have a reliable daily driver.

EDIT: According to scamadviser.com yupyi has an extremely low trust rating: https://www.scamadviser.com/is-yupyi.com-a-fake-site.html
The domain itself is only 45 days old, launched on June 3rd, which makes at least 3 of those listings complete BS, as they claim that the vehicles were listed for sale in May. Every bit of this has "Scam" written all over it.
Find a new site to search for cars on.

5740857407

I got to that site via ..., which has a high trust rating. I am not 100% sure ...is legit. I'll see if I can contact any of the sellers for additional pictures which should prove or disprove the site's legitimacy. I'll update this thread if the attempts are succesful. I DID however find other 14k DeLoreans on oodle, but I'm not sure if they're legit.

[nullset]

I got to that site via oodle, which has a high trust rating. I am not 100% sure yupyi is legit. I'll see if I can contact any of the sellers for additional pictures which should prove or disprove the site's legitimacy. I'll update this thread if the attempts are succesful. I DID however find other 14k DeLoreans on oodle, but I'm not sure if they're legit.

Have you not noticed that the sites you keep finding cheap deloreans on are not sites anyone has ever heard of?

Perhaps that's because they're all fake listings.

[nullset]

For a more realistic view, let's look at a still-slightly-not-reputable site, like eBay. I bought both of my Deloreans there.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/DeLorean-/31830/i.html?_fsrp=1&_fosrp=1

You'll see not much below 25k...and these are not fully restored.

[Silverbullet]

When you get older, you will understand, the cheap turns out expensive. Even if you do the labor yourself... There will be a lot of down time, and waiting for parts. If you have a job, and you need transportation, a first car should be reliable.... DeLorean is best as a FUN car. I am glad you like the car, but as a 2nd car, it makes better sense.

My .02

Craig

[Michael]

Crooked DeLorean owners quashing the dreams of innocent children just because they want the same car for themselves. Sad

[eight8toy]

Be sure you save a few dollars off the purchase price for that extra "town tax".

[Dangermouse]

I got to that site via ...., which has a high trust rating. I am not 100% sure ...is legit. I'll see if I can contact any of the sellers for additional pictures which should prove or disprove the site's legitimacy. I'll update this thread if the attempts are succesful. I DID however find other 14k DeLoreans on oodle, but I'm not sure if they're legit.

I am 100% sure that the cars on ....aren’t legit.

And if you get a response I’ll put a dollar on the “car is at the docks and can’t be shown” but “money back if not satisfied” or some variation of that.

Look at eBay and look at the completed sales in the For Sale section on here to get an idea they are going for.

[David T]

There are too many reasons for a new driver to buy a Delorean as a first car to list them all. Among my top ones is the terrible lack of clear vision especially to the rear and because the car is so low, many of the taller vehicles won't see it in their side view mirrors. Without some experience so you know where all of the blind spots are and what to expect from other drivers, the chances are very high you will get into an accident. The Delorean does not have aibags or ABS. Forget about actual fixing up of the car, a newbie driver needs as safe a car as they can afford. A 2 seater with limited cargo space is not a practical car as a daily driver. When (not if) the car breaks down, even if you can fix it, you will have to order parts and wait for them so what are you going to drive till you can fix it? You asked for opinions, this is mine.

[refugeefromcalif]

There are too many reasons for a new driver to buy a Delorean as a first car to list them all.

So, You're FOR a new driver getting a DeLorean? :jawdrop:
The rest of your comment seems to be Against getting one. :thinkin:

George

[fmprocks26]

This is the E-mail I received after requesting more pictures:

"Hi,

Because of the fact that I am quite busy with my job and unable to travel back to the States, I have decided to hire a company to ship the vehicle and take care of the sale for me. The shipping & payment part of the transaction will be handled by Landfall Shipping Company Ltd. The vehicle is now located in their transit warehouse from Seattle, WA, because I had a buyer from there but he canceled the deal due to a decease in family. They have in their custody both the vehicle and the title signed for release, which had been verified by their inspectors and they already gave the go ahead to begin the transaction. I am not sure about the radiator fans.

Regarding the payment, there is a 3 days inspection period available for you once you will receive the vehicle in which you have the possibility to do an inspection to any authorized service of your choice before the company will release any money to me. If you will decide not to keep it for any reason the vehicle will be sent back to me (free of charge for you) and you will get a full refund no questions asked. So basically I only receive the money if you are happy about what you are buying.

Please read their HOW IT WORKS webpage ( ....) and decide if you are agree or not.

To be able to start this transaction you need to register on the shipping company's website. Once you are done, I will approve the deal from my account and Landfall Shipping will contact you in order to go ahead with the purchase.

For my online album with more detailed images please visit:

P.S. You should know that the vehicle will be shipped anywhere within the States on my expense !!

Looking forward for successfully completing this transaction."

Apparently, the guy works for shell and has a 2-year contract starting in 2019, and he needs to sell the car. Now I have to look like a D*ck and back out of the sale, which seems pretty legit at this point.:facepalm:

So, to answer your questions, the site (or at least this deal) is legit

P.S. He was using a Shell corporate E-mail address, which further proves the legitimacy.

[Michael]

Sounds completely legit. Nothing to lose, go for it!

[Dangermouse]

And if you get a response I’ll put a dollar on the “car is at the docks and can’t be shown” but “money back if not satisfied” or some variation of that.





This is the E-mail I received after requesting more pictures:

"Hi,

Because of the fact that I am quite busy with my job and unable to travel back to the States, I have decided to hire a company to ship the vehicle and take care of the sale for me. The shipping & payment part of the transaction will be handled by Landfall Shipping Company Ltd. The vehicle is now located in their transit warehouse from Seattle, WA, because I had a buyer from there but he canceled the deal due to a decease in family. They have in their custody both the vehicle and the title signed for release, which had been verified by their inspectors and they already gave the go ahead to begin the transaction. I am not sure about the radiator fans.

Regarding the payment, there is a 3 days inspection period available for you once you will receive the vehicle in which you have the possibility to do an inspection to any authorized service of your choice before the company will release any money to me. If you will decide not to keep it for any reason the vehicle will be sent back to me (free of charge for you) and you will get a full refund no questions asked. So basically I only receive the money if you are happy about what you are buying.

Please read their HOW IT WORKS webpage ( ) and decide if you are agree or not.

To be able to start this transaction you need to register on the shipping company's website. Once you are done, I will approve the deal from my account and Landfall Shipping will contact you in order to go ahead with the purchase.

For my online album with more detailed images please

P.S. You should know that the vehicle will be shipped anywhere within the States on my expense !!

Looking forward for successfully completing this transaction."

Apparently, the guy works for shell and has a 2-year contract starting in 2019, and he needs to sell the car. Now I have to look like a D*ck and back out of the sale, which seems pretty legit at this point.:facepalm:

So, to answer your questions, the site (or at least this deal) is legit

P.S. He was using a Shell corporate E-mail address, which further proves the legitimacy.


Nailed it

:rofl:, where's my dollar?


OP, if you truly think this is legit, you should give the $25k to your father to hold for 5 years.

clue - 10353 is owned by a member on here

[nullset]

That is an extremely common scam. Absolutely a rip off.

[DavidProehl]

The domain for the shipping company used, landfall-company, was just registered in April. They've been around for a solid 3 months. With a track record like that I can't imagine anything could go wrong.

[Ron]

Nailed it

:rofl:, where's my dollar?
Make that 43688.99 Rial.







1669 Sold -- Restoring the Goat (66 GTO -- "The Other DeLorean")

[Nicholas R]

Nailed it

:rofl:, where's my dollar?


OP, if you truly think this is legit, you should give the $25k to your father to hold for 5 years.

clue - 10353 is owned by a member on here

Lol, my first thought was, "hmmm... I wonder who actually owns 10353."

Regardless, now is the part where you play with the scammer. Really play up your interest, but labor over the details. Start with something like, "What a coincidence! I'm visiting my brother in Seattle, WA this weekend. This is a perfect opportunity to see the car in person. If I buy it, I'll even drive it home from there, saving you the shipping cost. It's a win-win situation for both of us!" When he explains that he can't do that because he's already made a shipping arrangement, tell them that your brothers friend works for a different shipping company that is an affiliate of Landfall, so he can get you access. All you need is for him to send you parcel code for the vehicle. When he says he can't send you that for some BS reason, let him know that your brother's friend already found it by looking up the guys email address that he's been using to communicate with you. It's important that throughout this process, you reiterate that you've been able to secure the funds, and are ready to make the payment transfer as this will keep him on the hook. Then tell him you went and looked at it, you were concerned with some damage on one side, and offer to send him a picture. Take one of the photos of the car from his website, and photoshop yourself into it flipping him the bird.

[fmprocks26]

Lol, my first thought was, "hmmm... I wonder who actually owns 10353."

Regardless, now is the part where you play with the scammer. Really play up your interest, but labor over the details. Start with something like, "What a coincidence! I'm visiting my brother in Seattle, WA this weekend. This is a perfect opportunity to see the car in person. If I buy it, I'll even drive it home from there, saving you the shipping cost. It's a win-win situation for both of us!" When he explains that he can't do that because he's already made a shipping arrangement, tell them that your brothers friend works for a different shipping company that is an affiliate of Landfall, so he can get you access. All you need is for him to send you parcel code for the vehicle. When he says he can't send you that for some BS reason, let him know that your brother's friend already found it by looking up the guys email address that he's been using to communicate with you. It's important that throughout this process, you reiterate that you've been able to secure the funds, and are ready to make the payment transfer as this will keep him on the hook. Then tell him you went and looked at it, you were concerned with some damage on one side, and offer to send him a picture. Take one of the photos of the car from his website, and photoshop yourself into it flipping him the bird.

I emailed the guy demanding a explanation, and he has yet to reply. You guys were right, and this is most likely a scam. Not sure what route to take at this point, maybe wait for prices to drop (unlikely) or see if I can talk down a 22k offer. Anything above 20k will most likely torpedo my budget, and having a 5k+ maintanance budget is non-negotiable. I'll continue searching the internet, however, as a lot can change in 9 months. Looking over the replies, the main issue seems to be the "too good to be true" price as well as the lack of driving experience. I'm sure that if I can sort out said issues, things will end up working out. I want to thank everyone who contributed to this thread, and the knowledge I gained here will probably help me in the coming months. In the meantime, I'll be sure think twice before searching for DeLorean on shady sites.

I'm personally interested in what the seller has to say, and I'll update this thread if I get a response.

[eight8toy]

I feel famous!??

Car is not for sale....especially with San Diego Comic Con starting today!

EDIT: I just opened the album, those were the pics from the ebay listing when I won the auction two years ago. Made some improvements since then :)

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=57428&d=1532013989

[Nicholas R]

I feel famous!??

Car is not for sale....especially with San Diego Comic Con starting today!

EDIT: I just opened the album, those were the pics from the ebay listing when I won the auction two years ago. Made some improvements since then :)

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=57428&d=1532013989

Oh man, I'm pretty sure what has to happen now is that fmprocks26 needs to give you the email address for this guy and YOU get to mess with him. The beautiful part, is that when you're finished with him, you can send a photo with your car!

[Soundkillr]

OP, if you post in the future, do not include hotlinks. At this point I will consider it spam and shut the thread down. Clearly these are scam sites (as previously advised) and to post links to them can make a new member look fishy....

[Alex Brooks]

OP, if you post in the future, do not include hotlinks. At this point I will consider it spam and shut the thread down. Clearly these are scam sites (as previously advised) and to post links to them can make a new member look fishy....
I’m inclined to believe this thread should be lock or closed also. Or just deleted w the links to the phishing sites

[Soundkillr]

Due to a few spam issues, im going to close this one down. It's hard to determine if intentions are genuine from a new user, but its a risk and burden to the site im not willing to risk.....op sorry, I suggest taking the advice of other members here, and purchasing later when its a more financially viable option