Wanted - manual trans $30-35k

[Boxbot]

Hi, all:

I live outside of Philadelphia. I've done my research, read the buyer's guide and feel like I'm ready to purchase. I'm looking for something that I can drive, so I don't care about super low miles or concours perfection. In fact, I'd prefer some tasteful upgrades. I'm not a mechanic, but I'm relatively handy to handle minor issues. I've also found a local mechanic who has owned a few and knows his way around these cars.

My perfect car would be:
Manual trans
Rust free frame
Starts, runs, drives, stops
Clean gray interior
Eibach spring/shock setup
Stage 2

This would be a "perfect" wish list, and I acknowledge it would be a tall order to find everything at my price point of $30-$35k

I haven't been able to find anything local. I don't want to buy sight unseen, but I would be willing to fly out to see a good candidate. I should probably sign up with the Mid-Atlantic Club as well, but thought I'd post here first. Also, do prices go down in the winter months or do they stay pretty firm?

Thanks,
Greg

[Rich]

PM sent.
Might know somebody with one that meets some of your criteria.

[Boxbot]

Thanks, Rich!

Is anyone in the LA area willing/able to take a look at this car?

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/d/1981-delorean-dmc-12-coupe/6678489318.html

Edit: Nevermind. I think it's a bogus listing. Here's the same car listed in Buffalo.

https://buffalo.craigslist.org/cto/d/delorean-dmc-v6-prv-five/6659852928.html

[peternikkiskinner]

Definately a fake, scam ad. Was sold by Moto Exotica sometime ago. Price seems to have risen in the past month on it.



Thanks, Rich!

Is anyone in the LA area willing/able to take a look at this car?

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/d/1981-delorean-dmc-12-coupe/6678489318.html

Edit: Nevermind. I think it's a bogus listing. Here's the same car listed in Buffalo.

https://buffalo.craigslist.org/cto/d/delorean-dmc-v6-prv-five/6659852928.html

[Boxbot]

Well, sure. You want to maximize your return on investment, particularly where you have nothing and couldn't be bothered to blur out the dealership's license plate.

[Dangermouse]

IMHO you would be hard pressed to find a nicer car at that price point than the next one down in the sub-forum

http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?13080-Stage-II-81-Auto-Black-Interior-Gas-Flap-29-950-miles-33K

Depends on how hard the desire is for an MT over a AT (with Stage II)

[Hill Valley PD]

I concur with the Stage II automatic listed here. I spoke to the owner Mark way back when he first listed this car before I changed gears and went for a manual (see what I did there). If I recall, he sent me a 25K invoice from DMC when the Stage 2 and everything else went into it. It is definitely a nice car. Back then the price was 40K, and I was considering it. At 33K, it'd be a no brainer if you can live with the automatic. I was a little concerned about the slight visible rust in the roof box on driver's side (in photos) but was told by DMC MW they've only ever had to replace one roof box, and the car already a complete basket case, which is not this car. They said roof box rust is generally an overblown issue. According to DMC MW, upgrades like the Eibach suspension set up and Stage 1 or 2 usually recoup about 50% at resale. Out the door, those two upgrades are over 9K installed, so a Stage 2 car with the Eibach system should sell for about $5,000 more than an equivalent stock car. Thus, if this car were stock, you're looking at 28K or so sale price, which is cheap given how nice it is and for what they have been selling for lately.

http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?14543-81-Automatic-Delorean-for-Sale

Another car I considered when I was still looking for autos. This one sold for 40K and is not Stage II. I guess my advice is if you've never driven a manual DeLorean, you probably won't miss it. I have never driven the automatic or a Stage II. I guess if you are dead set on a manual, go for one no matter how great of a deal this automatic one is, and it is. You have to be content with your choice, or you'll regret it and eventually want to switch cars. I've done that before a couple of time. Back in early 2011, I bought a 2010 Challenger R/T Classic but really deep down wanted the SRT. A few months later, the R/T was gone and the SRT was in the garage. The good news is that switching out classic cars is not like switching out new cars in terms of depreciation...

[Boxbot]

Agreed that car appears to be a great value with the stage II and suspension and doesn't need much - although the trans fluid leak will likely be a pricey repair. But I just plain old don't want an auto.

[HUMBL3R]

I have an 83 Manual for sale, shoot me an email if still looking... [email protected]

[Boxbot]

I have an 83 Manual for sale, shoot me an email if still looking... [email protected]

I am still looking. Email sent. Thanks!

[mrpeterman]

I am still looking. Email sent. Thanks!

Are you still looking? I posted mine here also.

[Boxbot]

Yes, check DMs. Small world.

[Boxbot]

I purchased 1596 from the seller on here. Car will be getting work done over the winter, (quite a bit more than I bargained for, unfortunately), and PA has now told me it may take up to three months to get a title from this untitled car from Maine. So hopefully I'll be ready for the springtime.

Mods, please lock thread.