Aces! Another "what's a reasonable asking price for this car" thread!

[DaraSue]

Well, I'm considering taking my own advice and giving up. What do you guys think I could get for my car?

10907, 1982 DMC 12 (Dec 1981 build)

Flat hood

New DMCH shocks (2017)

Original engine, heads-off block cleanout, radiator & hose replacement at DMCCA (2016)

New DPI clutch hydraulic lines (2019)

New DMCH clutch kit available for installation

Original interior (fair condition)

New TABs (DMCMW 2016)

2nd gear roll pin replaced @ reinforced (DMCMW 2016)

LED marker lights & A/C panel lights (DMCMW 2017)

New starter (DPI 2017)

Metal header bottle (installed by seller 2016)

New R-134 Sanden A/C compressor (2018 )
R-134 lines replaced by DMCMW (2018 )

DeLorean Go screw-in otterstat pipe (2019)
(new DMCH pipe and otterstat also available)

New y-pipe (2016)

New DPI coolant hard line (2019)
(new DMCH hard line also available)

New evaporator core (DMCMW 2016)

200 amp alternator (installed by seller, 2016)

Tires new as of 2016

New shift bushings (2019)

New water pump (2016)

DPI Silicone water pump hoses (2016)
(New DMCH water pump hoses also available)

DMCH fuel pump/sender combo (installed by seller 2016)

New Grady distributor cap & plug wires (2019)

New Grady fuel accumulator line (2018 )

Grady anti-rattle clips & engine cover reinforcer available

New lower ball joint boots (2017)

Updated relay kit (installed by seller 2016)

New rear main seal & axle seals (2018 )

New DMCH brake lines (2017)

Known issues:

Needs regraining, small dent by front of driver's door and scratch on bottom of passenger door

Fuel tank closing plate has rust spots on edge of driver's side

Radiator has intermittent minor leak from upper drive's side hose

Intermittent fuel smell in cabin

Possibly needs a new clutch

I was hoping I'd be able to get around $40k for it but that's probably dreaming given the number of problems I've had with it. Anybody have any commentary?

[SamHill]

I was hoping I'd be able to get around $40k for it but that's probably dreaming given the number of problems I've had with it. Anybody have any commentary?

As long as the frame is good, it is worth it to pay to have the clutch replaced and whatever other small problems fixed for a Spring time sale. You could certainly get close to $40K... others have.

[Jonathan]

With your list of good things above the known issues part, you stating it has a 'fair' interior, and assuming you add pictures, which, among other things, show clearly that your frame is in good condition, then yes, $40k is possible.

Your known issues list represents, to me, about $3k of spending for the parts or labour to fix those things. If you sell it without addressing those items, that $3k represents perhaps $6k that need to come off the asking price. If only because people like getting sorted out cars more than they do ones with issues (even if the known issues are known). If someone out there wants to buy one at a reduced rate and take care of it themselves, then that's a good list to have. For the buyer. It'll still cost you more to sell it like it is than fix the issues and sell it without those problems.

As for the advice about giving up, that's a personal decision and yours alone. Ignore any of that crap about how winners never quit or other cliches. Sometimes the best thing to do is move on to something else that brings joy to your life. If that's the case for you, then you're smart for realizing that, not a quitter or anything else negative. Anyone giving you shit about it can be told to go jump in a lake as far as I'm concerned. Do what's best for you. End statement.

[David T]

You didn't have the car very long but you put a boatload of money and parts into it! Why stop now, with just a little bit more you can have it done and probably get more money, at the very least it may sell faster if you don't have to say anything negative about it! There is a little time yet to get it done and sell in the Spring. As mentioned, you will probably do better in another month or so.

[hippieman9]

DON'T sell your car!!! It is a beautiful example of a Delorean, don't let repairs and upkeep keep you from enjoying your dream!

[louielouie2000]

I think most owners have been in your shoes before. These can be incredibly frustrating little cars to own. Here’s my advice, from someone who’s been there. Put some fuel stabilizer in the tank, cover the car, and focus on other parts of your life for a while. If you’ve got family out of town where you can stash the car, do that so you’re forced to take some time off from interacting with the car. It might just keep you from making an emotional decision you may later regret.

I got frustrated with DeLorean ownership too, ended up dumping my car for WAY less than I should have, and did enjoy life free from the stress of DeLorean ownership for a while. However, within a couple of years, the bug bit me again. Unfortunately, life seems to intervene every time I plan to buy another. It’s been 13 years since I sold mine, and now the same car would likely cost me 3 times as much to buy. It’s getting harder & harder for me to justify spending that kind of money on a toy. Point being: think long & hard from an emotional remove before selling.

If you’re still set on selling your car, do some market research first. Look at completed/sold auctions on eBay & Bring A Trailer, as well as listings on this site. See what auction cars of varying conditions actually bring; and how long it takes cars on here to sell, how many price reductions they go through, etc. I have watched the DeLorean market intensely for about 2 decades now, and can tell you this much. Cars at the bottom end & top end of the market tend to sell briskly. However, average condition “drivers” tend to linger on the market, and their sale prices are often disproportionately unfavorable compared to the project cars and high end ones. Could your car bring $40k? Perhaps, but everything I’ve gleaned about the market tells me that figure is around $5k too high. Just my two cents, and I fully expect my @ss to get jumped for them. ;)

[Chris Burns]

Don't do it Dara!

Just take a breather from it for awhile.

[eight8toy]

I think 30 is about what you'd likely get. That's after pricing it at 40 but then having to lower the price multiple times unfortunately.

I've had that same feeling with mine due to the frustration when things go wrong. If you can keep it stored as others have mentioned then you should let it sit for a few months otherwise you'll surely regret selling!

[Parzival]

Thats not too bad! Heck that little leak at the radiator is no big deal, regraining can wait. Your list of issues from where some people are sitting looks pretty good ;)

[Hill Valley PD]

Well, I'm considering taking my own advice and giving up. What do you guys think I could get for my car?

10907, 1982 DMC 12 (Dec 1981 build)

Flat hood

New DMCH shocks (2017)

Original engine, heads-off block cleanout, radiator & hose replacement at DMCCA (2016)

New DPI clutch hydraulic lines (2019)

New DMCH clutch kit available for installation

Original interior (fair condition)

New TABs (DMCMW 2016)

2nd gear roll pin replaced @ reinforced (DMCMW 2016)

LED marker lights & A/C panel lights (DMCMW 2017)

New starter (DPI 2017)

Metal header bottle (installed by seller 2016)

New R-134 Sanden A/C compressor (2018 )
R-134 lines replaced by DMCMW (2018 )

DeLorean Go screw-in otterstat pipe (2019)
(new DMCH pipe and otterstat also available)

New y-pipe (2016)

New DPI coolant hard line (2019)
(new DMCH hard line also available)

New evaporator core (DMCMW 2016)

200 amp alternator (installed by seller, 2016)

Tires new as of 2016

New shift bushings (2019)

New water pump (2016)

DPI Silicone water pump hoses (2016)
(New DMCH water pump hoses also available)

DMCH fuel pump/sender combo (installed by seller 2016)

New Grady distributor cap & plug wires (2019)

New Grady fuel accumulator line (2018 )

Grady anti-rattle clips & engine cover reinforcer available

New lower ball joint boots (2017)

Updated relay kit (installed by seller 2016)

New rear main seal & axle seals (2018 )

New DMCH brake lines (2017)

Known issues:

Needs regraining, small dent by front of driver's door and scratch on bottom of passenger door

Fuel tank closing plate has rust spots on edge of driver's side

Radiator has intermittent minor leak from upper drive's side hose

Intermittent fuel smell in cabin

Possibly needs a new clutch

I was hoping I'd be able to get around $40k for it but that's probably dreaming given the number of problems I've had with it. Anybody have any commentary?

I paid 42K for my car at DMC MW. Seller got 38K as they charge 10% premium to sell on consignment I believe. I felt like the price was fair, since it is a great car, and I knew who I was getting it from. Mine is an earlier car VIN 2282 (July '81), 5 speed with 25K original miles. It spent the first half of its life in California, so the frame is excellent. I had it at DCS, and it did very well in the 25-50K mileage category. In terms of maintenance, it had $15,000 put in it in the last 6 years at DMC alone (cosmetic and everything you'd do to a car that sat for a time). I probably have another $1,500-2,000 in it this year with routine maintenance items and a few cosmetic improvements/enhancements (stainless fuel lines, repainting of louvers/engine cover, all fluids, LED conversion throughout most of car, etc.) . As a point of reference to some of the "issues" you list with your car, my car came regained, has a newer clutch, wheels were redone, had Eibach from DMC, and majority of interior replaced/redone (carpets, seats, headliners, dash all through DMC).

Known issues: Original speakers are shot (has Sony head unit and not the original Craig :frown: ), and the AC needs a charge every season, so there is a leak somewhere. Looking at fixing these items this year and doing a few other minor things.

I would say if you put a new clutch in, you could probably get close to 40K, especially since that list of what has already been done is pretty extensive, though I haven't really looked at prices since the early Summer. If you keep it, you can always get it re-grained (maybe $1,500 at most at DMC is what mine was with dent repairs) and then you slowly replace the worn items on the interior. Does it need carpets, seats redone, headliner, dash etc. If you are curious, I can always dig out my receipts and let you know how much all that cost. I'd also say don't sell, but I understand why.

[CFI]

I think 30 is about what you'd likely get. That's after pricing it at 40 but then having to lower the price multiple times unfortunately.



I'd have to agree. Based on what I've seen recently, and based on what the two DeLoreans in our family were purchased for last year I think even 30 is pushing it.

[Riley88]

I would just take a break, and focus on something else. It can be stressful at times. But I wouldn't sell tbh but it's your car we wish you best of luck with your decisions.

[louielouie2000]

I would say if you put a new clutch in, you could probably get close to 40K, especially since that list of what has already been done is pretty extensive, though I haven't really looked at prices since the early Summer. If you keep it, you can always get it re-grained (maybe $1,500 at most at DMC is what mine was with dent repairs) and then you slowly replace the worn items on the interior. Does it need carpets, seats redone, headliner, dash etc. If you are curious, I can always dig out my receipts and let you know how much all that cost. I'd also say don't sell, but I understand why.

The DeLorean vendors command and indeed seem to receive a premium for the cars they sell. I'm sure since Dara bought her car through DMC-Midwest, they'd be willing to consign it, and that would certainly be her best chance at getting top dollar.

Just as a reference point, there are a couple of very nice private-sale DeLoreans on eBay right now. One is currently asking $40k, the other $36k. Both seem to be cosmetically & mechanically sorted, yet both keep sitting on the market & reducing their asking prices:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1981-DeLorean-DMC-12/183691025146?hash=item2ac4d69afa:g:Ms4AAOSwfX9b1fN e:rk:2:pf:0&vxp=mtr

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1981-DeLorean-DMC-12/362560108003?hash=item546a4435e3:g:aMkAAOSw4m9cGEr m:rk:1:pf:0&vxp=mtr

It seems most DeLorean asking prices on Autotrader/Autotrader Classics have crept down into the 30s as well. I suspect this is just reflecting a reality closer to what the cars are selling for vs a true DeLorean market correction. Just info to be aware of.

[DaraSue]

Thanks for your responsses, everybody. A note of clarification: I didn't buy the car through MW, I bought it from a private seller and then they did a bunch of work on it to make sure I could drive it home.

I haven't made any definite decisions yet, waiting to see if I cen get the new clutch cylinders & line in by mysekf and get it shifting at least, then see if it actually does need the clutch too. This isn't even the worst problem I've had with it but a lot of other factors just kind of piled up at once and everything was feeling hopeless for a few days.

If I can get it in working order I'll drive it to CA in a couple weeks and see how it does before I do anything I might regret later.

[Jonathan]

I think the "take a break and clear your head" advice several people have suggested is really good. Doesn't have to be any set amount of time, just enough for you to step back and cool down the emotionally driven part of the decision making. These cars can definitely feel overwhelming from time to time.

[Hill Valley PD]

I definitely paid a premium for mine buying it through a DMC vendor, but I also knew I was getting a good one with the exact features I was looking for. I gave them a list of preferences, and they happened to get the exact car in days before. Had I found the owner before consignment, I would have gotten the car for under 40K for sure. I was also really close to flying out to California and purchasing Ryan S's car for virtually the same price I paid for mine, but with shipping it back to IL, I would have had more money in that car than my current one.

With respect to your conundrum, take a break and revisit this in Spring. If you still want to sell it then, then that would be the time to do so. I am going through the same thing with my 1970 Mustang Mach 1. Everyone says not to sell it, but it would be nice to free up some garage space and have the cash on hand. I have a small list of things I want to do to the DeLorean still, so there's that too. Plus, we are also going to need a new car pretty soon as one of our normal cars, a Hummer H3, just hit 294K and little things keep popping up on it. These are hard decisions that need time to work themselves out. It was pleasure meeting you at DCS!

[Farrar]

DON'T sell your car!!! It is a beautiful example of a Delorean, don't let repairs and upkeep keep you from enjoying your dream!

I agree with this 100%.

When #2613's engine died and I didn't have the wherewithal to mount an engine replacement, I put it on jack-stands and waited until I had the resources. It was over two years before I had a well-running DeLorean again, but now it's running and I don't regret waiting. You know what I would have regretted? Selling it. No matter how much I could have got for it. Once it's gone, you can't get it back.

Sometimes when it's getting me frustrated I take a break from the DeLorean. It's OK. We all get burned out from time to time. But if owning it and driving it brings you any amount of joy, I'd reconsider selling it, unless you are in dire need of some cash right now.

[David T]

It's nice being able to tell someone what to do. Maybe he financed it and can't afford the payments anymore. Or maybe he can't park it in a garage anymore. Or he is having another kid and needs the money. It's only a car and if the OP has to sell it, he can get another one if and when he is in a better place to do so. Sometimes life gets in the way of what we really want to do.

[Farrar]

It's nice being able to tell someone what to do. Maybe he financed it and can't afford the payments anymore. Or maybe he can't park it in a garage anymore. Or he is having another kid and needs the money. It's only a car and if the OP has to sell it, he can get another one if and when he is in a better place to do so. Sometimes life gets in the way of what we really want to do.

Is it also nice being able to assume that the woman you're talking about is a man?

[Michael]

Is it also nice being able to assume that the woman you're talking about is a man?

The tech manual forbids arguing with David T.

[SamHill]

The tech manual forbids arguing with David T.

Everyone wishes Michael would sell his Delorean.

[Farrar]

I'm amazed that some people find it terribly shocking and offensive that DeLorean owners would argue in favor of DeLorean ownership...

[DaraSue]

Thanks, guys. For the record, it's not really a matter of any pressing financial urgency. It was just a bunch of things, many of them directly or tangentially DeLorean-related, that all piled up at once. Not all of them were as bad as I thought, but some of them are and will probably get worse. I'm just at the point where I'm feeling like the enjoyment I'm getting out of the car isn't worth the money I've spent on it and I should cut my losses. We'll see.

[SamHill]

Thanks, guys. For the record, it's not really a matter of any pressing financial urgency. It was just a bunch of things, many of them directly or tangentially DeLorean-related, that all piled up at once. Not all of them were as bad as I thought, but some of them are and will probably get worse. I'm just at the point where I'm feeling like the enjoyment I'm getting out of the car isn't worth the money I've spent on it and I should cut my losses. We'll see.

Understandable... If I can't use it as much as I want to, I'm not happy with it. Fortunately, I feel like I have been very lucky for the past few years... and therefore very happy. Most of the inhibiting reasons for going out is when the attention starts to get in the way of trying to make it somewhere on time. As bonded as I am, the day will come to move on. All things must pass/ all things must pass away.

[NightRider]

Most of the inhibiting reasons for going out is when the attention starts to get in the way of trying to make it somewhere on time.
This is one of my problems as well. I've got a really tight schedule and just don't allocate much time for joyriding. My kids are also too young to enjoy the car. If I can hold onto the car for a few more years, they're going to love it, but I've been talking about selling the car for 2 years now and have made peace with letting it go. I just need to find a buyer although I haven't been looking for one very hard, haha.

[Spittybug]

My car is ALWAYS for sale. The price just gets adjusted based on who's asking me. I can always buy another one and start over. That said, I get frustrated every now and then with the drip drip drip of issues that pop up and need resolving. Then I remember that problem solving, engineering solutions and overall improvement of the status quo are things that I enjoy! What would I do if my hobby car was actually reliable, bulletproof or never in need of maintenance? Wax the paint job? :rofl:

[DaraSue]

Well, a new slave cylinder and clutch line, another week of beating my head against the wall, a flatbed ride, a new clutch and $1000 of labor later, I have a running car again, so maybe I'll keep it after all. I'm a lot less miserable when I have a running DeLorean than when I have a non-running one, it turns out. If only all the rest of my problems were this (comparatively) easy to fix, LOL...

[Riley88]

Well, a new slave cylinder and clutch line, another week of beating my head against the wall, a flatbed ride, a new clutch and $1000 of labor later, I have a running car again, so maybe I'll keep it after all. I'm a lot less miserable when I have a running DeLorean than when I have a non-running one, it turns out. If only all the rest of my problems were this (comparatively) easy to fix, LOL...
Did you have the original clutch line? The difference was night and day for me when i got the stainless one done

[AugustneverEnds]

Well, a new slave cylinder and clutch line, another week of beating my head against the wall, a flatbed ride, a new clutch and $1000 of labor later, I have a running car again, so maybe I'll keep it after all. I'm a lot less miserable when I have a running DeLorean than when I have a non-running one, it turns out. If only all the rest of my problems were this (comparatively) easy to fix, LOL...

:)

I'm glad you're getting on better terms again with your car. I'm also glad to know I'm not the only one who has DeLorean induced mood swings. Right now I'm in the misery camp but as you have reminded us it does pass :cheers:

[DaraSue]

Did you have the original clutch line? The difference was night and day for me when i got the stainless one done

It had been replaced within the last 3 years but my slave cylinder was leaking and full of crud (not sure if it was actually replaced when the rest of the stuff was) so I thought I'd better replace the line too so it wouldn't get contaminants back into the system.


:)

I'm glad you're getting on better terms again with your car. I'm also glad to know I'm not the only one who has DeLorean induced mood swings. Right now I'm in the misery camp but as you have reminded us it does pass :cheers:

Yeah, I definitely wasn't expecting to have this much trouble with it this soon after all the other work I had done on it. :swear1: I hope it forgives me for hitting it on the underbody and calling it a piece of shit and telling it I wished I'd never bought it. I feel crushing guilt about that now, especially since this time it was kind enough to break down in my garage instead of stranding me by the side of the road the last time I'd driven it (in the mountains in freezing cold)... :mecry:

[David T]

It really wasn't necessary to replace the line, flushing it out was all that was needed. If you flush the brake fluid every other year you won't develop crud and have leaking cylinders. As for cursing at the car, that is unforgivable and that Karma will come back at you in the form of more repairs!

[DaraSue]

It really wasn't necessary to replace the line, flushing it out was all that was needed. If you flush the brake fluid every other year you won't develop crud and have leaking cylinders.

I kept the old line since it was still intact, so if it's salvageable I guess I can reuse it someday if necessary. It had only been a little over 2 years since I bought the car, is it normal to have that kind of issue six months overdue for a flush?


As for cursing at the car, that is unforgivable and that Karma will come back at you in the form of more repairs!

:frown: I told it I was sorry, asked it to forgive me and kissed it on the fender the next day...

[DaraSue]

Well, I had been thinking that if I made it to Spokane and back without a tow truck, I would re-evaluate things, and I'm happy to report that I did :biggrin:

It was really fun just getting out on the road again, it had been about a year since I'd driven it on a 200+ mile trip. It was a good reminder of why I loved the car in the first place.

Things still aren't perfect, there's still some seepage at the connector between the clutch reservoir line and the master cylinder, I have to put it in 5th really gingerly or it grinds, and there's a weird resistance sensation when steering at low speeds but hopefully nothing I can't deal with before it strands me by the side of the road.

So... I guess I'll keep it :)

[AugustneverEnds]

I'm happy to learn you are staying stainless. Your thread chronicling your voyages around the country serve as motivation for me to finish a few projects on 10287 and finally bite the bullet and take the car on its own long range trip hopefully out West somewhere. Thank you and keep racking up those miles :)

[DaraSue]

I'm happy to learn you are staying stainless. Your thread chronicling your voyages around the country serve as motivation for me to finish a few projects on 10287 and finally bite the bullet and take the car on its own long range trip hopefully out West somewhere. Thank you and keep racking up those miles :)

Yay, I'm glad to be inspirational :) Good luck with your project and I hope I'll see you at DCS next year!

[Rich_NYS]

Well, I had been thinking that if I made it to Spokane and back without a tow truck, I would re-evaluate things, and I'm happy to report that I did :biggrin:

It was really fun just getting out on the road again, it had been about a year since I'd driven it on a 200+ mile trip. It was a good reminder of why I loved the car in the first place.

Things still aren't perfect, there's still some seepage at the connector between the clutch reservoir line and the master cylinder, I have to put it in 5th really gingerly or it grinds, and there's a weird resistance sensation when steering at low speeds but hopefully nothing I can't deal with before it strands me by the side of the road.

So... I guess I'll keep it :)

:thumbup: