Advice on pricing?

[84Impulse]

Made a 1600 mile trip(and spent $1000) to see an '81 D with 22k miles that was declared to be "mint" by 80 yr old seller. Leading up to the trip he pleaded ignorant about there being any shallow dent in the door(as seen in photo), claiming hes never seen any dent. Also, I inquired about anomaly in a photo that looked like cosmetic damage above rear bumper (that he also said he has never seen). Lo and behold, when I finally saw the car, there was the 10" shallow vertical dent in all its glory! The rear anomaly ended up being a tiny bumper sticker!! So perhaps he's just getting old??

Another thing I noticed were minor grain irregularities, here and there (scrub scuffs, if you will!). Car is in excellent condition outside of these two issues. Has original tires on it still. He recently had brakes done and braided fuel lines, oil change, also fixed toll booth windows.

I never drove the car, nor powered it up, but the mechanic told me it runs well (I was too pissed off once seeing the dent, and really just wanted to leave). Owner has taken the car to a bodyshop and they assured him its an easy pop out (no kinks in panel, btw). Originally, heasked for $48k, but im thinking $40, or right under. Gonna cost $2k to ship, burned $1k on trip. What do you guys think I should offer from the info here? Sorry to be a pain in the ass member asking all these questions. I am split between pursuing the car, or just letting it go. Thanks in advance

[Helirich]

I'm not inclined to give you a price, but I will tell you, if you make a 1600 mile trip, drive the car! Even if you don't buy that one, it will help you in a decision on another car.

[84Impulse]

I'm not inclined to give you a price, but I will tell you, if you make a 1600 mile trip, drive the car! Even if you don't buy that one, it will help you in a decision on another car.

Good advice, thanks, but im bit of a perfectionist and just wanted to get the fck out of there after making a serious effort to see a "mint" car- with glaring defects!! Hope you see my point ;)

[Michael]

People use words like "mint" and "immaculate" a lot these days but have no real idea what they mean when it comes to describing a vehicle...make that THEIR vehicle. They just think they need those words in the description regardless of how close to the mark they come.

The first car I looked at was a similar situation although I only had to drive 100 miles to see it. A week later, a truly mint and immaculate example fell into my lap. 12+ years later she is still in my garage.

[84Impulse]

People use words like "mint" and "immaculate" a lot these days but have no real idea what they mean when it comes to describing a vehicle...make that THEIR vehicle. They just think they need those words in the description regardless of how close to the mark they come.

The first car I looked at was a similar situation although I only had to drive 100 miles to see it. A week later, a truly mint and immaculate example fell into my lap. 12+ years later she is still in my garage.

Thats fantastic! And yes, you are right. Red flags should go up when u stary hearing mint or perfect!!
I once flew to Miami to look at a Gallardo, and it seemed a tick on the weathered side. Got turned off and went home. The next week a truly mint one came up on Ebay, 1000 miles on odo. Never thought it would materialize, but it did!! Would love to try this again, but prices are climbing and market seems to be warming up. Wonder if I should just buy this 8/10 specimen and restore?

[Michael]

If you are like me, very rarely will a car(or anything) meet your expectations, but as long as it's close, you can bring it home. My DeLorean was indeed nice, but it took a few years to get it to my standards. In fact, I can only think of one time where the vehicle I bought 100% met my expectations...it was my 1998 Honda VTR1000. The guy was not lying nor did he exaggerate when he used those words and I love riding that bike more than driving my car. Patience trumps compromise.

66766

[MrChocky]

I had a similar experience to Michael, (hell, it was much of his advice I followed when buying), I was looking at a car but was iffy on it. A few days later, a much nice one showed up, just a few miles away. A year later, it's not perfect, but it's getting there.

The difference this time is that you don't even have to wait. There's some really nice cars available right now:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1981-delorean-dmc-12-54/

https://www.ebay.com/itm/393427078732?mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&siteid=0&campid=5335840870&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1

The reality is, that unless the car has had a recent frame off restoration, there's going to be surprises. That's how it is on a 40 year old car. It won't
be perfect unless you want to make it so.

But like Michael said, if you don't like this car or these, then just wait. It'll show up.

[Kukem]

I agree to the advice given here. I looked at several cars before I finally found the one I bought the 1st time. She was in great shape but still had some improvements needed. That's how these car become personalized and special. After having to part with 11056, 4266 was a fluke. I got a call out of the blue, and after going over pictures and video, bought it without driving it. ( due to the restrictions of the pandemic, mind you. Don't do that unless you have no other choice.) 4266 is a great car overall, but she needed some small changes too.

The point is the same as the others': if you aren't absolutely sure that this is the car for you, don't buy it. The right one will come along eventually. It is a big purchase and you gotta be happy with what you get.

[David T]

You really can't go on the seller's description, he is trying to sell the car and figures once you make the trip he has you hooked. As nice as it may be, very few cars are "mint". There is always something. The nicer the car the less you will have to spend to fix it up but the more it will cost you to buy. Everything is negotiable and if you can get the price to a fair number you can fix it up yourself. That car would have been expensive, besides the cost of your trip add the cost of transport.

[Michael]

The nicer the car the less you will have to spend to fix it up but the more it will cost you to buy.

I know you said earlier you like to cater your advise to the lowest common denominator for future generations but damn dude. Give even the stupidest people a little credit.

[Iznodmad]

I’m confused……you walked away from a car with a couple of stainless issues and didn’t even listen to it run or drive it? You didn’t even mention “the big three”, as I like to call it. Gotta look for frame issues, roof box issues, and block rot issues. Next in line would be electrical components. Did you check all the fluids? How did the door fit and panel alignment look? I couldn’t imagine going that far and just barely looking at it and not diving as deep as I could to assess it properly. Assume the worst, and if better than that, call it a win.

[Helirich]

I had a similar experience to Michael, (hell, it was much of his advice I followed when buying), I was looking at a car but was iffy on it. A few days later, a much nice one showed up, just a few miles away. A year later, it's not perfect, but it's getting there.

The difference this time is that you don't even have to wait. There's some really nice cars available right now:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1981-delorean-dmc-12-54/

https://www.ebay.com/itm/393427078732?mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&siteid=0&campid=5335840870&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1

The reality is, that unless the car has had a recent frame off restoration, there's going to be surprises. That's how it is on a 40 year old car. It won't
be perfect unless you want to make it so.

But like Michael said, if you don't like this car or these, then just wait. It'll show up.

I was just looking at that second one. (Just for fun, not looking for a second D) It sure sounds pretty mint, but 10,000 miles is kind of scary to me. Every seal on that car is probably dried up. Sounds like they had to go through the fuel system to get it to run. (I know what that's like, lol) That is a lot closer to the OP, I assume.

[Helirich]

You didn’t even mention “the big three”, as I like to call it. Gotta look for frame issues, roof box issues, and block rot issues.

Could you be more specific? (For the OP and me) I think my frame is OK, but I don't even know what to look for on the roof box and block rot.

[MrChocky]

I’m confused……you walked away from a car with a couple of stainless issues and didn’t even listen to it run or drive it? You didn’t even mention “the big three”, as I like to call it. Gotta look for frame issues, roof box issues, and block rot issues. Next in line would be electrical components. Did you check all the fluids? How did the door fit and panel alignment look? I couldn’t imagine going that far and just barely looking at it and not diving as deep as I could to assess it properly. Assume the worst, and if better than that, call it a win.

I'm confused too. He bought a Lambo, why does he need so much handholding with a DeLorean? Perhaps this is where his expectations are at, in supercar land.

[Drive Stainless]

Hi, are you in the DC/MD/VA area? Let's talk. PM sent.

[Riley88]

Bud these are DeLoreans/ a "mint" car was one that the owner has fixed all the issues. Out of the factory these cars were imperfect. You probably have this idea of what you want the car to be in your head like many do. It can be attained, but you will have to make it that way or find a rare one that fits what youa re looking for. Irregularities int he grain is VERY common. Can it be fixed? yes by tedious work which many dont have the time for. Its a slow mountain to climb.

[David T]

I know you said earlier you like to cater your advise to the lowest common denominator for future generations but damn dude. Give even the stupidest people a little credit.

Maybe a better way to put it is that it is cheaper (and faster) to buy a better car than to take a bad one and fix it up. No car will be perfect but some are better than others. The secret is to buy the very best one you can for the least amount of money. Hard to achieve. Look at how BHCC does it. They buy beaters and then try to sell it for way too much! To improve a car from a 4 to a 3 costs less than going from 3 to 2 or 2 to 1. Each "jump" is an increase in an order of magnitude. Some small cosmetic defects are correctable. At least it isn't a hidden surprise.

[Rich]

Good luck in your quest to find the right DeLorean for you.

Not sure whether you know about this reference book (https://www.deloreanguide.com/) by James Espey that's aimed at buyers new to the car who want to know what to look for and how to shop for one.

The Illustrated Guide to DeLorean Automobiles (https://www.deloreanguide.com/) is very useful.

At this point you seem to be in the 'Beginning Your Search' section that's on pages 7-9 or perhaps a bit beyond. Further on it explains what can be done in terms of stainless repairs. Nothing you haven't already seen on that topic in this thread already.

Happy hunting.

[84Impulse]

If you are like me, very rarely will a car(or anything) meet your expectations, but as long as it's close, you can bring it home. My DeLorean was indeed nice, but it took a few years to get it to my standards. In fact, I can only think of one time where the vehicle I bought 100% met my expectations...it was my 1998 Honda VTR1000. The guy was not lying nor did he exaggerate when he used those words and I love riding that bike more than driving my car. Patience trumps compromise.

66766

We sound very similar. I am a fanatic about having things in near perfect condition. Have an original '99 gold Hayabusa and an '84 Ninja 900, both in exc condition. As soon as I see enough detractors on a vehicle, Im over it!

[84Impulse]

I agree to the advice given here. I looked at several cars before I finally found the one I bought the 1st time. She was in great shape but still had some improvements needed. That's how these car become personalized and special. After having to part with 11056, 4266 was a fluke. I got a call out of the blue, and after going over pictures and video, bought it without driving it. ( due to the restrictions of the pandemic, mind you. Don't do that unless you have no other choice.) 4266 is a great car overall, but she needed some small changes too.

The point is the same as the others': if you aren't absolutely sure that this is the car for you, don't buy it. The right one will come along eventually. It is a big purchase and you gotta be happy with what you get.

Thanks Kukem. Im on the fence abt this car. Owner is having all the repairs it needs, but my gut tells me to wait!

[84Impulse]

I had a similar experience to Michael, (hell, it was much of his advice I followed when buying), I was looking at a car but was iffy on it. A few days later, a much nice one showed up, just a few miles away. A year later, it's not perfect, but it's getting there.

The difference this time is that you don't even have to wait. There's some really nice cars available right now:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1981-delorean-dmc-12-54/

https://www.ebay.com/itm/393427078732?mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&siteid=0&campid=5335840870&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1

The reality is, that unless the car has had a recent frame off restoration, there's going to be surprises. That's how it is on a 40 year old car. It won't
be perfect unless you want to make it so.

But like Michael said, if you don't like this car or these, then just wait. It'll show up.

Thx, Mr. C!! Ive seen both of those cars but they dont grab me for various reasons. I think im going to pass on this one...ty again

[84Impulse]

You really can't go on the seller's description, he is trying to sell the car and figures once you make the trip he has you hooked. As nice as it may be, very few cars are "mint". There is always something. The nicer the car the less you will have to spend to fix it up but the more it will cost you to buy. Everything is negotiable and if you can get the price to a fair number you can fix it up yourself. That car would have been expensive, besides the cost of your trip add the cost of transport.
Thanks David. Going to see how much he will go down before bailing. You are right...he thought i was hooked coming out there!

[84Impulse]

I’m confused……you walked away from a car with a couple of stainless issues and didn’t even listen to it run or drive it? You didn’t even mention “the big three”, as I like to call it. Gotta look for frame issues, roof box issues, and block rot issues. Next in line would be electrical components. Did you check all the fluids? How did the door fit and panel alignment look? I couldn’t imagine going that far and just barely looking at it and not diving as deep as I could to assess it properly. Assume the worst, and if better than that, call it a win.

Turning red as I read this as Im guilty of checking none of them!! Fark, I was finished once I saw the dent, thats why I bailed on going any further on this car. Should just cut losses and bail completely. Thx for the truthbombs!

[84Impulse]

I'm confused too. He bought a Lambo, why does he need so much handholding with a DeLorean? Perhaps this is where his expectations are at, in supercar land.


Ha! I bought the Gallardo from Dallas Lamborghini, the #1 dealer with an impeccable used car record. It was virtually new other than a small invisible chin rash. As for the D, im expecting many imperfections. I know a perfect specimen may be out there, but unlikely to come across!

[84Impulse]

Good luck in your quest to find the right DeLorean for you.

Not sure whether you know about this reference book (https://www.deloreanguide.com/) by James Espey that's aimed at buyers new to the car who want to know what to look for and how to shop for one.

The Illustrated Guide to DeLorean Automobiles (https://www.deloreanguide.com/) is very useful.

At this point you seem to be in the 'Beginning Your Search' section that's on pages 7-9 or perhaps a bit beyond. Further on it explains what can be done in terms of stainless repairs. Nothing you haven't already seen on that topic in this thread already.

Happy hunting.

Thanks for that, Rich, much appreciated :)

[84Impulse]

People use words like "mint" and "immaculate" a lot these days but have no real idea what they mean when it comes to describing a vehicle...make that THEIR vehicle. They just think they need those words in the description regardless of how close to the mark they come.

The first car I looked at was a similar situation although I only had to drive 100 miles to see it. A week later, a truly mint and immaculate example fell into my lap. 12+ years later she is still in my garage.

Hi Michael,
Your mailbox is full, tried to msg you.

[Ron]

Curious what the deal breaker was for the Bring A Trailer D that MrChocky posted a link to?

[84Impulse]

Curious what the deal breaker was for the Bring A Trailer D that MrChocky posted a link to?

Hiya Ron. Sure. No doubt that is a nice specimen, but it is missing something that emotes me, whether it be the car's stance, esthetic harmony of the whole car with its individual components. it must pull me in!
Specifically, not crazy about the darker color of the front fascia, or the gray interior, or its stance. All very fixable items, but I rather buy the whole enchilada like Michael's car (his is the only one ive seen in full detail here). Love original spec cars, but not too much for modified versions, unless tastefully done.

[MrChocky]

I rather buy the whole enchilada like Michael's car (his is the only one ive seen in full detail here). Love original spec cars, but not too much for modified versions, unless tastefully done.

*facepalm*. I'm out.

[84Impulse]

*facepalm*. I'm out.

Explain, please

[84Impulse]

Bud these are DeLoreans/ a "mint" car was one that the owner has fixed all the issues. Out of the factory these cars were imperfect. You probably have this idea of what you want the car to be in your head like many do. It can be attained, but you will have to make it that way or find a rare one that fits what youa re looking for. Irregularities int he grain is VERY common. Can it be fixed? yes by tedious work which many dont have the time for. Its a slow mountain to climb.

Thanks Riley! Appreciate :)

[84Impulse]

Good luck in your quest to find the right DeLorean for you.

Not sure whether you know about this reference book (https://www.deloreanguide.com/) by James Espey that's aimed at buyers new to the car who want to know what to look for and how to shop for one.

The Illustrated Guide to DeLorean Automobiles (https://www.deloreanguide.com/) is very useful.

At this point you seem to be in the 'Beginning Your Search' section that's on pages 7-9 or perhaps a bit beyond. Further on it explains what can be done in terms of stainless repairs. Nothing you haven't already seen on that topic in this thread already.

Happy hunting.

Thank you, Rich, those are valuable books, I can tell. Appreciate your kindness.

[dmcerik]

Have you considered buying a car available from one of the DMC vendors, then working with them to turn it into your dream car?

[84Impulse]

Have you considered buying a car available from one of the DMC vendors, then working with them to turn it into your dream car?

Hi Erik! I did briefly, but pretty confident they buy up beater cars and bring them back to decent condition. Rather have a car thats been obviously well cared for. Thanks for the suggestion! :)

Congrats on cracking 100k, btw!!