Don't own a DeLorean, but want to someday. I have a few questions...

[JTennant]

Hello everyone, first post...

A little background, I was born in 1985...I'm sure you all know what movie came out that year. Of course I didn't see it until it was on TV a few years later, but I vividly remember Back to the Future being the first live-action movie I saw, and today I have the 25th anniversary collector's edition set. That was my first introduction to the DeLorean, and honestly I didn't know they were real cars until quite a while later. To date, I have yet to see one in person (how many DeLoreans are in Oklahoma, anyway?).

I'm not what you would call a "Car Person." I know next to nothing about them, though my eccentric uncle used to be a master mechanic in Arizona. But, when I look at cars, sports cars especially, I see the ones from the 1980's as some of the nicest looking vehicles there are. Of course a lot of people don't appreciate them, it seems, and the ones I like are often called "ugly" and "boxy." Personally, I don't see it. In fact, I could use those words to describe some current production vehicles. Ones I wouldn't be caught dead in.

That said, my favorite 80's sports car, as far as looks go, would be the DeLorean. The gull wing doors are awesome, of course, but I love the whole shape of the thing. After all, it does share a lot of design attributes with the Lotus Espirit from that time period. After I did some research, I'm starting to have that feeling that it's actually a good vehicle for someone like me.

Just for reference, I was in the market for an old handgun...and the CZ-52 caught my eye. Everyone I talked to at gun stores said the same basic thing: It's old, it's loud, it's heavy, it's ugly. Oh that one makes me cringe, since I actually like the looks of it. In short, save yourself the trouble and buy a nice Glock. Well, despite being relatively uncommon, I found one at a fair price (since they aren't in high demand), bought it (against the advice of everyone), and restored it to its original condition (aside from a tweak to the firing pin, since the original sucks). Today, it's my favorite handgun in the world and I love to show it off at the range. I honestly wouldn't recommend it to most people. You need really big hands like mine or it's uncomfortable to hold. It's not the most versatile or practical handgun. But it works for me. And best of all, it's unique and most people at the range can't name it. I love it.

I really think the DeLorean might work for me too.

Apparently, it was designed with tall people in mind since John DeLorean was quite tall. I'm over six foot and feel cramped in most sports cars I've ridden in.

It's not exactly the fastest car on the road. I'm a cautious driver and stay at the speed limit (probably to the annoyance of most everyone else).

It's probably the only vehicle that interests me enough that I would actually learn how to maintain it myself. My current car is just...well it drives. That's all I know. All I really care to know.

It has that "wow factor" since it's so uncommon, and a unique bit of history. I like that.

So, with all that in mind, I'd like to ask some real DeLorean owners if they could think of any significant pros/cons that could help me figure out if it's a reasonable addition to my list of things to work towards. So far I like many of the pros I've read about, and most of the cons really don't bother me much (or at all).

Any additional input from people with real experience would be greatly appreciated.

[ccurzio]

So, with all that in mind, I'd like to ask some real DeLorean owners if they could think of any significant pros/cons that could help me figure out if it's a reasonable addition to my list of things to work towards.

If you want one, get one. If you don't want one, don't get one.

It's really not any more complicated than that.

[JTennant]

If you want one, get one. If you don't want one, don't get one.

It's really not any more complicated than that.

Sounds simple enough. And I do want one...but as I can't really afford a "vanity" ride, it would be my primary vehicle. I'm trying to find out if that's really a good idea, before I make any big steps.

[TTait]

There are a couple ways to go but it worries me a little when you say it will be your primary vehicle.

You can go out and get a $17k Delorean, and put money in to it as you have time, but you ought to have another car to get you to work if something goes wrong. Even if you get a $30k car, its still a little quirky - but if your spending $30k I'd get the Driver D and fix it up as you can, and a nice used car.

Also, driving it in the snow might be a bit of an issue. I wouldn't if they salt the roads there at all, and honestly I'd be nervous about anyone driving rear wheel drive in the winter if they have not grown up driving RWD. I think its safe to say the first RWD car you drive in for any time in the snow and ice is going to end up sideways and perhaps dented despite being careful - its just a different beast.

You seem to be a great fit for the car based on your reasoning and enthusiasm, just make sure it works for you logistically. The car is older than you are...

My advice is have a dependable driver, and then get the best D you can then afford. If the Delorean you can afford does not appeal to you, save up a bit more.

Tom

[SamHill]

Sounds simple enough. And I do want one...but as I can't really afford a "vanity" ride, it would be my primary vehicle. I'm trying to find out if that's really a good idea, before I make any big steps.

This is all very speculative, but if you cannot afford a second car, then you most likely won't be able to handle the $25K nut to buy a thoroughly sorted car that you'll need on day 1 to get to work.

[Jeff K]

Sounds simple enough. And I do want one...but as I can't really afford a "vanity" ride, it would be my primary vehicle. I'm trying to find out if that's really a good idea, before I make any big steps.

Ok, I lieu of this info, it's a very BAD idea.

I have two of them, and a 2011 Volvo and GMC Yukon. You will be wrenching on these , one way or another. I was using my 83 as a daily driver, but I can afford the maintenance and parts. Also, I have other cars when mine is up on jackstands.

Actually my girlfriend was joking... "oh it's not on jacks today" :)

Like any cool toy, only get it if you can easily afford it.

[Dangermouse]

There's a bit of a catch-22 thing about making your D your DD (daily driver).

It is generally accepted that most people wouldn't recommend them as a DD because at the end if the day they are a 30 year old classic car.

However it is also generally accepted that the more you drive it the better it becomes. So to follow that thought, the best thing is to make it your DD.

But, and it's a big but, it is a 30 year old classic car and it WILL break down (and the probability of that happening is directly related to the PO) and how that affects your life/job etc, only you can know. repairs may take some combination of money , time, space, tools, and either you need to have these or know someone who does.

However in most cases this is part of the fun :)

[stevedmc]

The initial purchase price is what you pay to join the family. I would say more but I'm expecting to spend slightly less than $500 in maintenance this year. Depending on the condition of the car you get, your initial year or two of maintenance could be a lot higher. It just depends on the history of the car.

Btw, if you want a Delorean get one. If you have desired one since you were a child then you might fit in. On the old forum I mentioned there being three types of delorean owners.

1. Someone who has desired to own a Delorean most of their life. Most of these people stick with the car for better or for worse.

2. Someone who woke up one day and thought it would be cool to own one. They quit when they realize the commitment required.

3. The third type of person just has more money than he/she knows what to do with and pays $60k+ for a rebuilt car.

[Mike Z]

I don't own one just yet either but even when I do it will be my secondary car for weekends and going places around town at night, I'll never use it as a daily driver or for transportation to and from work.

I'm saving up to buy a nice D and I get the sense that a lot of people use them as a secondary ride.

[Chris Burns]

The initial purchase price is what you pay to join the family. I would say more but I'm expecting to spend slightly less than $500 in maintenance this year. Depending on the condition of the car you get, your initial year or two of maintenance could be a lot higher. It just depends on the history of the car.

Btw, if you want a Delorean get one. If you have desired one since you were a child then you might fit in. On the old forum I mentioned there being three types of delorean owners.

1. Someone who has desired to own a Delorean most of their life. Most of these people stick with the car for better or for worse.

2. Someone who woke up one day and thought it would be cool to own one. They quit when they realize the commitment required.

3. The third type of person just has more money than he/she knows what to do with and pays $60k+ for a rebuilt car.

Put me down as a number 1!:biggrin:

[JTennant]

There are a couple ways to go but it worries me a little when you say it will be your primary vehicle.

You can go out and get a $17k Delorean, and put money in to it as you have time, but you ought to have another car to get you to work if something goes wrong. Even if you get a $30k car, its still a little quirky - but if your spending $30k I'd get the Driver D and fix it up as you can, and a nice used car.

Also, driving it in the snow might be a bit of an issue. I wouldn't if they salt the roads there at all, and honestly I'd be nervous about anyone driving rear wheel drive in the winter if they have not grown up driving RWD. I think its safe to say the first RWD car you drive in for any time in the snow and ice is going to end up sideways and perhaps dented despite being careful - its just a different beast.

You seem to be a great fit for the car based on your reasoning and enthusiasm, just make sure it works for you logistically. The car is older than you are...

My advice is have a dependable driver, and then get the best D you can then afford. If the Delorean you can afford does not appeal to you, save up a bit more.

Tom

Some very good point, things I didn't think of.
I don't really see a reason to get rid of my current car, no matter what happens...I could make the D my DD except on days with iffy conditions, or if there's some issue with the DeLorean. My current car is one of the later Buick Skylarks, and is extremely dependable...so it would make a great backup car and I doubt I could sell it for much anyway. It's a 4-door, about as bland as can be, but at least it works and would fill in anytime I needed a vehicle and the DeLorean wasn't up to it.

So, demoting it to "primary car, but only when it's up to it," maybe it's not a bad idea after all.

And it would probably make me enjoy driving more, since it has that "holy crap" effect on most people who see them. I'm not what you'd call a chatty person, so I like my 'things' to speak for me. A DeLorean is certainly unique, and not well suited to just anyone...for an eccentric like me that's worth a lot.

Thanks to Tom and everyone else who made the point about having a dependable backup!

[JTennant]

On the old forum I mentioned there being three types of delorean owners.

1. Someone who has desired to own a Delorean most of their life. Most of these people stick with the car for better or for worse.

2. Someone who woke up one day and thought it would be cool to own one. They quit when they realize the commitment required.

3. The third type of person just has more money than he/she knows what to do with and pays $60k+ for a rebuilt car.

I'll say #1 for me, though it was quite a while before I realized they were even real! Once something piques my interest, I tend to stick with it...

Plus, the DeLorean is one of those 80's icons...I miss the 80's. Watching TV back then, I thought that was the kind of world I'd live in when I grew up...but I got stuck with the 2000's. Those, for the most part, sucked.

[tgraham]

Sounds simple enough. And I do want one...but as I can't really afford a "vanity" ride, it would be my primary vehicle. I'm trying to find out if that's really a good idea, before I make any big steps.

My first DeLorean was my only means of transportation for ~5 years for much the same reason. It let me down every now and then, but as a result, I learned a LOT about auto repair. I still have that car and drive it often.

A smart idea? It all depends on your perspective, will, and attitude.

Good luck and have fun!

Travis

[QuadcityDMC]

I have had my car for 1 year and 8 months. It has spent 5 months of its life at DMCMW and 4 months in my shop. I love that car and it will stay with me tell I'm dead, I destroy it, or it kills me!

I was one of those guys who knows NOTHING about cars, but I bought my DMC book and started to take things apart. I wanted one for along time but never saved any money for one. I'm also the guy the got up one morning and said "I'm buying me a Delorean". said that Feb of '10 and had one May '10. I had only looked at one other delorean before I bought mine. I was at the right place at the right time, now keep in mind I have put the same amount of money into the car as I did buying it. BUT now it's bad ass and worth every penny.

I do not use my car as a DD but I do drive it often, run to the mall, eat, and car shows. It's a show car not a grocery getter. Its a fun time when your trunk cable breaks and you have 1/4 tank of gas left, which in a Delorean it may as well be empty. There are a lot of odds and ends to deal with weekly.

I added all my parts and service done to my car and divided it by the time I have owned it. I was spending $790 a month on the car.

I big factor in my buying of the car is who can I trust to work on it and know what they are doing, if DMCMW was not close to me I might not of bought the car.

Side note I'm 6ft 4in and fit in the car fine but I'm also 160lbs.

[dvonk]

I'm not what you'd call a chatty person, so I like my 'things' to speak for me.

from what most owners on the forum say, you better brush up on your 'chatting skills'--you will be getting ALOT of unsolicited attention... :wink:

or, one could argue, driving a DeLorean is soliciting for attention! :lol:

[JTennant]

from what most owners on the forum say, you better brush up on your 'chatting skills'--you will be getting ALOT of unsolicited attention... :wink:

or, one could argue, driving a DeLorean is soliciting for attention! :lol:

I'm fine with that. I'm great at talking about things I love...but only once someone approaches me about them.

Like the guest who spotted my carnivorous plant collection...that was an interesting and lengthy conversation.

[dvonk]

nice. the more you talk about yourself, the more familiar it sounds... ive been obsessed with DeLoreans since a young age (http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?935-My-First-Documented-Musings-on-the-DeLorean) as well, and enjoy unique and unusual things. i love to hear things like, "i never even knew that existed."

i too am hesitant to 'strike up a conversation' with a stranger (less so as i age), but can elaborate incessantly about topics of interest. :lol:

[eagle-co94]

I like your example about the CZ-52. I bought a Desert Eagle in .50AE. A lot of people complain about them, but few have actual experience with them. It's not a carry weapon IMO, but a great pistol. I have other firearms for everyday use/carry.

I got my first DeLorean not running and it was barely there when I sold it, but at the same time I had several other vehicles to drive. I plan to drive mine quite often, even as a daily driver, but I think that having a backup is pretty important. Parts aren't at every Auto Zone/Pep Boys so when it goes down it could be a few days before you're rolling again.

You'll get good at chatting with people and politely excusing yourself from the conversation. My Impala SS has helped me with that as well as my Classic Mini and G-wagon.

[thirdmanj]

...Its a fun time when your trunk cable breaks and you have 1/4 tank of gas left...

Damn, that would suck, I never thought about that.... Gas flap hood baby!!

[eagle-co94]

Problem eliminated. Bought a car with a gas flap hood AND picked up a parts car...with a gas flap hood!:headbang:

[DMC5180]

I much prefer the clean lines of an Accent lined flap-less hood and a $2 backup release cable installed.

Btw: You will need to have a Another primary Driver Car just to keep your insurance rates semi-reasonable or even qualify for insurance in some cases.

[Kenny_Z]

I'll back up the insurance post. I had to move my 89 Astro parts getter van over to the same policy the D is on just to get reasonable insurance. I had my DD on my house policy since it saved me enough on home insurance that the car insurance was basically free.

How much work do you want to do on your own on the D? That would determine how much it would cost to maintain. Keep your secondary car, like it was stated above, sometimes you have to order the parts for your D since they aren't available at Autozone.

I've found that a Delorean isn't any different than any other car. Even the KJet was on several other cars. Some things are harder to reach like the distributor but others are easier like the fuel pump. As for the cost of parts, they really aren't bad compared to other cars I've worked on. Not as cheap as my Mustang but not as expensive as parts for my Nova.

In the end, if you want a D go for it. I spent 10 years looking for one before I found Red. I haven't once regretted buying that car even when she spent a month off the road while I waited on parts or when she spent that time beating up my savings account.

[Mike Z]

Its a fun time when your trunk cable breaks and you have 1/4 tank of gas left, which in a Delorean it may as well be empty.

I might be missing something but can't you just lift the hood up? Or is it the cable that pops the hood open?

Excuse my ignorance, I don't own one yet.

[QuadcityDMC]

There is a cable the releases the hood, I had my latch spring break on me last year then over the summer had the cable break inside the car. hood was up when it broke so I just removed the latch and set it inside the trunk. I then just let the weight of the hood keep it closed while driving. It's getting a new cable installed soon.

[rundmc]

I miss the 80's. Watching TV back then, I thought that was the kind of world I'd live in when I grew up...but I got stuck with the 2000's. Those, for the most part, sucked.

This sums up my entire attitude since 2001...

[Mike Z]

There is a cable the releases the hood, I had my latch spring break on me last year then over the summer had the cable break inside the car. hood was up when it broke so I just removed the latch and set it inside the trunk. I then just let the weight of the hood keep it closed while driving. It's getting a new cable installed soon.

Ah, I see, that makes sense.



I miss the 80's. Watching TV back then, I thought that was the kind of world I'd live in when I grew up...but I got stuck with the 2000's. Those, for the most part, sucked.

I was born in '81 and honestly I just have a really good memory so I remember very vividly growing up in the 80's and it just had a certain feel that I really miss. When everyone else is laughing at the styles or the big brick phones I get nostalgic.

[nullset]

If you live somewhere that roads aren't salted regularly in the winter, then a Delorean as your daily driver is a great idea.

I'm not sure about where you live. I live in Atlanta, and I drive my delorean every day.

I had a backup car, but someone decided to liberate it from me by turning left as I went through a red light. Since then, the Delorean has been my sole car.

Well, I have 2 deloreans, but one is a project and not yet safe for daily driving.

--buddy

[rundmc]

I was born in '81 and honestly I just have a really good memory so I remember very vividly growing up in the 80's and it just had a certain feel that I really miss. When everyone else is laughing at the styles or the big brick phones I get nostalgic.

I was born in '78 and my memory of childhood is like a steel trap. It also helped that I could read at a VERY early age. I remember vividly watching Buck Rogers and Dukes of Hazzard for Godssake and that was '80 and '81! First Star Wars action figure? Chewbacca - Got him at Kroger's in Nashville, 1982. Never forget that. BAM.

[adam_knox]

Do you have a garage? I would imagine living in OK you would want some sort place to keep it in case of bad weather. Hail damage is the worst and I could only imagine that sinking feeling in your gut if you have no where to put it for bad weather...

[Jimmyvonviggle]

My personal opinion is that a D (or any vanity car) is only fun to own if you have a second reliable car sitting around. As well as some disposable income to maintain and upgrade it,

It probably makes more sense to wait to you are at a different stage in your life.

In the meantime, maybe you can get to know some D owners in your area (Most D owners are pretty nice and love to talk about their cars for hours, or is it just me?), and maybe hitch a ride every now and then.

[Mike Z]

I was born in '78 and my memory of childhood is like a steel trap. It also helped that I could read at a VERY early age. I remember vividly watching Buck Rogers and Dukes of Hazzard for Godssake and that was '80 and '81! First Star Wars action figure? Chewbacca - Got him at Kroger's in Nashville, 1982. Never forget that. BAM.

:cool: I definitely miss those days, much simpler time...

[thirdmanj]

:cool: I definitely miss those days, much simpler time...

You are (were) fuckin' high.

[Mike Z]

You are (were) fuckin' high.

lol don't be jealous of us old-timers...anyway check your inbox in a little bit, there should be something there soon.

[nullset]

My personal opinion is that a D (or any vanity car) is only fun to own if you have a second reliable car sitting around. As well as some disposable income to maintain and upgrade it,

It probably makes more sense to wait to you are at a different stage in your life.

In the meantime, maybe you can get to know some D owners in your area (Most D owners are pretty nice and love to talk about their cars for hours, or is it just me?), and maybe hitch a ride every now and then.

I couldn't disagree more. If you can afford it, go for it! :)

Of course, I bought a Delorean on impulse from ebay not once, but twice…….

--buddy
PS: AND I DO NOT REGRET IT! :)

[thirdmanj]

I couldn't disagree more. If you can afford it, go for it! :)

Of course, I bought a Delorean on impulse from ebay not once, but twice…….

--buddy
PS: AND I DO NOT REGRET IT! :)

With which part? Clearly you could afford it right? So how is what he's saying incorrect? D's can be high maintenance autos. I tried to run a poll a while back to establish how Ds were utilized by their owners, while I believe the poll was a bit flawed, I feel comfortable enough saying that people who use their Ds as "no shit daily drivers" make up the smallest number of owners. Thus they are financially stable enough to keep Ds as there toy/play car.

[rundmc]

I generally agree that a DeLorean should be used as a weekend car for the vast majority of people. The problem arises when you drive it and realize you WANT to drive it everyday so you become tempted to buy another one to make that a reality...

[crunk04gtp]

I fit into category one and recently decided that it's something I'm definitely going to do as a present to myself for an achievement which is a year or two down the line. Before getting too psyched about it I have a some more specific questions than the OP.

The first one is something eagle-co94 can probably address. One of my current cars is a 1983 W126 Mercedes which is modified to run on vegetable oil. The Veggiewagen is strange and very needy. In terms of (lack of) reliability and regularity of problems that require attention how does a D rank compared to say a 30 year old Mercedes? I read someone say $500 in maintenance over the course of a year. That's less than I spend on the Veggiewagen. Is this a common figure?

My garage is generally two or three cars which are all DDs. I would be looking to spend 20-25k initially. The D would probably see 50,000 miles over 7 years before either being transformed into a new D or being sold. Is this a plausible expectation of a good condition Delorean?

My understanding is that as a part of his scheme JZD had DMC pumping beyond anything near necessary when the house of cards fell leaving a huge surplus of parts. The rest of the car seems to be Lotus and Renault components which I assume are no longer manufactured. Most parts for my Benz are still being produced so this worries me a little bit. If this is accurate does anyone know how long these parts are expected to last before being depleted?

Thanks,
Bill

[Iznodmad]

I generally agree that a DeLorean should be used as a weekend car for the vast majority of people. The problem arises when you drive it and realize you WANT to drive it everyday so you become tempted to buy another one to make that a reality...

Guilty as charged! Then the disease progresses. At first I thought I would keep my second D kinda stockish and not replace anything unless I had to. I kinda over-restored my first one to the point I hardly use it. Old habits die hard, and now I am going over the top again with the second one. My best advice is.......don't buy another one. Did I mention I was looking for a third D? (j/K)

[nullset]

With which part? Clearly you could afford it right? So how is what he's saying incorrect? D's can be high maintenance autos. I tried to run a poll a while back to establish how Ds were utilized by their owners, while I believe the poll was a bit flawed, I feel comfortable enough saying that people who use their Ds as "no shit daily drivers" make up the smallest number of owners. Thus they are financially stable enough to keep Ds as there toy/play car.

I don't think you need to have a second reliable car to enjoy a delorean. I have one drivable car, and it's a Delorean.

I have a problem. I have 2 deloreans, and my gf has 2 miatas. Between the two of us, we have 4 two seaters!

--buddy

[JTennant]

nice. the more you talk about yourself, the more familiar it sounds... ive been obsessed with DeLoreans since a young age as well, and enjoy unique and unusual things. i love to hear things like, "i never even knew that existed."

i too am hesitant to 'strike up a conversation' with a stranger (less so as i age), but can elaborate incessantly about topics of interest. :lol:

You sound a lot like me in that regard. I've recently learned I display a lot of "Aspergian" traits...and that could very well explain many of my peculiarities and difficulties in (normal) social situations.

I thrive on that "I never knew it existed" thing since it's the only thing that actually gets me talking with people, for the most part. I guess that's one reason why I gravitate towards unique/unusual/rare things.


I like your example about the CZ-52. I bought a Desert Eagle in .50AE. A lot of people complain about them, but few have actual experience with them. It's not a carry weapon IMO, but a great pistol. I have other firearms for everyday use/carry.

I got my first DeLorean not running and it was barely there when I sold it, but at the same time I had several other vehicles to drive. I plan to drive mine quite often, even as a daily driver, but I think that having a backup is pretty important. Parts aren't at every Auto Zone/Pep Boys so when it goes down it could be a few days before you're rolling again.

You'll get good at chatting with people and politely excusing yourself from the conversation. My Impala SS has helped me with that as well as my Classic Mini and G-wagon.

See, most people would look at that as a highly impractical purchase, but just because they don't fit the same niche as other handguns doesn't mean they don't fit any niche at all. Besides, it's just plain cool even if all you ever do is show it off. They sure are attention grabbers...kind of like the DeLorean. Besides, I've heard they're not nearly as painful to shoot as equivalent caliber revolvers...though pop culture would have us believe otherwise.

Lots of people made similar points about backup cars...and now I'm certainly going to hold onto my Skylark. It does seem a bit dumb to limit yourself to a single two-door that you can't always trust to get back on the road quickly if something goes wrong.


I was born in '81 and honestly I just have a really good memory so I remember very vividly growing up in the 80's and it just had a certain feel that I really miss. When everyone else is laughing at the styles or the big brick phones I get nostalgic.

Finally some people who agree with me. Most of the time all I hear is "the 80's sucked...be glad they're over." I miss them. Even the 90's were so much better than now, for crying out loud...


Do you have a garage? I would imagine living in OK you would want some sort place to keep it in case of bad weather. Hail damage is the worst and I could only imagine that sinking feeling in your gut if you have no where to put it for bad weather...

Yes, I do. Of course I might be living somewhere else by the time I get a DeLorean, but I'll always make sure I have a garage. The weather in this area lately has been so unpredictable...and sometimes quite damaging...

Thanks for all the input guys! I've officially added a DeLorean to my "list of goals for the near future." I think it's a good fit for me, and lots of people will probably try to talk me out of it, as they've done with other things I've gotten (which I totally do not regret). Not sure when it will be, but when I get it I'll finally have a car I like, even if it's not always in tip-top shape.

-J