Buy used or buy used from DMC

[CEOofawesome]

I have noticed that DMC usually wants about 50,000 for their used Ds, but on sites like eBay you can get a D for about 20,000-25000ish. What would you do, pay more and get one straight from DMC or trust some unknow person on the Internet? Just wanna know, I can't buy a Delorean yet but might as well get ready early!

[thirdmanj]

First, remember that "DMC" is not the original DMC of the 80s and has no connection with them. They are a well organized, restoration and parts vendor. Which there are a few of. You'll get varying opinions on this of course. But for my money I'd buy from DPI.

[CEOofawesome]

I understand that the DMC of today in not realy affiliated with the origanial DMC. Thanks for your opinion!

[AirmanPika]

I think one aspect of the DMC ones are that they are higher quality than the ones you find on ebay. I can't say for sure, but I would assume that DMC ones have been restored, or at least meet their level of quality to be sold under the name. These cars always look better online than in person (DMC, ebay, or otherwise) so its hard to say for sure.

[AugustneverEnds]

The answer depends on what you want a DeLorean for. If you want a DeLorean and want a car that has as many modern features as possible and want as few mechanical/electrical/ cosmetic issues as possible, stick with a remanufactured/restored car from DMC Houston. If the DeLorean backstory matters to you i.e. you are interested in the history behind the car, John Z., its Northern Irish origins etc.. and you are willing to take extra care of an older car, you might prefer an original build car. Plus, as you noticed, an original DeLorean is more obtainable, as long as it is not completely destroyed.

To me the story of how and why the DeLorean came to be are as interesting as the car itself. My car is not just an unusual car but a piece of modern history too.

[DMC3165]

The reputation of the DMC cars is not great in the community. The reputation of the "New builds" is appalling based on their asking price. DMC Florida DMC Midwest and DMC California were all separate business before joining up with DMC Texas and they do have better reputations individually, but unfortunately they have to keep their vehicle prices in line with Texas so that they don't lose their franchise. There are others in the DeLorean community that sell cars of equal if not better quality for a fraction of the price that the Franchises are asking and their are plenty of privately owned ones for sale that would cost less then half of a DMC car and you'd probably get just as much enjoyment out of. When a $20K breaks down a few times a year you'll deal with it. When a$60K car breaks down a few times a year you'll be ripping your hair out. Unless your the type that has alot of money and doesn't care about tossing it around. Which is exactly the type of customer DMC Texas wants, just like DeLorean one did and you see where they are today.......

[David T]

A lot depends on how handy you are, what kind of tools you have, if you have a place to work on the car, how much time you can spend fixing the car, and most importantly your budget. If you buy the car from a vender you have some expectation that the car will be drivable and depending on what you spend it can be almost as reliable as a new car. At the very least a vender can tell you what you can expect to have to do to keep it running. Buying a car privately it is all on you to know what you are buying and if it is worth what the seller is asking. A lot of what you will pay a vender is for peace-of-mind and the expectation that the most obvious stuff is going to be OK. Unless you get a "New Build" you aren't going to get a great warranty even from a vender. If you can afford it the best advice is to always buy the best car you can afford. You will have the most enjoyment quickly and the car should be more reliable and "pretty" than a POS that doesn't run and needs a ton of parts and time. In the end it will generally cost you more to fix up the POS then to spend it all up front and get a nice car.
David Teitelbaum

[AirmanPika]

The reputation of the DMC cars is not great in the community. The reputation of the "New builds" is appalling based on their asking price.

To be fair...a perfect condition delorean is still...well....a delorean. Its gonna break. DMC ownership isn't easy.

[stevedmc]

Steve Rice and Bill Robertson have less than $15,000 invested in their DeLoreans (Steve Rice's and Bill Robertson's bulletproof front end upgrades instantly added $1,000 to their total investments, but being bulletproof they won't ever need to be touched again, and Steve Rice and Bill Robertson have the benefits of smoother than OEM rides in the interim).

Steve Rice and Bill Robertson think that anyone who spends $20,000 on a DeLorean, much less $60,000, is crazy.

Steve Rice and Bill Robertson do not have porcelain DeLoreans that break if you look the wrong way at them. Steve Rice and Bill Robertson drive the ever living daylights out of their DeLoreans -- as much as 8,000 miles per year.

Steve Rice's and Bill Robertson's DeLoreans are not only as mechanically reliable as 2012 year model new cars, but they look good too (Dirtiest DeLorean Award nothwithstanding -- you can't drive 8,000 miles per year without picking up a little dirt).

[LEVY]

First, if you can not afford to buy a Delorean now, I believe a $50,000.00 Delorean is out of question. Now, if you are looking on financing your vehicle, better be ready to make your monthly payment plus maintenance bills. If you are looking for a daily driver, you must have a backup car, that is for sure.

If you end up buying a $20,000.00 and spend $30,000.00 to make it show quality, don't expect to have a $50,000.00 car, no matter what the person who is doing the restoration say, unless you have one of those pre-500 pilot cars, of course.

LEVY

[DMC3165]

If you buy a $60K Delorean, put it in storage for 20 years and never drive it. Expect to get $20K for it when you sell it.

[stevedmc]

If you are looking for a daily driver, you must have a backup car, that is for sure.

Drew Guillory's DeLorean is his only car:

http://www.gulfcoastdeloreans.com/images/DrewGuillory1.jpg

[Dangermouse]

nullset has a D as his DD also.

[LEVY]

nullset has a D as his DD also.

Is that the only vehicle at home?

Would you rely on your D as the daily driver and your only vehicle at home?

LEVY

[Dangermouse]

For a while it was his sole vehicle. He added a second project D after about a year which in theory he could scavenge parts off, but I am not sure that he has ever done so.

Because he drives his a lot it is probably a lot more reliable than mine which isn't driven as much. I wouldn't have mine as a DD as it is more of a rolling resto.

In general, I wouldn't recommend anyone having a 30+ year old car as a DD. I was just pointing out that at least one more forum member has made that choice and has been successful/lucky. perhaps he is the exception that proves the rule.

[Iznodmad]

Keep in mind the audience you are asking this question to. This board is simply a very small subset of the DeLorean community. The vast majority of owners don't ever communicate with others. What you see here is mostly those that either want to gather info on how to fix cars and/or socialize with others. I think the vast majority here are those with the skills and means to do most of the work themselves, followed by those that pay to have others do the work. The point being......not many here buy a completely done car, so you probably won't see that as a common answer. BTW, I use my D nearly everyday but it is not the only car(s) in my fleet.

[Notifier]

Buy from a private seller (ebay, classifieds on here, wherever). Before you put any money down have the vehicle checked out by a mechanic who is familiar with European cars. You could probably go to a regular mechanic but they would probably giggle too much with all the BTTF jokes. Having it checked out gives you several advantages: You will know what your issues are (and can decide to deal with them or look elsewhere), it gives you room to negotiate the price (especially if the seller says "everything in great shape"), and most used car sales are as-is without a warranty, gives you some reinsurance you're not getting taken.

After you purchase, take the vehicle to one of the DMC vendors that specifically services them and have them do their inspection. Get a quote for the repairs and go from there. Good thing about having them look at the car, they can check for DeLorean specific issues and answer any questions you have about the car.

[LEVY]

Drew Guillory's DeLorean is his only car:

http://www.gulfcoastdeloreans.com/images/DrewGuillory1.jpg

Not true!

[stevedmc]

Not true!

Steve Rice says, "What? This is in fact Drew's only car."

[LEVY]

Steve Rice says, "What? This is in fact Drew's only car."

Sorry,

Levy meant to say:

I don't believe that is the only vehicle at home, if it is, then it should be parked on the driveway and not on the side.

LEVY

[stevedmc]

Sorry,

Levy meant to say:

I don't believe that is the only vehicle at home, if it is, then it should be parked on the driveway and not on the side.

LEVY

That picture was taken at his brother's house. Believe it or not, Drew is able to drive his car to other cars and driveways.

[LEVY]

That picture was taken at his brother's house. Believe it or not, Drew is able to drive his car to other cars and driveways.

And he can park his vehicles on the lawn too, right?

LEVY

[stevedmc]

And he can park his vehicles on the lawn too, right?

LEVY

Drew can park his car wherever he wants. Steve Rice was simply saying that Drew has only one car and you, not even knowing Drew, called Steve Rice a lier.

[Nicholas R]

I used my car as my DD and only vehicle this summer. Between May and August put over 6,000 miles on the car :).

[LEVY]

I used my car as my DD and only vehicle this summer. Between May and August put over 6,000 miles on the car :).

Quite a few people use their Deloreans as a daily driver but no too many can say that is the "only vehicle at home". Of course, if you can not afford to have another vehicle, then use what you have (this is not your case, of course).

LEVY

[Nicholas R]

Quite a few people use their Deloreans as a daily driver but no too many can say that is the "only vehicle at home". Of course, if you can not afford to have another vehicle, then use what you have (this is not your case, of course).

LEVY

Ordinarily it's not the case. This summer I lived 1,000 miles from home with nothing but the car and a bonnet full of tools (just in case).

Either way, this thread is starting to stray.

Back onto the topic; Back to the original question:

I have noticed that DMC usually wants about 50,000 for their used Ds, but on sites like eBay you can get a D for about 20,000-25000ish. What would you do, pay more and get one straight from DMC or trust some unknow person on the Internet? Just wanna know, I can't buy a Delorean yet but might as well get ready early!

I could not ever justify 50,000 for a DeLorean no matter what features it comes with. There are plenty of very reliable cars available for 20,000-25,000. Personally I dont see the need in having a vehicle with all new or NOS parts. Plus, a $20000 car can increase in value as you own it an put money into it (or at least hold it's value). Worst case, you buy a $25,000 car, you drive it for a year, get tired of it, and you can sell it again for $25,000, because you paid what the car was worth. A $50,000 DeLorean will never be worth $50,000 once it leaves DMCH. Like any other new car, it depreciates immediately. You buy it for $50,000, drive it for a year, get tired of it, you'll be very lucky to sell it for $30,000-$35,000. At that point its just another really good condition DeLorean with a Stage II engine.

[1batt4u]

I prefer a used! Build it anyway I wish to, my way and with better parts!!

I need an LS1 engine in mine!!! :smile:

[refugeefromcalif]

I could not ever justify 50,000 for a DeLorean no matter what features it comes with. There are plenty of very reliable cars available for 20,000-25,000. Personally I dont see the need in having a vehicle with all new or NOS parts. Plus, a $20000 car can increase in value as you own it an put money into it (or at least hold it's value). Worst case, you buy a $25,000 car, you drive it for a year, get tired of it, and you can sell it again for $25,000, because you paid what the car was worth. A $50,000 DeLorean will never be worth $50,000 once it leaves DMCH. Like any other new car, it depreciates immediately. You buy it for $50,000, drive it for a year, get tired of it, you'll be very lucky to sell it for $30,000-$35,000. At that point its just another really good condition DeLorean with a Stage II engine.

You have my attention with your comment(s).

I bought my D from DMC Florida for a Premium? price. Not a New Build but, a Low mileage, (Less then 4,400) car in Beautiful, road worthy condition.
It had been Fully serviced, brought up to date with all the Needed/Necessary upgrades and came with a 12 month/12,000 mile Powertrain warranty.
I Did pay more then $50,000 for it, Even more, if you include the Extras that I had added before I picked it up. (Haggling on their asking price Wasn't, an option with them).

Funny, It's still on DeLoreans main Sales page as being available for sale.

Makes me wonder if I could have bought a Lower condition car, then had it sent to a DMC service center and had the same work done for a Cheaper price?

BTW, I'm not afraid of working on my cars. I've just gotten to the stage of life that I don't want unfinished projects sitting for a few years without enjoying what I bought them for.
Then again, sometimes the *Project Work* is what I start one for. Not the Finished product... (I have to re-think some of this).
Anyway, I was in the market for a Daily Driver DeLorean from the onset. (Knowing that I'll HAVE to work on it here and there)... :)

I was going somewhere with this but,,,? :confused:


George

[stevedmc]

A "rolling restoration" -- a car that can be driven while it is being fixed up rather than sitting idle -- is significantly less expensive than a DMCH refurb, and more fun.

[Nicholas R]

[content removed...]
Anyway, I was in the market for a Daily Driver DeLorean from the onset. (Knowing that I'll HAVE to work on it here and there)... :)
[content removed...]


I certainly dont mean any disrespect at all, but I know that if I paid over $50,000 for any vehicle, I'd better never have to take a wrench to it aside from oil changes and brakes; and even then, at that price it may not be maintenance I perform myself.r

Honestly, to me, that's the problem with a $50,000 DeLorean. You can never reach a point where you'll never have maintenance. The relationship between maintenance and price is the graph of 1/x; as the cost goes up, required maintenance goes down, but the reduction in maintenance per dollar becomes less and less the more you spend, and no matter what, the maintenance will never reach zero.

http://i.imgur.com/Cw7p5.png

Still, to each their own. I have never been in a position where I could afford $50,000 for any car let alone a DeLorean; maybe I'd feel differently if that were the case.

[Dangermouse]

I think it's also worth mentioning that while we have heard from a couple of disgruntled "refurbished" owners on here, DMCH have been selling them for several years now so I would assume that there are a few satisfied customers out there.

Forums like ours would tend to attract those that are in need of assistance, perhaps. If your $60k car is running like a top (or parked in your collection), you may have no need or desire to be part of this community.

[DMC3165]

I really think DMCH is unrealistically trying to drive up pricesy asking $60K. You will never get that kind of money back if you try to sell one of those cars privately. It makes no financial sense under any condition to pay that kind of money for a Delorean

[Michael]

I think it's also worth mentioning that while we have heard from a couple of disgruntled "refurbished" owners on here, DMCH have been selling them for several years now so I would assume that there are a few satisfied customers out there.

Forums like ours would tend to attract those that are in need of assistance, perhaps. If your $60k car is running like a top (or parked in your collection), you may have no need or desire to be part of this community.

Well I guess being a refurb. owner for 3.5 years I should say a few things about mine and my experiences. First I didn't spend that kind of coin on it...I bought it used from the original buyer who DMCH sold it to. Actually I didn't buy it as much as I stole it!! The day I picked it up the Dow Jones was around 7,500 and panic was in the air. This was when the cars were selling for 42k stock, but with the stage II, stereo, suspension, and other options, the total sales price that he paid was right at 50k(I have the invoice). My car was remanufactured in May 2006, I bought it in Feb. 2009 with 1,700 miles on it. It was basically just like it rolled out of DMCH's shop. I drove it almost 1000 miles home with no problems. There were a few things wrong with her, the otterstat needed replacing, as well as the rear shocks. Over the years I replaced the steering rack, alternator and fuel pump, needed a few minor repairs but nothing really major. In the past 3.5 years I have spent just north of 3k on repairs AND service. I did a 30k when I first got it, oil changes, tires, and I am a classic "overmaintainer". If I had to estimate what I have spent on repaiars alone, it wold probably be around $1,200-$1,500. Most of those repairs took place in the first 2 years of ownership. I don't think I have done anything other that normal service in the past 1.5 years. It really has been a good car and I have no complaints with her.

Build quality: There were a few things I would not have been crazy about had I bought it new from DMCH. First the tailight boards needed to go. They were flaky from the start and I almost immediately replaced them with PJ Grady boards.

I wasn't thrilled about the liberal use black silicone sealant EVERYWHERE! Gooped around the windows, on every rivet in the door, on the step plates. It took me forever getting it all off and re-applied around the windows in a more professional fasion. I am aware this could have been the previous owner's doing as well and since I didn't buy the car from DMCH I reserved judgement on this.

Things that did bother me was the steering rack going bad after 12k miles. Yes it had been 5 years, but only 12k miles had elapsed and the rack was bad. I do know that maybe original DMC parts were not the best so I did take that into consideration, and to DMCH's credit, they work very hard at remanufacturing parts that have long gone or were not great to begin with. The new DMCH rack was all rebuilt(except the case) and has a very good warranty on it. One of the the rear shocks (The DMC performance shocks that is) locked up from the start was another thing that puzzled me...but I attributed that to the car sitting for 3 years and never being driven. There has been nothing "fall off" due to carelessness on DMCH's part...although I did have a torque converter bolt back out, nothing serious, just retightened it.

Now for the big thing, was it worth 50k? It depends on what you are looking for. If you want as close to new(and updated) DMC that money can buy, then yes. After all every single thing has been replaced(keep in mine mostly with 30 year old NOS parts, but still as new as can be had), every rubber hose, every bolt, every single hose clamp, hose, seal, etc. It's all 0 mile engine and trans and its practically a showroom fresh car..and it does have a warranty(6 month 6k miles I believe) Also know that mileage will be whatever the original mileage is, so even though it's all 0 mile, the odometer does not care.

Any thing else you buy is 30 years old, and even the lowest mileage 30 year old cars show age, especially underneath unless you have an owner as crazy as I am who periodically details his suspension and chassis and waxes his frame. Just remember that if you do buy a "new build" it's new to you, it's just another used DeLorean to the guy you sell it to, so don't expect DMCH new build prices if/when you decide to sell. As for me I love my car and it would take 50k(or very close to that) to buy it from me....right now. The reason I value my car at that number is I have watched the prices for refurbs go up, from 42k base, to 46k base, all the way to now at 57k base. With my engine package and options it would cost north of 70k to have DMCH to build a car just like mine...the only difference is now you have an option to have a stainless frame or a stock (freshly powdercoated rather than epoxy) frame. Now when I WANT to sell, that number may become more flexible, but I don't see that happening anytime soon.

[LEVY]

I think it's also worth mentioning that while we have heard from a couple of disgruntled "refurbished" owners on here, DMCH have been selling them for several years now so I would assume that there are a few satisfied customers out there.

Forums like ours would tend to attract those that are in need of assistance, perhaps. If your $60k car is running like a top (or parked in your collection), you may have no need or desire to be part of this community.

Do you have any idea of how many refurbished vehicles DMCH sold already?

Would be great to have those added to the VIN registry (LITTLE NOTE ON THE SIDE).

Now, if you pay $50,000.00 to $60,000.00 would you want people to know that you are not 100% satisfied? I would say some would never admit that they were overcharged (if in fact they were).

LEVY

[stevedmc]

Now, if you pay $50,000.00 to $60,000.00 would you want people to know that you are not 100% satisfied? I would say some would never admit that they were overcharged (if in fact they were).

People forget, but there is a large segment of the Delorean community that doesn't use the forums or even own a computer.

A little over two years ago I met an man in his 80s who had just finished spending $7,800 for some experts in Texas to fix his AC and start issue. I ran into him a year later and asked him about his car. He proudly told me that he got rid of that basket case. From what I observed, he continued to have problems with his car and couldn't afford to keep sending it to Texas.

His story didn't go public simply because he didn't know how to use a computer. He was just happy to no longer own a money pit.

[LEVY]

People forget, but there is a large segment of the Delorean community that doesn't use the forums or even own a computer.

A little over two years ago I met an man in his 80s who had just finished spending $7,800 for some experts in Texas to fix his AC and start issue. I ran into him a year later and asked him about his car. He proudly told me that he got rid of that basket case. From what I observed, he continued to have problems with his car and couldn't afford to keep sending it to Texas.

His story didn't go public simply because he didn't know how to use a computer. He was just happy to no longer own a money pit.

Something that you would fix for under $1000.00 I know.

LEVY

[stevedmc]

People forget, but there is a large segment of the Delorean community that doesn't use the forums or even own a computer.


Something that you would fix for under $1000.00 I know.

You are correct. I could have bought him a computer at Walmart for well under $1,000.

[Dangermouse]

Or he could have phoned you up and dictated his problems to you. You could have then created another account here for him..... No wait.

[stevedmc]

Or he could have phoned you up and dictated his problems to you. You could have then created another account here for him..... No wait.

That wouldn't have solved the problem. It would have only made him dependent of me.

The real problem was that he was an older gentleman who didn't own or know how to use a computer. For $300 he could pickup a laptop at Walmart. For $455.40 he could have a year worth of high speed internet at $37.95 a month. He could have then spent the remaining $244.60 on training.

[Dangermouse]

Or he could have gone to the library and used theirs for free. And used the $1000 for parts

[LEVY]

Or he could have phoned you up and dictated his problems to you. You could have then created another account here for him..... No wait.

That would be worth at least 30 days in the hole!

Comprende?


LEVY

[Dangermouse]

Exactly.