Want to "try on" a Delorean

[Timebender]

Hi guys.
I'm in the market for another car, and a D is top on my list (as it has been the last 30 years...). The biggest thing though is knowing if I can comfortably fit, as it would be a DD between it and my bike (Honda Rune). I'm just shy of 6'7", but more on the average and not really big person size..
I'd prefer a 5 speed since I have a 50 mile commute one way and want to squeeze out as much mpg as I can.
So, would I fit and comfortably, and would anyone in the San Diego area let me sit in their D to see if this can work?
Funny thing is I can fit in an original Mini Cooper...

Thanks,

Greg

[Mike Z]

That's pretty tall but so was John DeLorean and he made sure it would fit tall owners.

[Mark D]

If you're interested in sitting in one to get a feel for the car there is a dealer not too far away from you in Garden Grove:

http://www.deloreanmotorcenter.com/

[yellowmxwheels23]

Hey Time Bender.
I live in Rancho San Diego. You can come sit in mine. I'm pretty much available during the week.

[adam_knox]

Hey mate,
Are you more legs or torso? If your the type to lean/hunch forward when you drive it will feel a bit snug. If you're the type to lean the seat all the way back with your head against the headrest you might be fine without ducking or tilting your head. You may be in for an uncomfortable ride with the 5 speed though, especially getting in and out. Good luck!

Sincerely,
A Guy Who Doesn't Fit in a Miata

[Timebender]

Thanks for the tip Adam. I tend to sit back and not hunch forward. I think my legs are the longer part with a 38 inch inseam.
YellowMX, I remember meeting you at the British car show a year or so ago at Liberty Station. I'll PM you sometime next week as this week's pretty much done...thanks for the generous offer - and it's on my way home up into Jamul..

Can I get decent highway miles with an auto? Is there a kit to change it out from a 3 speed to a 4 or something with OD?

Greg

[jawn101]

Can I get decent highway miles with an auto? Is there a kit to change it out from a 3 speed to a 4 or something with OD?


Not a lot of options for things like this really. Very few transmissions have the capacity to both fit the space and work in the correct orientation.

I had a chance to drive an auto not long ago, after many years of assuming it would be simply terrible because it was a 3 speed. I was very surprised that it wasn't. It is a primitive box for sure (as is the whole car) but it provided very fast shifts and the gearing felt pretty reasonable. Power delivery was smooth. There wasn't an untoward amount of noise at highway speeds, etc. I doubt it could beat a 5 speed equipped box in a race, but who's really counting? :)

[Timebender]

Good to know. Thanks Jon.

[Dangermouse]

I had a chance to drive an auto not long ago, after many years of assuming it would be simply terrible because it was a 3 speed. I was very surprised that it wasn't. It is a primitive box for sure (as is the whole car) :)

Hey now !!!! Everyone knows the auto is more desirable :)

Seriously, even though (or perhaps because) it only has 3 speeds, mine is a much smoother drive than my new 6-speed minivan.

I had a 6'7" guy sit in my car and we could almost close the door, but not quite. However he was sitting bolt upright, so it was never going to work. You'll need to be in a more reclined position, that's actually really comfortable.

Please report back when you get in one and let us know how you get on. :)

[jawn101]

Hey now !!!! Everyone knows the auto is more desirable :)

Say that again as you try to change your TABs! :deviltail: Seriously, I did admit the error of my assumption... it was a smooth and enjoyable ride for sure. :)

As for height, I've seen some very tall guys fit pretty comfortably in there, the trick is just to recline the seat. You might have a bit of weird visibility (at 5'10" I wouldn't know) but I do think you'll fit.

[vwdmc16]

Im 6'4 and I recline a fair amount, If I were another 2" my head would be buried in the headliner uncomfortably, Now you may have to do something like glue the headliner material directly to the doors to gain another +/- 1/2", also remove the sun visor, I have not had a visor for years and doubt I will got back.

I have also noticed that my driver seat feels lower than every other Dmc seat ive sat in, including the passenger side of my car, maybe thinner foam was installed when the seats were recovered or if the stock has compressed I dont know but it does make it better for me, you may have to do something similar if you do not wish to lean back so much.

[Andy]

I'm 6'4 and I fit perfectly in my DeLorean ...

[Timebender]

Thanks for all the feedback guys!
Actually I'm both excited and at the same time a bit cautious to sit in one -
If I find I do fit and it's comfy, then I'm going to be bugging my wife to let me get one... same thing happened first time I sat on a Honda Rune. Never had been interested in street bikes, then I sat on one and it was downhill from there.. I've since had two (on my second one). First one wasn't a good idea, second one she was all for.
The good thing is she's all for me replacing my current commuter (2000 New Beetle Turbo -and I do fit in that well). The D would be shared with the times I ride into work (110 miles round trip).

Saw one heading up the 5 around Del Mar the other morning- I could imagine it was me in there instead...

[Timebender]

So are there any owners up around Carlsbad? I'm here all day every week day and getting a chance to swing my YellowMXwheels on the way home after a long day is slim to none.