Need advice: considering buying a DeLorean; what should I be looking out for?

[Hokie]

Hello all, this is my first post and probably the most important one I'll ever make. I'm considering buying a DeLorean, 1983 with about 13,500 miles. Looks showroom new (except for a few water spots and finger prints.) It starts up perfectly, runs and drives. I'll have an opportunity to put it up on a rack to review before I buy, and of course I'll drive it and test out all the electrical, etc. Here is my problem - the PO traded it in to a dealer, and despite my best efforts to determine who was the PO and get their contact information, it appears it is not going to happen. The dealer has absolutley no history for the car. Thus I'll have no confirmation that it has been driven (albeit short distances) regularly. Being a newbie I cannot tell what in the engine bay is original, what has been replaced (if anything.) Most unnerving, and this is where you guys come in - I'm not sure what to be on the lookout for. :hmm: I did look in the area of the rear seal, and noted some wetness but there were no stains on the floor. Should I be concerned? I haven't been able to put it on the rack yet, but by crawling under I noted some minor rust on the frame edge up front. Looks like it just started. Should I be concerned? I was told that the frames "rust from the inside out." Is that true? If so, then I suppose ANY rust is a MAJOR issue!:dunno: I also once heard that "the left front fender is all important." I don't even know what that means, what to look for on the fenders?

OK, I'll be quiet now and bottom-line it for everyone: I would love your advice about what to consider before buying. No piece of advice would be too small, please share it. From what to look for, to financing recommendations, from what I should expect to pay, to anything you wish to share or say - please do. Many thanks.

:thankyou:

[OverlandMan]

Start by reading this if you haven't already: http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?371-Please-read-before-posting-%93I-want-a-cheap-DeLorean%94-or-%93Project-Car-Wanted%94-threads. I know this may not be a project car but there's a lot of useful information in there.

Next, can you provide us with pictures of the areas of concern? If you're wanting to know basic info about the car's history, a carfax would give you stuff like the last time it was registered and so forth. I would think the dealer would provide that for you. What's the last 5 of the VIN? The car's previous owner(s) may have been on this forum at some point.

Didn't notice the area you're in but if you share that, perhaps a local current owner could assist if you're serious.

Can't tell you much about the frame rust w/o more info or pics. Fortunately I don't have that issue w/ my car.

I'll sure others will be along shortly to chime in. Good luck and keep us posted!

[Michael]

There happens to be a very nice book written by James Espey on your subject...check by delorean.com. I think it's m oney well spent. I'm not going to go into details as I'm sure someone would beat me to thre major things to look for. I would be more concerned about this dealer's unwillingness to share the PO's info. Trust me, they have it. I also would not put a lot of stock about what is(or isn't ) on the floor, as the car no doubt moves every other day or so.

If you could post pics of your concerns that would no doubt be helpful, get the vin and there is a chance someone knows the car. Post your location, there may be an owner near that can come with you to chcek the car out.

[Hokie]

There happens to be a very nice book written by James Espey on your subject...check by delorean.com. I think it's m oney well spent. I'm not going to go into details as I'm sure someone would beat me to thre major things to look for. I would be more concerned about this dealer's unwillingness to share the PO's info. Trust me, they have it. I also would not put a lot of stock about what is(or isn't ) on the floor, as the car no doubt moves every other day or so.

If you could post pics of your concerns that would no doubt be helpful, get the vin and there is a chance someone knows the car. Post your location, there may be an owner near that can come with you to chcek the car out.

Thanks, I've already ordered the book, should have it by Tuesday. Good advice. If you have any other, keep it coming!

[Hokie]

Start by reading this if you haven't already: http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?371-Please-read-before-posting-%93I-want-a-cheap-DeLorean%94-or-%93Project-Car-Wanted%94-threads. I know this may not be a project car but there's a lot of useful information in there.

Next, can you provide us with pictures of the areas of concern? If you're wanting to know basic info about the car's history, a carfax would give you stuff like the last time it was registered and so forth. I would think the dealer would provide that for you. What's the last 5 of the VIN? The car's previous owner(s) may have been on this forum at some point.

Didn't notice the area you're in but if you share that, perhaps a local current owner could assist if you're serious.

Can't tell you much about the frame rust w/o more info or pics. Fortunately I don't have that issue w/ my car.

I'll sure others will be along shortly to chime in. Good luck and keep us posted!

Thus far all I know is the owners name (last name = Reed) and that the car was registered in the Wake Forest / Raleigh NC area. If that rings a bell with anyone then I will say "Hallelujah!" I'll check out the link - thanks!

[LEVY]

As stated above, provide the VIN number, chances are someone here would have some info on that vehicle.

LEVY

[Chris Burns]

I believe I posted that one on my FB page awhile back, VIN 16xxx something. Does it have black interior? Make sure you check everything before laying down the cash. Do not be afraid to ask for advice. Very knowledgeable owners on here!!:thumbup:

[Rich]

Should I be concerned? I was told that the frames "rust from the inside out." Is that true? If so, then I suppose ANY rust is a MAJOR issue!:dunno: I also once heard that "the left front fender is all important." I don't even know what that means, what to look for on the fenders?

1. The frame doesn't quite rust from the inside out. The OEM frames are carbon steel with a thick protective epoxy coating. When the coating delaminates or gets holes in it rust can start beneath it and start rusting the frame from the outside of the frame but beneath the coating. Pages 72-74 of the book. Many of the suspension components were not coated this way and rust varies from one to the next.
2. Like all of the body panels you'll want to be sure the left fender is in good shape. Nothing special about the left fender except that it's the hardest one to come by because so many have been crunched and/or because there were so few spares. Pages 31-32 of the book.

Happy hunting. And reading.

[Hokie]

1. The frame doesn't quite rust from the inside out. The OEM frames are carbon steel with a thick protective epoxy coating. When the coating delaminates or gets holes in it rust can start beneath it and start rusting the frame from the outside of the frame but beneath the coating. Pages 72-74 of the book. Many of the suspension components were not coated this way and rust varies from one to the next.
2. Like all of the body panels you'll want to be sure the left fender is in good shape. Nothing special about the left fender except that it's the hardest one to come by because so many have been crunched and/or because there were so few spares. Pages 31-32 of the book.

Happy hunting. And reading.

Thank you for the information! I look forward to reading the book once it arrives. Re: the left front fender being the hardest to come by - I had heard that DMC Texas had YEARS of replacement parts, and I assumed (incorrectly) that meant everything! Thanks for the warning!

[Dangermouse]

If you post the vin we may be able to link it to a forum username. There are many folks on here that we don't know the surname for. Rees doesn't ring a bell.

I would ask for the carfax also. Will tell you nothing about the maintenance history but may give you some mileage waypoints that can help you determine recent driving history. Any dealer worth his salt should provide it for you. But note that some Ds don't have a carfax at all for various reasons.

[Hokie]

I believe I posted that one on my FB page awhile back, VIN 16xxx something. Does it have black interior? Make sure you check everything before laying down the cash. Do not be afraid to ask for advice. Very knowledgeable owners on here!!:thumbup:

Chris - you wouldn't happen to know any owner in the Charlotte NC region that might be willing to help me evaluate the condition of a vehicle before I purchase? (Alas - I attempted to attend a NC event last weekend but couldn't get the location and other information prior to the event. I'll just bet I would have met someone there!):frown:

[Chris Burns]

My buddy Darren lives in Lexington (Iznodmad here on DMC Talk). He was the host of the tech day in NC last weekend. He is a VERY knowledgeable owner and knows his stuff. The one that was for sale in Wake Forest was priced at 30k I think. Way too much to pay in my opinion. It was more like a 18k car.

At the tech day I was able to sample both mint condition cars and project cars by riding and driving them. Try to get the best one you can, but don't overpay! It's tricky sometimes.

[Iznodmad]

I can help. PM me your contact info (phone #) and I will call you sometime tomorrow. You are referring to my tech session. Did u hear about it too late?

[Jonathan]

Knowing extensive details on the maintenance history of the car is of course valuable, but don't underestimate the value of seeing the condition of the car with your own eyes. And if not your eyes, then someone knowledgable on DeLoreans. If you know what you are looking for, can have the time with the car to look it over adequately, turn it on and check out the functionality of the various areas, and take it for a drive yourself, this can go a long way to being an acceptable replacement to a file folder of past service visits. Future owners may still put emphasis on whether a car comes with good paperwork or not, but the fact of the matter is, many cars do not have this. Next best thing is figure out what the paper would have said, by looking over the car in it's present condition.

For example,

You can see yourself whether the safety recalls have been done if you know what to look for and where.
You can look in the fuse and relay area to see what has been upgraded.
Same goes for a replacement coolant reservoir or auto-bleeder.
You can see whether the stereo was replaced by looking at the deck, and up under at the front speakers. Rear speakers and wiring may be more difficult without taking some things apart.
You could look at the top of the fuel tank to see if the pump and/or sender was upgraded, as well as the hoses. If the fuel system is a mess, you'll likely realize it after taking it for a drive. Take it for the afternoon, Shut it off and restart it a bunch of times too. Carry your cell phone to call them about a hot start problem with the car.
You can test or see what is going on with the A/C system by using it.
If the oil hasn't been changed in a while, guess what? Change it when you first get the car. Same for oil filter and air filter. Depending on transmission type, you might have difficulty figuring out if this particular nut has been tightened on the manual trans (ok, I'm talking out of my a$$ on that one as I don't have a stick shift), and if you're looking at an auto trans, an inspection of the car from underneath might tell you something about the condition of the shift computer. Or the drive for the afternoon will. Or you need to ask them, or just figure it out as you go). Trans fluid or clutch fluid can be changed when you get home.

Your ad says the car was described as perfect. This is a dangerous word IMO for Ds. If this is true, then absolutely everything should work when you test it. Windows go up and down, all instrument cluster lights plus gauges work as expected, locks work, HVAC knobs work properly, wipers, horns, and all lights both outside and in. If any of these things don't, ask why and then go see it for yourself. As soon as you see a door light not working, yes it could be the bulb, but it could be a mouse has messed it up along with other stuff.

Best advice I can give you is be patient. Both in your looking now and when you are standing in front of one for sale. If you are being pushed to hurry up by the salesman, then that is a red flag something is not right. You must take your time and be thorough. Think about it... if you were selling something you were utterly confident in, you wouldn't rush a prospective buyer, would you? Go over it with a fine tooth comb and if you bring a current owner with you, all the better. You may very well find some things not quite right. This can still be a-okay. It just means it is going to factor in to how much you offer and what it would take to fix that issue. Like others said, left front fenders are expensive because there doesn't seem to be very many left. You are right that most everything is available. Some things aren't, or the purchase price is high. Lots of little switches and relays and things are generally available. You would be wise to take an inventory of what is missing or damaged. Another reason to take a current owner with you. Interior pieces tend to be a bit pricey or NLA, like door trim and knee pads, etc. Stainless can be repaired, but don't buy a mess unless you have to.

I was told at one point it is a better idea to find one stored well and not running than finding one which runs, but barely and is in rough shape. Do you know what I mean? Not saying every last fitting and screw has to be completely free of rust, but take an overall look at the car and ask yourself if you think it was more likely stored in a protected, indoor environment over the years, or left out in Old Bob Jones' field the last few years? Sometimes cars that don't technically run can be made to run fairly easily, yet cars that were made to run to get them to sell can take a lot of work undoing the mess that got them to that point.

Good luck.

[Hokie]

I can help. PM me your contact info (phone #) and I will call you sometime tomorrow. You are referring to my tech session. Did u hear about it too late?

I sent you an e-mail today with my #, and I will PM it as well. Yes, I did not get in touch with you in time, was too late for the event.

[Hokie]

My buddy Darren lives in Lexington (Iznodmad here on DMC Talk). He was the host of the tech day in NC last weekend. He is a VERY knowledgeable owner and knows his stuff. The one that was for sale in Wake Forest was priced at 30k I think. Way too much to pay in my opinion. It was more like a 18k car.

At the tech day I was able to sample both mint condition cars and project cars by riding and driving them. Try to get the best one you can, but don't overpay! It's tricky sometimes.

Chris - the one in Wake Forest; its possible that the car I am looking at is one and the same. So just in case, what do you know about it, and what makes it a $18k car vs. 30k? Thanks.

[Chris Burns]

Chris - the one in Wake Forest; its possible that the car I am looking at is one and the same. So just in case, what do you know about it, and what makes it a $18k car vs. 30k? Thanks.

18k would be just a safe point for me (just in case the car needs some work). Dealers can charge a premium on cars sometimes that need more work.

[David T]

Figuring out a PO won't tell you much about the condition of the car. With the vin # you can contact the usual suspects (Delorean venders) and maybe get some history. The BEST thing you can do is pay to get someone knowledgeable about Deloreans to inspect it (a PPI, Pre-Purchase Inspection). A local club member, a shop, anyone. A Carfax may get you some information but on an old car you never get much and it is not always accurate. A Chain-of-Ownership will get you the history of previous owners but that is on a State by State search. Start by checking the vin in the DoD. (Delorean Owners Directory) Contact the local club and nearby owners. If you do buy a Delorean you will get to know them quick enough!
David Teitelbaum

[Hokie]

18k would be just a safe point for me (just in case the car needs some work). Dealers can charge a premium on cars sometimes that need more work.

I'm beginning to think it's the same car! I SURE WOULD like to get my hands on the previous ad, just to see what they said about it. The current owner doesn't know anything about the car or DMC in general. And, I do not know who the PO (previous owner) was. Darn it!

[Chris Burns]

http://www.classiccar.com/s-u05cE

[Hokie]

http://www.classiccar.com/s-u05cE

So I see it has power steering... :biggrin:

[WelmoedJ]

So I see it has power steering... :biggrin:

Power steering was NOT on the factory DeLoreans.
It may have been installed later, though only recently power steering became available on the D (DMC EU).

As others mentioned, check the DoD and find as much info on the car as possible.
Be creative (Phonebook or name search for the PO?).

[Michael]

If you have 33k to spend, I would suggest contacting Tony at DMCFL, or any of the DeLorean vendors. Their cars may be priced higher than those you see on eBay, but you would be getting a "no surprises" car.

[Hokie]

If you have 33k to spend, I would suggest contacting Tony at DMCFL, or any of the DeLorean vendors. Their cars may be priced higher than those you see on eBay, but you would be getting a "no surprises" car.

I agree, but I don't have 33k to spend. Arrgg! This decision is driving me nuts! I'm beginning to think I'm over my head... :sad30:

[rddmc]

Hello Hokie,

I can identify with your name since I am a Virginia Tech alumnus. You have come to the right place for advice and help for all things DeLorean related.

Speaking from experience, my advice would be to check out the frame to be sure rust is not an issue. Frame rust will certainly have a major influence on the value of the car.

Buy and read James Espey's " The Illustrated Buyer's Guide to DeLorean Automobiles".

Post the VIN number of the car on this list, someone here may be familiar with the car's history. The dealer knows who owned the car, since that information will be on the title the owner signed over to the dealer.

My guess is that someone on this list will be located close enough to you and will be willing to inspect and advise you about the car. I have done this myself in the past for potential buyers.

Good luck and Go Hokies!

Rod
10921

[Michael]

I agree, but I don't have 33k to spend. Arrgg! This decision is driving me nuts! I'm beginning to think I'm over my head... :sad30:

I assumed since the car you were interested in was priced at 33k, that meant a 33k DeLorean was in your budget.

[Rich]

Re: the left front fender being the hardest to come by - I had heard that DMC Texas had YEARS of replacement parts, and I assumed (incorrectly) that meant everything! Thanks for the warning!

That was not really a warning from me, it was the correction about some other advice to be sure to look out for the left fender on the car.

About your worries re an ongoing parts supply for the car:


Yes, DMCH and other vendors have almost all of the parts we need. No, they don't have all of them but most all of them can be found since cars regularly get parted out.

Many of the vendors, including DMCH, are making or sourcing new parts for the car. Windshields, fascias, radiators, etc. And, with over 900,000 PRV engines built and the Bosch K-Jetronic having been in tens of millions of Porsches, Renaults, Mercedes, BMWs, VWs and Volvos there's little to worry about on the fuel/ignition side of things.

While this is a 30+ year old orphan car the parts supply situation is far better than most any car of that vintage, given the way the company shut down and the relatively large number of cars made.

The number one parts supply concern to me is the less-than-ideal options we have nowadays for OEM-size performance tires that match front-rear. Several threads on that elsewhere.

Finally, if you are worried that your car will get crunched and you'll be stuck, unable to get parts, you should remember that's what car insurance is for. If there's a wreck and you need a fender, a fascia/bumper and a door then a good insurance company will make sure you have the money you need to put the car back the way it was.

About shopping around and finding something decent yet affordable I assume you know there are D's for sale on this site, http://dmctalk.org/forumdisplay.php?10-DeLorean-Cars as well at many of the DMC-direct vendors. They all know the car inside out.

[beernpizzalover]

Knowing extensive details on the maintenance history of the car is of course valuable, but don't underestimate the value of seeing the condition of the car with your own eyes. And if not your eyes, then someone knowledgable on DeLoreans. If you know what you are looking for, can have the time with the car to look it over adequately, turn it on and check out the functionality of the various areas, and take it for a drive yourself, this can go a long way to being an acceptable replacement to a file folder of past service visits.

I would concur with this. A CarFax history report is great, as mentioned by many members here; I did this, too...
But nothing beats a complete walk-around - just like an airline pilot does prior to takeoff. I wish I had done this rather than relying on photos only.

[Hokie]

I assumed since the car you were interested in was priced at 33k, that meant a 33k DeLorean was in your budget.

Understood, friend! The car I'm looking at is actually priced less, and I am willing to pay less still. Peace!