Any positive, uplifting DeLorean ownership stories? :)

[Hokie]

Everyone, I know this is a great site for troubleshooting problems with DeLoreans, and discussing the latest repair or upgrade project, etc. But I wonder if this is a pattern, meaning, is DeLorean ownership more of a burden and a lifestyle than simply ownership of a great car? Are they really great cars? I guess what I'm fishing for here is, does anyone have any abnormal buying and owning experiences to share, where the car runs great and you have few if any problems, or am I just dreaming that such a thing may exist? I've called one of the DMC locations, and they flat scared me to death with the prediction of the tens or thousands I'll be paying (them) to maintain my car. Bottom line, I'm about to make a purchase decision and could use a little good news about the cars, if anyone has any to share. Thanks for your feedback!

[OverlandMan]

Everyone, I know this is a great site for troubleshooting problems with DeLoreans, and discussing the latest repair or upgrade project, etc. But I wonder if this is a pattern, meaning, is DeLorean ownership more of a burden and a lifestyle than simply ownership of a great car? Are they really great cars? I guess what I'm fishing for here is, does anyone have any abnormal buying and owning experiences to share, where the car runs great and you have few if any problems, or am I just dreaming that such a thing may exist? I've called one of the DMC locations, and they flat scared me to death with the prediction of the tens or thousands I'll be paying (them) to maintain my car. Bottom line, I'm about to make a purchase decision and could use a little good news about the cars, if anyone has any to share. Thanks for your feedback!

I've owned a few classic/antique vehicles. They all require routine maintenance and some have certain quirks. I wouldn't classify my DeLorean as any worse or any better than anything else I've had --> In terms of maintenance and repairs that is.

I'm a car guy. DeLorean parts, while more expensive than your average vehicle, are nothing compared to Ferrari parts in general for example. I also do MOST of my own mechanic work. A lot of the cost for maintenance and repairs at one of the DMC locations is labor, so consider that when you factor out your decision.

Are they great cars? For me, absolutely. Would I make mine a daily driver? No, but that's my personal preference.

If you're serious about buying one, provide your location and network with other forum owner members in your area. Most of us are willing to help out a fellow enthusiast, provided they're not full of crap.

Be prepared for lots of attention as an owner. If you don't like that, this car may not be for you or you'll find yourself not driving it as much. The flux-capacitor crap gets old but comes with the territory.

Bottom line (for me) --> I've enjoyed my ownership experience.

[jawn101]

Check out this thread :)

http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?566-GOOD-POSITIVE-DeLorean-stories

[Dangermouse]

Remember, car forums, by and large, are used by owners looking for technical assistance. Often their first post is "Hey, this is broken, how do I fix it" and not " hey, cars running great, just thought you'd like to know"

Due to local clubs, meeting etc, many people actually know each other IRL so we may spend an inordinate amount of time on a minor issue. The fact that the nerd factor is probable above average would be part of that also.

There are many D owners who drive their cars without major issue and without coming near this place. Crazy, if you ask me, but there you go ;)

[Silverbullet]

Ok, so... I really enjoy driving mine... no they are not cheap... and if you think you can buy one for $10,000 that runs great... you are dreaming... but if you put in the time or money, they can be great cars... I have mine where I hoped it would be... Flip the key... have fun... right now... you really have no idea. You either want one... or you don't...

Craig

[Jonathan]

Overall, I think we all just take the good with the bad. I'm not aware of anyone who only has good experiences every time they do something DeLorean related. I guess this is true with just about everything in life if you think about it.

-ve: not a cheap hobby; may leave you feeling like it could get you stuck somewhere if it breaks down; driving it around with the way some people behave when they see it can be a little unnerving.

+ve: being a part of something... DMC community, the forum here, your local club; sharing an interest in common where you can talk about the good and the bad (kind of like we do about our jobs at the workplace lunch room with our peers); sense of accomplishment when you get one or drive one or fix something yourself that was broken whether it was complicated or quite simple; turning into sort of a celebrity when you are driving it (no other cars I have driven makes people want to come talk to you about it at the gas station, or car shows, or your driveway the way they do with the D); the smile maker part... for many of those around you and yourself.

Trust me, you'll grin from ear to ear at some point behind the wheel and I don't know of any other car that can do that for you. And the grin you'll put on a kid's face at a cruise night can rival the one on your own face :)

(You will also likely whack your head numerous times on the door, or cut your fingers on some sharp stainless, or get a wee bit frustrated sorting out PO experiments or removing 32 year old rusted things. It comes with the territory... whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right? Well, my DeLorean hasn't killed me yet, so overall positive, si? :D )

[Jeff K]

I have one (previously owned two) and I've had great experiences.

Whenever I'm a but down, I take my car out for a spin and always get a smile.

Popping the door open makes me feel like I'm exiting a fighter jet!

[Delorean Industries]

Took one out last night early and let the college kids at Akron U have their fun downtown. It is nice to see people enjoying the car despite the bttf jokes.

[pezzonovante88]

It's been quite a joy for me to own. A big factor is that is was a life goal to have one, and now I've achieved the goal. I also find it quite satisfying to drive - your encapsulated and sitting so low, manual steering, engine behind you - just very exotic feeling and a lot of fun.
A good story is of when I went to pick the car up in NY where I bought it. It had sat for 4 months and had a dead battery. I was so anxious to get it home that I risked driving it and ran perfectly for over 8 hours in February!
Also, all the people who truly enjoy catching a glimpse of a DeLorean, which is to many people, an almost mythical car. A few years ago I would freak-out if I saw one driving around and now I have one sitting in my garage (except it's in the body shop at the moment :)), which is almost surreal.
It's also a great hobby - something I enjoy spending time fiddling around with and constantly finding things to improve/upgrade.

[DMC1983]

It took me 5 years to get my car to where it is today. Many a moon filled with blood and sweat trying to track down problems. Now that I have it in great, upstanding condition, it became a gratifying adventure. I havent owned that many classic cars, so I dont know if it holds true to those as well... but, the DeLorean is one of those few vehicles that comes with rewarding experiences after hard earned work

[LordFly]

The people 2 doors down from my buddy's house were very excited when I let them take pictures of Lauren in the DeLorean on Lorne Ave. for her 27th birthday :)

[thirdmanj]

I keep snack size bags of confectioners sugar in the car, so when I go to car shows I can, at random, pull it out and exclaim, "Gee Wiz! Lookee what I just found!!! Guess the rumors were true!" It always gets a laugh, and its "uplifting" to say the least! ;)

Edit: This also gets you bonus points at Concourse competitions if you roll up the bag and stick it in one of the doors air duct holes.

[Jonathan]

I keep snack size bags of confectioners sugar in the car, so when I go to car shows I can, at random, pull it out and exclaim, "Gee Wiz! Lookee what I just found!!! Guess the rumors were true!" It always gets a laugh, and its "uplifting" to say the least! ;)

Edit: This also gets you bonus points at Concourse competitions if you roll up the bag and stick it in one of the doors air duct holes.

Someone a while back posted pictures of keeping cans of "Coke" up in the jack/tool kit compartment. Not sure I'd want them rolling into the abyss of the corners, but neat car show gag for sure :)

[D Knight]

I had a woman come into my store and tell one of my team members that her son was a huge DeLorean fan and would love to see the car, so she asked when she picked him up from school later if I wouldn't mind showing him around. I did just that. For a 7year old he had a lot of knowledge on the history of John and the car. And it was very accurate! He was on cloud nine! I told him and his mom if they want to go for a ride around the block/parking lot, I would let them. He about hit the concrete with happiness. He even knew VINs, like 500 and the legend twin turbo. His mom said he draws the car, watches BTTF all the time, and has done reports for school on JZD and the car. When he ready to get one, I offered my time to help. His mom said they are looking into getting him one in the next few years if his grades stay good and giving it to him on his 18th bday. All in all, I love D ownership. Been very positive. Plus I've met some really good people on here because of it.

[thirdmanj]

I had a woman come into my store and tell one of my team members that her son was a huge DeLorean fan and would love to see the car, so she asked when she picked him up from school later if I wouldn't mind showing him around. I did just that. For a 7year old he had a lot of knowledge on the history of John and the car. And it was very accurate! He was on cloud nine! I told him and his mom if they want to go for a ride around the block/parking lot, I would let them. He about hit the concrete with happiness. He even knew VINs, like 500 and the legend twin turbo. His mom said he draws the car, watches BTTF all the time, and has done reports for school on JZD and the car. When he ready to get one, I offered my time to help. His mom said they are looking into getting him one in the next few years if his grades stay good and giving it to him on his 18th bday. All in all, I love D ownership. Been very positive. Plus I've met some really good people on here because of it.

That's a bad ass story!