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. 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! 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.

[OverlandMan]

Start by reading this if you haven't already: http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?37...ted%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?37...ted%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!!

[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! 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.