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

[Hokie]

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

So I see it has power steering...

[WelmoedJ]

So I see it has power steering...

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...

[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...

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!