[DML] Owners check list, not for the car, but you!

[DMCVegas@xxxx]

Over time, alot has been posted about what to look for when purchasing
a DeLorean, mechanical problems, isurance costs, operation costs, rust,
etc, etc... But there is one thing that is commonly overlooked, not
operation, but ownership. Yes the issue of maintenance has been talked
about before, "If you can't afford to or don't want to do it, then
don't buy a D". And yes the DeLorean has it's quriks, and it's problems
as well. You can look at these as either nussancies, or even little
"calls for attention", it's up to you. Yes there are the little things
like the special oil drain plug tool, or even trying to fill the washer
fliud resivoir, etc. But these are all things that have to do with the
car itself. Other things such as the "Fuel Injection System Safety"
issue, I would have to agree are probably problemed in most all cases
by operator error. I can't truly think of any way to put this gently,
so I'll be frank about. Weather your a do-it-yourself guy or gal, or
even a garage mechanic, you should always be open to both critcisim and
advice, but not even that means that the feed back that you will always
be correct, informative or even complete for that matter. In that case,
a little independent studying and reading of books and manuals never
hurts at all to get the facts straight! 

Most importantly: Will you drive the car, or will the car drive you? In
other words if the car has to adapt to your standards and expectations
(i.e. operation, performance, ease of maintenance, appearance, and
overall appeal), than a DeLorean is not a car for you. Yes most owners
would agree that a little more power wouldn't hurt, but a major
modification such as an engine/transmission swap IS IN NO WAY A
SOLUTION. If you'd like to go 150-200 mph+, then that's your bussiness,
please, go right ahead, thats ok! But for this purpose alone, spend the
money a on a new European import that was designed originaly for that
purpose rather than on some fancy engine swap for a D. If you want a
blue or purple DeLorean, then please buy a painted car and have it
repainted in turn, don't paint an unpainted car. Feel that a D is too
much of a problem to service yourself, take it to a mechanic, if none
are available, or your don't want to, then I have no idea as to what to
tell you except either be patient, or sell it to someone else. Unsure
about the car in any way, don't buy one! Finaly, DO NOT buy a DeLorean
as an investment because you won't make a profit, or at least one that
would make it worthwhile! A DeLorean's value is not measured monetarily
(sp), but rather emotionaly. No amount of money can buy the feeling
that you get starting your car in the garage, opening the doors in
public, crusing down the street and having everyone look at you all at
once, or even putting apart of yourself some where in the car (signing
the "cave paintings" or finally getting that clock to work!). I hope
that all of this helps you the reader to understand a little more, and
maybe even stirs some emotions in you!

-Robert