Mathew, I can answer some of your questions, but I do suggest you talk to long term DML members concerning "maintenance 81-83". Practical side answers: 1. Though you can buy a $7,000 DeLorean, expect to spend an additional $7,000-$10,000 to get it in daily driver condition and visually restored. Reasonably, I think that if you plan to spend somewhere in the mid-teens you can find something that is drivable and pretty good visually, it will be something that you can enjoy while replacing the worn items. With this in mind, there are some people who believe that it takes $20,000 to buy a DeLorean and make it a daily driver. 2. Though almost mechanically identical, you might want to consult the DeLorean Service Providers when it comes to year model maintenance differences. 3. The depreciation or appreciation of the DeLorean greatly depends of its care and feeding as well as public perception. If you own a DeLorean, then you are an ambassador for the car and the community. If you are pleasant to admirers and keep the car in an attractive and mechanically reliable condition, then the car becomes more desirable to the general public. If you are looking for an investment, you should speak to a financial planner who will most likely advise you to not put your money into "automobile futures". The DeLorean is a car you buy out of a love for the vehicle itself. After all these years the DeLorean is still the "car of the future" or at least the car of "Back to the Future". The DeLorean is a vehicle of passion, attracting you with its appearance or the technology and vision, which in many ways, is still ahead of cars coming off of assembly lines today. 4. Many financial institutions consult the National Automobile Dealers Association to determine the amount they are willing to lend for a vehicle. Going by the "average low" According to the N.A.D.A. Appraisal Guides (www.nadaguides.com) my credit union is willing to lend as much as $9,050 toward the purchase of a DeLorean. 1981-83 DeLorean DMC-12 GULLWING 2 Door Sports Coupe MODELS PROFESSIONALLY RESTORED OR REFURBISHED BY DELOREAN MOTOR COMPANY MAY BRING A CONSIDERABLE PREMIUM (UP TO 30%) OVER VALUES LISTED. MSRP Original Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price when new: MY1981-$27,500 - MY1982-$29,825 - MY1983-$34,000 81-83 Low Retail $9,050 - Average Retail $16,600 - High Retail $26,700 Low Retail Value - This vehicle would be in mechanically functional condition, needing only minor reconditioning. The exterior paint, trim, and interior would show normal wear, needing only minor reconditioning. May also be a deteriorated restoration or a very poor amateur restoration. Mostly usable "as-is". Note: This value does not represent a "parts car". Average Retail Value - This vehicle would be in good condition overall. It could be an older restoration or a well-maintained original vehicle. Completely operable. The exterior paint, trim, and mechanics are presentable and serviceable inside and out. A "20- footer". High Retail Value - This vehicle would be in excellent condition overall. It could be a completely restored or an extremely well maintained original vehicle showing very minimal wear. The exterior paint, trim, and mechanics are not in need of reconditioning. The interior would be in excellent condition. Note: This value does not represent a "100 Point" or "# 1" vehicle *. * "100 Point" or "# 1" vehicle is not driven. It would generally be in a museum or transported in an enclosed trailer to concourse judging and car shows. This type of car would be stored in a climate- regulated facility. Passion side answers: 1. The DeLorean is capable of going 125-130 MPH in stock form. Keep in mind that the Nation speed limit is 75 MPH (though I am certain that many owners have driven to 88 MPH just to see what would happen). Now that Montana is no longer supporting unlimited speeding and is implementing "Reasonable and Prudent" highway speeds, I suggest that you get a radar detector in your DeLorean and "keep it between the ditches". The DeLorean will go as fast as is necessary and will allow you to arrive in style. 2. That depends of if you have a "hum-drum" life. If you read other threads you will find that many owners seem to become minor celebrities in their communities. Owning and driving a DeLorean won't make you a "supermodel" or "he-man", but you will get noticed, probably more than you are now. Your life will become more interesting. 3. That depends on what you dream and if that dream is realistic. The DeLorean is an attainable dream, put a picture if one on your wall and look at it every day. Keep reminding yourself of your goal. Focus Mathew san. Ben Ferguson Arizona DeLorean Club American Hydrogen Association --- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "dmc_dream <dmhmail@xxxx>" <dmhmail@xxxx> wrote: > OK! I've joined the list. Now all I need is a DeLorean :-) > > I have loved this car ever since I first saw it. I even got to ride in one, which > just sealed it for me. > > It's a dream of mine to actually own a DeLorean, but my passion and practical > side are feuding over the decision. So, maybe you guys can help me out. My > practical side wants to know: > > 1) What's a reasonable price for a DeLorean in "good" condition? I'm not > looking for a showroom model, I'd like a reliable daily driver. > > 2) Does it require more maintenance than any other '81-'83 model car? > > 3) Does the value of the car depreciate or appreciate, given it's 'classic' status > now? > > 4) Is financing easily available for such a unique vehicle? > > > My passion side wants to know: > > 1) How fast can it go? > > 2) Does owning a DeLorean make everything else in life hum-drum? > > 3) Do dreams really come true? > > > Thanks! > > Mathew H. > -- > Cool stuff for the DeLorean enthusiast: > http://www.cafeshops.com/delorean_shop