These various "future DeLorean owner" threads have taken on a life of their own (and are refreshingly positive in tone)! My 2 cents: Unless you have deep pockets, success will depend on amount of mechanic work you can do yourself. Not only are shop labor rates eye-openingly high, but many procedures on these little cars seem to take longer than they would on other makes. A double whammy. DeLoreans are not ideal vehicles to to learn mechanic skills on, primarily because of issues of access, not complicatedness. But it can be done. And I emphasize again value of knowledge base just an eMail message or phone call away. Talked to Rob Grady for half hour once myself (hope I always remember info he shared). As David T pointed out in a private message, primary concern of 99% DeLorean owners is helping any way possible to get yet one more car on the road. Try taking THAT to General Motors. Successful auto mechanicing (good Southern term) is a process of knowing when to say "when." When to ask for advice or assistance. When to take a break, even until the next weekend. When to farm a procedure out. When to trust an intuition. Start small: learn how to change your own oil and do your own tune-up. When upgrading factory stereo, consider doing it yourself rather than a sound shop. The car WILL break from time to time (it IS a machine) -- use those times as learning experiences, not head beating sessions. You'll be surprised how quickly latest new owner is coming to YOU for info. Of course you should START with a car consistent with your skills at that time. Not everyone is a Dave S! Bill Robertson #5939