--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, Christian Williams <delorean@xxxx> wrote: > It all depends on what kind of neighbourhood you live in. <SNIP> That for the most part, pretty much sums up, and says the same for a garage as well. If you're worried about someone stealing/valdalizing your car, then a garage isn't going to really stop anyone, if they're determined, *technicly*. However, a more likely problem with a garage that you'd run into is the possibility of things falling off of shelves durring rummaging, earthquakes, etc... Although that too is a variable factor depending upon how tidy you keep things. As for carports, the downsides are that you may not be able to work on your car if you park it in a carport (this depends upon the association rules of your condo/apartment complex). Nor will you be able to obtain most (if not all) collector car insurance, if that's something that you're after. Everyone that I spoke with stated that one of the requirements was a locked garage for the vehicle. Aside from myself, I personally know of 2 other DeLorean owners here in Las Vegas that live in apartments, and park their cars in open carports. So far, none of us have problems, or at least, none that I'm aware of. Where you live, and who/what type of people your neighbors are is going to play a BIG part. Before I settled on my apartment, I toured the entire place, and made it a point to look at the other cars that were parked there. A few classic cars, a few pickups, a couple of work trucks, and then mostly coupes, and family type sedans. Only 2-3 modified import cars (or as everyone I know affectionaly refers to them, "rice rockets") out of over 500 units. Now this may not be scientific, or a proven method to avoid car theft (GTA can happen anywhere), but everyone I know that lives in an apartment complex that's had a number of stolen cars, always seem to have a large number of modified import cars around, and much younger residents (not that I've much room to talk, since I'm only 24). So while it may be a flawed theory, it works for me. Plus it also helps to live in a unit which is also in constant line of sight with your car. I made that requirement, and my rental company was able, and more than happy to accomodate my request. As for driving in the rain, you do of course want to make sure that your car is watertight. The gullwing door design for the DeLorean isn't a problem at all, and most time you'll probably find that reseating the door seals will go a long way. Otherwise, the DeLorean does have TSBs for water leaks, just like other cars. And with a good driver, you'll probably find that the previous owner(s) have already done most, if not all of the work for you in sealing up the car. One rule that I always have tried to adhere to for any vehicle is to try wait at least an hour+ or so after a rainstorm has started before driving in it. That'll give time for the rain to wash away excess oil from the road (traction), and allows most accidents to occur, and get out of the way. Can't speak for snow, but I can tell you that with a good set of tires, the DeLorean drives just fine in the rain, with minimal slipping of the rear wheels. -Robert vin 6585 "X"