Re: [DML] Re: Values

[Ryan Wright <ryanpwright@xxxxxxxxx>]

Quick sum-up of responses:

On 1/20/06, Dan <djdanwilson@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> It has also better be close to cosmetically flawless, like a concours
> car, as well as drivable if you realistically expect to get the NADA
> High Retail Value of $29,700 for it.
>
> I'm not attempting to knock anybody's car. The reality is, no matter
> how "drivable" or mechanically solid a car is, if it's in mediocre to
> poor cosmetic shape, and needs restoration, it simply not going to
> bring top dollar.

Absolutely, Dan. I agree completely. If it's a daily driver with worn
out parts and a multitude of "little issues", it's going to get closer
to low book than anything else. However, I like to think most people
who drive their DeLoreans every day keep them in pristine condition,
as I do. Yeah, I spend more time and money on mine as I'm wearing
things out, but it's such a tiny price to pay for the privilege of
driving a literal "dream car" every day.

Marv:

> I could have spent $5K less, but I couldn't afford the time in lost
> use or potential glares from my wife every time I dipped back into
> the till to bring a different kind of car up to snuff. It was way
> easier for me to go to the well once.

See, I did things the other way around. I bought a DeLorean that was
middle of the road value wise, but paid several thousand less than
(admittedly, my rough estimate of) what it was worth. I picked up my
car with about 45k miles on it from the original owner. It had been
driven enough that, even though most parts were old, they were in good
enough shape for a 15 hour drive home. It had been maintained, not as
well as I'd have liked, but maintained nonetheless. Then I began the
process of replacing anything that either gave me a problem or that I
thought might give me a problem or things that just needed to be
improved over the original parts.

The only things I have left to address now are some minor engine &
transmission issues and a few cosmetic flaws, none of which prevent me
from driving the car to work every morning.

Your way would have saved me a lot of time but I got such a good deal
on my car I couldn't pass it up. To be honest I think I'm about even
right now on money spent vs. what the car is currently worth, so my
countless hours of time were essentially donated to the car, but
that's OK.

> Ryan, if I ever need to replace my car, God forbid, I'll make you an
> offer on yours! :)

LOL; you'll have to make the offer to my widow when I'm dead. ;-)

I say that now, but truth be told, if I came under financial
difficulties I'd part with my DeLorean in a hurry. That's another nice
thing about this car, while I don't  consider it an investment by any
stretch of the imagination, at least it's not going down in value.
It's almost like a rolling "in case stuff happens" emergency savings
account. ;-)

(disclaimer: The last statement was terrible financial advice. I don't
recommend anyone rely on a car to be your savings account! It's nice
to have it in your back pocket if life goes horribly wrong but don't
be a fool by actually depending on it.)

-Ryan


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