[DML] Re: Should I buy this Delorean?

["David Teitelbaum" <jtrealty@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

$10,000 for a non-running Delorean is on the high side especially when
you say it needs interior work. I think your estimate of $5-7K is low.
You will do a complete rebuild of the cooling system, much of the fuel
system, some electrical work, upgrades and recalls, complete rebuild
of the brake system, struts all around (except the doors), tires, A/C
work and numerous other things. The transmission can be one of the
more expensive items to get going and you can't even properly evaluate
it if the motor doesn't run! Add to that there could be frame damage
from rust and realize you can buy a running car (maybe not in perfect
shape but a whole lot better than this one) for $15,000 and it doesn't
make sense to buy this one for $10,000. At least not in economic
terms. More realistically it will cost you over $10,000 in parts if
you have to do a transmission. And that doesn't include your labor or
the time it will take. When you buy a car that doesn't run you are
essentially buying a pile of parts that just happens to LOOK like a
car. You really can't know what you are buying because there is no way
to properly check it. A non-runner with good panels and glass, a clean
title, and pretty complete is worth around $5,000. Now if you put
$10,000 into it when you finish it will be worth $15,000, if it comes
out really pretty maybe $20,000 but you will wind up putting in more
than $10,000. The venders will love you!!!!! If you do go ahead and
buy it your best bet is to try to do as big a buy of as many parts in
as few orders as you can. This way you can bargain for discounts and
save on shipping. Only you know what your level of skill is. If you
have to start giving out a lot of work (frame repair, trans work, A/C,
glass, straightening panels) you will blow right past that $7,000 real
fast!
David Teitelbaum
vin 10757 



--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "R Holden" <royceholden@...> wrote:
>
> I'm working on getting the VIN, but it's an early one, in the 0700 
> range I think.
> 
> The current owner has owned the Delorean since 1985, it's an automatic 
> with a black interior.  It has not been started in about 8 years, but 
> it has been garaged for about 15 years.
> 
> It has some wear on the seats, cracked I think, have not seen it yet.  
> Owner states that it has about 36,000 miles on it, the engine has 
> a 'pinging' sound (when he started it last), transmission has been 
> known to be 'stuck' in DRIVE, unless one takes the fuse out behind the 
> seat.
> 
> Fuel pump has been replaced recently.  Owner has new struts and rubber 
> seals for the doors, but has not installed them.  Current rear tires 
> are not the right size profile.
> 
> Price will be around $10,000.  I will have to load it up on a trailer 
> (since it doesn't run) and fix it.  Is it worth it to fix?  I'd be 
> willing to put another $5-7000 into it to get it top notch if possible.
>




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