The mechanic is right ... maybe. Like ANY 20-year-old vehicle, a DeLorean is going to have some things that go wrong, just peter out from old age, or suddenly decide to give up the ghost. BUT if you get a car that has been carefully maintained, it should not require extraordinary upkeep. The obvious problem is that any car that has been carefully maintained will cost you more to begin with. Can a DMC be a "reliable piece of transporation?" Certainly! But it would be a VERY good idea to consult with a reliable mechanic BEFORE you buy to be sure that you won't face too many unanticipated expenses. Yes, the DeLorean (like ANY car) needs upkeep, but it doesn'y have to be a constant drain on your wallet. Finally, you have to keep in mind that you'll be driving a classic car that will be the center of attention wherever you go. That factor MAY make it worth putting up with a few inconveniences and expenses of dealing with a 20-year-old automobile. (And, of course, it can be a babe magnet!) If you decide to go ahead, may you have the best of luck! I've driven my DeLorean since 1993, and have never (well, hardly ever!) regretted purchasing it! GOOD LUCK! Paul Feine (# 10944)