Re: Hello fellow DMC enthusiasts!

[Farrar Hudkins <fhudkins@xxxx>]

Mathew,

Welcome to the list. I'm an enthusiast without a car as well but I've
been on the list for a few years now and thought I'd offer up my answers
to your questions.

> 1) What's a reasonable price for a DeLorean in "good" condition? I'm not
> looking for a showroom model, I'd like a reliable daily driver.

For a daily driver you can expect to pay anywhere from $20,000 and up.
You may get one with serious cosmetic flaws but good running condition
for less than twenty grand, but given the nature of the cars I wouldn't
count on it; most "less than perfect" DMC-12s I've seen have been in
better cosmetic shape than mechanical shape.

> 2) Does it require more maintenance than any other '81-'83 model car?

Yes and no. The electrics are more fragile than some cars, but they can
be fixed with newer technology these days and left alone. Mechanically,
the DeLorean is for the most part the same as many other cars of that
era - keep in mind that it's a PRV V6 on a Renault transmission.
Cosmetically, well, the outside will never need paint *grin*, and if you
keep an eye on the frame's epoxy coating you will need very little
maintenance as far as body/underbody go.

> 3) Does the value of the car depreciate or appreciate, given it's 'classic' status
> now?

That depends on whether it has been modified or not and who is selling
it. The DeLorean sold for around $25,000 new ... and I've seen a lot of
them for sale in that price range now. Given inflation you could say
that's depreciation, or you could say given that these cars have miles
on them now you could say that's appreciation. And keep in mind that a
lot of people wouldn't call the DeLorean a classic - we feel that way,
but we're biased. :)

> 4) Is financing easily available for such a unique vehicle?

Any personal loan can be had from various sources, but it depends on
what kind of interest you'd like to pay the bank.

> 1) How fast can it go?

This is up to debate. The stock DMC-12 is rumoured to go around 130MPH
but it takes a while to get there. A modified DMC-12, well, could go
faster or slower. I don't recommend drag-racing the thing, though.

> 2) Does owning a DeLorean make everything else in life hum-drum?

I would imagine the "little things" in life still count. Sex and food
are still important and probably just as enjoyable as they were before,
but keep in mind you will have less time for those two while working on
your car.

> 3) Do dreams really come true?

As we all know, that depends on the dream, but a lot of people on this
list would say "yes".

Good luck.

Regards,
Farrar in New Orleans

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