Re: Hello fellow DMC enthusiasts!

[Jan van de Wouw <jvdwouw@xxxx>]

On Thu, 23 Jan 2003 23:24:23 -0000, Mathew H. wrote:

> OK! I've joined the list. Now all I need is a DeLorean :-)
[snip]
> My practical side wants to know:
> 1) What's a reasonable price for a DeLorean in "good" condition?
[snip]
> 2) Does it require more maintenance than any other '81-'83 model car?
> 3) Does the value of the car depreciate or appreciate,
> given it's 'classic' status now?
> 4) Is financing easily available for such a unique vehicle?

MY practical side says search the archives
and have a look at <http://www.dmcnews.com>
My nicer side says:
1) This varies really on what you exaclty want, what I call a "good"
car can be someone elses basketcase / partscar.
I think mine's a "good" one, still requiring some technical and
cosmetic work, but drivable and reliable at about $14k 2 years ago with
something like $1500 on (preventative) maintenance and unfortunately
$5k in repairs after an accident (covered by my insurance).

2) No, it's about the same as another exotic / sportscar from that era.

3) Depends on how you look at it again: I have 3 consequtive appraisals
all 2 years apart, all stating the same replacement value. So you'd say
it didn't depreciate... But I put in over $6k... Where did that go???
IMHO it's a car, so it depreciates, unless it's something REALLY exclusive
like VIN# 502, a "Factory" RHD (please no argument again!) or one of the
Gold Plated American Express Cars...

4) One word: NO... (in my experience and reading here at least...)

> My passion side wants to know:
> 1) How fast can it go?

Faster than the standard Speedo will show ;-)
I've had mine (5 speed) up to about 135Mph, but that took a while.
It 'll do 120Mph without any trouble...

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

No, even with the DeLorean in the garage I still enjoyed driving
my old Ford Escort Diesel and still enjoy driving the Nissan 100NX
that replaced the Escort. I'd say it enhances my life, but does not
replace any of the enjoyments I allready knew before owning my DeLorean.

> 3) Do dreams really come true?

YES, ABSOLUTELY! I've dreamt for about 14 years and it DID come true.
Mind you, my worst nightmare (accident) became true too, but do not
let that put you down. Anything you do has risks involved, even things
as seemingly simple as getting out of bed in the morning ;-)

Cheers,

JAN van de Wouw
Thinking Different... Using a Mac...
Living the Dream... Driving a DeLorean...

DMC-12 "Dagger" since Sep. 2000
100NX "Saphire" since Nov. 2002

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