Destroying the DeLorean image.

["Robert Rooney" <dmcvegas@xxxx>]

[MODERATOR'S NOTE: The following met my criteria for a first-hand
factual and objective account, but should not be seen as an invitation
for the list to go berzerk again.]

Last weekend a friend told me that he had found a DeLorean that was 
for sale near my house. He asked me to go along with him to take a 
look at the car for him because he was interested in purchasing the 
car for himself. Long story short, the car had some SERIOUS problems 
with the automatic transmission, and in the end he decided not to buy 
the car. But it wasn't because of the problems with the car. Due to 
the extent of the problems with the tranny, he was willing to even 
purchase a new one if need be because he really liked the car, and 
the owner was flexible with the asking price. What changed his mind 
was when he placed a call to DeLorean One. When he called yesterday, 
Ed answered the phone. All he said was that he had was looking at a 
car that appeared to have some serious transmission problems. And in 
the worst case, what would it cost to rebuild and/or replace the 
transmission entirely? And Ed's response as he interrupted him 
was: "Well, I have a PAYING customer in front of me right now, so 
goodbye." And he then hung up on him. I don't recommend that anyone 
go out and purchase a DeLorean, because it is alot of responsibility. 
I always say that if they really want one they need to read up on the 
car and learn more about it first, and then decide for themselves. 
But for someone who is looking into buying a item that they've always 
wanted (especially their own dream car), having someone like Ed 
shatter that dream in a split second due to a snotty remark such as 
that can be very crushing. The point of my letter: I've seen alot of 
talking about who or what is a problem. Some have said that the DML 
has caused prices to plummet. And I've even seen postings elsewhere 
that things such as Project Vixen are killing the image of the 
DeLorean as well. None of this is true! They have helped to promote 
the image of the car as well as make it more of a reality. People 
like Ed Bernstein are the ones that are destroying the car with their 
egos, attitudes, and business practices. In the end, I introduced my 
friend here to the DML. He's still looking around and learning more 
about the car. Although much more hesitant then before. Maybe the 
damage that was done could be healed, who knows... He has now been to 
both the Vixen site, and here to the DML. Both have shown him that 
the car is repairable, and that if he needs help it is readily 
available. However, because of DeLorean One he is less likely now to 
purchase ant D in general (destroyed image), and the man who was 
selling the car has now lost a sale (his car has lost value). Just a 
counterpoint in a long, ongoing debate to think about...

-Robert vin 6585