Re: [DML] Best Built DeLoreans (LONG)

[Senatorpack@xxxx]

You want to make an informed decision, whereby, you have knowledge about 
the DeLorean marque & wherewithal to correct any UNSEEN maladies. I emphasize 
unseen based on a recent event with another owner. 
Another local car nut, purchased a Ferrari 512 m with 8,000 miles. The 
car was well loved, and possessed the proper/required service history as well 
as an outstanding provenance. However while driving the car for the very 
first time, the engine quit running after a loud bang and subsequent wheel 
lock up. The owner was devastated. The car was towed to a Ferrari specialist 
in Philadelphia (Alger Exotics). The diagnosis? Broken cam shaft which 
allowed the valves to bend as they hit the top of the piston. Estimate to 
rebuild the 12 cylinders? $45,000.00 Why did the cam break? During routine 
maintenance the technician working on the car (at another dealership) made a 
mistake.

Based on the continuous information provided about DeLorean automobile 
reliability & ownership accolades from DeLorean World magazine, as well as 
the information here on the list, ANY YEAR DeLorean is reliable as 
demonstrated by the loving owner who has maintained the car to current 
standards of DeLorean maintenance. 

There are examples of owners that have found the proverbial "barn car" 
put fresh gas in the tank and have not had to rebuild, restore, rejuvenate, 
etc., any part of the car.

However there is case after case of new owner, after purchasing a "great 
deal" discovers that their new DeLorean needs thousands or tens of thousands 
of dollars to bring the car to an acceptable condition. This isn't the end of 
the world, however like the Ferrari owner, the analogy of attending a movie 
is a fitting example;

The admission price to the movies (car purchase) is an excellent form of 
entertainment. However, the popcorn & soda (parts, insurance, maintenance, 
etc.) are expensive. Again, you need to have the wherewithal and resources to 
assist you and your new toy.

As far as Daily Driver Vs Concourse (show car), high and low VIN numbers, 
Automatic Vs Manual transmission, model year, high Vs low mileage...none of 
this really matters as it is a personal preference. These options/differences 
exist for you to decide what particular features you want in a DeLorean, as 
based on the aforementioned array of production changes & options.

You should decide what particular year, VIN range, transmission 
designation, mileage acceptability, etc., etc., etc., you want. Search the 
market of DeLoreans for sale, look at several examples, take video& pictures, 
ask DeLorean owners past & present for their opinion(s) and purchase a car 
that is a good fit for you...preferably the best daily driver for sale, with 
upgrades & necessary service requirements attended to. Unless you are looking 
for a project car to completely restore yourself.

The frustrations each "antique car owner" has encountered, it is advised 
that you buy a good car that has a complete service history, or a car that is 
well known from either a local or international club, specialist/service 
center, or reformed owner.

Best Wishes,
Michael Pack