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What do I need to know before buying - Printable Version

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What do I need to know before buying - jojo77 - 01 Oct 2014

I have taken the decision to buy a DeLorean, however right now I do not even know what I do not know.
I know that I know nothing, I think the first thing I need to understand is the vin numbering system so that I can only look for the cars that are suitable.

I did read that the 20*** are the most well built and going backwards from that....should I bear much attention to that logic, or does it even hold up since all the cars will be over 30 years old now & each have their own issues.


I also need to decide if I should only look domestically or EU or worldwide.
If importing from the world isn't all that complicated what is the process?...Must you make multiple trips to USA to kick tyres before finding the one.
If buying a US import is the way to go I may want to have a quick chat with someone on the phone/in person that has gone through it, but I think you are all pretty friendly and that wouldn't be much of an issue...I may also have a contact in USA that could help in a search (he build himself a full KITT replica & is a friend of my brother).


Do I need to store it in a heated garage? Or is any secure lockup sufficient.
I live in a pretty expensive part of the south east and space is a premium so I am looking for a garage (but it'll be car sized & not much more than). Do I need to store it jacked up off the wheels? I am assuming I need to take it out every couple of weeks just to keep it running (the same as I do with my current car....6 weeks is the longest I've gone without needing to drive somewhere in particular as I go to work by train now).



If someone could give me the absolute points I must learn that would be excellent.
I've joined the club and have the back orders coming which may answer some of my questions.



thanks in advance
Stephen

Re: What do I need to know before buying - Chris Williams - 01 Oct 2014

Hi Stephen and welcome Big Grin
Quote:I did read that the 20*** are the most well built and going backwards from that....should I bear much attention to that logic, or does it even hold up since all the cars will be over 30 years old now & each have their own issues.
I really dont think you should worry about it to much, other than the first 500 cars built (that were re-built in the US) I dont think theres that much between them. There are minor differences in bonnets 81's have grooves and a gas flap, 82's just have grooves 83's have a flat bonnet with a badge at the front. But even these have been swapped about depending on owners preference. There are other minor differences in wheel castings/colours but nothing that major.
Quote:I also need to decide if I should only look domestically or EU or worldwide.
If importing from the world isn't all that complicated what is the process?...Must you make multiple trips to USA to kick tyres before finding the one.
If buying a US import is the way to go I may want to have a quick chat with someone on the phone/in person that has gone through it, but I think you are all pretty friendly and that wouldn't be much of an issue...I may also have a contact in USA that could help in a search (he build himself a full KITT replica & is a friend of my brother).
Lots of people have done all of the above, have a look through the forum and you will find lots of peoples experiences on importing, either by buying blind from a dealer or individual. One member has just bought a car from Sweden and drove it across Europe last weekend back to the UK for example.
Quote:Do I need to store it in a heated garage? Or is any secure lockup sufficient.
No and yes!
Quote:so I am looking for a garage (but it'll be car sized & not much more than). Do I need to store it jacked up off the wheels?
They do fit in a standard garage (snuggly) certinally dont need to keep it off it's wheels, but like any car modern or classic they do benefit from being used often ideally every couple of weeks (keeps things lubricated/fresh fuel etc)
Chris

Re: What do I need to know before buying - jojo77 - 01 Oct 2014

Thanks....I'll be reading everything in the forum over the coming weeks...
The most annoying thing I've found so far is that you were all about a mile away from me at Brooklands a few weeks ago & I didn't know about it until last night.....Oh, well. At least I can attend a future event.

thanks

Re: What do I need to know before buying - Chris P - 02 Oct 2014

Try and get to the NEC in November, talk to local owners, get a feel for the car before you go spending your 'hard earned'.

Vin number are irrelevant after 30 years, I've had several now, from the 10th one made to one of the last, they are all different… all brilliant and any niggeling faults should have been sorted by now.

Don't get too star struck by very low mileage cars. As Chris W says, any car is better if its used occasionally and maintenance work is kept on top off.

I guess a lot depends on your budget, as a general rule buy the best car you can afford, but don't pay over the top for it! If you have say 20ish you should be able to buy a decent, well sorted UK (or IRL) one. If you can't stretch to that, then the USA route is probably the way to go.

My tip is to get your dosh fully available, talk to ( phone) Dave Howarth and Chris W and await their contact when a suitable car pops up ( and it will) and be prepared to move quickly.

Good luck.

Re: What do I need to know before buying - Dangermouse - 07 Oct 2014

Three words : Buy This Book

http://deloreanguide.com/

written by the VP of DMC in Houston, so he knows a thing or two

Re: What do I need to know before buying - dave t - 09 Oct 2014

in order of priority this is what I would look for....after that you can take your pick of interior/wheels/ tranny etc...

1) The frame....rust free ...watch out for the area's under the engine know as the cradle they rot like crazy there

2) The frame ...rust free....watch out for rust around the tank cover areas , leaking fuel / brake fluid would have striped the epoxy and corrosion sets in.

4) free from dents... as its a specialist job to remove them

5) car is driving.

6) crack free dash clean interior...sun damage dash replacement can cost

7) regularly driven (agree with the others mileage not an issue) ...will probably be regularly maintained & if so will be a well sorted car.

best of luck

Re: What do I need to know before buying - jojo77 - 09 Oct 2014

Thanks for these pointers...there is also a new edition of the book coming out some time in October, so I'll get the newer edition

thanks