Let’s be real for a second. Is a DeLorean a smart financial move? Probably not. The market has been stable, but it’s not skyrocketing like some classic Ferraris.
You’ll likely lose money on maintenance. Parts are expensive. The engine is a Peugeot-Renault-Volvo unit that makes a whopping 130 horsepower. A modern Honda Civic will smoke you at a red light.
But you aren’t buying a DeLorean for speed. You’re buying it for the wow factor. When you open those gull-wing doors at a gas station, everyone turns their head. That’s worth something, right?
1981 DeLorean DMC-12 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $42,500 on May
The Hidden Costs (Spoiler: They’re Gigantic)
Listen, don’t just look at the purchase price. A DeLorean is old. The electrical systems are notoriously temperamental. The stainless steel body is hard to repair if you dent it. Good luck finding a mechanic who knows how to adjust the doors.
Annual maintenance can run $2,000 to $5,000 if you’re not handy. And if you need a full engine rebuild? That’s $8,000 to $12,000 easy. Suddenly, the $45,000 car costs you $60,000 after two years.
So, is it a money pit? Maybe. But it’s a glorious money pit with personality.
