Is the Delorean DMC-12 ACTUALLY unreliable?

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  • @psbnighthawk6676
    @psbnighthawk6676 4 роки тому +33

    I acquired my '81 DeLorean from an uncle. He had it for 14 years and only put around 3,000 miles on it. Needless to say, things needed to be replaced; clutch hydraulic cylinders, fuel accumulator, headliner, and I just upgraded the cooling fans. And there are still more things on the list. But again, it's almost 40. Is it unreliable? Nope. Just needs a little TLC like any older car. It always turns heads or gets big smiles whenever it's out. Thanks for the vid!

  • @oliverholler1850
    @oliverholler1850 4 роки тому +10

    GREAT commentary! Our DeLorean: 820,000 miles, 28 countries, all 50 states! We ❤️ our D!

    • @GeekTherapyRadio
      @GeekTherapyRadio  4 роки тому

      HOLY MOLY!!!! Would you like to come on my radio show and talk about it? Send me a message on my website if you're interested :)
      geektherapyradio.com

  • @blakeriley6690
    @blakeriley6690 4 роки тому +19

    unreliable? its an old car, that being said, i daily mine occasionally and in 8 years of ownership ive had 1 break down which was the first week i got it when the original 1981 water pump went. Do your maintenance and they are fantastic cars. Amazing road feel driving too, great community, plenty of modern updates and projects you can do.

  • @jontyII
    @jontyII 4 роки тому +11

    This is one of the best explanations of the Delorean I’ve seen. Sure my Delorean needs a lot of attention but that’s because all the POs simply ignored issues rather than fixing them. Now I’ve got all the typical issues sorted my Delorean will still be on the street in another 40 years. It’s an amazing car

  • @kolbyklenik7827
    @kolbyklenik7827 3 роки тому +2

    Little did I know this video was posted just 10 days before I rented her! Still the best day of my life, and yes I'm on google everyday looking for one and scheming on how to afford it!

  • @scootinhootin6928
    @scootinhootin6928 3 роки тому +9

    As a 16 year old DeLorean fanatic, this is really reassuring. Really hope to own it as my second car if not my first.

    • @conordonnelly9645
      @conordonnelly9645 3 роки тому

      Is dmc irish or American or a bit of both because they were designed in antrim ire and built in Belfast ire but i don't know the American side of things

    • @scootinhootin6928
      @scootinhootin6928 3 роки тому

      @@conordonnelly9645 Made in Ireland, designed by an Italian, made by an American. How the DeLorean connects to Ireland is like how "made in china" stickers are slapped onto products basically meaning it was most likely wasnt designed there but was made there.

    • @conordonnelly9645
      @conordonnelly9645 3 роки тому

      @@scootinhootin6928 ah

    • @rossphelps2959
      @rossphelps2959 2 роки тому

      As a 16 year old who is trying to convince himself that a DeLorean can and will be a drivable car so that I might buy myself one with a clear conscious, I also find this video reassuring. Good luck my friend. I wish you luck.

  • @edmercer1459
    @edmercer1459 2 роки тому +3

    GREAT video!! And you ARE correct on "the older cars"! BTW, love the Kirk command insignia on the back of your Audi!

  • @zenastheracer
    @zenastheracer 4 роки тому +5

    The statement about how you care for your car is very much true. My current car is 17 years old and it still runs like a top, ofc with the occasional hiccups.

  • @pauldelorean4339
    @pauldelorean4339 3 роки тому +2

    It will always be a dream of mine to someday own a DMC-12, I've been absolutely obsessed with them since I can remember. It's inspiring to know they're not too bad as far as reliability goes! As a Toyota owner, I like me a reliable car. It brings me pride to know my simple little corolla will outlive almost every Audi, BMW, and Mercedes these days. Also, it's great to know the parts for DeLoreans aren't all too expensive! With a little DIY you can clearly drive it often with little worry of it costing you big in repairs later. Inspiring video!

  • @_financial_regret_
    @_financial_regret_ 4 роки тому +6

    God I want one of these cars so badly. Videos like this is why I think that it’s a good car to aspire to own

  • @NorthernChev
    @NorthernChev 2 місяці тому

    I've owned #2876 for 30 years. In that time I've replaced:
    Exhaust manifold to head gaskets
    Belt Idler Pulley bearings
    Plugs/wires/Cap/Rotor (multiple tune ups)
    Fuel Accumulator
    Clutch and pressure plate
    Clutch slave and master
    Clutch hydraulic line
    Front brake calipers
    Brake pads all the way around
    Brake Rotors all the way around
    Both Passenger Door gas struts (twice)
    Trunks gas struts
    Engine cover gas struts (twice)
    All three pieces to the headliners
    Driver's door window motor and regulator
    Speedo-cable (three times)
    AC repaired three times
    AC selector in center console
    Power Window switches
    Multiple relays in the fuse block
    Steering rack
    Radiator support replaced
    Frame recoated
    All four tires (multiple times)
    Door pull straps replaced
    Original-style Floor mats replaced
    Eibach struts and shocks to lower the car to European spec
    Front stabilizer bar added for chassis stiffness
    All the Belts
    Coolant expansion tank
    All 17 coolant hoses (twice)
    Radiator
    Both Front cooling fans
    Heater blower motor
    Cold start injector
    Motor mounts
    Transmission mount bracket
    All fluids (multiple times)
    AND MANY MANY MORE items I can't remember off the top of my head.
    To the tune of just over $32,000 in repairs through the years. Most of those figures are from the 1990s. So, I would expect it to cost MUCH more these days.

  • @AskDIYDad
    @AskDIYDad 11 місяців тому +1

    This was a fantastic video all the way around - the Delorean not withstanding, your take on the disconnect between throw-away culture and a classic car was dead on. As a DIY-er it's always amazing to me when I work with friends of mine on their homes how far we have come from an age of mechanical competence.. Technology is great, as you stated, but the absolute reliance on it to do everything for us is making many of us quite incapable of avoiding those massive repair bills - so we toss and purchase - which is absolutely 100% the intention of the modern era.
    I believe the term for it is "planned obsolescence" (and yes I had to look up how to spell that)
    Classic cars are great because even the complex systems are understandable - there's no wonky software update capable of stranding you for a few weeks because the car doesn't think your seatbelt is buckled.
    Keep up the great work, love your content.

  • @JohnWesleyDowney
    @JohnWesleyDowney 4 роки тому +3

    Johnny, this was a very educational and well-done video and I enjoyed watching it.

  • @DevirothS
    @DevirothS 4 роки тому +5

    Deleorean is a very exotic car in my country, seen it only once past 10 years
    it really shows you're a geek for your car and that's awesome!
    cheers :)

  • @GeekTherapyRadio
    @GeekTherapyRadio  4 роки тому +3

    I've been a little harsh on Raudi the Audi. Her brain broke. I've sent off her ECM/ECU to be repaired.

  • @andrewcourtney3480
    @andrewcourtney3480 4 роки тому +1

    Great video as always, keep them coming! I think it will be only a matter of time before we literally can't work on anything on a car; not even top up the screen wash!

  • @sonnyburnett8725
    @sonnyburnett8725 4 роки тому +1

    The honest truth is I’ve never owned a car that continues to break down so often no matter how many new and upgraded parts I throw at it. Fuel system, coolant system, electrical system, upgraded systems that weren’t available when the car was new. It doesn’t matter, so I talk with parts dealers who explain that certain parts especially pertaining to the fuel only last about ten years before failing so as you go through the car replacing parts, by the time you get most everything done the items you began with begin failing. I’ve owned old cars most of my life and when you keep the vehicle in great shape it rewards you with reliability but sadly that’s never been the case for the DeLorean. It’s just one of those cars that unless your willing to upgrade the engine with an LS or similar you’ll need to plan on regularly replacing parts that you previously replaced a few years before. I write simply to say the there is a reason such a story exists about the car but I’m glad to hear that there are people who haven’t had that problem.

  • @veraciouspatriot4297
    @veraciouspatriot4297 2 роки тому

    Props for both rockin the DeLorean-and a stick shift V-8 Audi.
    And talk about truth when it comes to learning how to do almost ANYTHING, all courtesy of the highly technological world we live in-with so much knowledge available at our fingertips with an IPhone.

  • @MasonFowlkesKenneth
    @MasonFowlkesKenneth 4 роки тому +5

    I unveiled my secret DeLorean to my family last year and they placed bets that I would be needing a tow. After learning how to change oil, all the way up to replacing my rear CV axles and fuel system; the car hasn't needed a tow yet.
    My 2005 Chevy Cobalt wouldn't start due to a bad starting coil and module.. $748. Then a bad alternator.. $200.. JUST over this summer. The DeLorean over this summer.. I broke a pulley for my AC compressor.. I just took the belt off and didn't use my AC. How much to fix the pulley?.. $10.
    I'm never getting rid of DeLores until I have to sell a kidney. I'm giving her to my kids and will keep her in the family for generations to come. -VIN 4693

  • @Protint1uk
    @Protint1uk 3 роки тому +1

    That was really good 👍🏻..I’m a DMC12 owner and you got that bang on😎

  • @EmmettLBrown2015
    @EmmettLBrown2015 4 роки тому +2

    This is very helpful!

  • @roblanger5546
    @roblanger5546 4 роки тому +3

    Cool vid. Love Deloreans so much Id love to own one some day. Special cars.

  • @that1funnyperson178
    @that1funnyperson178 3 роки тому +3

    What a great video! I love DeLoreans and it's nice to hear the truth spoken about these cars by real people who own and drive them, versus idiots who have never even driven one let alone held a wrench in their entire lives, yet think their opinions about the DMC-12 actually matter. Well done my man!

  • @pluviamachina3583
    @pluviamachina3583 4 роки тому +4

    This provides great insight into our "throwaway culture" and the resulting flawed perception people express when it comes to owning material possessions, especially cars. From now on, I should probably invest in older cars.

    • @GeekTherapyRadio
      @GeekTherapyRadio  4 роки тому +1

      Perhaps. Just do your research first to see what may or may not actually be a good investment :)

  • @ronaldgreen5292
    @ronaldgreen5292 18 днів тому

    Everything this man says in this video, is 💯 percent accurate!! Modern, mostly newer cars, 2010 and up, have too many sensors and computers 🖥 that are prone to failure, sooner than later!!🤨😐 Most vehicle manufacturers, have "lost!", the love ❤and passion, behind their products! 😐☹️ They've gone down hill, and forgot about quality!! Instead, they'll make a great looking, flashy, vehicle, but it's not going to be engineered for longevity or reliability!! Not all modern car brands, but, mostly, half of the vehicles will have defects, shorting their lifespan!!

  • @jparsons233
    @jparsons233 4 роки тому +2

    Awesome video. They are actually really amazing cars and I’ll say they are full of misinformation. They are very reliable as long you take care of it and do proper maintenance. I do recommend replacing that plastic coolant bottle to a stainless one since they’ve been known to explode. Also if you have original fuel lines I do recommend replacing those as well.

  • @zero9112
    @zero9112 4 роки тому

    Reminds me of my 2004 Honda Accord that had a faulty o2 sensor and I replaced it with an existing part that I had in stock but the computer refused to acknowledge it and continued spitting out errors simply because the part was not first party. Even though the part was physically identical to an OEM part because the part did not have an arbitrary identifier the computer just decided nope. I had to buy the original at 4 times the price. I love my early 2000s imports but sometimes they give me headaches. Maintaining older cars is just like dating. Can't imagine being someone like you that is doing both.

  • @cawilliams188
    @cawilliams188 2 роки тому +1

    I drive a 2007 Hyundai Azera. Less than 100k miles on it but parts are 15 years old things are starting to break. The new car market is disposable and I can't afford to buy into throw away culture. The classic car market has gone insane the past few years too. I always wanted a Supra or a Skyline but the prices have climbed so fast a single dad of 3 making less than $50k/yr will never afford one. That being said the DMC-12 was my first love as a kid watching Back To The Future. Prices are steady and upgrades can be done. I think maybe just maybe I'll try to aquire one for it's 50th Anniversary in 2033.

  • @VegasShuffle
    @VegasShuffle 4 роки тому +1

    You are correct sir I definitely could not find the oil filling cap in my car... I could really use some help it’s a Tesla Model 3 if you know where I should look please reply. Love the video! I’m going to pick up a Delorean next October i can’t wait I’ve wanted one for 30 years! Keep up the good work!

  • @frankhoward7645
    @frankhoward7645 2 місяці тому

    Here's what's wrong with the Delorean. It uses an engine jointly developed by Peugeot, Renault, and Volvo otherwise known as the PRV engine. I opened one of these engines in a Volvo and I couldn't believe what I saw. The engine wasn't able to get enough oil into the valve train and the result was all of the pads on the rockers were just gone! I mean, they had worn down to the point where they just disappeared! Take one of your cam covers off and you'll see what I mean. The only fix is to figure out how to get oil into the top of the heads.

  • @MrKherns
    @MrKherns 4 роки тому +2

    Love from VIN3452 in France, a very nice point of view and wise arguing !

  • @rwdplz1
    @rwdplz1 4 роки тому

    If the hose popped, that plastic expansion tank likely isn't far behind. DMCH makes a nice metal one

  • @silverwings11035
    @silverwings11035 3 роки тому +1

    Unreliable? Hahaha well do a half ass resto in it and it will be! My 82 DeLorean (vin 11035) is a daily driver. I restored the car myself and updated and upgraded everything for daily driver commutes! Still run the wonderful PRV engine and sbe still has her K-Jet! Its a great fuel system and reliable if you actually drive the car. Been a daily for close to 7 years now with ZERO issues and get 29 mpg also! Just finished her 30K mile service. Dont give me its a 40 year old car crap either. Build it right, dont cut corners and dont buy cheap ass knock off parts and you wont have issues. I drive over 182 miles a day from home to work and back living in West Virginia, going through Virginia and into Maryland outside DC. Its a great car thats comfy for long distance drives and very peppy with the tweeked PRV engine!

    • @GeekTherapyRadio
      @GeekTherapyRadio  3 роки тому

      Pretty much exactly what I said in the video. Address a couple known areas of issue and drive the thing.

  • @alansilvestri9641
    @alansilvestri9641 4 роки тому +1

    Awesome video! Very well said 👏👏

  • @smiththers2
    @smiththers2 4 роки тому +2

    I know what you're going through, my 89 rx7 was used and abused for so long before I got it. But since I spent 6 months fixing it, I've thought nothing about getting in it after a week of not driving it and expecting it to not only start, but make it to and from my destination.
    But go figure, the first time I take my wife out for a ride it blows a coolant line lol. It's ok though, I still limped it home and a new hose was just $37.
    Cars that old need guys like us, and like you, it's not a speed thing as my v6 Accord is almost double the power. I think of trading the car in because I'm bored of it, but not the 37 year old "hard to work on rotary engine car"..

  • @zbrady
    @zbrady 2 роки тому +1

    great video! I agree. 3066 August 81' here

  • @swedfilms
    @swedfilms 4 роки тому +1

    Had a 1988 Volvo 760 with a PRV6 in it, and god damn that thing was thirsty..

    • @GeekTherapyRadio
      @GeekTherapyRadio  4 роки тому

      DMC gets 30 highway, undoubtedly because it only weighs about 3,000 pounds.

  • @RealDataPointGuy
    @RealDataPointGuy Рік тому

    Can you list parts no longer available? At least engine / mechanical parts?

  • @carlbranson4610
    @carlbranson4610 4 роки тому +1

    I would love to Import one back to the UK .. Cheap to buy in the US too .. I have seen them for $8000 there

    • @GeekTherapyRadio
      @GeekTherapyRadio  4 роки тому

      If you see one for $8000, buy it immediately regardless of condition.
      Just know it'll be around an additional $20,000 to get it in "daily" condition.

    • @carlbranson4610
      @carlbranson4610 4 роки тому

      Geek Therapy Radio I was looking at this one. 1983 DeLorean DMC 12 100% original rd.clk.thribee.com/country.us/vertical.cars/iuid.8488web-modphp-165f32e2d494a8e/id.1_I1bg171g1Sv/origin.5/section.184/section_type.1/pos.1/tracking.Fck5DoAwDETRu7gmUezE2TrLwD2Q0qSjgQZxd0w3_80D85oDeuGGrSRc4Dj_Jhs3dCDyMXuG36HbPaZpVMmitTrFoC7hjk4qVxe4EG8sJiu8Hw/fna.1/

    • @GeekTherapyRadio
      @GeekTherapyRadio  4 роки тому

      @@carlbranson4610 This is either an auction or the owner has no clue what they have. That car in that condition should be between $30,000-$50,000...possibly more...

    • @carlbranson4610
      @carlbranson4610 4 роки тому

      Geek Therapy Radio it’s with EautoDream I emailed them it’s in a warehouse. That price includes shipping in US I’m told. 👍🏻

    • @GeekTherapyRadio
      @GeekTherapyRadio  4 роки тому

      @@carlbranson4610 I'd be very, very, very suspicious. I'm looking at other listings and they are red-flag-scam low. Also, that exact Delorean is listed in several cities...
      Just keep your head on a swivel. It smells, very, very fishy....

  • @ShookSamurai
    @ShookSamurai 4 роки тому +2

    Just FYI the delorean community considers a K&N sticker on a delorean a heresy. So... you should probably take care of that.

    • @GeekTherapyRadio
      @GeekTherapyRadio  4 роки тому

      Yeah, I kind of keep it ironically...as if it makes it "faster".

  • @mwildthing5525
    @mwildthing5525 3 роки тому

    What’s your take at getting one from dmc Florida or Houston? I wanna get one from either cause the offer financing

  • @rafaelteran79
    @rafaelteran79 4 роки тому +1

    Love the video wish I see the car in the road looks bad ass

  • @gazmini81
    @gazmini81 2 роки тому

    I would love to own a delorean such a unique car
    These are pretty reliable with services on the engines BUT they need to be faster such a underpowered engine not very fast at all

  • @andrewharris7517
    @andrewharris7517 4 роки тому +1

    Geek to Geek this video is straight Fire ....

  • @McFlyWalker
    @McFlyWalker 4 роки тому +2

    You better do the rest of those hoses bruh ;)

  • @chriswhereyouat
    @chriswhereyouat 4 роки тому

    Thank you

  • @taps4615
    @taps4615 3 роки тому +1

    Swiss watch vs time ex … both tell time.

  • @thewarriorrlsh
    @thewarriorrlsh 4 роки тому

    I'm 6'3 and was wondering if I'd hit my head in the car. I know there's head cutouts but I still feel like its too small would that be an issue?

    • @GeekTherapyRadio
      @GeekTherapyRadio  4 роки тому +2

      John Delorean was 6'4 and designed it for people 6'5. I'm 6'1 and have plenty of room. I think you'd be fine.

  • @monkeytelevision7302
    @monkeytelevision7302 4 роки тому

    How reliable is the Delorean in the snow

    • @GeekTherapyRadio
      @GeekTherapyRadio  4 роки тому +1

      Rear engine sitting on rear drive wheels. Pretty good.

  • @Geremy_V
    @Geremy_V 2 роки тому

    I’ve never owned a delorean so I can’t argue if they’re reliable or not but on modern cars your first mistake was buying a German over engineered Audi where they have a sensor for everything like your engine mounts if your engine mounts wear out on a Audi the engine light comes on, anyway if you want a modern car that will last you almost a million miles without giving you to many problems buy a Toyota

  • @haywoodyoudome
    @haywoodyoudome 4 роки тому

    Any geek worthy of the title would have that Audi ECU thinking nothing was wrong without having to buy any parts.

    • @GeekTherapyRadio
      @GeekTherapyRadio  4 роки тому

      Any practical geek would diagnose and eliminate the possibility of inexpensive components first before immediately pulling a $1,600 ECM.

    • @haywoodyoudome
      @haywoodyoudome 4 роки тому

      @@GeekTherapyRadio At what point did I say "pull the ECU"? You should work on your reading comprehension.
      A true geek would diagnose the failing component(s) and then find a way to trick the ECU into thinking nothing was wrong (jumping contacts, adding a resistive load, etc).

    • @GeekTherapyRadio
      @GeekTherapyRadio  4 роки тому

      ​@@haywoodyoudome Comprehension relies entirely on context provided, of which there was none, or very little at most. We'll over look that since now we know you were actually referring to jumping, load testing, relay swapping, code clearing, diagnostics, etc...got it. We're on the same page now.
      ECM/ECU problems are notorious for wild goose chasing and red herrings. The very nature of the ECU/ECM is that it controls virtually every system in the vehicle and as such, can throw erroneous faults in systems and sensors that are 100% free of defect.
      This is exactly and precisely why I tested every system, and even replaced some cheap sensors to double verify.
      Long story short, the ECM/ECU has zero communication with OBDII. There is no tricking a "dead" ECU/ECM to see anything at all. It is getting voltage from the relay, but the unit itself is not powering on.
      Some ECMs wait for the engine to fire up before allowing code reading. The starter is brand new, but I still confirmed it wasn't the starter. The car will not start from a rolling clutch engagement. Even with a bad starter, the car should start by dropping the clutch after being pushed to 20 mph or so (and lower). It will not start. No spark. Again, pointing to a bad ECM, since the ECM relay IS sending power. No ECM, no spark, no fuel pump, nothing.
      At the time of filming this video, a bad brake switch was the cheapest known issue of a no crank, no start condition, so that's where I started, as anyone would. Such is the insidious nature of an ECM issue. Only after due diligence can you reasonably deduce an actual ECM issue.
      In 90% of cases with these symptoms, it would be a simple sensor fault, bad relay, blown fuse, grounding issue...which is why you eliminate those possibilities first.
      I have eliminated those possibilities. The ECM itself, in an Audi S5, is an absolute nightmare to remove from its solid steel security harness, another reason no rational diagnostician would immediately jump to an ECM issue and check elsewhere first.
      I have removed the ECM and it is on its way to an ECM repair service. Most of the time they can be repaired and reprogrammed for WAY less than buying new ECM. A new 2010 Audi S5 6-speed manual ECM is well over $1,500 versus repairing for around $200...if it can be repaired....and there's still a slim chance it cannot.
      I love you brother, take care.

  • @jonminessougreyjediknight2359
    @jonminessougreyjediknight2359 3 роки тому +1

    I can fix a car, I’m a level 3 vehicle technician, but I’d rather work on an older car, it’s simpler and just more fun to work on, fan belt snapped? No problem!!!! Have a snog with the girlfriend in the back seat, get her tights off (have some “fun”) then use them as a fan belt till you can buy a new one 😁😁😁😁

  • @pauldelorean4339
    @pauldelorean4339 3 роки тому

    ...also, all these things you mentioned about cars breaking down after warranty periods are true EXCEPT for Toyota and Honda vehicles. Any Toyota or Honda owner knows that you can drive a Camry, Corolla, Accord, Tacoma, Civic, or CRV to 3, 4, or even 500,000 miles before you get stranded or have any serious problems the car. As long as you do basic maintenance and take steps to care for your car, the unmatched reliability of Japanese cars will never cease to amaze you. To prove my point, I recently came across a video about a guy on the East Coast who bought a Toyota Tacoma brand new in 2008 and drove it to a staggering...wait for it...1.2 MILLION miles on the original transmission and engine with only regular maintenance and the replacement of a few simple parts like the water pump. The dealer who sold it to him bought it back because they wanted to reverse engineer the truck and figure out how it could survive so long and what 1.2 million miles did to the thing. I would totally agree with your statement with essentially all other car brands these days with the notable exception of Honda, Toyota, and sometimes even Mazda.

  • @indiorojete5670
    @indiorojete5670 4 роки тому +1

    ✌💪👌

  • @drumsticknuggets5123
    @drumsticknuggets5123 7 місяців тому

    Liked the video
    Though a bit emo

  • @flyingtilliamdying
    @flyingtilliamdying 4 роки тому +1

    This was a great video, very well done! Was your otterstat connections clean of corrosion? That was my only problem with my overheat. I found a self bleeding kit and installed that and a new fan thermostat switch from DeLorean Northwest(They are so knowledgeable, nice, and helpful). The otterstat works great, I just like having control of what temp my fans come on. Thanks again for this great video, you did a great job explaining it!

    • @GeekTherapyRadio
      @GeekTherapyRadio  4 роки тому +1

      Yep. Otterstat came from them. Got it a couple years ago, works great. Switches on at lower temp. I have the radiator bleed kit but haven't installed it yet. I do have the water pump bleeder hooked up. The modern fans and Dave McKeen's solid state relays are an absolute godsend. I go over it more in this video ua-cam.com/video/Dp7TBo1PNrc/v-deo.html