Best Delorean DMC-12 Year to Buy
There is no single best Delorean DMC-12 year: the right one depends on your budget and what you want from the car. Across 210 verified sales, the 1981 is the most affordable at $48,186 and trades most often (143 verified sales).
Data: DriveIndex. 3 model years with at least 10 verified sales each, latest sale Sep 30, 2026. Methodology
Delorean DMC-12 Value by Model Year
| Year | Value | Vs. original MSRP | Verified sales | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 DMC-12 | $63,612 | — | 28 | — |
| 1982 DMC-12 | $74,075 | — | 39 | — |
| 1981 DMC-12 | $48,186 | — | 143 | — |
Value is DriveIndex's market value for each year, from verified sales. “Vs. original MSRP” compares it with the sticker price when new, not adjusted for inflation: 100% means it is worth exactly what it cost. Years with fewer than 10 verified sales are listed but not ranked.
Which DMC-12 year is appreciating?
The table shows what each year is worth. Pro adds the direction: the live Value Signal for every year, how confident it is, a 1–5 year projection, and every sold price behind it. Collector adds the best months to buy and an estimated market-bottom date.
Or see the best months to buy with Collector ($39.99/month), or start with a free account.
Best Delorean DMC-12 Year: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Delorean DMC-12 year to buy?
There is no single best Delorean DMC-12 year: the right one depends on your budget and what you want from the car. Across 210 verified sales, the 1981 is the most affordable at $48,186 and trades most often (143 verified sales). The table on this page lists every model year with its market value, its value against its original MSRP and how many have sold.
Which Delorean DMC-12 year is the cheapest?
The 1981 Delorean DMC-12 is the most affordable year with enough verified sales to compare, currently valued at $48,186. The most valuable is the 1982, at $74,075.
How much is a Delorean DMC-12 worth?
Depending on the model year, a Delorean DMC-12 is worth from $48,186 to $74,075 today, based on verified sales. Mileage, condition and options move any single car's price; each year's page shows its recent sales.
Which Delorean DMC-12 year is appreciating?
This page shows what each year is worth and how that compares with its original price. Whether each year is appreciating, stable or depreciating is DriveIndex's Value Signal, which Pro members see for every year along with a 1–5 year projection.