Car not used for 6-8 months - advice

[STUBIE]

Going to see a V6 at the weekend, I believe it has not been used since last summer, maybe started up but not run.

Any problems or advice on this one.

Stubs

[andy willi]

brakes make sure they work then drive it home

[Tatts]

Check the tyres for flat spots & perishing rubber.

[pab]

check the handbrake has not seized,heat levels on the wheels after a few miles.

[Dave Goody]

And definently check the plenum for water prior to driving home:D Dave

[HarryM1BYT]

Clutch may be stuck on, if its a manual.

[Martynp]

Brakes may well grab initialy, clean discs by light braking to start with----
Hope they left the handbrake off!

[chrissyboy]

on modern cars that have been left for months ,some tend to develop electrical problems , and of coure check that no mice and such have made it their home and had a feast on the wiring ...

[SD1too]

Stuart,

Try to find out why it has not been used since last summer. Is it because it has a fault which the owner cannot afford to repair? Remember that private sellers are under no obligation to volunteer information, but they must answer your questions truthfully.

Simon.

[STUBIE]

OK an update and a sad one at that.

Went to have a look at the car now this as a top of the range X reg model

Hi -line Sat Nav - seemed to work Ok
Hardmon Kardon
Walnut Wheel
Traction control
Meteors
Sunroof

Body work seemed Ok, meteors a bit damaged but inside was very tired although it only had 68K on the clock I suspect or it looked like it had done more.

Rear passenger footwell was flooded and has been for a long time, probably due to sunroof drainage holes being blocked.
Driver seat was a bit of a mess leather wise and did not move.
Key in ignition, traction control warning on and message centre very pixelated. Car started Ok and initially although seemed a bit rough, left it running and put the OBD on and waited until it got up to temp, then revved it until it went to 106 to see if high speed fan kicked in, no fan action at all so fan knackered. Drainage hole on passenger side completed blocked but curiously no water in plenum, more luck than anything else. Engine metal parts all rusty.
Lot of internal trim bits missing.
Didn't drive it as wasn't going to buy.
Story is Chinese student bought it last July from Garage at £2500, then could not afford the insurance so car has been siting in a University car park for 8 months.

I am sure if this car had had proper care this would have been a nice motor. They were looking for £1000.

A sad neglected car, will only be fit for scrap soon.

Stubs