Hey everyone, this is more of a general question about unused cars that have been sitting for a long time. Long story short, in a couple of months I'm getting a deceased uncle's Volkswagen Bora stock. I didn't have much time to check things out the time I visited so I have not exactly figured out which exact model it is and I'm nowhere nearly experienced enough to perform demanding technical work. So, the car has been sitting for around 15 years in a parking spot(covered from the top but not from the sides) with doors shut and all and in a highly variable Mediterranean climate(humid winters, very dry summers). It's almost brand new though with no more than 20000km, however, its engine hasn't been turned on since(didn't get to check if engine was working as battery has obviously been drained). After a quick inspection of the engine bay everything is covered in dust and some dirt. My questions are, since the car is located kind of far away from me, what should I take with me and what should I really focus on as the first few steps of making it work? Like, what are the most common issues that should be prioritized and how can I check what could be wrong with the car? Also, should I bother cleaning the engine bay myself?
#2003-2005 Volkswagen Bora 1.6L. Unused for a long time
dusk swift
untold bronze
So first off you do not really want to start the car with the old oil still in it. Chnage the oil and oil filter. Also the fuel filter and don't use whatever fuel is left in the tank. Maybe some extra spark plugs and wires if they're bad or just in case and a new battery/ starter pack. That's basically everything you need for it to start if nothings broken. BUT that doesn't mean you should drive it home, especially if it's far away like you said. The brakes might not work and until it hasn't reached operating temperatur we don't know if the cooling system works.
dusk swift
Thank you so much for the info! I'll do just as advised, try some of the basics you mentioned myself and for further help contact a technician in case more problems occur. And yeah since it's a 30min drive, I'll avoid driving it home unless I'm COMPLETELY certain all systems are functional 👍
I'm open to tips of course if someone else wants to help!
drowsy wyvern
How many years