Don't normally post but come on to read most days as it's a great community, however I have a question so I'm breaking my silence. I have a 2003 Skoda Fabia Comfort Estate (1.2 HTP), however wanted something a bit bigger and more luxurious that can tow. I've just bought a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0 which will become my daily driver (work and uni are both ~ 5 miles away so fuel consumption is not an issue). I could easily sell the Skoda back to the dealer I bought it from, however I wouldn't get much money for it (76000 miles and somewhat tired bodywork). As I'll probably be starting a work placement this time next year I've been thinking about keeping the Skoda (I have garage space, SORN) so I can use it for commuting next year if the placement is a long way away so the fuel costs aren't too horrendous.

 

My dad however reckons that it probably wouldn't cope too well sitting unused and I should just sell it. I would keep a float charger on the battery and have a long enough private drive to give it a quick run once a month. My main question is whether you think it would cope with sitting basically unused for a year + and what you would do (assuming you didn't need the money right now)? Any tips for helping it survive the storage are also welcome. You're welcome to poke fun at me as well for buying a two tonne American car with a 4 litre petrol engine as well but I think I'll enjoy it all the same.

Make sure you leave it handbrake off and run it up about once a week/fortnight and you should be fine. I bought a capri that hadnt been used in 10 years, started first time with a charged battery, only had to change tyres and rear brake cylinders!

Are you bragging about the size of your

..........................................................................................................................................................Driveway, Lol.

 

If it is in a garage, out of the rain and kept totally dry, then IMO it is not a big issue at all.

 

Leave handbrake off as suggested (chock it), battery trickle charge as you suggest, then all should be ok.

 

Turn over (engine, not the car) or short run now and again, possibly inflate tyres to near max to aid preservation. (leave a note in the car to remind if you do this).

 

No worries.

Edited 22 May, 201511 yr by Tilt

Get some cheap silica cat litter and put it in some old socks around the car to absorb moisture to prevent damp problems.

 

Even if it's in a garage, the damp air in the car will cause mould growth.

Edited 22 May, 201511 yr by softscoop

Thanks for all the advice. I think I will keep it stored as the general consensus seems to be that it should be all ok. Thanks for the tip about the cat litter as well as it has always had slight issues with damp (probably rear door card seals but never been bad enough to worry about) so that should help.