Hi guys, about 5 years ago I moved overseas and gave my '02 Accord Coupe to my dad as his car was busted at the time. However, it seems he never got around to ever registering the car, and has just been using my mom’s car since. I am moving back to Houston soon and was wondering what could happen to the car not having budged an inch in the past five years and sitting outside in the Texas heat, rain, and sleet? What kind of service am I looking at for it when I get back? I’m guessing it’s not going to be drivable right now…
I’d drain the gas, replace it. Change the fuel filter. Change the oil. May want to bleed the brakes. Change the battery. Take the plugs out and squirt some Marvel Mystery Oil in to turn if over without plugs first. Then try to fire it up. It will probably need tires, if it hasn’t moved. Those tires may have flat spots or rot.
I have seen some real upholstery damage with cars parked in the sun for a long time. Toss a cheap blanket over the seats until you get time to fix it, heh, heh.
Or, if you came back with savings, it may make sense to just get the car you want, if you are going to be staying for a while.
If it is just a short visit maybe it makes more sense to rent by the week or month. Though you did say you are “moving” back.
As an expat, though let me say those who have lived overseas then come back start looking for a way back overseas ASAP. There are a lot of things in your future which will have nothing to do with cars.
Fuel system servicing, new battery, possibly dry rotted tires, and likely in need of a timing belt kit including the water pump.
The fuel service would be the most critical in getting the car started. Draining as much as possible and refilling with premium would go a long way. I agree with above posters on the other issues.
My brother, who lives in England still has a 1987 Accord sitting in the garage of his condo here. It has not moved for 8 years. With 300,000 miles on it I’ve suggested to sell it for parts. It would take about $1500 worth of stuff (including timing belt) to make it halfway safe for the road.
The timing belt would be a big concern. In normal use, the rubber kind of lubricates itself through the flexing of the belt. Same goes for the rubber in the tires. Just sitting is a lot worse on rubber than normal use.
If the interior isn’t all torn up, I would have it towed to a dealer and get the full timing belt service. Dealers usually have the best prices on Honda’s.
Don’t be tempted into taking shortcuts with the 5 year old gasoline…The “just fire it up and see how she does” method is a recipe for disaster…
Hey guys, thanks for all the great advice. I’ve never had a single problem with this car, it only has 46K miles on it and the Blue Book value is still over $5K, so I’m thinking it’s worth it to fix it up. Hondas can last decades when properly maintained…
@keith You think towing it straight to the Honda service center vs a private shop is the way to go?
How much damage would you guys estimate to my wallet, $1500 I could live with but not a whole lot more. Thanks!