Standing car questions

[tomato]

Hello all, been a while since I posted, feel like a lurker with no 2

Anyway, found a 2001 2, not physically looked at it yet as its in Middlesbrough (or close to), low mileage (56k), looks good on pics, seems to have good history, mot history looks ok. However.....

Car been standing for 2 years, no mot, owner claims been on trickle charge and been moved around it to keep it ticking over.

Still got orignal pre-cats on it. Question I have is given the age and its not moved for 2 years, what are the additional things I need to check that could have gone bad in that time?

Suspect there is room in the price (which for mileage is good) but it is the potential cost to put right that concerns me which I need to work out when I go and look properly or send in a mechanic 😁

Out of interest how much would you say a 2001, black with 56k, roof in good condition, body ok for age be worth without being stood for 2 years?

Thanks

Darren

[Carolyn]

It's all about what's underneath. I'd want to get it jacked up and have a good look.  It could be fine, it could be a rust bucket! 

I'd check the subframe for holes on the bottom, just above the exhaust, and check that the oil is clean.

If it hasn't run for a good while, I'd remove the EFI fuse and crank it over a good few times to get oil round the engine before firing it up.

Then I'd make sure it gets all the gears, doesn't blow smoke and doesn't rattle when revved.

Spring price will be a grand higher than mid-winter price.  £2 - 3,000??

[tomato]

Thank you, currently up for 3250, but will need trailer with no mot etc, so room to negotiate if clean when I go and look.

[Joesson]

Pleased to hear that you are considering at that price.

[tomato]

Prices seem to be all over the place atm, but the higher price ones dont seem to be shifting, although seems to be lot of bad ones out there too 😞

[tomato]

Well bought one finally 🤣 only taken me 3 years. Not the one above, collect at the weekend.

Needs a few bits doing, but hopefully nothing too sinister and externally seems very good for a 23 year old car, seats will change to leather at some point.

Mechanically seems good.

Underneath seems solid enough, but will have local garage go poking when I have it properly. May change rear sub frame as a precaution as no reference to it ever being changed.

[Carolyn]

Well bought one finally 🤣 only taken me 3 years. Not the one above, collect at the weekend.

Needs a few bits doing, but hopefully nothing too sinister and externally seems very good for a 23 year old car, seats will change to leather at some point.

Mechanically seems good.

Underneath seems solid enough, but will have local garage go poking when I have it properly. May change rear sub frame as a precaution as no reference to it ever being changed.

If it doesn't have any holes in it, the subframe should be fine.  You can ensure a longer life by sealing up the four holes at the top corners, putting some temporary tape over the small drain holes (by the bracket for the main suspension arm) and removing a bung and pouring in some Waxyoil.  It will prevent it from rusting from the inside, which is how they rust.

[tomato]

If it doesn't have any holes in it, the subframe should be fine.  You can ensure a longer life by sealing up the four holes at the top corners, putting some temporary tape over the small drain holes (by the bracket for the main suspension arm) and removing a bung and pouring in some Waxyoil.  It will prevent it from rusting from the inside, which is how they rust.

Thanks for the tip, will have a look into doing that.

Ps does anyone know any good garages in west yorkshire that know much about these cars? They are pretty simple cars, but do have there oddball things a specialist would know and advise on?