Attempting to bring car out of storage (8+ years) back onto the road, anything I'm forgetting to do? Anything I should know? Bad idea?
2007/2008 PT Cruiser, Convertible.
Hx:
- Family owned, 3 owners. Maintained during that time by 'non' mechanically inclined folks.
- No history of damage/accidents.
Known Issues:
- Windscreen needs to be replaced (Quoted for $320 for a replacement + labour)
- Tires, flat as hell. Needs to be pumped. Probably riding on the rims for God knows how long.
- Battery dead - Replacement purchased
What I know has to be replaced:
- Brake Fluid
- Oil
- Transmission Fluid
- Power Steering Fluid
- Gas most likely has to be pumped out
No estimate for this work yet, will call tomorrow.
Would like some feedback and direction from the more experienced folks on here.
I don't know if doing all this work is 'worth it' but the used market is slim and overpriced, new car inventory is very limited with wait times varying between 6 months and 2 years 🙁
Alternatively, my father has a Toyota Tacoma, 2003 that he doesn't drive anymore. The only issue is that it's a manual and I'd have to learn how to drive with a stick. Personally, I think it'd be worthwhile to just learn to drive stick versus going through the ordeal of attempting to bring the PT Cruiser back to life.
Again, would like to heard what others have to say about this.
Questions:
- Am I forgetting / neglecting anything that should be done with respect to bringing this vehicle back up to running shape?
- Should I be concerned about any seals drying out?
- Stored inside in a second story garage (condominium), so it wasn't subjected to the elements or rodents
It sounds like you're basically on the right track for reviving a vehicle from long-term storage. The biggest problem you're likely to run into though is that those are just terrible, poor-quality vehicles.
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Chrysler/PT_Cruiser/2007/
Sigh. I know... shite vehicle...
Agreed with @chucktobias those things are horrible.
My mechanic friend ranted abut how hard they are to work on, and how bad of a car in general.
I would like to say you could fix it up enough to sell it, but you may be in it for more than you expect real quick.
Take the Tacoma and learn to drive a stick would be my suggestion.
Those were my thoughts as well..Cheers.