How to start a car that's been sitting for 9 years?
I might buy a 1993 Ford Explorer that's been sitting for 9 years and the head gasket was no good that's why it's not being used but I can buy it for $200 what do I have to do to get it running other then the head gasket and do you think it's worth it?
You need to have the car > towed < to a real mechanic shop.
No, it's not worth it.
If the vehicle had been properly prepared for storage and then stored in a garage, it may be worth looking at it but assuming they just parked it because the head gasket was shot, that's 9 years of neglect… Lots of time for things to rot, seize, rust, etc.
It's going to need at the minimum, a new battery, new tires, new belts. The fuel tank will need to be drained, and probably cleaned, There's probably some rodents living somewhere in the vehicle (check the air filter assembly). The oil will need to changed, etc. So our $200, 25 year old Explorer, a best case scenario is going to cost you closer to $2500 before it's road worthy.
The questions you have to ask yourself are
1. Will it be worth $2500 after you've done everything that the car needs? Maybe if it's low mileage and 4WD, but it'll be close. More than likely, you'll spend $2500 (at least) and have a vehicle worth around $1500-$2000 when you're done.
2, Can you find comparable vehicle for $2500 that doesn't need as much work and isn't as big a risk? Yes, you probably could if you looked around enough.
This is not a classic or desirable vehicle that's appreciating in value. And if there's more wrong with it, you'll have to spend more to fix everything. Rust would be a big concern. There's good chance the A/C will need significant work, etc. To me it doesn't seem to be worth it, given how much you're definitely going to have to spend right off the bat, and how much you're probably going to have to spend on top of that.
With a vehicle that has been sitting for a long time, due to a head gasket failure, you should expect to have to rebuild or replace the entire engine. Moisture will have gotten into the cylinders and there's a good chance that they will have rusted.
The battery, hoses and belts will all need replacing, as will the tires. There's a chance that the brakes will need work
This is not going to be easy, and unless the body and interior are in almost perfect condition, you will be spending more that the value of the vehicle even if you do the labor yourself
It depends on if it was exposed to moisture. I'll just assume it was and if it was it probably isn't worth it, the gas in the engine and the entire fuel system is pribably filled with remains of what used to be gas, but it can no longer be used to run an engine
If the explorer was put in the pasture over a blown head gasket when the previous owner was looking at a minimum of at least two grand to rebuild the engine as with the time frame of a decade when it sat outside could have rusted the pistons solid to the cylinder liners when it wouldn t be worth it to try and budge the pistons free when all you could offer the seller is the scrap steel value for the SUV.
By this time, all the seals, tires, rubber bushing, hoses and belts have rotted. You will not get hurt on the price at $200, because that is about what it is worth for scrap. But this is not a car to buy for use. It is a restoration project. Unless you have a few thousand to add to that $200, and lots of time on your hands, that is not a good deal.
I recently gave a pickup to my grandson that was in similar condition and 8 years newer. A year and $3.000 later he has a nice little truck. If you have the time, money and ability to do that, go for it.
At the cheapest (assuming you do all the work and have a fully equipped shop with engine hoist, full set of tools, press, etc):
Used engine: $500.
Used tires: $200.
All fluids: $100.
If you are lucky.
Budget for:
Brake work (lines/calipers/etc): $500.
Suspension/bushings/body rubber: $500.
Ujoints/axles/etc: $350.
Steering/ball joints/tie rods: $200.
Right now, the going scrap rate for pick-up of a vehicle that size from home is $100 (if it has original cat). Offer $100. At least you will maybe break even. Engine is likely toast if sitting 9 years after a head gasket failure… I'd run away from it.
"By this time, all the seals, tires, rubber bushing, hoses and belts have rotted. You will not get hurt on the price at $200, because that is about what it is worth for scrap. But this is not a car to buy for use. It is a restoration project. Unless you have a few thousand to add to that $200, and lots of time on your hands, that is not a good deal"
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