Car Parked for Years: Revive It or Junk It?

A car that has sat for years may not be ready to start. Common problems, depending on the car and how it was stored, include stale fuel, a dead battery, dried-out belts and hoses, sticky brakes and rodent damage to wiring.

• Do not try to start it if you smell fuel or see fresh leaks. Move away and call a mechanic.
• Open the hood and look for nests, chewed wires and droppings. Wear gloves and a mask if there are droppings.
• Look under the car for puddles, without crawling under it.
• Press on the tires and look for cracks. Do not drive on tires that have cracked or gone flat.
• Do not take it on the road to “see how it goes.” Brakes may not work the way you remember.

If a tow to a shop is needed, ask for it. Do not drive a car you have not had checked.

Before you can compare anything, you need three facts.

1. What it would take

   Have a mechanic look at it and write down what it needs to be safe and legal. Ask about brakes, fuel system, tires, belts, hoses, and any rust on the frame. Our guide on reading a repair estimate helps, and this guide on rust covers that specifically.

2. What it would be worth

   Look at listings for the same model in the condition it would be in after the work. See finding what your old car is worth.

3. What the paperwork looks like

   Find the title and last registration. If you can’t find the title, DOL lists a replacement at $39.50 regular or $89.50 Quick Title, and timing is several weeks for regular service.

One thing to allow for: fixing the first problem can reveal the next. Ask the mechanic what else they could not check until it runs, and treat the first quote as a floor.

Expired tabs do not stop you from dealing with the car, but they do bring up a few things.

• Renewing: DOL says you can’t renew until unpaid tickets or tolling fees are paid. If you plan to keep the car, ask DOL what you would owe, since we did not find a fixed figure to give you.
• Moving it on the road: A trip permit is $36, valid 3 consecutive days, and not available for destroyed vehicles. It does not make an unsafe car safe.
• Selling it: DOL says a car can be sold with expired registration. Our expired tabs guide goes deeper.
• Keeping it on the street: More than 45 days expired on a public street is a ground for impound.
• Emissions: The state’s emission check program ended Jan. 1, 2020, so it is not a hurdle. See what that does and doesn’t change.

A car that has not run in years is fine with us. It does not need to run, and we use a flatbed. Tell us how long it has sat, whether the wheels roll, and what is around it. If the tires are flat or sunk in, or it’s boxed in, see flat tires and tight spots.

We tow for free and pay cash at pickup. We need one of these: Title, Affidavit in Lieu of Title, or Junk Vehicle Affidavit. Our non-running car page explains more, or you can call (206) 941-0612.