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Buying a car that’s not been used for 2 yrs

plumb1_2
plumb1_2 Posts: 4,395 Forumite
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Hi all
i have been offered a Ford Focus st line 2020 plate at a good price 
The car has very low mileage under 5000; but it hasn’t been driven for 2 yrs due to the owner health problems 
It drives fine, but with it not being driven is there any issues I should be aware of ? Private sale so no warranty 
«13

Comments

  • Nobbie1967
    Nobbie1967 Posts: 1,675 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Should be fine. Modern cars seem to stand idle with very little deterioration. Battery may be knackered from being left discharged and chance of the brake pistons seizing on. It’s probably due a brake fluid change anyway, so I’d instruct the garage to retract all the pistons when they do that just to get them moving before trying any harsh braking. Also check the back of the brake discs as these can corrode badly if garaged when wet.

    Has it been moved at all? Tyres may be slightly deformed if it hasn’t moved in two years, but you’d pick that up with a test drive
  • plumb1_2
    plumb1_2 Posts: 4,395 Forumite
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    Ya wheels and brakes seem fine. The only thing coming up on the dash is oil change 
  • Stubod
    Stubod Posts: 2,612 Forumite
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    I think it should be fine and would not put me off, particularly if the price is right.
    Would be worth fitting a new battery and giving it an oil change, (and possibly brake fluid as this can absorb moisture), and checking the brakes for any excess corrosion.
    .."It's everybody's fault but mine...."
  • plumb1_2
    plumb1_2 Posts: 4,395 Forumite
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    The price is slightly under what we buy etc quote, I have checked 3 online sites for prices.
  • mgfvvc
    mgfvvc Posts: 1,233 Forumite
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    Unused air con may have issues with seals.
  • macman
    macman Posts: 53,129 Forumite
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    edited 21 January 2023 at 6:35PM
    If it's not been serviced in the last two years then any of the remaining 3 year manufacturer's warranty will be void, but that could be anything from 1 month to 11 months left on it, depending on the month of reg in 2020.
    No free lunch, and no free laptop ;)
  • plumb1_2
    plumb1_2 Posts: 4,395 Forumite
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    macman said:
    If it's not been serviced in the last two years then any of the remaining 3 year manufacturer's warranty will be void, but that could be anything from 1 month to 11 months left on it, depending on the month of reg in 2020.
    think the  1st mot is due in March, so next to nowt left, plus it’s only done 3k miles, so  probably never serviced from new.
  • MikeJXE
    MikeJXE Posts: 3,869 Forumite
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    Still under manufacturers warranty so Take it too a ford dealer and get it checked out and have it serviced 
  • plumb1_2
    plumb1_2 Posts: 4,395 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    MikeJXE said:
    Still under manufacturers warranty so Take it too a ford dealer and get it checked out and have it serviced 
    Thought fords only came with 3 years ?
  • 400ixl
    400ixl Posts: 4,482 Forumite
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    MikeJXE said:
    Still under manufacturers warranty so Take it too a ford dealer and get it checked out and have it serviced 
    As has already been stated, if it hasn't been serviced to the manufacturers schedule then the warranty is void. Pointless paying main dealer prices to have it serviced if the warranty has been voided.

    People have already suggested the main things to check. Tyres (as its probably been stood still on them), oil, brakes & fluid and filters such as fuel, air, cabin. Rubbers and seals should be ok being that new. I would also check the shocks don't have any leaks, but unlikely.

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