Buying a car that’s not been used for 2 yrs 21 January at 3:17PM in Motoring 24 replies 871 views

plumb1_2

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 

Nobbie1967

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

Ya wheels and brakes seem fine. The only thing coming up on the dash is oil change 

Stubod

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.

plumb1_2

The price is slightly under what we buy etc quote, I have checked 3 online sites for prices.

mgfvvc

Unused air con may have issues with seals.

macman

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.

plumb1_2

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

Still under manufacturers warranty so Take it too a ford dealer and get it checked out and have it serviced 

plumb1_2

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

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.