Sitting for 5 Years
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2
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Sitting for 5 Years
Hey Gentlemen,
I am the original owner of a 94 that has been sitting in my garage for about 5 years. My interest has gone elsewhere and I'm thinking of selling it. I contacted a guy up here in NJ that buys ,sells and works on vettes. He came up to see the car and tells me that A) the gas tank needs to be removed and cleaned. B) The valve covers need to be removed and primed with oil before starting. C) The calipers are probably ceased. D)Gaskets are probably shot. E) Tells me the car is worth basically nothing even though it has only 15k, is in mint condition and is completely stock. The wipers have only been turned on twice and the interior still has the new car smell. I feel guilty just letting it sit here but I know I will not use it in the future. Is this guy telling me the truth? Should I try to sell it "as is" or should I spend the money to get it running again? Where is a good place to list the car? Any good honest mechanics in northern NJ? What would you do? Thanks for your help. BH
I am the original owner of a 94 that has been sitting in my garage for about 5 years. My interest has gone elsewhere and I'm thinking of selling it. I contacted a guy up here in NJ that buys ,sells and works on vettes. He came up to see the car and tells me that A) the gas tank needs to be removed and cleaned. B) The valve covers need to be removed and primed with oil before starting. C) The calipers are probably ceased. D)Gaskets are probably shot. E) Tells me the car is worth basically nothing even though it has only 15k, is in mint condition and is completely stock. The wipers have only been turned on twice and the interior still has the new car smell. I feel guilty just letting it sit here but I know I will not use it in the future. Is this guy telling me the truth? Should I try to sell it "as is" or should I spend the money to get it running again? Where is a good place to list the car? Any good honest mechanics in northern NJ? What would you do? Thanks for your help. BH
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 332
Likes: 0
From: South, South Texas Texas
I bought my car with 36k from a friend. Same situation. It was sitting. And I have had to replace all the things you listed and many many many more. Sitting=HUGE PROBLEM!
If someone knows about cars they wouldnt offer a very fair price. They would know that everything is going to start going on it. But at the same time, fixing it will take more money that its probably worth. My car is a money pit. Ive almost had to replace everything except for engine itself and rear end.
Just my 2 cents
Good luck!
If someone knows about cars they wouldnt offer a very fair price. They would know that everything is going to start going on it. But at the same time, fixing it will take more money that its probably worth. My car is a money pit. Ive almost had to replace everything except for engine itself and rear end.
Just my 2 cents
Good luck!
Last edited by Jonathon1990vette; Jan 28, 2011 at 01:09 AM.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Cromwell Ct
Bought mine in 99 with 40k.I used it till 05 put about 30k on it.It sat for 5 years, just got it running this year.I had to replace tires, fuel pump, sending unit, Battery and alternator.It's run's good now but it still needs a tune up.But if i was you i wouldn't give it away,sounds like he is trying to steal the car from you.What was the offer he made?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 17,551
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From: El Paso Texas
Probably not. It's not in his interest to do so.
If you can do your own wrenching, get it running correctly and get a good price for it. If you have to pay someone else to work on it at $75-100 an hour, sell it as is.
If you can do your own wrenching, get it running correctly and get a good price for it. If you have to pay someone else to work on it at $75-100 an hour, sell it as is.
Race Director
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From: Salt Lake City Utah
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Race Director
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From: Whitefish Falls Ontario
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Check the regional section for your area and see if there is a member close to you who is willing to take a look at it and give you his honest opinion as to your best options.. 
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
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2022 Corvette of the Year Finalist -- Modified
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If your car hasn't been sitting on the concrete floor and exposed to a constant temp change you shouldn't be in that bad of shape. Drain and replace all the fluids, drive it for a bit to evaluate if any leaks are present. If so, they won't be major or "gushers". For the hundreds of dollars in fluid replacement and leak repair (again if needed) will net you several thousand dollars more if you choose to not address them and/or just hand over the Vette by going by one man's opinion.
My '94 has 7,900 miles and it leaks nothing, has original EVERYTHING (except battery) smells like new, and I would not hesitate to drive it from Michigan to Cali (providing the weather is good) and back if I had to.
More than likely, your Vette is alot better off than that bonehead potrays it to be.
My '94 has 7,900 miles and it leaks nothing, has original EVERYTHING (except battery) smells like new, and I would not hesitate to drive it from Michigan to Cali (providing the weather is good) and back if I had to.
More than likely, your Vette is alot better off than that bonehead potrays it to be.
Last edited by I’m Z one; Jan 28, 2011 at 05:26 AM. Reason: sp
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: Nebraska
Hey Gentlemen,
I am the original owner of a 94 that has been sitting in my garage for about 5 years. My interest has gone elsewhere and I'm thinking of selling it. I contacted a guy up here in NJ that buys ,sells and works on vettes. He came up to see the car and tells me that A) the gas tank needs to be removed and cleaned. B) The valve covers need to be removed and primed with oil before starting. C) The calipers are probably ceased. D)Gaskets are probably shot. E) Tells me the car is worth basically nothing even though it has only 15k, is in mint condition and is completely stock. The wipers have only been turned on twice and the interior still has the new car smell. I feel guilty just letting it sit here but I know I will not use it in the future. Is this guy telling me the truth? Should I try to sell it "as is" or should I spend the money to get it running again? Where is a good place to list the car? Any good honest mechanics in northern NJ? What would you do? Thanks for your help. BH
I am the original owner of a 94 that has been sitting in my garage for about 5 years. My interest has gone elsewhere and I'm thinking of selling it. I contacted a guy up here in NJ that buys ,sells and works on vettes. He came up to see the car and tells me that A) the gas tank needs to be removed and cleaned. B) The valve covers need to be removed and primed with oil before starting. C) The calipers are probably ceased. D)Gaskets are probably shot. E) Tells me the car is worth basically nothing even though it has only 15k, is in mint condition and is completely stock. The wipers have only been turned on twice and the interior still has the new car smell. I feel guilty just letting it sit here but I know I will not use it in the future. Is this guy telling me the truth? Should I try to sell it "as is" or should I spend the money to get it running again? Where is a good place to list the car? Any good honest mechanics in northern NJ? What would you do? Thanks for your help. BH
Racer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
From: Marlborough CT
Hey Gentlemen,
I am the original owner of a 94 that has been sitting in my garage for about 5 years. My interest has gone elsewhere and I'm thinking of selling it. I contacted a guy up here in NJ that buys ,sells and works on vettes. He came up to see the car and tells me that A) the gas tank needs to be removed and cleaned. B) The valve covers need to be removed and primed with oil before starting. C) The calipers are probably ceased. D)Gaskets are probably shot. E) Tells me the car is worth basically nothing even though it has only 15k, is in mint condition and is completely stock. The wipers have only been turned on twice and the interior still has the new car smell. I feel guilty just letting it sit here but I know I will not use it in the future. Is this guy telling me the truth? Should I try to sell it "as is" or should I spend the money to get it running again? Where is a good place to list the car? Any good honest mechanics in northern NJ? What would you do? Thanks for your help. BH
I am the original owner of a 94 that has been sitting in my garage for about 5 years. My interest has gone elsewhere and I'm thinking of selling it. I contacted a guy up here in NJ that buys ,sells and works on vettes. He came up to see the car and tells me that A) the gas tank needs to be removed and cleaned. B) The valve covers need to be removed and primed with oil before starting. C) The calipers are probably ceased. D)Gaskets are probably shot. E) Tells me the car is worth basically nothing even though it has only 15k, is in mint condition and is completely stock. The wipers have only been turned on twice and the interior still has the new car smell. I feel guilty just letting it sit here but I know I will not use it in the future. Is this guy telling me the truth? Should I try to sell it "as is" or should I spend the money to get it running again? Where is a good place to list the car? Any good honest mechanics in northern NJ? What would you do? Thanks for your help. BH
2nd you contacted someone who does this to make money, not somebody who plans to keep it. He wants to pay wholesale. He also has to replace/fix any trouble areas, then leave room for profit. That can be very expensive, especially if he has a mechanic do it.
3rd It is not "Mint Condition" if it needs all of this work done.
4th Is he telling you the truth? For him probably. Everybody has a different idea what a car is worth. It doesn't mean they are trying to rip you off.
If you can't do the work yourself I would probably sell it as is. Another expense would be the tires if it sat in the same spot for 5 years. What do you think it is worth? As far as where to list it, there is a for sale section here
. You could also put it on ebay or craigslist. You could have avoided all this by starting it once a week and taking it down the street and back every now and then while it sat.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 73,568
Likes: 33
From: Somewhere in Mo
St. Jude Donor '09-'10, '14
If you had all the things done he says it needs, you could pay a shop to do it and then come out better than selling to him. For a car sitting for 5 years it's best to do the things he suggests, IMO.
But a car with this few of miles it's worth it to bring it up to it's true value. Sitting is a cars biggest enemy, but as long as it was protected it's not as bad as some would make you believe.
But a car with this few of miles it's worth it to bring it up to it's true value. Sitting is a cars biggest enemy, but as long as it was protected it's not as bad as some would make you believe.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Rolla Missouri
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '25
That guy was trying to "steal" that car.
Of course, there are some things that "probably" need attention.
But it is far from "worthless" as he described.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,642
Likes: 0
From: Suwanee,Ga
Posting some pictures would help get opinion.
Then place it for sale on the forum. Name a price and see what happens.
A real 15,000 mile, stock car, put in good order, and didn't have "rodents" move into it, then the car is worth more than one with 250K on it.
The research is easy... just go price comparing right here on the For Sale Forum.
TJM
Then place it for sale on the forum. Name a price and see what happens.
A real 15,000 mile, stock car, put in good order, and didn't have "rodents" move into it, then the car is worth more than one with 250K on it.
The research is easy... just go price comparing right here on the For Sale Forum.
TJM
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: Nebraska
Is hard to tell with out pics and it starting. If mice went to town inside and out. Just thinking of some parts that folks want. 1200 seats, 600 rims, 500 steering column , and if it is a 6 speed 5k+. Though I wouldnt part it.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,691
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From: Phoenix Arizona
He's lying out his ***!Your brakes should be fine
Your gaskets should be fine once the car runs for a while
You might need a fuel pump, but you don't remove the gas tank, it comes out the top in about 5 minutes.
You need to pull the coil wire and turn the engine over for two or three minutes to get the oil circulated before starting. And then let it idle for a few minutes before driving, and then drive it slowly for a few miles. (this of course after checking all the fluids, and adding a few gallons of fresh gas, though it would be better to syphon off as much as the old gas as possible). Then you should have all the engine fluids changed.
You need to check around four or five shops and ask them what they would charge to start the car and check it out.
Isn't finding an honest repair shop in New Jersey an oxymoron?
You car is worth about $12k-$15k running and cleaned up (and I'mone of the guys here that members think bad mouth C4 prices.)
To an honest guy who works on corvettes and buys and resales it should be easily worth $8k just as it sits (figuring $2k would probably fix all the unexpected problems, and $2k-$3k for an honest profit).
Possibly you could get one of the members here to check it out.
Last edited by zr1fred; Jan 28, 2011 at 09:58 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Yes but according to his local expert his car is worthless, go figure.
I say turn the key to on, check the fuel pressure. If it holds and there are no leaks then put fresh oil in it, gas and turn the key.
Run the old gas out of it and sell.
Dont let anyone steal your car if its that nice, all he is going to do is flip it anyway.
I say turn the key to on, check the fuel pressure. If it holds and there are no leaks then put fresh oil in it, gas and turn the key.
Run the old gas out of it and sell.
Dont let anyone steal your car if its that nice, all he is going to do is flip it anyway.
Race Director
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,742
Likes: 629
From: Manheim Pennsylvania
Your going to sell it. See what the gasoline looks/smells like, probably have to drain it, maybe not, in any event add some new fuel. Now install a charged battery, turn on the ignition switch and listen for the fuel pump to run and charge the fuel system, now start the engine. If the pump runs and supplies fuel it should start. Probably pick up like it ran yesterday. If it was stored inside in the dry, shouldn't be a problem. I have brought many stored cars back to life with virtually no problems. Low mileage cars are very desirable.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 73,568
Likes: 33
From: Somewhere in Mo
St. Jude Donor '09-'10, '14
As far as draining fuel. just get a fuel syphon hose and syphon it all out. Then add more gas and stir it around and then syphon that out. repeat if you feel you want to. Do this through the Fuel pump location by taking the pump out.
I bet your pump is still good but changing it isn't a bad idea.
I agree that it is worth at least 8K the way it sits as long as it hasn't been rodent infested, as has been brought up. If the car checks out, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it. This car is worth saving and won't take someone with just a little knowledge to bring it back to life with little effort.
I bet your pump is still good but changing it isn't a bad idea.
I agree that it is worth at least 8K the way it sits as long as it hasn't been rodent infested, as has been brought up. If the car checks out, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it. This car is worth saving and won't take someone with just a little knowledge to bring it back to life with little effort.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 17,551
Likes: 26
From: El Paso Texas
Yes. License plate "PadreDW" 
What Sarge said. Post some pics of everything on the car so we can make a better analysis of what you have....but I'm willing to bet it won't take much to wake it from it's hibernation.
As far as draining fuel. just get a fuel syphon hose and syphon it all out. Then add more gas and stir it around and then syphon that out. repeat if you feel you want to. Do this through the Fuel pump location by taking the pump out.
I bet your pump is still good but changing it isn't a bad idea.
I agree that it is worth at least 8K the way it sits as long as it hasn't been rodent infested, as has been brought up. If the car checks out, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it. This car is worth saving and won't take someone with just a little knowledge to bring it back to life with little effort.
I bet your pump is still good but changing it isn't a bad idea.
I agree that it is worth at least 8K the way it sits as long as it hasn't been rodent infested, as has been brought up. If the car checks out, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it. This car is worth saving and won't take someone with just a little knowledge to bring it back to life with little effort.
What Sarge said. Post some pics of everything on the car so we can make a better analysis of what you have....but I'm willing to bet it won't take much to wake it from it's hibernation.