I am new to the C4 generation. After selling my mid year last year, I have come across a good (i think) deal on a 78,000 mile C4. The owner is the original owner and has lots of paperwork but parked it about 10 years ago. I believe it was a fuel related issue.

My question to the group is what are some definite things I should look at prior to purchasing? My understanding is the electrical dashes are a problem.

Thanks!

 

Does it run now? What year is it? They changed quite a bit from 1984-1996.
Tires are bad if it sat for 10 years. Check for fluid levels and leaks. Check all the buttons and switches to make sure you got oil pressure and temperature etc on the display. Check the windows and automatic locks. Make sure the service engine soon light isn't illuminated or the Anti-Lock light when running. ... If it's driving check the brakes making sure it doesn't pull. Check the radio and automatic antenna. Check the AC and heater. I'm sure others will chime in with other things to check.

 

Specific year will go a long way... The C3 and C4 generations were really multiple generations in one based on modern (or C5 and beyond) standards. There is just a whole lot different list of gotcha items on a 1984 than there would be on a 1996 and there is everything in between.

 

Obviously that car will need new tires.
Watch out for modifications that may have been done poorly.
Check that the gauges, dash lights and all switchwork are functioning properly, including radio and antenna. All the dash lights and DIC cluster lights should light up briefly when the key is turned to "run."
Get the engine to operating temperature and check for leaks everywhere, including the interior (heater core). Check operation of the cooling fans. If it's not running and you buy it not running, it could turn into a nightmare.
Paperwork is great, original owner is great. Look through the documents and be sure it was serviced regularly. An oil change that went only 5000 miles but also 4 years is a red flag IMO. Another flag is any trans or differential that was never serviced for 78k miles.
Also be aware that 100k miles is a threshold for some services such as spark plugs, TB/MAF cleaning, etc.
Any car that has been sitting for 10 years will make noises when started up again, maybe squeaking pulleys and noisy belt, noisy PS pump, others. Pay special attention to serious noises such as knocking from the engine, howling from the differential, etc.

 

I agree with everything DGRX stated. Also if that car has sat with fuel in the tank and has not started in ten years “Do not attempt to start the car” until the entire fuel system has been drained and cleaned. Otherwise you are just making sure everything will need to be replaced. This is especially true if the reason it was parked was due to a fuel issue.

Also as mentioned the year is critical in helping diagnose issues. The dash is the least of what I would worry about. 2-3 hours to pull and sent to Batee for repair. There are lots of things that go wrong with a 25-30 year old car. And if you can not do the work yourself find ones where the only thing you have to do is turn the key. It will be MUCH cheaper in the long run.

 

Sorry I was in a hurry when I posted and I'm notorious for having things in my head that don't make it into my posts.

Car is a 1985. I will have to dig through my notes to find what the issue was causing the gas smell and the reason it was parked years ago. Yes on the tires (although they are brand new, I am sure they are flat spotted). Plan was to dump the fuel and spin up the motor prior to starting but the seller is disabled and I would have to take that on after purchasing. I assume that with a new battery and key on, I could at least check that the dash display lights up.

Given that these cars are not that valuable and that I don't necessarily want to take on another project (1969 Scout that is taking all my time) I may pass. Of course the seller thinks this will start right up and run with whatever sensor went bad and some new fuel but I know those stories from race car days--(1) ran when parked, (2) only surface rust and (3) race ready.

The seller is a good friend of a good friend so not some rando but probably more headache than I want. I am going to go look at the car in a couple of weeks and report back if I learn anything new. I do like the look of these cars and the exterior/interior is pretty mint (BLUE). If it was a simple fix and maybe hadnt been sitting so long I would take a risk at the price he is asking.

Thanks!