Need advice for a car that's been unused for 6 years

The friend wants to know whether this car can be revived at all and if so what all things will need to be inspected / changed and what would be the likely cost.

BHPian lifeinpune recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Posting this on behalf of a friend who has a Chevrolet Spark that has been lying unused for 6+ years. From what I have been told, it has not even been started once in this time. All the tyres are flat and unfortunately car has been still the entire period. Location is Bangalore, car is parked in the basement and hasn't seen rain or sun during this entire time.

The friend wants to know whether this car can be revived at all and if so what all things will need to be inspected / changed and what would be the likely cost. Given that this is a Chevrolet Spark, I am very skeptical. Will try to upload some pictures of the car exteriors and interiors.

Here's what BHPian hgps had to say on the matter:

Check the electrical system for rat damage before doing anything. See if timing belt is okay. Check air filter for rat damage. From my limited knowledge of owning a Spark (and keeping it idle for 3 months in one go), you'll have to procure the following parts.

Immediately:

• New engine oil and oil filter (1200-1600)
• Brake fluid (for complete flush) (150 inc labor if done at workshop)
• New battery (3500-4000)
• Refill tires, see if they retain pressure

See if the car starts. If it does, take it to nearest garage and get the following done:

• Coolant flush and refill (250 including coolant, 5L of distilled water and labor)
• Change timing belt (Should be under 1000, although not sure)
• Wiper blades (500-600)
• Inspect/replace spark plug (should be under 1000)
• Fuel filter might need to be replaced
• AC gas recharge (1200-1300)
• New air filter (300-400)
• New tires (~14k)
• Check all bulbs
• Check brake pads/shoes and clean rear brake drums. Handbrake functionality.

Here's what BHPian arjab had to say on the matter:

From your short description, it seems that the vehicle has been weather protected well.

In that case: I suggest you take up the work in two stages:

A) First: get the car cranked up

B) Second: Once its cranked and idling, next stage would be to set it right dynamically.

So, keeping this in mind, for A:

• Change all fluids and lubes (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering oil) etc. During the change process keep a keen eye out for potential leaks from hoses that may have turned brittle.
• Change all filters.
• Disconnect the radiator from the thermostat side and flush out remnants of old coolant from the engine block, bleed the block and re-fit thermo.
• Flush and bleed radiator and refit.
• Change the spark plugs. Check the plug wires
• Borrow a new battery or a battery with some life
• Check the water pump and alternator drive belts
• Check the starter motor solenoid connections. Open the terminals, clean and refit.
• Open up the throttle body, clean it thoroughly and refit. Clean air intake as well.
• Open the manifold air pressure sensor and throttle position sensors. Clean & refit.
• Clean the petrol tank and the filter inside the tank thoroughly. Check all fuel lines for any leakages etc
• Check for any rodent damages to any wires etc
• Before new battery fitment, disconnect the ECU, clean and refit the couplers.

Now try starting the car. If it starts and idles smoothly , then 70% of the battle is won.

Now for B) (assuming A has worked out):

• Change all tyres (rubber cracks after 6 years in any case)
• Change brake pads and shoes
• Suspension bushes may need to be changed
• Front struts and rear dampers may not be "articulating" its full compression/rebound stroke due to gumminess / damper valves seized up. You have to replace the strut units. No need to change the coils as they are not a perishable commodity.
• Clutch actuation. If there is judder while engaging gears, clutch plate may need replacing.
• While turning right or left, under full steering lock, keep an ear out for "clicking" noises. If yes , then you need to change the constant velocity joints at either ends of the driveshafts.

I think if you come this far, the car would be a decent runner. Spark parts are available till now in the market.

Good luck!

Here's what BHPian condor had to say on the matter:

I will also suggest: greasing the hubs, cleaning up the AC system (ducts), a proper interior job - esp the seats. Replace seat covers too. May help to give the seats some sun time.

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

Good, used, running Sparks are available for anywhere between 60,000 - 125,000. I would honestly scrap this car that's been parked for so long and pick a used example that's been running daily / weekly.

After all, time is money. These restorations take a lot of effort and even then, end reliability is an unknown. Sure, if it was a special vintage car or offroader, rejuvenating it would've been worth the effort. But a budget hatchback that is available for cheap in the pre-owned market? Simply buy that (or another Maruti / Hyundai model for 1 - 1.5 lakhs).

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