What are the chances of a car starting that hasn't been driven since 2008?

freshpopcorn

I know somebody with a 1999 Opel Corsa with 100,000 miles on it. The car was NCT'd in 2007. They put anti-freeze in it every Winter apart from that it hasn't been touched. It might have been started once in 2009. (I think)
What are the chances of it starting and what would need to be done if it did start?
Edit: Would it be cost effective?

Atlantic Dawn

Your main worry is some parts may be in a particularly bad condition from sitting idle, while it might start with a fresh battery it would be recommended that you didn't.

I'd firstly replace...
battery
auxillary belt
oil and oil filter
spark plugs

You would need to look at radiator and windscreen wash reservoir for leaks as a result of expansion from freezing.

The tyres would be perished and should be replaced, you might also encounter problems with the handbrake locked as a result of corrosion.

Yawns

Most likely will need a new battery to even start it, so try bring a good condition one with ya to try it.

If it does start, you'll need to change oil, filters, sparks etc. Check the tyres. The pressure will be down and over the years, the sidewalls could be damaged so inspect and they may need replacing. Wheels most likely seized if it's got brake drum on the rear. A fair whack or rocking of the car should unstick. Check all fluid levels etc. The likes of brake fluid will have to be changed due to it's nature of absorbing moisture. That's just off top of head at seeing the thread title. I'm sure I'm missing more things to check. Check fuel in lines and check all rubber hoses to see if any has perished over the years it's been sitting idle.

Might even be an idea to check an animal hasn't made a home or nest in the car somewhere like the engine bay. This all assuming the car has just been parked up in an open space with handbrake on and battery connected with no cover over car etc.

The Sidewards Man

I would turn it over by hand first to check that a valve isnt stuck, engine free. Hook up a temporary fuel supply. Slapping in a battery and turning the key hoping it starts is fairyland stuff.

Teddington Cuddlesworth

It's a 1999 Opel Corsa, pour a half pint of oil into it and give it a jump start off another car.

Mycroft H

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

Your main worry is some parts may be in a particularly bad condition from sitting idle, while it might start with a fresh battery it would be recommended that you didn't.

I'd firstly replace...
battery
auxillary belt
oil and oil filter
spark plugs

You would need to look at radiator and windscreen wash reservoir for leaks as a result of expansion from freezing.

The tyres would be perished and should be replaced, you might also encounter problems with the handbrake locked as a result of corrosion.

In addition to above.

Open up the spark plugs, spray some diesel/light oil in the cylinders. Crank it when you've done that with the ignition disconnected. At least when it starts, the piston rings and cylinder wall won't be metal of metal, they'll have a light coating of oil.

El Chapo

They put anti-freeze in it but didn't think to start it for a few minutes every once in a while?

freshpopcorn

El Chapo wrote: »

They put anti-freeze in it but didn't think to start it for a few minutes every once in a while?

That's a long story!

SEPT 23 1989

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

Your main worry is some parts may be in a particularly bad condition from sitting idle, while it might start with a fresh battery it would be recommended that you didn't.

I'd firstly replace...
battery
auxillary belt
oil and oil filter
spark plugs

You would need to look at radiator and windscreen wash reservoir for leaks as a result of expansion from freezing.

The tyres would be perished and should be replaced, you might also encounter problems with the handbrake locked as a result of corrosion.

cheaper to scrap it