buying my partner a car

[rpurser]

Hi guys,

My partner is looking to buy a car, and a work colleague has a 2000/2001 (???) Astra with only 58,000km. selling it really cheap as she doesnt need it and it is taking up space.

Thing is that it hasnt been driven in 4-5 years. I know the tyres are gone and the battery; i assume also any petrol, oil and filters are long gone. but what else may be up for repair or replacement??

Is there anyting i should be looking at before we make an offer or decision?? or what are some other things that would most likely need replacing before we can drive it or get a blue slip (nsw). .

any advice is appreciated

[Ace_VP]

depends where it was stored, if it was in a garage then a lot less than if it had been left out in the weather.

Some rubber hoses may have perished, rubber seals possibly. Its hard to say, best thing is to go over it with a good torch and check everything out. Fuel tank will definitely need removing and cleaning, change the oil etc as you said. it may also need a new battery if its been sitting for a while.

Does it start?

[rpurser]

its been in a garage for four years.

not sure if it starts as the battery is long gone as far as i know

[Sabbath']

Pretty sure timing belts need doing at 60,000km on those. Plus possibly the waterpump .

[nemesis_adrasteia]

Pretty sure timing belts need doing at 60,000km on those. Plus possibly the waterpump .

yep 60,000 for timing belt, looking at around $1000 to do it from memory

[Ace_VP]

if you are getting it nice and cheap then it sounds to be worth it, but I would contact a holden dealer or reputable mechanic and find out how much a major service will cost, including timing belt, and then add a contingency budget incase the service reveals some items that have perished. Sounds like a good buy if its in otherwise good condition. Matt

[rpurser]

yeah timing belt and water pump come in at 1k, and obviously havent been done yet.
she's asking for $3k but once i point that out and a few other things, were hoping to get it for $2k or so.