Storing a car for 3 years

[hugnie21]

I might be going abroad for 3 years but don't know what to do with my car. If I just store it in a lock-up garage, will it be ok when I get back? Will it need MOT/Service every year still? I could get someone to do that but don't know how to get it there because it will be declared as off road for tax purposes. It's 4 years old.

[maviscoull]

i would think if you have declared it of road you wont need to mot it. however it may be a good idea to get a friend to start it up now and again !

[NORMANTHEDOG]

it has to be sorn off the road every 12 months other then that nothing,but is it worth it,the money you lose on the cars value over 3 yrs and storage charges,it would be best to sell it and put the money away for 3 yrs then buy one when you get back.

[Toureman]

If you are going abroad for 3 years the best thing to do would be to sell it.

The depreciation will mean the car will be worth a lot less when you return and without proper care it will not start and the engine could be seized up. It is not just a matter of starting it up now and again, it should be driven to keep all components in working order

You will need a sorn document or the fines will mount up because the car will not be taxed unless you waste more cash by insuring, taxing and MOT every year. If you do sorn it you would not need an mot but you would need insurance in case it is stolen.

[hugnie21]

Thanks for your answers.

I've got somewhere to store it so wouldn't have to pay for that. It's lost a lot of value since I bought it brand new 4 years ago but is still a great car. Surely if I sold it now, the money I get for it now wouldn't be enough to buy something as good in 3 years time. If that makes sense?

Toureman, how often would it need to be driven do you think?

[DirtyHabit]

It is possible to store a car for three years, but it depends on your storage and if it is going to be monitored. If your were to store it and no one touched it for three years there are a lot of things you need to do.
Jack the car up so that the wheel sare of the ground or the tyre's will develope flat spots, also tyres dry and crack if the are not driven often. Thats why many caravan owners find themselves on the hard shoulder. The fuel system needs to be drained. I would also remove the spark plugs and put a small amount of oil into each bore. Even doing all this, you may find in three years time the clutch may have stuck to the flywheel and the brakes would need overhaul.

It would be far better for someone to start and drive the once a fortnight, if not sell it.

[curlyfilm]

change your oil and do not run the engine, just turn it over with the spark plugs disconnected

[hugnie21]

Great, thanks all