In my quest to find an S that is in good condition with unseized bolts I have spotted one that apparently has 25 miles from new on a MY02.

It has apparently been stored in a heated garage with a cover from day one.
He won't even unpack it to take pics.!

Oviously it is now out of warranty.

It is exactly the spec I want, Silvestone roadster with red interior.

Question is what damage has it done sitting like that for 4 years.

On the plus side I'd change the shocks, wheels and tyres any way. The alignment bolts will be perfect. I can fit my JDM 04 bumper and get it spot on and keep it spot on (amuse boy stylee! )

On the minus side, the brakes are probably seized, maybe the clutch and what happens to an engine, gearbox & diff left like that

Any one got any experience or comments?

 

I think this was posted up not long ago - it was on ebay IIRC

 

Yep - it was there was a bit of banter but no real objective comment

 

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=375234

I think you'd really need to view it and ask some probing questions on how it's been stored. I mailed the seller and he reckons he took advice from a dealer, rotated tyres, started it for 20 minutes every year (doesn't sound enough to me) and so on.

The car hasn't been run in, it's never been serviced, the suspension has been in the same position for 4 years, oil has probably never been changed.

 

he thinks it's worth the same as a new one

I wouldn't pay more than the price of a low mileage minter of the same age -

 

Can you take it out for a test drive, then all will be revealedl!

 

Think you need to ask yourself why?

Man's right, ask him if you can take it out for a spin.

As for starting it once a year for 20 minutes

Doubt the battery would have any charge in it to get the car going.

Whole thing sounds fishy to me, but I'm ever the fatalist!

 

Don't forget also that when you come to sell it the car will appear to have no service history, and you will have to convince prospective buyers that it hadn't been driven for 4 years, who will then have the same doubts you're having now.

 

I'd steer well clear. I think the failure of my engine was due to lack of use (mine was started and run stationary on a weekly basis) but there is NO substitute for real use. Running stationary wouldn't put any stress on the engine or gearbox, so effectively the whole drivetrain isn't run in and could be liable to premature failure.

Minimum it needs a major service, all fluids replaced and soft suspension bits /tyres/brakes replaced ..

Definately wouldn't buy it without a this work being done and then a good test drive.

 

Thanks guys

Neil & GSi exactly my thoughts! Providing the drive train and engine are OK the rest I'd fettle any way