Problems casued by laying-up

[Shoestringracer]

I've got a MK1 Golf GTI that was going to be my all round competition car (hillclimb, classic rally etc) but the arrival of twins means I don't envisage using for a while. It is stored in a warm, dry, garage. I could sell the car but I don't need the money. However, I don't want to tax, service, insure etc it as that works out very expensive per mile and I'd rather spend the money on my family. I could lay it up in the garage but I wouldn't be able to exercise it other than start it up and drive it two car lengths backwards and forwards. How much is the car likely to deteriorate if kept this way for several years? It might be that I'd be better off keeping it taxed and using occasionally just to keep it tip top. If so, how often would it need to be?

Ta

[nta16]

Shoestringracer said:

I wouldn't be able to exercise it other than start it up and drive it two car lengths backwards and forwards.

if you start it up you'd be best to let it fully warm up so garage door open because of fumes, the rolling it backwards and forwards isn't going to do much maintaining your tyres, brakes, suspension, steering, clutch, transmission, ext.

you could test all electrics though, horns, motors (wiper, heater, cooling fan?), lights switches

Shoestringracer said:

How much is the car likely to deteriorate if kept this way for several years?

seals possible, brakes, tyres, rubber bushes, condensation causing rust and interior damp and deterration - more so depending on type of storage

Shoestringracer said:

It might be that I'd be better off keeping it taxed and using occasionally just to keep it tip top. If so, how often would it need to be?

Ta

I'd say once a month or so, a journey of 40-50 miles and occasionally more to blow it out, the low mileage with mean the car needs more servicing in some areas rather less

the'll be loads of posters able to tell you the list of things you need to do to mothball it successfully and I'll leave it to them as I believe it's better to occasionally use the car plus you'll get the enjoyment from doing so

Edited by nta16 on Wednesday 10th April 21:29

[Yertis]

The main problem I'm having to fix on my Quattro (which had been barely used for the last fifteen or more years) is that the various seals - diff, injector, turbocharger oil seals etc have hardened, causing leaks and side effects thereof. In your position I'd be thinking of obtaining said seals now, in case they are NLA when you choose to resurrect the car.