Garaging the EP3

[diddly69]

Hello fellow PHers

I am after a bit of advice and wonder if anyone has garaged their EP3 for long periods of time without any use?

I'm looking to store my EP3 for 12 months and am considering if this is a good idea or not (already thinking not so) and what should be done regarding engine and oil etc. Part of me thinks it doesn't deserve to be caged up and should be sold on to be free and rev happy. I don't want to sell the Civic really but at the same time would it be bad for the engine to be sat around lifeless for so long?

Many thanks

[bazza1000]

It will be fine garaged for 12 months or so won't do it any harm at all, put a good trickle charger on it so the battery doesn't die and just have it serviced when you bring it back out.

Or just sell it and buy another one when you're ready, choice is yours.

[diddly69]

Thanks Bazza

[itsnotarace]

Would be an idea to put the car on axle stands are remove the wheels, as the tyre sidewalls can easily dry out and crack / perish - especially if left under inflated. I would also leave the fuel tank empty and the handbrake can also seize on (not a problem if it's on axle stands as you can leave it off, otherwise chock the wheels)

[havoc]

itsnotarace said:

Would be an idea to put the car on axle stands are remove the wheels, as the tyre sidewalls can easily dry out and crack / perish - especially if left under inflated. I would also leave the fuel tank empty and the handbrake can also seize on (not a problem if it's on axle stands as you can leave it off, otherwise chock the wheels)

All good advice. Either hang the wheels vertically (i.e. usual orientation) or stack them flat, but with the weight on the alloy part of the stack not the sidewalls (so you probably want some cardboard in-between). Or just leave the wheels on the car if it's on axle-stands, thinking about it...

Re: trickle-charger, if possible run it under the engine bay so you can close the bonnet - can then leave the car alarmed.



That said, if it's definitely going to be 12 months, maybe sell it - you'll lose at least a grand depreciation in a year on an older one, and probably £1,500 on a late model. Plus 3PF&F insurance and the necessary service when you resurrect it. If you've time to sell privately and then buy privately next year, you won't have much of the 'cost to change' that p/exing hits you with. And decent CTRs are easy to find at the moment...

[idiotboy]

I've had my EP3 off the road since May 2011 and it still starts up every time when I put the battery back in.

The only reason I haven't sold mine on is the condition/age of my car...and I suspect I would only regret it later on. It's a personal choice, but I never feel like you can ever actually make money selling cars on - buy a different car, inherit different problems.