Hey guys just picked up an 03 or going to pick up an 03 here soon (graduation gift to myself)

have some issues that I need help with.

I am picking up an 03 with ~50k-60k miles on it .. by the way I got a great deal on it

my concerns are... the car hasn't been driven for over a year... it has been sitting

before I go and start it up.. should I go ahead and change the oil?

also what are some things I can change out (preventative maintenance) while I am at it.

the car needs some TLC from sitting a good detail... and i think i will have nice little car


if I posted this in the wrong place I apologize

thanks in advance!

Welcome.

Why has it been sitting?

I would change tires, oil, brake fluid, coolant, tranny fluid, check condition of brakes hoses and belt.

A fresh set of spark plugs would be a good idea too. At that mileage, you're probably due for a set of front control arm bushings.

long story short, brother picked up the car at an auction... needed a new bumper and fender and side skirt... (all done now) brother works too much 2 jobs 18 hour days... no one started or drove it on regular basis so it just sat....

now im tired of staring at it and finally asked if he would sell it ... and it should be mine soon wohooo

so for coolant and transmission... is preferred to use OEM fluids?
I think I will use super blue or equivalent for brake fluid
and I have spare wheels and tires so should be ok


I am also going to ask him what he has changed under the hood also.... I havent had a chance to ask

Flush the brakes...a few folks had issues with superblue...leaks that started in seals, but cause of effect, but a quality dot4 will do....syenthic oil...
and a rad fluid change....mini/bmw fluid is blue...a bit of a conventional hybird, not longlife...thing it is sold as g05 by peak/zeriks as a campitable equivolent, but with a good flush, any conviental should be fine...look at the overflow tank...preasureized, and tend to leak ..cheap swap....the thermost gasket tends to leak....better matrals were used from 2005+ on a revised part...
Sounds like it just needs to be brought back to life, and checked out....
I would pay attention to bushings in the steering...the rubber does tend to wear out/shrink...polly ones are pretty good.

Just be aware that there is a procedure for bleeding the cooling system. You can't just fill it up with antifreeze and drive off. If it isn't bled properly, it WILL crack your cylinder head. I'm sure you can find it with a search.

thanks alot guys really appreciate it... I am making a list of all this and will do it soon once finals are over... then comes the fun stuff pullley, intake , suspension

I would suggest the following if it has not been started for a year: remove the spark plugs and spray either some fogging oil or WD-40 in the cylinders to at least provide some lubrication before you try to start it up. Charge the battery and check all the other fluid levels particularly the oil level. If oil level is okay and does not appear to be too thick use that oil for the first start up and change it and filter after you get the engine running and up to temp once. If you change oil before, you will want to change again shortly afterwards to remove all the contaminants that now migrated back in to the oil. Check the brake pedal to make sure it is firm and the caliper seals are good.

thanks alot

Depending on your location and how old the gas is, the car may not start with old gas. At least in California the gas goes bad pretty quick if not stabilized with something like STA-BIL fuel stabilizer. Depending on how the car has been stored and if it has not been run in a year, you might want to remove the old gas and full with new gas before starting.

Old gas can get gummy and cause many problems with the fuel filter and injectors. Many properties/additives of gas can evaporate over time causing the "bad" gas.

hmmm I actually think there was only less than 1/2 a gallon in it... what precautions should i take when refilling... should i add any additives?

I would just add some good 91 or 93 octane gas (Chevon, Shell, 76) that already has additives. Hopefully no seals or rubber parts dried out to bad without liquid on them.

Hey sorry to bring this back up but I went to change the oil found oil and crud under just caked on the oil pan. Cleaned up no visible leaks on the floor so since the car isn't ready for the road yet (no registration) would u guys recommends changing out some of the gaskets that are known to leak, from reading oil Pan, crank position sensor oring or was it cam lol, and valve cover.

What else is there ?

Or do u think I should just wait... The front end is already off just need to get the carrier off .... Figured this would be a good time

The crank position sensor o-ring is a common leak.
The oil pan gasket is also replaced frequently because it is thought to be leaking but I bet it is usually the crank position sensor leaking and not the oil pan.
Valve cover gaskets sometimes leak but so far not on my two Minis.
If you have alot of oil, you might want to check the oil filter or oil heat exchanger (at the oil filter) to look for leaks.