Late Dad's Car. What to Do?

LLostweekend on 12/09/2022 - 09:33
Last edited 12/09/2022 - 09:57 by 1 other user

So I'm cleaning up my late dad's house. He has a 2004 model Mazda 3 that hasn't been used since around 2017 or so and has been parked out the back in the weather. Its only got about 160,000 km on it.

Thought it might be fixable as a second car, but my mechanic basically said that since it hadn't been run the cost to fix it up would be probably worth more than the car.

With that in mind, I'm just looking to get rid of it. I'm thinking of getting one of those cash for cars places to just pick it up. Having no experience with it, I'm wondering what a fair price would be? Or would anyone suggest any other options?

Automotive Car Mazda

Comments

  • netjock on 12/09/2022 - 09:38
    +3

    since it hadn't been run the cost to fix it up would be probably worth more than the car.

    $0. Thank them for taking it away for free.

    • newbo on 12/09/2022 - 12:14
      +8

      6 years ago, I ran a cheap ~25 year old car on its last legs that I bought for $300 and when the engine seized, I was able to safely pull over.
      I called a cash for cars place, they were out there within 2 hours, had me sign the paperwork on the spot and gave me $200.
      Took the bus into work after that.

    • backpaqer on 13/09/2022 - 11:12
      +1

      kids under cover will take the car away and auction it and the proceeds go to the charity and you get a tax deductible receipt

  • EightImmortals on 12/09/2022 - 09:44
    -3

    Just ring around and see what they offer, by the sounds of it the car isn't worth much, if anything so they would be doing you a favour by picking it up. :)

  • bobbified on 12/09/2022 - 09:46
    +14

    … the cost to fix it up would be probably worth more than the car.

    That might not be the case - if there were no major issues with it before, it'll likely just need a new battery and some new engine oil to get it moving again (a couple of hundred bucks or so if you can DIY the oil change or with the help of someone who knows what they're doing). Then sell it off quickly.

    • Caped Baldy on 12/09/2022 - 10:55
      +7

      Sell it to Pam. Her Corolla is having some issues…

      • bobbified on 12/09/2022 - 11:30

        Plenty of space for her face masks! lol

      • HairyChickens on 12/09/2022 - 18:46

        Whats the origin story with Pam

        • Caped Baldy on 12/09/2022 - 19:17
          +2

          For me and many others it started with her trying to get a refund after missing a training course. She's also lost car keys (twice), brodened masks during covid.

          Her post history is amazing. https://www.ozbargain.com.au/user/314010/nodes

          She seems to be getting better but there's still a few gems.

    • tonsta on 12/09/2022 - 11:22
      +3

      I started a abandoned car after 10 years, jumped it for 2 minutes but it run normal after 10 minutes idling (fuel injected). Just needed some new tyres and new a battery, passed safety check 1st go.

      • bobbified on 12/09/2022 - 11:30

        The oils and fluids degrade over time so they should be replaced if you want the engine and transmission to continue to function properly. Because the car hasn't moved for so long, there's a good chance that sludge has formed on the bottom.

        passed safety check 1st go.

        The safety check only assesses the physical state of the car, so unless there's lots of rust or something or critical damage, it should pass without any issues if the car at least runs.

        • tonsta on 13/09/2022 - 18:54

          Because the car hasn't moved for so long, there's a good chance that sludge has formed on the bottom.

          My 10 years is evidence it doesn’t happen, old wives tale. If this is true, bottles of oil sitting on shelves would be the same. Sludge forms when you use the car.

    • CheapandUsed on 12/09/2022 - 11:30
      +10

      but my mechanic basically said that since it hadn't been run the cost to fix it up would be probably worth more than the car.

      Who wants to bet the mechanic will happily take it off their hands for $0..

      A quick check of Gumtree and these cars with higher Kms are advertised for up to $8000. I can't imagine it would cost that much to get it back and driveable to resell.

      • Caped Baldy on 12/09/2022 - 11:46
        +2

        I suspect the mechanic hasn't even looked at the car and it's probably even not rusty.

  • BewareOfThe Dog on 12/09/2022 - 09:47
    +1

    Is it registered, ctp, insurance?

    If not, it could be an opportunity for a mechanic to screw you completely.

    If someone takes it away, make sure you have the rego paper, and transfer ownership/disposal.

  • Stopback on 12/09/2022 - 09:52
    +16

    Replace fuel. Change oil. Battery see if car starts.

    • ESEMCE on 12/09/2022 - 09:55
      +1

      Flush coolant assuming you get it running.

    • WT on 13/09/2022 - 13:04

      if it doesnt start check if you can hear the fuel pump prime. if you cant you can buy a replacement walbro pump cheap, maybe under $120.

      the ethanol in the fuel may have rusted the fuel pump seizing it.

      Pump all the old fuel out and dispose, fill with fresh fuel and run an injector cleaner for the first couple of tanks

  • Euphemistic on 12/09/2022 - 09:54
    +9

    1: open up to bonut thingy and check for obvious damage caused by rats or mice.
    2: if no obvious damage, try to jump start it. If it starts it’s worth changing all fluids to keep it running. Probably also want new tyres.
    3: if it runs it’ll be worth $1k at least. If you service it, clean it and put some new (cheap) tyres on it, it’ll probably be worth twice that.

    It MIGHT cost a lot to fix it up, but based on some old cars I’ve seen it might just run fine with a jump start and some new fluids. Just because it’s sat there for a long time doesn’t mean it’s worth nothing.

    If, on the other hand you have no interest in Mali it run it’s probably worth $500 if it was running when parked. Someone will get it going and likely get a decent cheap car.

    • jv on 12/09/2022 - 10:01
      +3

      open up to bonut

      What is a bonut ???

      • khangu on 12/09/2022 - 10:07
        +7

        It's latin for bonnet.

        • jv on 12/09/2022 - 10:12
          +10

          No, that would be bonutus.

        • Chandler on 13/09/2022 - 13:30

          "I swear by my pretty floral bonnet, I will end you." ― Malcolm Reynolds

      • Euphemistic on 12/09/2022 - 12:05
        +2

        An ozbargain historical artifact.

  • Murkymerv on 12/09/2022 - 10:05
    +2

    Bonnet , not dounut !

  • Brucet on 12/09/2022 - 10:11
    -4

    Call car wrecker, you may get back $100 to $500.

  • kohno83 on 12/09/2022 - 10:12
    +2

    Agree that if you're handy or know someone who could assist to give it a go…!
    1. Change Engine Oil
    2. Check battery or even use a spare somewhere that is of a similar size
    3. Add fresh fuel

    1. Try firing up…

    So typically, scrap value of cars is in the order of $250-300 if it's taken by a metal scrap yard. Some yards will come collect these too.

    If it goes a workshop, or 2nd hand parts place, they'll strip the car and sell part by part… then take it to a scrap yard.

    All depends on the general condition of the car of course.

  • Brick Tamland on 12/09/2022 - 10:19
    +4

    Probably worth trying to get it running. A running car will be worth more. As Mokr said, flush the fuel and jump start and see if it will run.

  • PensionerXXL on 12/09/2022 - 10:22
    -3

    did he live on a hill? take off the break, in 30 seconds its someone else's problem
    jokes aside. rip to your dad 🙌

    • jackspratt on 13/09/2022 - 08:07

      Give us a brake, please.

  • payless69 on 12/09/2022 - 10:29
    +4

    Mazdas do not die so early, change all liquids, polish up and enjoy for another 10 Years!

  • cashless on 12/09/2022 - 10:37
    +3

    Spend $500 to $1000 cleaning it, fixing it up and replacing tyres if needed, then get more than $5000 for it on car sales

  • trapper on 12/09/2022 - 10:41
    +3

    Should be mostly fine even after five years sitting idle.

    I wouldn't give up too easily, if you get it running you could get $5k for this car

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 12/09/2022 - 10:44

    i had a beat up old crv - still ran but had more issues than you could poke a stick at, best i could get was $300 cash.

    the dude who bought it made a living off buying and flipping cars as he was a backyard mechanic.

  • Caped Baldy on 12/09/2022 - 10:57

    Ring a mobile mechanic to have a look

  • AndyC1 on 12/09/2022 - 11:03
    +4

    With the cost of second hand cars at the moment I would google and youtube how to get it running on the cheap. You can then sell it as a running car with no rego and as is where is.

    • cookie2 on 12/09/2022 - 19:00

      This

  • MalTurny on 12/09/2022 - 11:43

    A 2004 Mazda 3 with those K's should still be fine if there was nothing wrong with it. Just do a full service and change the battery and tires.
    Also, depending on where you are, if you just want to get rid of it, i'll take it off your hands for the same price as a wrecker.

  • LanceVance on 12/09/2022 - 11:52
    1. Check for rodent damage.
    2. Replace engine oil.
    3. Flush fuel
    4. Remove spark plugs and spray fogging oil into combustion chamber, let that sit for about 20 mins.
    5. Attempt to start

    If it does start then take it to a mechanic to change other fluids such as transmission. May need new tyres due to rot and brakes could be seized (you'll notice this before hands). Unless there's any rodent or rust damage it then probably just needs a good detail and then you've got a perfectly functioning car.

    • MrBear on 13/09/2022 - 08:54
      +1

      4b. Replace Battery

  • Ocker on 12/09/2022 - 12:42
    +1

    Donate the car to a charity - there are several around

    • original15 on 12/09/2022 - 15:01

      If you do decide to go this path, kids under cover pick up your car and sell it to a wrecker and give you a tax deductible receipt/charity donation record for tax time. Not much but better option if wreckers don’t offer you anything

  • iDroid on 12/09/2022 - 13:31

    Thought it might be fixable as a second car, but my mechanic basically said that since it hadn't been run the cost to fix it up would be probably worth more than the car.

    Though, you may just be able to add a new battery and it may just work.

    There may be nothing wrong with it - sitting for a few years is no guarantee of any issues.

  • elgrande on 12/09/2022 - 18:55
    +2

    Sounds like the mechanic wants a freebie.

  • cookie2 on 12/09/2022 - 19:00
    +2

    If you decide to sell it off for scrap, call around as the prices you'll be offered will vary. When it comes to the day, be prepared to push back if they try and offer you a reduced price because I've had this happen to me a few times. Just let them know they can go away, if that's the case. And my condolences for your dads passing. Take care.

  • nswnotill on 13/09/2022 - 08:09

    Advertise it on Mazda 3 owners forum on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/Mazda3OA My guess is that there would be lots of interest there.

  • spydaboi on 13/09/2022 - 08:58
    +1

    If you are not going to use it as a second car and not worried sbout how much cash youll get, think about donating it to your local high school as a year 10 11 of 12 practical project. Most would grab the chance for a project car for the high school kids to work on under supervision. They then donate the finished roadworthy car to a needy local family. The kids learn to repair, trace problems, service the fehicle, change tyres, even paint preparation and a bit of spray painting. Its a great great full year project with the right
    Practical studies teacher and some local business would come to the party in donating parts etc if approached by the school, they'd get good sponsorship brownie points in the community. Win win all round

    • Euphemistic on 13/09/2022 - 10:06

      Do high schools actually do mechanical work? None that I’m aware of do.

      Plenty of TAFEs do mechanic courses. They might be interested.

      • spydaboi on 13/09/2022 - 10:51

        Most high schools do cert 2 and 3 certificate courses starting as electives in year 10 in engineering, metal work, even aviation and general engineering, this normally includes work experience with local businesses, they are designed to prequal for apprenticeship. Provides early pathways for those kids who struggle academically and gets them a good into trades

        • Euphemistic on 13/09/2022 - 11:31

          Fair enough. My understanding is a lot of those courses are outsourced to tafe as well.

          I guess there’s no harm in asking the local schools.

          • spydaboi on 13/09/2022 - 12:09

            @Euphemistic: Some schools also run afterschool clubs like band, chess, i know my nephew and his mates did up a car at school as an afterschool club project last year. As you say well worth asking if only for the benefit kids, if not the high school then definitely Tafe, thanks tor responding

  • Waltervp on 13/09/2022 - 10:35

    I got a Mazda cx7 that hadn't been driven for 2 years. Lots of ominous warning lights like diesel Particulate Filter and warning light re. Adblue, but all was easily fixed, 4 new tires, regassed aircon and a Mazda service and all up about $2000 later is back to normal it seems. Cheap to run, fun…. i suggest you have a closer look. They're great little cars those Mazda 3's. But not easy to sell cars, I'm trying to sell that 2010 cx7 now - as well as my 2015 Mondeo Titanium as I am in need ATM and despite what people say, it's not easy to sell even at great prices.

    • LanceVance on 13/09/2022 - 19:08

      My guess is the Mondeo is hard to sell due to people being wary of Ford's 'Powershit' transmissions….

      • Waltervp on 14/09/2022 - 10:01
        +1

        My 2015 MD Mondeo is not the powershift, it's a regular auto transmission. Maybe i need to mention that… thnx!

    • Brick50 on 13/09/2022 - 19:25

      Agreed, sold 30 cars in the last 6 years and never had such a hard time selling a car the last 2 months. Yet everyone else selling seems to think they can ask crazy $$, it's not what it was a year ago

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