What Do To With Suv ? Leaving The Country For A Year

[trappedinsidethecomputer]

Just looking for some peoples thoughts and advice really.

I am going back to UK for a year to see family ( father is sick ) and not sure what to do with my car (Chevrolet Captiva) whilst I am gone.

Has anyone tried renting a out via a agency perhaps , if so would appreciate contact and experiences.

Any long term storage options out there ? But is it good to be sitting for a year ?

Thanks in advance for feedback.

[anon210]

It is advisable that your car be driven around every now and then. Otherwise, battery will be depleted, tyres will have supported the full weight on one spot for a full year... Etc. otherwise, you can give to a friend who lives in a condo and has a large parking space (conditional to him using the car from time to time). Other solutions would be more troublesome.

Two very useful links on long-term storage of cars:

http://www.theaa.com.../laying_up.html

And this one, coming from a country with comparable conditions (India):

http://www.team-bhp....a-2-months.html

Obviously, you would be better off if you could rent it to someone (in addition, your car collects money while you're not using it, and stays in good conditions (hopefully!).

[guzzi850m2]

If you leave for 1 year maybe you should consider selling the car, as freemindxs said it's not good for the car to sit without being used for 1 year, you also risk mouses start using it as their "home".

If you want to keep the car it's best in my opinion that if you have somebody you can trust (ha-ha), take the car for a spin every week.

[anon210]

If you leave for 1 year maybe you should consider selling the car, as freemindxs said it's not good for the car to sit without being used for 1 year, you also risk mouses start using it as their "home".

If you want to keep the car it's best in my opinion that if you have somebody you can trust (ha-ha), take the car for a spin every week.

The OP did not mention whether his Captiva is a diesel version or a petrol engine... However, if it is a petrol, then he should further bear in mind that Gasohol has only a 3-month shelf-life. Which makes again the advice to rent or give it to someone, the most worthwhile option.

[IMHO]

If you're not around to see for yourself, don't expect your rented-out Captiva to have a very high occupancy rate, but do expect it to pile in the KM's

Selling it will mean taking an early loss, as it'll cost you around 10-20% more than what you get now to replace it again with another used model in a year's time.

Storing it might be your best option, so long as you follow all of the guidelines and have a nice clean/dry/secure place for it to stay..

[BSJ]

Leave it with me, I'll look after it like it was my own.

[PoolHustler]

PM Sent, thanks

[Semper]

If you leave for 1 year maybe you should consider selling the car, as freemindxs said it's not good for the car to sit without being used for 1 year, you also risk mouses start using it as their "home".

If you want to keep the car it's best in my opinion that if you have somebody you can trust (ha-ha), take the car for a spin every week.

The OP did not mention whether his Captiva is a diesel version or a petrol engine... However, if it is a petrol, then he should further bear in mind that Gasohol has only a 3-month shelf-life. Which makes again the advice to rent or give it to someone, the most worthwhile option.

I'll be happy to take it.

[TommoPhysicist]

It might have been an idea to say where you are!

[anon210]

It might have been an idea to say where you are!

I think he was more interested in renting than "giving" to someone.

[TommoPhysicist]

It might have been an idea to say where you are!

I think he was more interested in renting than "giving" to someone.

Long term storage options ....... some of us have farms ..... might be near where he lives.

[anon210]

It might have been an idea to say where you are!

I think he was more interested in renting than "giving" to someone.

Long term storage options ....... some of us have farms ..... might be near where he lives.

I understand. However, for me, the best place for a long-term storage would be an empty spot in a condo... At least less risk for rats or mice nesting in the car and chewing cables (in my condo they have cats around all year). Nevertheless, it would also involve the person taking the car out for a spin at least once a week.

[Jitar]

I doubt the renting option would be good unless the OP has a very trustworthy friend involved. Even then insurance and repairs would be a worry.

Some Thai friends of mine were ripped off many years ago in a scheme where they invested in cars which were rented to a hire car company. Was an OK business until two of the cars were stolen, resulting in a mess to sort out.

Storing the car for 12 months may be OK if the car is young and the OP can find a good place, preferably with a trustworthy friend to run the engine at least occasionally.

If the car is within a few years of replacement, selling is probably the best option. Selling now brings forward the change over cost but it also avoids the risk and unnecessary costs for storage, depreciation and insurance. Also avoids the need for those hard to find trustworthy friends...