Will a car that's been sat around for a while have mechanical issues to be wary of?

I've been considering a vehicle on sale for some time (over 6 months). It's a 5-year-old Audi Q3 petrol auto, fully fitted with all extras with average mileage. It's been on the forecourt the whole time. What are the risks of decay and internal corrosion of the engine? What components, apart from the battery, should I insist on being tested and rectified should I wish to purchase the car? Thank you.

Asked on 25 March 2021 by Roger R-B

Answered by Andrew Brady

There are currently a lot of cars out there that haven't been used for a long period of time. If you're buying from a reputable dealer with a warranty, it needn't be an issue. If you're concerned, ask if they'd be happy for you to buy an inspection or health check for the car. An AA or RAC inspection, or a health check at an Audi dealer, will check things like the tyre condition (are they perished?) and the state of the battery.

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