GeorgeM

I have a Seabee bud that is headed to Korea for 3 years and needs to store his 2001 996 cab. I told him to sell it and get a 928 when he gets back, but he balked...

Word is they start the cars monthly and maybe even move them around a bit.

Anyone here stored a car this way? If so... comments, experiences?

Thanks.

cpayne

Having been in the military in some form for over 28 years, I can say things have gotten better. I personally wouldn't do this, unless he is sure the risks involved are mitigated fully and he will be compensated for any damage from loss, theft, fire. etc.
I'm betting the contract for the service requires a very minimal amount if any of insurance per stored vehicle and your friend will probably be responsible for most of the losses. He needs to read the agreement very carefully before he makes a decision. I'm with you he should sell it and get another once he returns.

Maleficio

Three years is a long time for storage. Thing is, can he trust the people looking after his car? How many miles are they going to put on it while he's away? How badly are they going to thrash the car? Or will they ignore it and charge him for attendance they didn't perform? I'd say you are right to tell him to sell it (while it's still worth something).

Scotts87928

Note that a 2001 Cab C4 in excellent condition for a private party sale is valued by KBB at $31,160. A 1999 Cab C4 in excellent condition for a PPS by KKB is $28,175. $3K for two years and say $4,500 for 3 years. Yes he would have the hassel of selling; but no storage, no insurance, no flat spotted tires, no hassell and he would be able to go out an buy a 2004 to replace his.

Depreciation $4,500
Insurance 1,000???
Storage 2,000 approx $50/month
7,500

$7,500 is enough to buy an S4 to complement the Cab!

Looks like a no brainer to me.

Scott
'87 Red/Black 5 sp Gemballa
'89 Black/linen S4

Jon B.

He needs to sell it. The car will be MUCH better off not being in the "care" of some contractor. Bottom line, his interests in keeping the car nice and road worthy for the three years with someone else are NOT gonna happen.

jthwan22

I think the car sits outdoor too.

davek9

Saying they do start it, how long do they let it run? If they don't let the car run until the oil gets hot (oil pressure is 20 bar at idle) then they are not burning off the condensation in the sump & trans.

Sell it or "cold" store it in a good garage.

NoVector

I was in 30+ years and had lots of friends store their cars. I’ve never heard a horror story on vehicles that were stored (shipped – yes); mostly guys with Corvetts, Mustangs, etc. No Porsches or Ferraris—I was enlisted and so were my friends BUT, for Air Force, unaccompanied tour to Korea was usually a year. 3 years seems like a long storage time.

If I was him, I’d try to sell it, but if it looks like at the last minute he’d take a beating, I’d stick it in storage. As we’re soon moving to Germany, I looked into local places to store my 84. Most that were baby-sat were $125 - $150 a month. For 36 months, that would be an incredible price for those who’d say not to use the govt. contactor.