Option to purchase this car or not

Wow! I don't think I ever saw one sit around that long before being sold. Anyway, the fluids can all be changed, so that isn't a concern. As far as the mechanical components, they too should be okay. The biggest concern are things that can cause leaks. Gaskets, seals, and things like that. They tend to dry out from non-use. Wheel bearings can develop rust from not moving and being lubricated. If you drove it and it seems fine, chances are it is. Just keep an eye out for leaks and strange sounds at first. If something is going to happen, it will within a month. Perhaps they will give you a short warranty.

Also, make sure the vehicle wasn't exposed in areas where mice could have gotten to wiring. Open the hood and just check over things to make sure nothing has been damaged.

Good Luck,

Joe

I would talk to them about the warranty limits. It is out of both the 3 year power-train and the 4 year basic warranty based on the year. If they are willing to give you something in writing to cover those and the car wasn't a buy back or lemon then it might be worth it. Fluids are not a big deal I would get them to change all of them, I might look over the brakes for rust and wear from just setting, especially if you are in an area that uses salt. After that I might talk them into replacing the tires as well simply for age. Battery as well because setting around like that it may have gone flat a few times from just the onboard draws.
Then as Joe says, look at anything that can leak. Then it just comes down to the price and how comfortable you are with the deal.

Same thing that happens to any vehicle that sets around not being used. It is the big thing to be concerned about when you look at that pristine car that the little old lady is selling who only drove it to church and bingo and has 20,000 on a 10 year old car and one of the things that makes me sad about many of the vehicle collectors who never drive their collection. The issue of them setting on a dealer lot is that they will pull it in now and then to cosmetically dress it up because a clean shiny car sells better. That can hide some of the real issues inside the body panels and various assemblies, like the gears where the top of them sets out of oil for a long time or engine parts that don't get warmed up enough to drive out moisture. Now if they give you a substantial discount on it that would cover the major items that could fail, then it's a toss up.