Neighbor lady died and it sat for years. Body in great shape, runs very well.
Needs to be brought back to life. A great car was hidden by cobwebs and hornets nests:)

Things are just old. I wanted it as a 3rd car for the kids but it needs to be reliable. I am new here so I will do some reading before I post any specific questions.

If there are any posts or advice on what parts "age" vs wear out, it would be helpful.

It died the first time we drove it so we had to replace the alternator right away $252. Also, the A/C was shot and we paid $275 to have it removed and have a bypass pully put it for the belt. :eek: And the serpentine belt and tensioner $273


They recommended the following to improve performance;
Tires: Currently have plenty of tread, but old. New $360.
Tune Up: Plugs and wires $407 $275 labor $130 parts
Hoses: Upper/Lower Radiator hoses w/clamps $165 - $84 labor $80 parts
Oil Change: I can do this
Engine Gaskets: $740 - $567 labor $175 parts
Thermostat Gasket: $165 - $147 labor $19 parts
Coolant Flush and Seal $95 - $58 labor $25 parts

Total $3,000 for a $1,000 car.

So lots of questions, but I will do some research before posting.

Welcome to the forum! How many miles are on the car?

Welcome to the forum. Add a radiator cap to that as well and green coolant. Will they give you a discounted price for bringing them(the correct) parts? Green coolant is always on sale somewhere, radiator cap is gonna be 1/3 the price of whatever they charge you. Engine gaskets isn't a easy task and since you are in there you might as well get the better gaskets. Have to look around on the net to see if they got revised metal gaskets to replace the "I'll see you again in a few years" ones they come with. What engine do you have?

The EGR valves were a problem on some. If the car hasn't been driven long enough and too easily, check for EGR passages clogged with carbon. Otherwise a good car.
If you are going to replace the thermostat gasket you should consider replacing the thermostat also. Could be a "fun" job ,some are stinkers to get done.