What should i do to start a car that has been sitting for a couple of years?

Im thinking of buying my parants 1991 land rover discovery v8i, it broke down a few years ago and they sent it to the garage who stopped it running completly!!! So i really dont want it being scrapped it love it to much!! Ive never done anything on cars before, and am going to get the haynes repair manual for it (are they anygood?). So i know ill need to drain the petrol, charge the battery etc... But what should i be doing to get it going safely? I dont have the money to put it in a garage?What should i do to start a car that has been sitting for a couple of years?
You got some really good answers here.
Good luck with your project.

Back to your question (or part of),

The Haynes manuals will be good enough for you I feel.
For the money they are very good and I personally have never had a problem with one.
Compare the price with a manufacturers workshop manual which you will not require and you will see?
You need to know why it quit running and what is wrong with it. Charge the battery and spin the engine. Don't worry about draining the fuel, it will be ok for 2 years (unless someone has put something in it). I think that you may be getting in way over your head though. If you do not have the money to have someone fix it, you do not have the money to be just trying things to see if they work. After sitting for 2 years, there will be several repairs that will be needed as you start driving it, so save your moneyWhat should i do to start a car that has been sitting for a couple of years?
get it running, then do general maintainence like air filter, brake pads, brake fluid, oil, radiator coolant, power steering fluid(if it has it) make sure all fluids are bled properly also.



since the car has been sitting i would also replace the fuel filter, oil filter, and thermostat maybe even the water pump along with all belts.
the age of the car and the present condition might cost you more than buying a running car.

if you have no idea how to make it run safely and with your limited budget to restore it fast. i will not recommend to buy it.What should i do to start a car that has been sitting for a couple of years?
Dont try to start it.



Check gas tank for holes, leaks, water, gunk.



Be sure it's clean b4 gassing up and trying to start.