Storing a car...

[Black88GTA]

I have a car that I'm going to need storage for soon, and I'd like to get a little input on this before just jumping into something. Does anyone have any experiences (good or bad) with any specific companies, things to look out for, etc? Recommendations on companies to use? Are there other alternatives to commercial storage facilities?

The details: I'm seeking storage in the metro Detroit area (the closer to Bloomfield Hills, the better). Would prefer indoor / garage type unit, although a secure uncovered parking space would work in a pinch. This unit would be for the Trans Am in my sig, plus whatever other junk I could pack in there (if enclosed).

I called one company today, and they quoted me $200 / month for a 10x20 enclosed unit?? :shocked: Is this really the going rate?? Although, I think I may be able to squeeze it in a 10x15, which they priced at $165 / month. Better, but still ridiculous, IMO. It seems kind of difficult to find posted local rates online, they all want you to call / email for a quote. I'd rather not sign myself up for any more harassment / spam than absolutely necessary, so I haven't contacted many of them yet.

 

[Sea Moose]

I heard that the last holden monaro made was put into cold storage. Can anyone confirm this?

 

[arkcom]

10x20 where I am is about $60.

 

[Auggie]

Just wondering, why does it have to be in the city? You can probably halve or more the cost by opting for something in a rural area. Then pay $30 for a cab ride when you need to go pick it up. Obviously you'll want to disconnect the battery, etc - I assume you know about longterm car storage.

 

[Black88GTA]

Originally posted by: arkcom
10x20 where I am is about $60.

This is more along the lines of what I was expecting...I was thinking between $60 - $80, give or take.

Originally posted by: Auggie
Just wondering, why does it have to be in the city? You can probably halve or more the cost by opting for something in a rural area. Then pay $30 for a cab ride when you need to go pick it up. Obviously you'll want to disconnect the battery, etc - I assume you know about longterm car storage.

I'm actually looking for a unit nearer to / within the suburbs...this wouldn't be in actual Detroit, but somewhere in the surrounding sprawl. Unfortunately, to find anything that could be considered "rural" you'd have to go quite a ways from where I would be, and it wouldn't really be feasible to take a cab out there.

As for storage, I know the basics - fuel stabilizer in the tank, disconnect the battery (or put on a tender if A/C is available), etc. I'm hoping not to have to store it for too long, but am not ruling anything out.

 

[GodlessAstronomer]

Just curious, how long is the storage for?

 

[Black88GTA]

Originally posted by: GodlessAstronomer
Just curious, how long is the storage for?

Undetermined right now. I'd probably use it maybe once a month for a weekend or something (when I was in town) until I got a decent number of miles on the new engine. Once it was safe to drive for long distances on the expressway without screwing the motor up, I'd move it to wherever I am. Unless I don't have the room - in which case, it would stay in storage until I moved to a place with the room to keep it.

Right now I'm thinking it'd be in storage maybe a year, with periodic use. Potentially longer though.

 

[shortylickens]

I have done it. Expensive. Would be much better if you could find a friend that you trust and have him look after it.
Also, get him to roll the engine over once a week for about 10 minutes at a time.
For a year of storage I would certainly want it enclosed. Frankly, anybody who's honest and takes good care of the thing is going to charge a lot of money. Let a trusted friend do it.

 

[Black88GTA]

Originally posted by: shortylickens
I have done it. Expensive. Would be much better if you could find a friend that you trust and have him look after it.
Also, get him to roll the engine over once a week for about 10 minutes at a time.
For a year of storage I would certainly want it enclosed. Frankly, anybody who's honest and takes good care of the thing is going to charge a lot of money. Let a trusted friend do it.

I looked around...none of my friends in the area have the space available. I may be able to put it at my parents' house if I have no other options, but I'd rather not do that for various reasons.