Idle Car Help

My 1999 Jeep cherokee classic (4 wheel drive) has sat idle outside for a very long time. I'd like to get it up an running again, and will definately require the services of a mechanic.

Currently, it doesn't start. I know i need a new battery and will need to drain the old gasoline and refill the tank. What else can I do before calling the repair shop? I'm trying to get the car enabled enough to where I can drive it to the repair shop - saving me the cost of a tow truck and battery/battery replacement.

Any suggestions or suggestions on how to drain a fuel tank? I'm not particularly car savy.

Thanks!

 

well if you're going to get a qualified mechanic to work on it, let the guy take care of it, it's no use changing parts if he's going to work on it first.
Add the new parts at the end , namely : oil, fuel, tranny & air filters, check and/or change : tranny fluid, engine oil, coolant, steering wheel fluid, brake fluid, washer fluid, hoses, belt(s), tires, batt, alt, tires.
The list goes on and on, frankly I wouldn't put any money on a car that's just been sitting for too long, you gotta keep in mind the actual value of the car today before you start throwing dollar bills at it.
Sorry I didn't see your question about draining fuel tank until now , if it has an electric pump you can try maybe unplugging main fuel line from filter or EFI unit and let the pump run with ignition switch on the " on " position, be careful when handling gas !

 

And pay the tow bill; it's a lot cheaper than the repair bill when you get it running and you find out half way to the garage that the BRAKES don't work or it gets half way there and stalls in the middle of an interesction and won't restart. Don't even think about getting it there with a rope and a tow vehicle.

If you do drain the tank what are your plans for the waste gas?

 

So, basically, I should just call the repairshop and have them tow it and let them assess and repair the damage?

 

Well, one step at a time. Have it hauled in for an estimate and make your decision based on the figure they come up as compared against the overall value of the vehicle. Keep in mind that when there may be extensive problems, the estimate will be a "best guess" and may increase significantly once they actually get into it.

As Lou pointed out, the most important thing will be to see if it can be economically made to run and drive (engine & tranny). After that you can DIY the hoses, belts, fluids, etc.