It’s a 2006 Scion hatchback, in really good condition except for a slow leak in one of the tires, and it hasn’t been driven in some time (but it still starts and stuff). They’re literally giving it to me for free.
It’s a 2006 Scion hatchback, in really good condition except for a slow leak in one of the tires, and it hasn’t been driven in some time (but it still starts and stuff). They’re literally giving it to me for free.
This is actually part of why I wanted a car. To give me a reason to be responsible and get my shit together.
If you're handy or just curious, I recommend looking for an automotive repair manual for your specific car online. Sometimes you can find them for free and they have great info.
You should also look up the maintenance schedule and make a spreadsheet to keep track of what has been done and when maintenance items are due.
Because this car is new to you and you don't know the maintenance history, you would be wise to change all the fluids: oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid. Change the oil filter and engine air filter. You can potentially do all this yourself with the repair manual and a few wrenches or you can have a shop do it. It's important to know how to use a torque wrench if you're going to install a transmission oil pan. It's important to know how to properly bleed brakes if you're going to change the brake fluid.
Congratulations on your new car.