Quick question for the experts

[EGus3]

Hey,
My girlfriends mom has an 08 Cooper S. New turbo engine. Automatic. She is going to be traveling to Texas for close to 3 months and is considering leaving her car in Palm Harbor, Fl. How long can the car sit without being turned on or moved? It would be in a garage. I tried convincing her to drive it to Tally to add to my collection of cars. lol. But if it has to be this way, what steps should be taken for gas, condensation, tires, etc.? Thanks your your input.

[LDadrenaline]

It should probably be fine... I would make sure it has fuel in the tank (if it's almost empty with this florida heat it would cause condensation inside the tank and make it rust) and maybe change the oil once she comes back. Other than that, new cars are fairly resilient.

[EGus3]

Very good. I do appriciate it.

[JRiggs]

if it's going to be a real long time i'd toss some fuel stabilizer in the tank. other than that basic maintenance when she gets back

[802Hoop]

Fuel stabilizer is all you need. Although, rust was a problem on cars just 10 yrs ago, Coopers have a plastic tank so no need to fill it up, it won't rust. I've plugged up exhaust and intake holes to prevent mice/rats from nesting but that was barn storage lol.
I've been deployed for months at a time without even using stabilfuel and the car drove fine when I got back. With the ethanol mixtures now, I wouldn't dare to leave my fuel system as is for that extended period of time now. Good luck.

[The-S]

LD doesnt have a car newer than 15 years old so he wouldnt know lol

[EGus3]

Lol. Thanks guys. I did not know that they have a plastic tank now. Makes sense I suppose. She may still have a neighbor run over and start it a few times so in that case the stabilizer wouldn't be needed correct?

[802Hoop]

Its not a bad idea to fill the tank up though. Even though the tank won't rust, there will be less room in the tank to form any moisture, which can condensate and collect in the fuel itself. Other than a couple hiccups, it won't damage anything. The only time that is a problem is when you're driving the car and the temp has fallen to or below freezing.
As far as starting it up here and there, the aging fuel in the tank will still degrade and the ethanol congeal. I'm not saying the tank will be full of congealed ethanol, you probably couldn't even see it with the naked eye. As a precautionary measure, I would still use it. It's only $4.50 a bottle at your local parts store; treats 25 gallons.