This is a 1999 Saturn SL2 (4 door, silver, stick shift, 140,000 miles). I have owned it since purchasing it in 2000 with 31,000 miles from a dealer. One of the best cars I've ever had! It was running perfectly when we stored it on our property in Lafayette, CO in late 2019 after buying another car. I was out of town caring for my parents, and by the time I returned and tried to start in it 2020 it wouldn't start. We considered replacing the battery but were advised by a friend (who was a former mechanic) that if there was gas in the car (I think there was) that it could have damaged the fuel pump. I'm considering donating the car but wonderful if there might parts that might be useful to someone? Also, I have two extra doors in perfect condition for this car - we were planning to replace both front and rear passenger side doors as there is a dent at the juncture of these doors,
It was an excellent car for years and I regret not selling it as soon as I got the newer car!
Pls. email me at laurieadato@gmail.com if interested.

 

Yes, gas can varnish. Sitting for a year in Colorado is very doubtful that it's long enough to damage the fuel pump.
I'd try to jump it off. You'll make more off of it if it's running

 

I agree with Billy. I'd put a new battery in it and about 5 gallons of fresh gas along with a bottle of Techron Fuel System Cleaner and start it and drive it around the neighborhood for a little while. You can make a lot more money off it that way.

 

Recommend sta bil. When my '95 sat under a tree for almost 3 years, I tried to start it regularly but I kept very little gas in it. When I did put gas in it I put the correct proportional amount of stable and once certain repairs were done, I put a quarter tank in with some stable and that puppy started right up after a little oil on the camshafts

 

The car I mentioned has not been moved for 5 years. And I didn't realize that the fact that having gas in it could damage the fuel pump or the fuel line or potentially other parts of the car. So was advised not to try to start it.

 

Do what you wish or as you are told. It's your car.
I bought one that sat under a tree for 9 plus years. '02 Ion to be exact.
Put a "newer" battery in it, shot a little gas down it throat, and fired it up.
It took the car a few seconds to clear out any varnishes. It did great once fresh fuel reached the injectors.
Added some Lucas fuel system lubricant, 2cycle oil, a little fresh fuel, aired the dry rotted tires up to 25 and rode.
Drove it home about 15-16 miles.
Still no problems to this day even after my uncle took ownership of the car...and know that my uncle is not a "maintenance" kind of guy.
Heck, if my memory serves me right, the car got flooded in 2016 and we pulled the plugs. changed oil (and water), spun it over, then replaced plugs and fired it up.(trans was ok somehow) I think it only needed a new starter after all that.
I swear, he is still driving the car to this day.