Life can get in the way of even the most well-intentioned projects. Many people have old vehicles sitting in their driveway that they intend to repair eventually. Maybe it was a junkyard find that was too good to pass up, or perhaps your previous daily driver just needed "a few things" to be road-ready again. Whatever the case, it's now an old junk car that's been sitting in your driveway for far too long.

Restoring a clunker that's been sitting for many months or years might seem like an easy enough project, but it's often far more hassle than it's worth. If you've got an old car like this sitting around, selling it for junk is typically the better option. Here are three reasons why that driveway beater won't make a good project car.

1. Old Fluids Can Be Problematic

Have you ever seen a listing on a classifieds site that promises a car used to run before it was left to rot? These listings are common, and their sellers rarely get those cars ready to run again because it can be such a hassle. Even if a car previously ran well, time and lack of use will take their toll on critical fluids such as motor oil, transmission oil, brake fluid, and coolant.

Getting your old car running again will mean thoroughly draining and flushing these fluids. If you don't have access to a lift, getting the old fluids out can be a significant project all by itself. Even if you manage to do it successfully, you might find that rubber seals and gaskets have deteriorated enough to cause your shiny new fluid to leak right out.

2. Moisture and Mold Will Be Issues

Sitting in one spot can do more than just cause fluids to degrade and old seals to rot away. Rain and moisture often find their way into cars that sit in one place for too long. Rain channels can wear away, allowing more moisture to enter the vehicle. And, without running the car, there won't be any ventilation to help keep small amounts of water from accumulating over time.

Getting all the mold and moisture out of an old car can be surprisingly challenging. No matter how thoroughly you clean the car, you may still find a persistent mildewy odor and poor interior air quality. While solving these problems is not impossible, it's often more trouble than it's worth.

3. It Can Be Expensive

Even if the car only needed a few parts when you left it sitting, you'll need to perform a far more thorough inspection to check for leaks, rust, and other problems that can develop from constant environmental exposure. The few minor repairs you were expecting can quickly balloon into a much larger (and more expensive) project.

Taking on a vehicle rebuild can be a fun and exciting project, but starting with a rotting old beater is rarely a good way to go. Junking that old car and buying a better platform will ultimately provide you with a far better and more satisfying project vehicle.

Contact a company that buys junk cars for additional info.