Car Won't start..

[sburns]

I want this van to last. It doesn't have all that many kms as I recall (maybe 120k or so) but it's solid, has a LOT of tools inside, and whenever he decides it's most likely coming to me.

The decision at that time will be:
a) keep all the tools (which I think is 100% overkill for my skills / needs)
b) gut it and make it into a converted campervan

But that'll be a whole other threat once it's time to go that route.

not sure how solid it is when it doesn't start. Hopefully it's a minor issue, and not a sign of a death signal.

 

[Relax]

I've had this happen on a few different cars (my Subaru Impreza being the worst) when I've started the car from cold and shut it off before warm, especially in the middle of winter (usually less than a minute or two, to move the car out of the way of another). When I looked it up, I found something called bore wash. Apparently, the extra fuel injected during the cold start cycle doesn't fully combust and "washes" the oil film from the cylinder walls and the rings don't seal enough for proper compression on the next start. I just kept trying and eventually it would start, but it took a while.

 

[timtune]

Same had enough fiddling with used cars, ever since buying new my vehicles have lasted much longer with no issues, just regular maintenance.
I guess it's true what they say about buying other people's problems when buying used.

I drove a brand new Ford Ranger off the lot for $8000 in 1986. First and only new vehicle I ever bought. I've learned it's easy buy used if you stick to Toyota.