I have an opportunity to buy a 5 year old Ralliart that has spent a lot of its life only intermittently driven -- it has spent 6-8 months at a time sitting in a parking lot. Other potentially relevant info: it's been parked in California (relatively stable temperature / humidity). The car is currently running (seemingly fine).

Obviously it doesn't have much running wear, but is there any reason I should worry about its long periods of "rest"?

 

Tires could get squared out if not moved for months at a time, especially older tires. Modern gas goes bad after 6 months of sitting stagnant. (Thanks Obama) Check plastic clippings, fluids, and belts.

 

Use high mileage oil, even if it has relatively low miles. If the oil seals have begun to dry out, they can easily start to deteriorate once the car is driven regularly and once the leaks start, you're pretty much SOL.

What is the weather like where it sat? California has some pretty varying climates. I live in Arizona and know how brutal the "dry heat" can be on anything rubber or plastic. And living on the coast can have a totally different set of problems. Of course, 5 years is really not that old in car years, so hopefully you have no problems.

Best of luck and remember to post some pictures if you go through with it!