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Three years is a _long time_. In your shoes I would seriously consider selling the car. But OTH you are probably in love.....
Regular driving is ok, except the oil should be changed periodically (every six months max) even if the car is only driven a few hundred miles in that time. It is _imperative_ that the car be driven long enough each time to fully warm up the engine and tranny. Otherwise you are just re-distributing the moisure that collects there due to condensation. And the car still needs the regular TLC and maintenance which your friend may or may not be willing to spend upon it. How much do you trust him?
I think I would pickle the car. Change _ALL_ the fluids, top up the gas and use a stabilizer, and give it a thorough wash and wax. Don't forget to flush the wheel wells and underneath to remove road salt! Clean and treat the interior really well and make sure it is _really_ dry. Put the car on jackstands. Remove the wheels, clean and wax the back sides and treat the tires, and bag them. Remove the inlet to the throttle body and _briefly_ spray an "O2 sensor safe" engine preservative into the intake while the engine is running. Shut it off and remove the spark plugs and spray a shot into each cylinder. Remove the battery and give it to your friend - it won't be any good when you get back. Put a rod dehumidifier inside, roll up the windows and plug it in. This is a low wattage dehumidifier, available at marine supply stores:
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/commerce/command/ProductDisplay?prmenbr=201&prrfnbr=9470&store_num=12&store_name=Ventilation&subdept_num=562&subdept_name=Heaters%20And%20Blowers&class_num=564&class_name=Dehumidifiers
Cover the car with a good quality, clean, soft car cover and walk away. There is a new product available that is a big self-inflating humidity controlled plastic bag that surrounds the entire car - it might be worth investigating, though it is close to $400 USD.
This is basically what the miltary does to a piece of equipment that will be stored for an indefinite period. (I am sure I left out some steps.) It is a HELL of a lot of work, but it will ensure that the car will be in primo shape when you return. If you follow this procedue you will have a minimal amount of work to do before your car is in shape to drive again.
For me, it would not be worth the hassle....
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