cant go wrong with free!! but get the title before your wrench even gets close to that car, even id feel bad if you fixed it, got it running and all he tells u is thanks and drives away in HIS car.

 

UPDATE!

OK so, he got the car up and running himself, I offered to sell it for him now. I have it at my house and there were a few issues with the car I need help with.
The mechanic replaced the battery, engine oil, tranny fluids, and checked the tires.

Now there is a a slight chatter when going from about 0-15 mph, after that it stops when you get into a cruising range. Also there is a burning smell that is coming from the engine I think. It was also smoking a little bit but it stopped.

What could wrong? Belts, Spilt engine oil, ???

 

well if it sat for 3 years its gona complain a bit. the rattle could be the catalytic converter shield or the converter itself.

 

The chatter: the tires could have flat spots, or the brake rotors could have rust divots in them if the car has metallic pads.
The burning smell could be from dried out gaskets letting oil leak, like from a valve cover, and dripping onto an exhaust manifold.