Water coming out of exhaust.

[photons]

Hi,

I have recently purchased a 2006 nissan micra with 61,000 miles from a garage that repairs damaged cars and sells them.
Upon purchasing the car it seems to be in very good condition, has passed a recent MOT and has had 4 new tyres.
However, it seems the car (due to repairs) has not been used for several months. The sellers mentioned no problems either.

However upon receiving the car, I have noticed a water mark behind the exhaust every time I have started it. I am currently a leaner driver, and therefore have not driven it as far as a car's length on the driveway.
There does not seem to be a petrol smell from the pool of water on the ground, and it appears to be darkish brown/black in colour.
I have also placed my hand behind the exhaust, and it feels cold and moisture seems to develop on my hand within a few seconds.
I'm not sure what it could be, and whether to send it back for a service or refund.

Any suggestion and whether this is normal?

[arco_iris]

I would say it is normal and will stop doing it (as noticeably) when the car is driven normally. It needs a good run anyway, not just up and down the driveway.

All modern cars have a device I won't explain here that converts noxious emissions from the exhaust into carbon dioxide and WATER. When the vehicle is driven, the exhaust pipe gets hotter and the water evaporates into steam.

[wine~o]

as said, completely normal ... especially when the car has been sitting around for a while. Get someone who's qualified and insured to drive it to take it out and give it a good blast on a motorway for an hour or so. It'll do it the world of good.

[Timllfixit]

As others have said water dripping from exhaust is normal when starting up. Burning any hydrocarbon( so that includes petrol/diesel etc) you produce C02 and water. We don't normally see the water as it turns to steam once the engine gets hot. This is why exhausts tend to rust from the inside, and often last longer on cars that are driven, than those that spend most of their time standing around.
However, a word of caution. A lot of water, or water that drips out and leaves petrol type rainbow effects likely indicates engine problems such as worn piston rings, or possibly head gasket.
Have a quick look in the fluid filler caps, to see if there is any water in the oil( "salad cream" type deposits) or any rainbows in the radiator filler tank.