Is under car rust a worrying sign when buying a used car ? [first time used car buyer ]

Posted by NeatHungry6694@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 6 comments

Hello all, i’m considering buying a used 2008 renault cilo, it’s a great price, drives smooth, and clean. but noticed during inspection there’s rust under the cars tyre rim, exhaust pipe and chassis ( see attached image ) i’m no expert of car parts but are these worrying signs or are they normal ?is it easy to fix without changing expensive major parts ? It’s for a fair price so it’s currently my only concern, i prefer not to change parts if possible.

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6 Comments

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NotTheOnlyOutcome@reddit

I can't see an image attached? Rust on rims is usually superficial and nothing to worry about, but check carefully in case it's interfering with the tyre seating. Rust on the chassis needs checking more carefully - if it's on a structural part then it needs dealing with if it's more than surface rust. If it's gone below the surface it's an MOT fail. Rust on an exhaust is normal, especially for cars that do frequent short runs.....if that's the case i'd be more worried about the clutch. Eventually it'll rust through and need replacing as it's an MOT fail by the time exhaust gas can leak out (though it depends on exactly where the leak is).

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NeatHungry6694@reddit (OP)

Thanks so much for that input, For some reason the post didn’t let me attach an image. But here’s another post i did that had attached images https://www.reddit.com/r/CarTalkUK/comments/159244c/advice_on_buying_a_used_car_for_the_first_time_is/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=2&utm_term=1

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NotTheOnlyOutcome@reddit

The rust at the bottom of the rear damper (last image) looks relatively deep. Although not in itself an MOT fail, it will become one if it starts leaking fluid. Because it's a pressurised / gas filled damper, once the rust goes through, it'll blow out the fluid almost immediately. Just an observation: the rear springs look like they have been replaced, but now have more rust coming through the paint. Doesn't look serious. The exhaust rust looks minor. There's no real way of avoiding rust on an exhaust anyway, so look at it as a normal consumable replacement. The rust on the rear right hand side wheel carrier looks more serious. If you get the car then it might be worth doing some work on that. Rust on the rims looks superficial.

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psycho-mouse@reddit

Depends whether it’s just surface rust or whether it’s started eating into the metal. Take a wire brush or even a metal scourer and see if you can shift any of it. Also research whether the make and model or car you’re looking at has known rust issues, some are more susceptible than others. Tbf Googling common faults with the car should be part of your basic research when buying a motor.

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NeatHungry6694@reddit (OP)

For some reason the post didn’t let me attach an image, but here’s another post i did with images. I think the rust look like it isn’t eating it away yet is it ? https://www.reddit.com/r/CarTalkUK/comments/159244c/advice_on_buying_a_used_car_for_the_first_time_is/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=2&utm_term=1

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InevitableReference6@reddit

Look at the online MOT history and check for rust issues in previous years, or advisories.