I've been after buying a used car for a while and found the perfect one in the autotrader. It is an 02 reg civic and absolutely immaculate on the outside and the interior, i fell in love with it. However, on closer inspection on opening the bonnet i found that there was a lot of rust on the nuts/bolts/pipes and various other places. The guy selling it is a trade dealer and bought it from RRG Toyota to sell on, he seemed really genuine.The car has only had 1 owner and has full Honda service history. The mileage is quite high for a 5 year old car, 83,000 but it was a company car so i'm assuming it is mostly motorway miles. The only thing that is stopping me from buying it is the rust in the engine, is it a bad sign or not really that significant? problem. Being a typical girl i dont know much about cars so i would like the opinion of someone who does please!
2007-05-23 07:24:58 · 11 answers · asked by sugababe78 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
For some reason Japanese cars seam to be very prone to rusting on the engine nuts and bolts. I don't know if its because they are cheap or low quality. If the car had been in a river or flood there would be evidence on the inside of the car, so if I was you try lifting the carpets to see if there is any water marks.
To be on the safe side I would get an HPI check done on the car to ensure it was not an insurance right off.
If all that comes clean don't be put off by the rust as it has not effect on the cars performance.
2007-05-23 21:11:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
What does rust in the engine of a car signify and will it affect the overall running of the vehicle?
I've been after buying a used car for a while and found the perfect one in the autotrader. It is an 02 reg civic and absolutely immaculate on the outside and the interior, i fell in love with it. However, on closer inspection on opening the bonnet i found that there was a lot of rust on the...
2015-08-18 22:43:05 · answer #2 · answered by Ninnetta 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry about it, what you are seeing is normal surface rust on parts that have a high iron content.
If the car was serviced regularly by a Honda dealer then you are onto something good. Also, 83k miles is not high when you consider the distance some people must drive every day to work.
My experience has been that if you fall in love with a car on sight, then you may need a second opinion. A second opinion is always a good idea, another person might see something you overlooked.
But it sounds like you've done your homework so I would go for it!
2007-05-23 07:36:17 · answer #3 · answered by MechBob 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The rust might not be a problem right now but later on when the mechanics have to do any repairs, it will be hard to temove the bolts. Also if some of the parts are rusted your car will not work properly. My car's piston, on the slave cylinder was rusted and it would not return to its original place and it would not shift into gear. Rust on an 02 car is not typical. Rust on an engine usually means they washed the engine and removed any oil and dust it had. Engines need to be a little dirty to prevent them from being rusted.
2007-05-23 07:36:28 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Its not much of a problem chick. I think you will find most if not all of it will simply be surface rust and nothing to worry about. To keep costs down manufacturers use normal steel instead of stainless. The high mileage is not a problem on an ex company car as it would have been used mainly on motorways which does them no harm at all. Being an ex company car means it should have a full service history and they would have had to put everything in order before selling it on.
Go for it and buy it. Should give you years of relatively hassle free motoring.
2007-05-23 07:36:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi there if the rust is superficial thenit wil be ok check this by using something metal to scratch it possable cause for rust like that is the car could have been owned by someone who lived by seasidebut my advice is to take someone along with you to inspect the car and see what guarrantee the trade dealer is offering with it, if it is less than 3 months look elsewhere for your new car, and if he does offer you a good guarrantee then make sure it covers engine, gearbox, cooling system and driveshafts you see if the car has been a company car it has most likely been driven fast and that reduces life of engine etc. even with car history with it dont rely on it jock
2007-05-23 07:37:41 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest taking along a mechanic friend (preferably an MOT Tester) to check it or any car you are thinking of purchasing with you. This may cost you up to £50 each time but as i have found out in the past repays itself many times.
Good Luck.
2007-05-23 07:33:37 · answer #7 · answered by freddiem 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be that they have 'steam cleaned ' the engine compartment. They might have done this to hide oil leaks etc. definitely get a AA report on the car before you buy.
Dont trust any car dealer, get advice!!!
2007-05-23 07:36:49 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its not uncommon to have rust and discoloration under the "bonnet" The engine area is subject to high temps and rain water and such. If the car has good records, drives well, and lokks good, go for it.
2007-05-23 07:34:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is obviously water getting in somewhere,or salt air if you live near the sea,its not good for your car so i should try and get to the bottom of it.If your plugs get wet you wont be able to start the thing,I dont know much about cars only things i picked up from my husband.
2007-05-23 07:35:01 · answer #10 · answered by Julie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋