Checking front chassis rail (or not)

[Flip Martian]

Hoping to go and see at least one Mk 2.5 this weekend. 1 is with an apparently reputable dealer who is offering to put a new 12 month MOT on the car. Given they're prepared to do that, do I need to be THAT fastidious about the front chassis rail? Perhaps just turning the wheels to lock and peering in the wheel arches is enough? Surely if its bad, it will fail?

Obviously I'll be checking out the usual "used car things" and the rear sills, which I guess are an easier exercise. Thoughts?

[Flip Martian]

Bit of a faff, isn't it? Getting the car up and removing the undertray? Not that I've ever even seen an undertray yet. I know my stuff only from reading here and elsewhere - and I know rust when I see it. But if you pointed at a car and said "check the front chassis rail all by yourself" I wouldn't have a clue!

[Flip Martian]

lol. That's fine. Sometimes I think its only me who doesn't know what they're talking about...

[Flip Martian]

Okeydokey, thanks - having a look at a Mk 2.5 1.8 sport tomorrow. Will take a mirror along and see if I get any funny looks...

[Flip Martian]

chasdad said:

I wouldn't change it. The dealer could have a friendly mot man. If you know what I mean. Ask him to take undertray off if you can't. If you have it you can put it back on at your leisure

Fair point, yes. Ta! Buyer beware then.

[Flip Martian]

Interesting, wonder why the nearside?

[Flip Martian]

pewe said:

Nearside will pick up more water, dirt, grit and salt as it drains down the road camber as well as being washed towards the gutter by traffic - simples.
Cheers, Pewe.

Ah fair enough. Of course!

Well, immaterial in this particular case as it goes - drove 65 miles to see what was a lovely dark green 2002 1.8 Sport. Only to find someone had put a deposit on it while I was on my way there. In gorgeous condition - sills were fine, no sign of bubbling or anything. Interior was almost showroom condition. Shame really. Still, my 100% ideal would have been green with tan interior - and this was black interior. So, not totally disheartened.

On to the next!

[Flip Martian]

S7Paul said:

MoT testers don't remove the undertray, so I wouldn't be reassured by the car having a new MoT. You can't check properly without removing the undertray, so don't buy one unless you (or someone you trust) has actually had a good look from underneath the car. Repairs can be very expensive - just getting one side done cost my daughter £600.

Thats the kind of info I was after, thanks. Even with a (say) 2k "bargain", two rusty rear sills and front chassis rails and you're looking at not far off double, unless you diy...