Opinions on the underside of this Mazda 3 please

[MasteringGuy]

The initial message was deleted from this topic on 29 July 2024 at 17:07

[jjones]

Heard bad things about mazdas and underseal e.g. http://www.mazda3forums.co.uk/index.php?topic=8979...

[HustleRussell]

Unfortunately under a four-post ramp you couldn’t really get a look at the key areas.

It is the structural metalwork within a prescribed area around suspension and seatbelt mounting points which is liable to show up as an MOT advisory or fail.

From what I see I agree with you, there is surface rust but nothing which seriously threatens the car yet- but it may be worth considering some kind of treatment to prolong the life of the car.

[ToastMan76]

Is it the Skyactive shape or old shape? I just had a look under mine and its a lot more covered up than yours seems to be so less metal exposure.

[anonymous-user]

Now I remember why I will never buy another Japanese car. The exhaust on my 14 year old French shed looks brand new compared to that Mazda.

[f1nn]

It just so happens that I’ve had reason to crawl under my wife’s 2011 Mini Countryman today, and the lack of any surface corrosion of any note on a 10 year old car was surprising to a guy who cut his teeth on mid 80’s Fords at the start of his driving career.

Although I won’t suggest that the surface rust in the video is a cause for real concern, it is far worse than I was expecting when I clicked on the link.

[DWDarkWheels]

As someone who owned an MX-5 from 18 months old to 10 years old, that general orangeness below deck is typical of Mazda and any I've perused since. Sills and arches are where it becomes obvious and perforated first, areas not captured on this video.

If it's car you like and are prepared to rust-proof before it gets worse, why not?

Top marks for ingenuity on a test-drive though. Most folks are seduced by the shiny top-side without considering the underside condition.

[E63eeeeee...]

Looks worse than my 21 year old BMW, exhaust and suspension bits particularly, but nothing looks like the wrong shape or has bits obviously coming off, shapes and edges are still sharp etc. so seems cosmetic.

[halo34]

I wouldnt - last Mazda I had was in a right state rust wise

[sandman77]

The is absolutely nothing to be concerned about in that video regarding rust. All you see is surface rust, nothing structural at all. In fact I think it looks pretty clean (but I am used to an old Range Rover).

[A500leroy]

Its not great, BUT, personally I would get it professionally undersealed when youve got it and it should easily last another 4 years.

Heard good things about https://before-n-after.co.uk/

[HustleRussell]

I read somewhere that some automated car washes include an underbody wax application. It’s obviously not going to be as effective as something like waxoyl or dinitrol but it’s a damn sight less than £400.

[Terzo123]

HustleRussell said:

I read somewhere that some automated car washes include an underbody wax application. It’s obviously not going to be as effective as something like waxoyl or dinitrol but it’s a damn sight less than £400.

Try Lanoguard

Very easy for DIY'ers to apply, with minimal mess and very little preparation required. As a bonus its also fairly cheap.

[randomeddy]

If you have doubt in your mind then don't do it.

Eight thousand quid is a lot of money and that car looks ropey.

[jonwm]

I've got a 2004 R53 Mini that is like that on the suspension parts, its only gets used occasionally but on the MOT it gets picked up as:

front and rear suspension corroded but not to excess

I was going to get it undersealed this year but not got round to it yet.

Its going to a different garage this year so will see if it gets failed or not.

[reapercushions]

MasteringGuy said:

So I phoned the dealership, person I spoked to said I placed "An order" and need to write an email to explain why to their legal dept!

!

He's trying to scare you, ignore him. You may lose your £99 though.