Ask an expert

At my last Warrant of Fitness I was told that my 1995 Nissan Bluebird may not pass its next inspection due to surface rust developing under the car.

Can you tell me what I can do about this or should I take it as a sign to trade-in?

I've had my ex-lease car for 10 years and done 60K of the 160k on the clock with regular services, tyres and clutch cable replacement the only costs, so it has been a good and reliable car...until now maybe?

Robyn

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 16 September 2009

Rust can be a cars worst enemy. Mechanical parts can always be repaired or replaced but if corrosion starts getting into the main structural parts of the car then repairs may not be possible or end up costing way more than the cars value.

Often what you can see on the surface is only the tip of the iceberg and the corrosion may be a lot more invasive than what you realise.

It may take the trained eye of a panel beater to go over the car in depth to determine its real condition and to recommend whether repairs are cost effective or not.

On a positive note, repairs could be relatively minor and money worth spending.

First step I suggest, is a visit to your local panel beater.