2005 Avensis - Rusty Engine Bay?

[Lizzi]

Hi All. I'm a newbie here, but hope someone may be able to advise on the following?

Have been looking for a while to get an Avensis, having previously owned a Honda Accord.

Found one at my local dealership and took it for a test drive yesterday. (2.0 VVTi T3-X) Its a 2005 thats done 39,000, priced at £7k

Was very happy with the drive, and the bodywork is spotless. However, I know nothing really about the mechanics of a car, so was a little concerned that when looking under the bonnet, as all the components appear to be rusty. In fact anything that was metal seemed to have a rust colour to it! Considering my Honda Accord is 11 years old and has done 110,000, its engine looks better than this one!

Should I be worried / concerned by this? Do I run a mile and leave it well alone? The inside didn't appear to have any obvious water damage or stange smells, so I assume its not had flood damage. I just can't understand why a car from 2005 would generally be that rusty under the bonnet when the rest of it looks so good, and it drives well.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

[Jan&tone]

Welcome to TOC.

I had a 2005 Avensis t-spirit, beautiful car 28k when I sold it at 3 years old.... No marks anywhere and no rust anywhere on the engine.

I wonder if it had been steam cleaned for some reason? Maybe an oil leak that has been fixed?

It maybe worth talking to the dealer about it, especially if the car was originally bought from them and serviced by them throughout its life....

Good luck with it, they're nice cars!

[Mistermena]

Good morning Lizzi and welcome to the forum...

What part of the country and you buying the car from? Is it coastal? Whats the Chassis look like underneath the car? A photo would be a great help to see just how bad it is. But if your at all unsure about the car, then go with what your gut feeling is telling you...

[Lizzi]

Just discovered from its history its been based on the south coast since 2008, so might that be the reason for the rust?

Would that cause a problem, or do you think it likely to just be superficial? Its coming from a main dealer, has been serviced at the correct intervalsso has a years warrenty, and has had its 40k service. I've put down a deposit, but not yet paid the balance.

[Mistermena]

Just discovered from its history its been based on the south coast since 2008, so might that be the reason for the rust?

Would that cause a problem, or do you think it likely to just be superficial? Its coming from a main dealer, has been serviced at the correct intervalsso has a years warrenty, and has had its 40k service. I've put down a deposit, but not yet paid the balance.

Could be the reason why the engine bay is rusty due to the salty air. But for me I wouldn't want a car that has a rusty engine bay. But thats just me. There are lots of nice cars out there for the same money. A car auction would be a great place to start. But you'll need to take someone who knows about the cars.

[Jan&tone]

Lizzie, how about mentioning it to the dealer that you're worried and maybe get them to steam clean it, if it comes off then fine, if not then walk away??

[acetip]

if you have a look under the car at the silencer you will be surprised how rusty some toyota boxes can be,does not mean the are corroded right through but the few including mine.

i never seen such a rusty box and i replaced many on all types of cars.

i am not the first to mention this.as to under the bonnet there are some engine fittings that are bare metal and have rust but nothing serious though.

[Lizzi]

Thanks for your quick replies.

I have emailed the salesman with my concerns about the rust, so we'll see what he says.

I also have a couple of other issues which I've highlighted to him, one of which is that a previous MOT stated the front brakes were only just in balance, and that it could be a fault with the braking system that needed reapir and replacement.

If I am not happy with proceeding with the sale, does anyone know if I am able to get back my £600 deposit I paid just yesterday? Its with a Honda Approved Garage, so I hope I'm entitled to some regress.

Thanks for all your help.

If this has done one thing, its made me realise I definately want to get an Avnsis!!!