Underbody rust a dealbreaker?
 

Hey guys,

I was interested in buying a S2000 to replace my Jetta, and I found a 2003 in Athens with 37,000 miles. In the description it says the soft top and tires were recently replaced, and it looks to be in really good condition from the pics. I asked the dealer/broker (?) if I could check out the car, as well as if I could have a look at the underbody of the car. They sent back a couple pics, which showed off rust on the control arms as well as the axles and possibly driveshaft. I have attached the images they sent and I will be checking out the car in person later today, so if possible will update with more pictures. Was just wondering if this amount of rust is enough that I should just walk away, or if it's worth it considering the rest of the car is in great condition. Also worth noting after checking the Carfax is that the car spent most of it's life in Massachusetts:nails:, only recently being brought down to Georgia, which would probably explain the rust. The current selling price is $27,999.99. Thanks!

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.s2k...c805e08616.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.s2k...d5aff1d91e.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.s2k...0d1d40156e.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.s2k...869369fded.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.s2k...6d0ef9ab61.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.s2k...2c87c73dd9.jpg

Not a dealbreaker whatsoever. Nothing a wire brush and Dinitrol under spray won’t fix. It all looks superficial and easily remedied.

below is an example of bad rust which you’d want to avoid!

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.s2k...65a211993.jpeg

The car you're looking at could be cleaned up with some effort, the one pictured by mat-i-, not so much

Looks ok and will clean up with elbow grease, and available at a store near you :rolleyes:
sorry! could not help it :ashamed:

It doesn't look terrible, if you're ok with putting in the work to stop any future rust from forming, it might not be a bad purchase. Did you make any decisions on it yet?

I'd hardly call that rust. Those components you show rusting have little to no rust protection on them from the factory so as long as the actual body of the car is rust free, I'd go for it.

Yep, my dad did some negotiating and we got it for $28k including TT&L. It's been almost 2 weeks and I'm loving the car so far! Pretty insane for a birthday present LOL. I'm hoping to make a longer dedicated post about the car but I guess these pictures will do for now.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.s2k...b9a5615471.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.s2k...8f10f6cec3.jpg