UK Cars - rust?

ILikeBoats

Hi,

Always heard that UK cars are prone to rust due to salt. I'm wondering is it all hearsay or something genuine?

Would we not have similar conditions and use the same gritting salt.

I might view a 2021 330e brought in from UK, what would I need to look for regarding the rust if it is a concern? Thanks

mcw92

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058351895/uk-cars-rust

I think it's because some places in UK are more prone to snow/ice, so salt is more common on the roads.

High north ones like Scottish cars for example, would drive on salted roads way more than a London registered car, therefore more exposure.

That's what I've read anyways before.

I've bought a Scottish import before, no rust. Partner bought a Scottish import, rust.

Stallingrad

Short answer is yes. We also salt here but not as much. I've brought in a few cars from the UK and all have showed evidence of rust on either bolts, suspension components, brake lines, etc depending on age. A 3 year old 330e should be OK but make sure you get under and have a good look around.

ednwireland

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122145242#Comment_122145242

Thats what the guy I bought my last car said, he imported a lorry a week, pre Brexit not anymore. He liked Norfolk cars 😀

ILikeBoats

Thanks for the replies.

I guess if I go view, I'll have a thorough root around and underneath to see if I can spot anything. As it's a main dealer it comes with a 2 year warranty which is a bit more reassurance.

artanevilla

That warranty means very little as soon as you drive on to the ferry. In fact, I would be looking for a discount in exchange for no warranty.

User1998

Never had any rust issues personally.

bazz26

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122146243#Comment_122146243

I read from the OP that they are buying the car here from a main dealer with a 2 year warranty.

OP I have been driving UK imports for the last decade or so and never had an issue with rust. They all passed their NCT at first attempt too. My current car which is also a UK import is 7 years old and passed the NCT twice with no issue.

monseiur

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058351895/uk-cars-rust

All my cars (including present one) have been UK imports, never any issues with rust. Had an Audi A4 1.9 diesel ,imported from Manchester as a 3 year old, for years never any issues with rust even had the same exhaust pipe the day I sold it.

kirving

It's not as much of an issue as it's made out to be, nor is there as much of a difference as there used to be between Ireland/UK as the roads are treated here too.

A mechanic friend of mine swears that Irish cars were actually worse in the past, as there was a tendency to use a different mix of grit, sand and salt on Irish roads, which stuck to the underside of the car rather than be washed off.

ILikeBoats

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122146819#Comment_122146819

Yes correct, the Irish main dealer has brought it in and will VRT it. They then sell it with the 2 year warranty.

Miscreant

At 3 years old, would that 330e not have some sort of manufactures anti-corrosion warranty as standard anyway?

I have bought several UK imports of that age and never had any rust issues. One of the cars I kept for 8 years and there was no more corrosion on it than any other 11 year old car around. I believe that modern cars are very well protected these days.