Vauxhall are well aware of the subframe corrosion issues on this model and indeed have been replacing them even on cars well out of warranty. As long as it's been replaced which I assume it will have, I wouldn't have an issue with the car. I've seen plenty of these through my workshop where the subframe resembles something from the titanic but the rest of the car is immaculate.

On the cars I am familiar with (Pugs) the subframe is a solid item, commonly not painted, which means surface rust develops because they get all the road spray under the car. The weak point is the bodywork they are attached to, which is much thinner - but with several coats of paint. So a brand new subframe may not be a complete answer to any problem.

However a reputable VX dealer would know about this. If the car comes with a NEW MoT pass, that should be reliable, as this kind of corrosion is one of the main examination points.

Aren't these small cars only made to last 7 years anyway? It's eight years old, my previous small cars that reached that age were starting to fall apart.

Not necessarily. I regularly walk past a 99 T plate Fiesta I sold to a punter about 6 years ago for £500 which is still giving reliable service... should’ve charged more for it. I’ve flat fed plenty of 7yr plus motors that’ve gone on for many years without major issue and my mother has a 9yr old Jazz that is like new. If it’s maintained properly and of good quality (usually Japanese) then age is just a number.

I had an old style Micra (looks like a mini) which fell apart after 8 or 9 years. Had quite a bit of rust too. My old style Ford Ka fell apart after ten years, unrepairable a rust bucket. Both cars were well maintained, or at least serviced by the main dealer. I sold my VW Up after 6 years, and that did look in nice condition. It had lots of rubbery underbody rust proofing, and generally looked well made. Surprised about a Fiesta surviving. I see lots of old VW Polos in nice nick, old Fiestas all tend to look tatty. Not surprised about Japanese, my neighbour's Toyota Yaris (looks like a van) is 15 years old and running sweetly. A few signs of rust starting to appear.

Aren't these small cars only made to last 7 years anyway? It's eight years old, my previous small cars that reached that age were starting to fall apart.

Not necessarily. I regularly walk past a 99 T plate Fiesta I sold to a punter about 6 years ago for £500 which is still giving reliable service... should’ve charged more for it. I’ve flat fed plenty of 7yr plus motors that’ve gone on for many years without major issue and my mother has a 9yr old Jazz that is like new. If it’s maintained properly and of good quality (usually Japanese) then age is just a number.

Our 2003 Yaris looks like 3 years old (apart from scabby alloys). Washed 3-4 times a year, serviced, never polished.

"The car can be seen on the dealers Dundee website"

How could you possibly know that from only the reg plate ?

Oh I would just add - the mileage is 57,000

Edited by blueshore on 20/08/2018 at 13:44