bit of advice on a MK5 GTI

[Chowgar1]

Ok guys really looking for some advice here.... two weeks ago I purchased a MK5 GTI 05 plate. Spent quite a long time researching and saving and found one at a dealers near Birmingham, now I’m not mechanically minded so did the logical thing had a AA data check done which came back clean then had a comprehensive AA check on the car as it would be pointless me looking as I wouldn’t know what to look for. The only comments back were:
New cam belt as it was due, water pump drain, flush and re fill the coolant – done before pick up
Exhaust was showing some signs of external corrosion but other than that was fine
Minor stone chips and scratches
Well the other day the ESP light came on and so I decided to take it into VW to assess the problem, seems the issue is with the ABS and its rather a big bill to fix (which wasn’t a surprise after researching on here)... however the car is still under warranty and I had mentioned to the dealer that I would bring it back for any issues to be rectified to which he was happy enough.
However the mechanic at the VW garage also mentioned that there was quite a lot of corrosion to the underside of the vehicle or more than what he would expect to see on a car this old, they also found a coolant leak, some repairs to the brakes and a few other minor issues...
My confusion/anger/worry is the corrosion; I can’t believe that this wasn’t picked up on the AA report... the other items all seem rectifiable at the dealers cost but I understand the corrosion issue would not be able to be fixed... I am heading over to VW tomorrow morning and have asked him to put the car up on the ramps to show me exactly what the issue is.
I guess my question is, can it be fixed, if not do I ask for a refund and take my money elsewhere. Absolutely gutted as it’s taken a long time looking and saving up the money for the car and now it all seems like a waste of time and money...
Would appreciate any advice cheers guys...

Tim

[stealthwolf]

The question I guess is where was the corrosion precisely and would it have been spotted by the inspector?

My car has just gone in after ABS and ESP lights came on.

[Chowgar1]

At the moment I've just been told underneath, I couldnt get out of work to go see today and so it will be tomorrow... the guys had it on the ramps as did the inspector at the time of the inspection.

[_WILL_]

Obviously go and have a look but before you do I would call the AA and discuss it with them to see where they stand on the matter.  I am sure you have some sort of come back on the AA (there wouldn't be much point in their service otherwise).

As for the corrosion it really depends where at what it is affecting.  Almost every UK car (excluding high performance and imports) should have a good coating of protective sealant / under seal on the underside of the car to stop/reduce any corrosion. 

I assume the AA check included an HPI check, which means it hasn't had an accident that the insurance companies know about, it doesn't mean it has been in an accident and repaired privately!  I am not by any means saying its this but it may be a reason for a lack of under seal or excessive corrosion, so defiantly get the VW tec to have a good check and get his honest opinion.  Really the AA should have seen anything like this tho.

Take a camera and take photos, post them in here, but also send them to the AA as proof of the problem (if there is one).

I wouldn't worry too much until you see it, corrosion can look worse than it actually is and applying some new sealant may sort it.  Having said all this you don't know what's actually being affected and everything I have said may not be relevant!

Don't worry or think about taking it back etc... until you have seen the car and discussed the problem!

[Chowgar1]

had the car up on the ramp and had a look about, seems to be the areas of the suspension and the sub frame that the suspension fixes to, does look quite a bit of corrosion I'll get a pic up tomorrow.... not sure what to do at the moment.... still gutted to be honest...

[_WILL_]

Honestly I wouldn't worry too much yet, but I'm sure it is gutting!  What did the VW Tec say?  Also get onto the AA and tell them you will send them photo's and that you are not happy that it was noticed and mentioned when the vehicle was checked.  At the least you may get your money back for the AA check!

[Chowgar1]

The tech guy said that for a car this age there should be nowhere near this much corrosion, there is some on the exhaust but to be honest I would expect this and was picked up on the AA report but no other mention of corrosion... I'll speak to the dealer monday and see what his take on this is... bit annoying as he isnt that local... thanks for the help I'll keep you all posted.

[Chowgar1]

took a while I know but here are a couple of pics





had it up on the ramps again today when I took it back to the dealers and to be honest though there is rust it all seems structurally sound, had the wd40 out and a lot of the surface dust came off...

looking into the car history a bit more seems the previous owner was in scotland so I guess the salty air has taken its toll quicker than normal...

Still going to pursue the AA and see what happens...

in regards to the other issues the ESP issue is being resolved this week under the dealers warranty

[dustybones]

Hey Fella hmmm donno bout yer rust there, but bear in mind that yer car is now approx 5years old, and if its spent a good chunk of its life bashing around Gods Country taking advantage of some of the finest roads there are. Combine that with the fact that there is far more salt used well you may find that the rust level is totally normal. Thus a fair possibility that for a 5yr old car the AA may deem that rust as acceptable so long as it is surface and not structural. What are you actually wanting the AA to do?
Personally I wud be more inclined to forget about it and just enjoy the mota and then get rid of it in a couple years time before the rust does start to eat into stuff! Mine is 4yrs old and yup it is not perfect, its spent its life in the Midlands so milder weather in general, but its not much different to yours, if that's any consolation. So enjoy it for what it is and life is way to short to worry about a wee bit of surface iron worm! (I work offshore, and it is unbelievable at times just how fast corrosion can set in on materials)

Anyway good luck cheers

[Komenda]

Take the arms off, shot blast the surface rust away and paint them. Hey presto no rust. If you're really that worried about surface rust in the future, then give everything a coating of waxoyl.