Overhaulin'

Car engine corrosion?

I'm looking at a car for sale. The body, under carriage, and interior are very clean (2000 Camry with only 97,000 miles). It's from Minnesota, now in Calif. It seems to run great, smooth, shifts fine, everything works etc. I'd make an offer except for one red flag.....The silver metals including some parts, nuts and bolts under the hood have very obvious surface corosion. Is this a reason not to buy? I'm afraid of the extent of the corrosion and don't know if it's just on the surface or can it get in deeper and cause problems?

Public Comments

1. That's the weakest reason not to buy I ever heard of. It "Seeming" to run great isnt good enough. Have it checked @ a Toyota dealer, and make sure it's not on their Great Recall list.
2. Not much of a problem. All metal has opportunity to rust. Its common to see that on nuts and bolts of a northern midwest car. Unless you see it really eating into the engine and seeing holes in it, then it is nothing to worry about. You might have some rust on the body too, unless there are huge holes and the car is falling apart from it, then you have nothing to worry about it. The only person who would really worry about it, would be a mechanic you take the car to for work if you buy it. It will just translate to a harder time loosening all the nuts and bolts.
3. thats typical of a car from minnesota they have harsh winters all that salt will cause erosion but its nothing to worry about it cant get in the motor