I'm looking at buying a five year old car but there's rust on the tailgate - should I steer clear? | Ask Honest John

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I'm looking at buying a five year old car but there's rust on the tailgate - should I steer clear?

I'm buying a 2018 Citroën C3 1.2 Tech Flair and found some rust on tailgate door at the bottom. This has been sorted and I've been given a one year guarantee. Should I still buy this car? I have 60 days to make up my mind. General opinion from friends is once rust found, don't buy. Otherwise car is in fantastic condition with low mileage.

Asked on 21 March 2023 by Jane Harwood

Answered by David Ross

Rust on a car that is no more than five years old is not a good sign. Although the garage has made a repair and given you a guarantee, if you are not entirely happy then you should walk away. The Citroen C3 is not a rare car, so you should easily find another example without this issue.

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