If the Mazda is in good condition apart from the arches, is it worth getting a one man and his dog bodyshop to do the business and sort them out for you instead, there might be another few good years in the car yet.
My handy little bodyshop has moved away from most insurance and trade work and now concentrates on classics and refurb work exactly like this (not just for money either, he finds work like this more interesting with amenable and appreciative clients), he can't be alone.
Course if you want another car thats a different thing.
I've asked around but I was told it was a large job as its all 4 arches. My regular body shop told me that they can do a 'fix' that's quicker and cheaper but it will only last a year or so as once it starts rusting....it continues to.
The car is only worth around 1k on the market and in a couple of months will need new front and rear tyres as well. The body shop quoted £500 for the cheaper fix.
As much as I like the car, I don't see any point in putting 800 into it when it's not worth much more. It's mechanically sound and been serviced every 10k with an interim oil change in between (5k oil changes). Someone will take it off my hands and I can use the money towards a newer rust free car
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