Hi Scotty,
Love your videos! I recently purchased a 2014 Toyota Matrix and I love it so far. However, I’m worried about the rusting on the vehicle, in particular the underside. Is this level of rust normal for a 10 year old car in Ontario Canada, or should I return it? I have until Thursday to return it.
Thank you for your help and advice, have a great day.
Alex
Photos link: https://imgur.com/a/aqIAJAm
Year: 2014
Make: Toyota
Model: Matrix
Odometer: 86,000 kms (~53,500 miles)
OBDII: No codes stored or reported
Seller: Dealer
Transmission: Automatic 4 speed
Engine: 1.8L VVT-i
Additional details: touring package model of vehicle.
It's fine. It looks like it's been undercoated with rubberized undercoating. There have been nicks that have gotten through the rubber, and it's rusting near the nicks. Once the surface of the undercoating is compromised, rust will creep beneath the surface of the undercoating. It will eventually accelerate because there's moisture trapped between compromised undercoating and the steel. I would take it all back off.
Hi Justin,
Thank you for the quick response! When you say take it all back off do you mean remove the rubberized undercoating?
If so, should I then get rid of any built-up rust and re-coat with a new undercoating?
Thank you again,
Alex
Just remove the undercoating and don't apply a new one, unless it's an oil-based, self-healing coating. Oil displaces oxygen, which would otherwise turn steel into rust.
Hi Justin,
Thank you for the clarification. I’ll make sure to do that ASAP.
Have a great rest of the weekend,
Alex
Yeah it doesn't look too bad, but I would start sanding that rust off and hit it with your choice of coating. I prefer cosmoline because it turns to a wax, self heals, and if you put it over light rust it will smother it. It also can't be easily removed with water, even a pressure washer.
I would check if that is rubberized undercoating, and if it were me I might try and get it off, if possible, and coat it with something that won't hide rust.
Hi Nlord,
Thanks for the response, I’ll make sure to start sanding off that rust, remove the rubber undercoating (assuming that’s what it is) and re-coat with cosmoline or something similar.
Thanks again,
Alex