Rusty MGs

[Everest]

Being a new first time owner of an MG, I hope the issue with rust is relatively rare.

Hopefully... it looks like they've had a while to address the issue:-

 

[salty]

2 doodle dandy, ones.
T-cut?

 

[Biker67]

Hopefully... it looks like they've had a while to address the issue:-

They definitely weren't fast enough to out-run the metal worms back then!

 

[salty]

Hopefully... it looks like they've had a while to address the issue:-

Pics like this, interest me. I always think what they were like as brand new cars.
Someone's pride and joy probably.
Now look at um.

 

[T1 Terry]

I see photos of VW Kombis used as chook houses and think, thank you, that is what makes my Kombi worth so much

T1 Terry

 

[Willie]

whilst brushing the garage floor the other day, I noticed that there was four distinct rust marks on it exactly corresponding to where the suspension units are on my 71 plate ZS. I will be taking it round to my friendly garage to have it checked out and possibly have it rust proofed, depending on the cost.

 

[Ian Key]

whilst brushing the garage floor the other day, I noticed that there was four distinct rust marks on it exactly corresponding to where the suspension units are on my 71 plate ZS. I will be taking it round to my friendly garage to have it checked out and possibly have it rust proofed, depending on the cost.

Could be rust from the brake discs.

 

[GranTurismoEra]

The modern Japanese enthusiasts rust proof the modern cars. I think itll be necessary for anyone planning to keep theirs long term

 

[johnb80]

How much of a genuine issue is rot on modern MG's?
Is it worth a application of Shultz underseal or similar?

Personally I would use Dinitrol or warmed up Waxoyl and make sure you inject into the box sections, saturate the joints wherever they are. The bottom of all the doors too. The bonnet on our MG5 looks pretty bad underneath where the frame attaches to the outer skin the dreaded tin worm developing quite fast. It would be relatively simple to protect it properly at this stage but as I'm, not keeping it, I'm doing it. MG would probably complain anyway if there was a warranty issue that applying underseal invalidates their warranty so not worth the risk for me.

I have all the gear from previous cars compressor, injectors etc, it's a worthwhile investment if you intend to keep the car. I suspect this MG will be just like my Range Rover in a couple of years time, more and more of it on the drive every day needing to be swept up and put in the bin.

 

[salty]

I can understand folk wanting to put waxoyl/dinitrol etc. If they are keeping the car, forever. But even then, it wouldn't be for me. There's no way, I'm messing under a brand new car, or paying someone, to do extra rust proofing. These days most cars are pretty well, rustproofed. Ok your always gonna get a freak car, that rusts badly, but in general, these days that don't.

 

[johnb80]

I can understand folk wanting to put waxoyl/dinitrol etc. If they are keeping the car, forever. But even then, it wouldn't be for me. There's no way, I'm messing under a brand new car, or paying someone, to do extra rust proofing. These days most cars are pretty well, rustproofed. Ok your always gonna get a freak car, that rusts badly, but in general, these days that don't.

Whatever you do keep your eyes half closed whilst looking round your MG, they're dreadful.

 

[salty]

Whatever you do keep your eyes half closed whilst looking round your MG, they're dreadful.

Changed my alloys recently so had a good look at suspension components, while the wheels were off, and had a look underneath as best I could. And didn't see anything untoward. Same with the bodywork, under the bonnet, door hinges etc, again nothing untoward.

 

[johnb80]

Must just be mine then

 

[salty]

Must just be mine then

Nope John. Undoubtedly there will be others. But it's certainly not rife in MGs.
I'm betting no worse than any other manufacturer. But obviously we won't here about those.

 

[johnb80]

Nope John. Undoubtedly there will be others. But it's certainly not rife in MGs.
I'm betting no worse than any other manufacturer. But obviously we won't here about those.

The complete absence of any sort of rust prevention coating (underseal or wax) suggests to me that the longevity wont be good. I've had in my past several VW's, Audi's Ford etc, all have had underbody protection and the VW's in particular were galvanized as well, I cant see how MG aren't worse than this?

 

[Biker67]

My previous 2019 Ford Edge is a rare sight in the UK but very popular in the USA & Canada.
And apparently Canada salts its roads like we do? So the underseal was extremely thick & well applied. So much so, when my late wife worked for JLR. I had its first couple of services carried out at my local Jaguar dealership, using OEM Ford parts. And the tech commented that it would never rot on the underside

 

[johnb80]

My previous 2019 Ford Edge is a rare sight in the UK but very popular in the USA & Canada.
And apparently Canada salts its roads like we do? So the underseal was extremely thick & well applied. So much so, when my late wife worked for JLR. I had its first couple of services carried out at my local Jaguar dealership, using OEM Ford parts. And the tech commented that it would never rot on the underside

Sounds ideal, just how it should be.

 

[Willie]

Could be rust from the brake discs.

Thanks Ian, I'll have a closer look.

 

[Data]

Before I bought my new ZS EV I had a really good check around the net for rusty modern MG EV's. Very few noteworthy issues found & little different to other brands. I'm a retired ex-tech so went to see my local MG dealer whom I know very well. They have some really good techs with whom I spoke concerning rust. They invited me into the workshop to inspect the build quality of the cars while they were up on the four poster lifts being serviced. The build quality was good! I didn't see any rust on any of the 4 cars that were in the shop. From memory I don't think any of them were over 5yrs old. But our new Skodas & VW's were going rusty at the 3yr stage, particularly under the rear of the cars. Few cars have much underbody protection these days, relying more & more on the electrostatically applied zinc coatings.
My new ZS EV is only 16 months old. When I picked it up from the show room & still very clean I treated the underside with Jenolite Waxoyl. Two coats! I used BiltHamber underbody wax to inject the box sections. It's a nice runny consistency designed to creep & penetrate. It kills all rust if any is present. Easy to use, no specialty skills or tools needed. Total cost about £32. Only took a morning on my driveway to do. So far, no rust anywhere after two winters. My other friends who also have newish MG's have rust free cars after 3 & 4 years old. In the main I don't honestly think rust is an issue. Of course there are always rogue cars of any brand.

 

[johnb80]

Before I bought my new ZS EV I had a really good check around the net for rusty modern MG EV's. Very few noteworthy issues found & little different to other brands. I'm a retired ex-tech so went to see my local MG dealer whom I know very well. They have some really good techs with whom I spoke concerning rust. They invited me into the workshop to inspect the build quality of the cars while they were up on the four poster lifts being serviced. The build quality was good! I didn't see any rust on any of the 4 cars that were in the shop. From memory I don't think any of them were over 5yrs old. But our new Skodas & VW's were going rusty at the 3yr stage, particularly under the rear of the cars. Few cars have much underbody protection these days, relying more & more on the electrostatically applied zinc coatings.
My new ZS EV is only 16 months old. When I picked it up from the show room & still very clean I treated the underside with Jenolite Waxoyl. Two coats! I used BiltHamber underbody wax to inject the box sections. It's a nice runny consistency designed to creep & penetrate. It kills all rust if any is present. Easy to use, no specialty skills or tools needed. Total cost about £32. Only took a morning on my driveway to do. So far, no rust anywhere after two winters. My other friends who also have newish MG's have rust free cars after 3 & 4 years old. In the main I don't honestly think rust is an issue. Of course there are always rogue cars of any brand.

Im sure thats good to hear for other members on here that are just buying or intend to keep their MG car.