While draining oil on my 2004 AT RX8 today I noticed rust on the welds that form the sub frame (I think that's what it is called) under the engine.
I didn't think to much of it at first, but when I inspected further I found EVERY SINGLE weld on this sheet metal structure was showing signs of rust.
At this point I am sure the rust is not enough to weaken the frame, but you can see the rust getting into all the layers of metal at these weld areas.
If it is rusty after just two mild winters I would not be suprised to find these structures rusted right out in less than 10 years !!.
Secondly I noticed lots of areas where the "Rubber" coating on other metal frame parts under the car have peeled off.
Anyone else noticed this, am I right to be a bit concerned, I have two ore months lease and then I am going to purchase my RX8 (at leat I was going to)??

 

http://www.por15.com/

This stuff works wonders. All you do it hit the rust with a wire brush or sand paper to get the soft flaky stuff off, clean the area a bit then pain over it.

 

Thanks Trekk, I will probably use that stuff if the dealer tells me that the rust I am seeing is "Normal"
Anyone else seen this rust, is it expected do you think (I don't)

 

Sport cars are not made to driver in winter conditions with salt like that.

You should have had it undercoated.

The car is too low to the ground to prevent rusting.

 

Undercoating just traps moisture next to the metal after it gets a few perforations. Causes more problems than it fixes.

 

Can you take a few pics??

 

Undercoating adds useless weight, too. I remember reading that with the newer metals that resist rust, undercoating was a waste of money.

 

My dealer says they will take a look at it on Monday 24th July and make a judgement call. I'll post their comments after that with pictures.

 

cheap japanese steel...

 

 

cheap... lol