Japanese imports & rust
Discussion
It looks like most cars imported from Japan are pretty much rust-free. I've seen some pictures of cars which are around 20 years old that have engine bays which look like they're brand new! However, I'm sure that once the cars are over here they'll soon start to deteriorate. Is there a secret to keeping them looking good, and making sure they don't rust?
Also, why don't Japanese cars rust? I'd have thought the air was quite humid over there, and they have rain and snow in some areas. I think I read that they don't use salt on the roads in winter, but even so they must be exposed to a fair amount of water, not to mention sea air along the coast.
Also, why don't Japanese cars rust? I'd have thought the air was quite humid over there, and they have rain and snow in some areas. I think I read that they don't use salt on the roads in winter, but even so they must be exposed to a fair amount of water, not to mention sea air along the coast.
its a myth that they don't rust. Buy a car from the coastal regions and they will be just as bad as over here.
They don't use the salt on the roads like we do, so for the most part, don't get the same amount of rust.
There are loads of ways to prevent your rust free car from forming rust, underseal, unfortunately, is not one of them, neither is hammerite.
A good internal rust inhibitor like bilt hamber dynax s50 and a good stone chip like bilt hamber epoxy mastic (I have no other experience with any other brand, sorry) will pretty much keep any rust of the chassis.
You do have to be vigilant if your going to daily it though, stopping rust from forming is much, much easier than getting rid of it once it starts.
All of the above requires more effort than most are willing to go, I.e. slopping a load of underseal and hammerite all over the place which effectively making the problem worse but giving them (incorrect) peace of mind.
To do it properly would mean grinding back any surface rust, treating with some sort of converter (por 15 metal prep) and then painting with a good rust encapsulation paint, such as por15 for example. Then coat with the appropriate stone chip and a decent seam sealer.
They don't use the salt on the roads like we do, so for the most part, don't get the same amount of rust.
There are loads of ways to prevent your rust free car from forming rust, underseal, unfortunately, is not one of them, neither is hammerite.
A good internal rust inhibitor like bilt hamber dynax s50 and a good stone chip like bilt hamber epoxy mastic (I have no other experience with any other brand, sorry) will pretty much keep any rust of the chassis.
You do have to be vigilant if your going to daily it though, stopping rust from forming is much, much easier than getting rid of it once it starts.
All of the above requires more effort than most are willing to go, I.e. slopping a load of underseal and hammerite all over the place which effectively making the problem worse but giving them (incorrect) peace of mind.
To do it properly would mean grinding back any surface rust, treating with some sort of converter (por 15 metal prep) and then painting with a good rust encapsulation paint, such as por15 for example. Then coat with the appropriate stone chip and a decent seam sealer.
If you import, get it fully undersealed and treated on arrival (cavities and arches too), and then get it topped up every couple years.
If possible, avoid driving it in winter regardless.
Been there and done that with chasing rust on jap metal...it's a shame all my favourite cars are in the high rust risk category.
That said...my latest acquisition is a honda thats been in the UK 11 years (was in japan for 5 at the start of its life), and it is very good underneath...needs re undersealing in a few weeks, but it looks a lot better than other mitsubishis and mazdas i've owned at similar ages.
Hondas seem to fair slightly better, mitsubishi, mazda and nissan rust like crazy (in the main), can't comment on toyota.
If possible, avoid driving it in winter regardless.
Been there and done that with chasing rust on jap metal...it's a shame all my favourite cars are in the high rust risk category.
That said...my latest acquisition is a honda thats been in the UK 11 years (was in japan for 5 at the start of its life), and it is very good underneath...needs re undersealing in a few weeks, but it looks a lot better than other mitsubishis and mazdas i've owned at similar ages.
Hondas seem to fair slightly better, mitsubishi, mazda and nissan rust like crazy (in the main), can't comment on toyota.
Just imported a DC2 via Torque GT and they undersealed on arrival, only after photographing the underneath of the car. It was spotless. I could not believe it was nearly 20 years old.
My car came from Tokyo but unsure if the post above about coastal towns and cities really makes that much of a difference. There is only slight surface rust on a water channel at the boot however after a quick rub it appears it will come off without much effort and is still structurally sound.
My car won't see winter weather so I don't plan on undersealing again within the time I plan on having the car.
My car came from Tokyo but unsure if the post above about coastal towns and cities really makes that much of a difference. There is only slight surface rust on a water channel at the boot however after a quick rub it appears it will come off without much effort and is still structurally sound.
My car won't see winter weather so I don't plan on undersealing again within the time I plan on having the car.
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