LOOK FOR BODYWORK ISSUES

Even low-mileage cars and imports can be very rusty. The rear inner and outer wheelarches usually go first, but also behind the front wheels, in front of the rear wheels and where the arches join the sills. The soft-top has drain tubes running to trays that should disperse the water ahead of the rear wheels, but these get blocked and overflow into the sills and rear floors, so listen for sloshing water. Repair panels are available for the sills but not the wheelarches. Sill rot alone can be fixed, albeit for approx £600 for both sides.