Long story short I went to look at a 2010 tl the car looked clean drove well but had rust on the top half of the engine. All the brackets and hose clamps even on the engine mount bolts. Car had a clean car fax, I know that does not mean all is well. I didnt see rust anyplace else, I checked the trunk the brakes all looked clean. Price was good, just worrying about future problems and should i just stay away from it.

 

Surface rust on fasteners isn't usually much of an issue. If the car is a good deal, has service records, and runs/drives well I would still pick it up. You can always take some scotch-brite pads and clean the rust then wipe the concerning parts down with a rag and WD-40. I would look closely at the major suspension components to see if there is anything more than just surface rust... look for brittle chunky rust.

 

Car drove fine suspension felt good. I'm going to take another look at car and put it up on ramps to check underneath.

 

Look in the wheel wells for rust, especially any corners.

Odd the top of the engine has rust? Maybe someone sprayed something thinking they were cleaning the engine but it turned out to be too harsh?

 

Maybe the car landed in shallow water upside down.

 

Either way i think i'm passing on it.