Is rust a problem in MA?

[sindrian]

Ok LJ, I got a question for ya:
I've heard from some people that body rust will cause me to fail a vehicle inspection in Boson. However, when I try to find out the official criteria for the inspection, I the most helpful thing I can locate is this list, which says nothing about rust. Given that I'm about to buy a used vehicle for not much money,

Comments

[eclecticgypsy]

They're looking specifically for undercarriage rust. Salt from salted roads causes MASSIVE undercarriage damage, and eat out the floor of the car. Seat a passenger where it's rusted through, and their feet can end up on the highway if they push to shift their weight while riding with you. There are some types of rust other than that which are structurally unsound, but generally if you get the car checked and it's only cosmetic damage from rust, it's fine. I just bought a used car in MA and it had some rust damage. It passed inspection in NH with flying colors, and NH is more strict about rust because of our worse road conditions.

I have inspected a car in MA, however, and my experience has been that if it has no chance of impacting the structure or safety of the car, you're okay if you go to a mechanic who's not a dick. MA does have the restrictions on rust, but they're meant for safety.

[buxom_bey]

The only knowledge I have is that of personal experience. My car, truck actually, failed inspection because there were great gaping rusted out holes in the body. I had to use foam filler and bondo over it, then I passed just fine.