This is a Toyota Aygo from 2007. As you can see, the rust is getting pretty bad where sills meet the floor. It’s the same on both sides near rear wheels. The rest of the floor, body and mechanical parts are very clean and in good shape. The car passed its last inspection three months ago but the rust is obviously spreading and there’s no way I’ll pass the next inspection after two years or the car will be safe to drive, especially since the rust is exactly where rear jack points are.
How much labour do you think welding would require? Is it going to be expensive? Sure, it’s a shitbox from 2007 and scrapping the car before the next inspection sounds like the easy way but the rest of the car is actually in a very good shape mechanically and cosmetically, and very nice to drive, so I’d prefer to keep it, assuming a body shop can fix the rust damage for something like under 500 Euros. What do you recommend?
I am not an expert by any means, but depending on the mileage on the car and how much life you expect to get out of it, I feel that taking care of the rust now will be better sooner than later. My guess for price would be 1000 max, anything over that you should consider holding off on and using the car until you can’t anymore, maintaining the basics (oils, tires, brakes, fluids, etc) and putting the money towards another vehicle or down payment if possible.