Yes, expected on a 25 year old van.

Depends upon if you can weld or not......NOTHING will "protect" it once it's started.

Typical cost of getting all the welding usually required would be a 2-3 of grand.
If you can do it yourself, a couple of hundred quid and a few weeks.

Read a few of the threads in the Bodywork & Exterior section.

Just remember, any "surface" rust could be a major panel cutting job to get rid of it.
Rear wheel arches could require the removal of all the interior to fix.
Chassis/suspension parts....well, some are available, others need fabricating.

 

Hi Or_GazM, thanks for your reply.

Do you think an advisory means welding is to be expected soon, or could it just be the start of something which can be slowed down with rust-proofing?

is 2-3 grand the expected repair price for underbody and suspension? If 3 grand is the ceiling, then that might price me out for now

Thanks for your help!

 

It can be 2-3 grand just for bodywork!

 

If they mention it I would say it needed doing a couple of years ago.

 

t4's rust, accept it.

if you're worried about future repair costs then maybe owning an old van is not the greatest idea?

if you want an idea of where there could be rust then consider everywhere

look on ebay etc. at the available body repair panels BUT these are mostly for the external and items like the UK passanger side sliding-door lower rail is basically a fabricate-yourself item, floors disolve as can the rear suspension mounts in some cases😖

if you're unsure then maybe ask someont unbiasses / indipendant to help inspect - or maybe book in for a 'pretend' mot to get a truthfull opinion (make sure it's NOT the place that has mot'd the van previously)

Rich.