Hi Alex!
A 1.5, but it has aircon - what's the actual spec/edition? I can't read the sticker on the front wing. The Z5 engine is fantastic, it's very hardy if a little underpowered.
They are potential classics - this one looks pretty much untouched apart from an uprated radio, and it doesn't look like it's been parked in a lake! The large hatch means the BA has a huge boot, and with the rear seats folded down you can get pretty much anything in it.
The wing can be sorted - they can be just unbolted and a new one bolted on.
As the reg number is on your photos, I had a look at the MOT history online, and it looks like the potential need for welding is around the jacking points (which fall within the prescribed area for the seatbelt anchorages). This is usual for these cars (happened on my 1.5) and fixable if caught in time - a localised weld if everything else around is still sound. More importantly, on this particular car it was still an MOT pass despite that deterioration, which is good news, you have the opportunity to catch the issue in time. So unless the problem has worsened significantly since the last MOT, if the metal is still sound you may be able to get the area fully cleaned up and safely sealed without welding. Best ask a pro to have a look and advise.
BUT this problem will escalate very fast (trust me, been there!), so get it dealt with quickly and professionally, this summer. Don't leave it another winter, if you intend to keep the car, and don't get an interim bodge job, make sure it's thoroughly done by someone who cares, or you'll spend other money on the car thinking all is OK, and then in 18 months the issue will be back, and far worse.
Also, although it wasn't on the MOT assessment, thoroughly check the inside of the rear arches, at the front of the arch (so, the area immediately behind the rear door). This will be the next place it will go, so clean that up (get a wire brush in there to get out any built-up dirt), and if you spot any rust or weakness there whatsoever, or anywhere on that corner, get that dealt with properly at the same time as the jacking points.
It would pay to remove the rear plastic trim that's screwed onto the rear arch and check the condition of the metal underneath. Water can get in under this trim and can cause rot. It's only held on by a couple of plastic screw fixings, so a small crosshead screwdriver will help you get that off to inspect it.
Hope this helps, and you decide to keep the car - we'll help you with whatever you need to know, just ask.
S
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