2010 ford escape xlt frame rot

[u/Goodmoons01]

I made an awful mistake of buying a total rust bucket that won’t pass inspection due to frame rot. The first mechanic I took it to says not fixable and the car needs to be scrapped. I got a second opinion and he says he can weld 1/4” steel to replace the rotted area and that the shop next door will pass it. But will it be safe to drive for another year while I save up to buy another car? I am located in Pennsylvania and would need to pass local safety inspection.

First 2 pics are my car in its current condition, all other photos are before/after of a ford escape he did earlier in the year. I haven’t gotten the quote for repairs yet but he says it’ll be cheaper than buying a new car.

What are your thoughts? Pls don’t give me shit for buying this POS, I come from the west where rust isn’t an issue and the scumbag that sold me the car told me all cars in the northeast have rust 😭 I didn’t see the fist sized hole in the frame until I tried to get my stickers.

[u/Goodmoons01]

Edit: first three pics are my car

[u/GuitarCactus]

Welding the frame can be a good fix when done right, but this looks like some pretty thin material and it should probably be fully welded not just spot welded. If i paid a shop to do this repair i wouldn't be satisfied with how they did the example car.

[u/Bomber_Man]

Welding is one of those “you get what you pay for” things. I can teach any bumblefuck to throw booger welds with a flux core wire feed setup in about 5 min. To get decent enough prep and penetration (giggidy) for structural welding will take quite a bit of learning and attention to detail, not to mention some quality tools. Basically, to get a good enough job done to last another couple of years should cost enough to make you reconsider.

Edit: didn’t see the other pictures. Good ish prep, but 2/10 execution. If you’re paying for that kinda work it better be dirt cheap.