I looked at a 2012 FFRR yesterday which ticked all the boxes in terms of age, mileage, price & colour. The only problem is that I found damp in the boot. Specifically, the carpet on the rear tailgate and the 'flap' that covers the gap were soaked and the water was obviously stagnant so had been there for some time.

Can anyone tell me if it is a known issue &, if so, is there a permanent fix? Is this a car to avoid?

All advice greatly appreciated....

The flap and the lower tailgate carpet is the only acceptable area that gets wet! Think about how the boot opens in the rain? Dogs entering etc etc... Check the spare wheel well, that should be bone dry as should the LHS inspection panel...

Thanks for response. That was my first thought, but the car has been with a dealer for over a month so hasn't had any of the normal use.

Also, it's very stagnant so it's been there for some time. Thanks for the pointer on the LHS panel. I'll go back & check that out. The spare wheel well was damp as well, although not to the point of actually having pools of water.

Could they have jet washed behind the flap where the hinges are?