Hi
Got the cinq in for MOT, looks like I need to replace the rear axle.
Local breakers currently have two cinqs and three sinqs....I'm thinking the later (53) plate sinq will be in better order, but are they the same?

It's not got a rear axle, there is a rear beam and two rear trailing arms. It has fully independent suspension.

Ask what exactly is failed, is it the beam maybe from rust, or is it the more common bushes on the arms, if so these can be replaced with new bushes eithe rpoly from PowerFlex (though factory burned down recently so stocks low) or rubber aftermarket OEM spec on ebay.

To answer your question, yes they are the same.

Its the top spring "cups" that are corroded out of existance...

In that case it is the beam you want. Generally the later the car the better it will be, but well worth a check. All the same.