Originally Posted By: Nick R
Originally Posted By: andrewg
Originally Posted By: vintagegz
I was disappointed in the treatment of the rear wheel opening on the new civics, the lip folds under then around underneath the wheel opening, effectively trapping any salt and mud in the lip so it cannot get washed out, with his New York state winters that may be a problem area down the road. The new Golf and Elantra have a straight down weld, like the new Camaro, no way those quarter panels are ever rusting out on these newer designs, a little sad that Honda would not lead the way, but I guess they want to sell you a new one down the road when it rusts.
Buying a brand new car.....and then driving it in salt (an extreme corrosive) just seems kind of strange to me. I don't see any car maker being able to 100% prevent salt from ruining a car....nor should they be expected to turn over every lip or fold to prevent salt corrosion. Between the U.S. and Canada what percentage of car buyers actually live in salted areas? I've been back east many times and just don't know why more outrage isn't expressed that alternatives (cost effective) to corrosives like salt have not been fully explored. It destroys cars....plain and simple. And who pays the cost? The consumer/taxpayer. You pay for a new car every few years from rusting out.....and you pay for the salt to be put on the roads to destroy your cars. Odd cycle of acceptance if you ask me. I would only drive a junker during the winters back there and not even consider thrashing my nice one in that salt.
Some of us trade in old cars for new ones to use as daily drivers, and thus must be driven in the winter. For what it's worth, my 97 cavalier had 140k on it, and it lived in upper ohio for most of it's life. And there was not any rust on it, anywhere when I had to get rid of it.
I understand the expense involved in owning more than one or two cars. I just can't see buying one for 15 to 25k and then driving it into a corrosive environment. It goes against my nature. And yes, some vehicles incredibly remain fairly rust free for ten years or so (but if one was to look closer....and underneath the vehicle I'm sure there is rust and corrosion). I know that when I visit my father near Buffalo, I am astonished at the rusted hulks I see on the road that are many times less than ten years old. All I can say is that I am very happy NOT to live in a salted road state.