[withhope2010]

I recently purchased a new car. It is white. I am planning to keep it for 20 ;) years! It will basically be driven only in the city (shopping, appts.), and not for trips on the highway etc.
I had to put my last car to sleep because the undercarriage was rusted away, and the doors, and around the wheel wells and rocker panels. (the end was when the back end of my car fell down, while at a red light!:eek:) It was a 1993 Eagle Summit wagon, which was very well maintained, but, I made a great mistake > I NEVER had the yearly rust prevention treatments! I know that if I would have, the car would definitely still be around. It was in perfect mechanical order - 16 years old ;) with approx. 45,000 km. only!.....anyways ...would have, could have, should have!

I live in Canada in a city where alot of salt is used on the roads. I am feeling perplexed :confused: on the decision that I must make > on having the rust treatment applied to my wonderful new car, or not to ? ... because many people have instructed me NOT to! I am feeling so confused :confused: as to what I should do >> ? I am hearing negative horror stories - descriptions of how they drill holes in the doors (thereby causing :eek: those holes to cause rust, etc.etc.) plus, many saying that the way cars are made today is very different than before and it is not necessary to do those yearly rust prevention treatments, etc. etc.

I would greatly appreciate your opinions, advice, suggestions please. Thanks!

[Wondergirl]

I bought a car in 2003 (Dodge Neon) and have never had any rust prevention treatment done. My husband (and Consumer Reports magazine) explained that cars are made primarily of aluminum now, not steel, and do not rust like they used to. Plus, the magazine added that cars are treated for corrosion while still at the factory.

P.S. My car is driven on Chicago suburban streets which are heavily salted during the winter.

[smearcase]

From cars.com
One opinion:
"Rustproofing and paint protection: All new cars are built with rust-resistant galvanized steel (or aluminum or fiberglass) and treated with a rustproofing agent at the factory. Experts say dealer-applied rustproofing is unnecessary, at best. Paint "sealant" is a similar story: factory paint is sealed and durable and can be protected effectively with a coat of wax you apply yourself."

CR most likely has an opinion too, if you can access them.