Rustproofing

[Noconfusion]

I have been wondering if I should take in my new Fusion to have some kind of rustproofing done. I declined all the extras that were pushed on me agressively at the dealer and finally threatened to nix the deal and walk away if they didn't back off. However that doesn't stop me from wondering if I shouldn't take the car into a place of my choice and get it treated and prossibly get some kind of fabric protection as well. The 2003 Taurus that I traded in had rust on the rear fender wheel arch/ lip that in a short time would have rusted right through and more than likely affected the value of the car. I have read abit about corrosion protection but there is alot of differring opinions about its value and relivence. Then there is the argument about which type is best. Can anyone shed some light on this topic.

[dabige]

I've heard it's a waste of money. If I remember correctly, the Fusion comes with a 5 yr/unlimited mile coverage, excluding damage caused by salt. Even since your Taurus was built, there have been advances in the painting/coating processes since then. I was even told by an ex-auto dealer that "rust-proofing" is a huge scam. The 2003 Focus that I traded had "rust-proofing/undercoating" (only because I wasn't the one who paid for it when it was brand-new). Oddly, the only places to see any rust, were the areas that were supposedly "protected." I've never made any claims for rust issues, but those that I've known that have, said that it was always a battle proving the rust wasn't your fault somehow.

 

I think you should be fine without it, (and with the money you saved in your pocket). If they use salt on the roads, (and I'm assuming they're as liberal with road salt in Canada as they are in Wisconsin), wash the car whenever you get a chance. And be sure to spray the under-body. The cleaner you keep it, the less chance you give for rust to form.

 

My $0.02

[Noconfusion]

I've heard it's a waste of money. If I remember correctly, the Fusion comes with a 5 yr/unlimited mile coverage, excluding damage caused by salt. Even since your Taurus was built, there have been advances in the painting/coating processes since then. I was even told by an ex-auto dealer that "rust-proofing" is a huge scam. The 2003 Focus that I traded had "rust-proofing/undercoating" (only because I wasn't the one who paid for it when it was brand-new). Oddly, the only places to see any rust, were the areas that were supposedly "protected." I've never made any claims for rust issues, but those that I've known that have, said that it was always a battle proving the rust wasn't your fault somehow.

 

I think you should be fine without it, (and with the money you saved in your pocket). If they use salt on the roads, (and I'm assuming they're as liberal with road salt in Canada as they are in Wisconsin), wash the car whenever you get a chance. And be sure to spray the under-body. The cleaner you keep it, the less chance you give for rust to form.

 

My $0.02

 

Well we all know that any "extras'' are really overpriced because they are added at the time of sale and people figure what the heck I'm here I might as well, not to mention the sales person laying it on heavy, "It's only this much added to your payment. A small price to pay for peace of mind." The other thing is the fact that good or bad, of value or not you are going to pay two or three times as much at the dealer as you would having the same work done elsewhere. Price though is one thing it's the relevance of corrosion protection that I am throwing out there. Not that I am doubting anything you have said but boy there really seems to be a real difference of opinion on this topic, so I am looking for as many opinions as possible so that maybe I can reach some reasonable conclusion other than don't let that huckster in the the plaid jacket at the dealer sucker you in. I know that there have been improvements in paint and anticorrosion technology but this being an affordable car, it my not see as much

of that as some much more expensive vechicles. I guess after the rust on my Taurus that didn't make eight years ( I had it 7 years and 7 months ) with out the rear wheels archs begining to rust out, I wonder if there isn't more I can do to prolong the inevitable. As for car companies having anticorrossion warranties I wonder how often they actually pay anything on a claim other than a small discount on a new car.

 

Any other thoughts out there on this?

[Montfort]

Well we all know that any "extras'' are really overpriced because they are added at the time of sale and people figure what the heck I'm here I might as well, not to mention the sales person laying it on heavy, "It's only this much added to your payment. A small price to pay for peace of mind." The other thing is the fact that good or bad, of value or not you are going to pay two or three times as much at the dealer as you would having the same work done elsewhere. Price though is one thing it's the relevance of corrosion protection that I am throwing out there. Not that I am doubting anything you have said but boy there really seems to be a real difference of opinion on this topic, so I am looking for as many opinions as possible so that maybe I can reach some reasonable conclusion other than don't let that huckster in the the plaid jacket at the dealer sucker you in. I know that there have been improvements in paint and anticorrosion technology but this being an affordable car, it my not see as much

of that as some much more expensive vechicles. I guess after the rust on my Taurus that didn't make eight years ( I had it 7 years and 7 months ) with out the rear wheels archs begining to rust out, I wonder if there isn't more I can do to prolong the inevitable. As for car companies having anticorrossion warranties I wonder how often they actually pay anything on a claim other than a small discount on a new car.

 

Any other thoughts out there on this?

I live in a Canadian salt belt (near Ottawa) and like you, declined all the dealer extras. I immediately took the new (Nov) car to have corrosion protection applied before any exposure to the bad stuff.

I recognize that the built in vehicle protection has come a long way but I went the extra mile for peace of mind as I do believe it makes a difference. When it comes to resale I'll also have an annual certificate showing this has been done. Around here that should mean something. There are many in the business and most do a good job. It's not so much the product as the application of that product.

[Noconfusion]

I live in a Canadian salt belt (near Ottawa) and like you, declined all the dealer extras. I immediately took the new (Nov) car to have corrosion protection applied before any exposure to the bad stuff.

I recognize that the built in vehicle protection has come a long way but I went the extra mile for peace of mind as I do believe it makes a difference. When it comes to resale I'll also have an annual certificate showing this has been done. Around here that should mean something. There are many in the business and most do a good job. It's not so much the product as the application of that product.

 

Hi Montfort, thanks for the feedback. Can I ask what company (Franchise or independent) you chose, what services you paid for (undercoating only, total protection, oil or waxy type, interior protection, paint protection) and aproximate cost. Also have you done the same thing in the past with other cars that you have owned and do you believe that it has made a difference?

 

If any one else has something to add please jump right in!

[Montfort]

Hi Montfort, thanks for the feedback. Can I ask what company (Franchise or independent) you chose, what services you paid for (undercoating only, total protection, oil or waxy type, interior protection, paint protection) and aproximate cost. Also have you done the same thing in the past with other cars that you have owned and do you believe that it has made a difference?

 

If any one else has something to add please jump right in!

 

 

I went with Krown rustproofing and none of the other protective services. Was around $125.00.

Have been going the rustproofing route for many years and not always with Krown. When we got the new Fusion done we also had our 1988 Acura redone. I parted with a 1988 Toyota as part of the recycle program when we bought the new car. Had been rustproofing the Corolla for years as well. It was still going strong.

The Fusion is the first new car in many years as we normally buy used. Have reached a point where we're going to treat ourselves to a new vehicle every 3 - 5 years. Given this one could argue the value of rustproofing as there certainly won't be any visible rust, and I'm aware of the warranty. I believe we'll get our money back at time of sale.

[Noconfusion]

I went with Krown rustproofing and none of the other protective services. Was around $125.00.

Have been going the rustproofing route for many years and not always with Krown. When we got the new Fusion done we also had our 1988 Acura redone. I parted with a 1988 Toyota as part of the recycle program when we bought the new car. Had been rustproofing the Corolla for years as well. It was still going strong.

The Fusion is the first new car in many years as we normally buy used. Have reached a point where we're going to treat ourselves to a new vehicle every 3 - 5 years. Given this one could argue the value of rustproofing as there certainly won't be any visible rust, and I'm aware of the warranty. I believe we'll get our money back at time of sale.

 

Once again, thanks Montfort for the info and your take on rustproofing. If it weren't for the rust on the Taurus, then I would have taken the time to sell it privately and have more to apply to the new car purchase then what I got by trading it in to the dealer.

I know there is a lot of opinions contrary to yours, but I figure if you don't go for all that jive that the dealers push sooo hard, I mean the extended vehicle warranty and the protection package then why not take a more proactive approach to the maintenance of your vehicle. * protect the body as best you can from the corrosive elements in our not so clean environment and keep the fluids in your car clean and of better quality (i.e. synthetic) this has worked out well engine wise for me. As far as the automatic transmission goes, I have stated elsewhere in this forum that there is no way on earth I am going to wait the recommended 150,000 kms to service the tranny I may even consider it yearly (about 25,000 kms) or every other year at the most. I will do my oil changes and maintenance at the dealer for the duration of the warranty then after that it will be done by myself and some done privately. I am not looking forward to the suggestive selling of other services that aren't required but are suggested anyway while I am there, to grab an extra $100 here and there. Hey I don't totally blame them as it must be incredably expensive to run a car dealership in a competitive market in tough times, but there will be plenty of souls who don't mind paying for extras. Sorry about that I got into a bit of a rant there.

[klink1983]

I live in a Canadian salt belt (near Ottawa) and like you, declined all the dealer extras. I immediately took the new (Nov) car to have corrosion protection applied before any exposure to the bad stuff. I recognize that the built in vehicle protection has come a long way but I went the extra mile for peace of mind as I do believe it makes a difference. When it comes to resale I'll also have an annual certificate showing this has been done. Around here that should mean something. There are many in the business and most do a good job. It's not so much the product as the application of that product.

 

I'm in Carleton Place and Im posted to Petawawa, I know salt too.lol I bought it in March2011 so I didnt bother with rust coating at all, for this wintter I went to CT and bought a few cans of rust check, tossed down a piece of cardboard on the ground and sprayed anything metal that I could see, as well as in the wheelwells. I guess I will see this summer what good that did me.......

 

Now to deal with the rust on the mechanism under the drivers seat.......

 

^ Does yours have that?

 

Where did you buy yours? I bought from Sterling in Ottawa.