Worthwhile to rust proof a new car?

[lasallejai]

Mazda dealer I am buying my car from uses a wax based rust proofing agent, and their listed price is $649, but with APA purchase discount it is $449. Is it worthwhile to rust proof my new car at all.

[BobW]

Most people advise against purchasing rustproofing, scotchguarding etc on a new car. Those are pretty much high profit items for dealers to try and sell you. Ask yourself this:

1) How long do you plan to own this car?
2) What is the manufacturers warranty on rust?
3) What happens when you look at the dealer with a concerned look on your face and ask "Oh.. are Mazda's really that prone to rust issues?" Either they will point out the manufacturerer's warranty or backpedal on the hardsell of rustproofing... if they say yes, you probably don't want to buy the car anyway....

[v33k]

Up till today

I have not heard a sucessful claim against rust proofing.
If you read the fine print, the rust has to be develop from inside-out, not outside-in.

What rust will start from inside-out since only the outside is prone to salt.

When I bought my car like 8 yrs ago, I did the rustproofing package, life time warranty, blah blah blah, costed me like $1000

Now I find a rust spot near the wheelwell area, they told me it's not covered since the rust is develop from outside.

So on my new car, I didn't buy any of those rip-off package at all.
I save the $500 or so for car wash during winter instead.

That's my take.

[shabby]

Stay away from the undercoating!

[Pete_Coach]

Stay away from the undercoating!

Why?

[Razor Leaf]

If you’re gonna rust-proof, don’t buy the package from the dealer. Just go to Krown or Rust-Check. From what I know and have heard from my brothers, the dealership won’t re-spray everything when you take it back to them. They’ll just do touch-ups. So the package is not worth what you’ve paid. Krown will re-spray everything each time you do it, and they often have coupons on their website.

[dtcanada]

Mazda dealer I am buying my car from uses a wax based rust proofing agent, and their listed price is $649, but with APA purchase discount it is $449. Is it worthwhile to rust proof my new car at all.

If it were my car...i would...i probably will not do it at the dealer tho...although...u have a pretty good price too...$449 is really good considering I had to pay $600 at Toyota...but like the fellow RFDers stated above...when u bring it back for annual check up...all they do is look at it...waste of time really...and they won't do anything...

but I still recommend it...it's worthwhile...one less thing to worry about...atleast u won't have to worry about it for about 10 years...

[lasallejai]

Thanks guys, and maybe I should call it off and use the money to purchase extended warrenty instead? However, APA member purchase only knocks $100 off their extended warrenty price, no matter what the term I choose. For me to get comprehensive coverage for 5 years, two years extended therefore, the price plus tax is about $1800. I have never purchased extended warrenty before so I would like to ask for your opinions. I never had any major problems with my last 4 cars but I did need to replace an alternator in my Toyota in her fourth year and a A/C condensor in my Mazda in her 5th year--nothing for my Subaru and my Eagle Talon. Therefore, I am thinking not to take the extended warrenty. Any constructive advice will be greatly appreciated.

[i2004tor]

If it were my car...i would...i probably will not do it at the dealer tho...although...u have a pretty good price too...$449 is really good considering I had to pay $600 at Toyota...but like the fellow RFDers stated above...when u bring it back for annual check up...all they do is look at it...waste of time really...and they won't do anything...

That's my situation exactly, except I just bought my new Corolla recently. I got rust-proofing "thrown in", but I didn't realize that to keep the rust-proofing warranty valid, I would have to bring it back for annual inspections ($45 + tax). Sounds like a rip-off/cash-grab. I've already pretty much decided to forget about that, and just take my chances.

[Whitedart]

Mazda dealer I am buying my car from uses a wax based rust proofing agent, and their listed price is $649, but with APA purchase discount it is $449. Is it worthwhile to rust proof my new car at all.

I would also suggest Krown (oil based application). I have used it since 1989 on several vehicles, and no rust issues. Cost about $100.00 per year, for as long as you keep the car.


I am not a fan of extended warranties for any item, but I also insist on regular car maintenance.

[konfusion666]

don't bother with any of those "dealer extras" when buying a new car.

you're just putting more money in the dealer's pocket.

it's almost like the sole purpose of those things existing is to guarantee the dealer comes on top, even if you bargained too hard on the actual car price...

(extended warranty is the only thing that's remotely useful...)

[dtcanada]

That's my situation exactly, except I just bought my new Corolla recently. I got rust-proofing "thrown in", but I didn't realize that to keep the rust-proofing warranty valid, I would have to bring it back for annual inspections ($45 + tax). Sounds like a rip-off/cash-grab. I've already pretty much decided to forget about that, and just take my chances.

$45 per check up? that's weird...I get my check up for free...and I am still pissed...cuz I have to drive for like 30 minutes to get there...and all they do is look at it...and say "looks good, see you next year" WTF is that?!?!

[Vickel]

dont get the rustproof at the dealer,
they send it out to be rustproofed anyways
take it to a Krown or similar place
same quality cheaper price

[jetway1212]

OP, dont do it, many newbies have felt for it. Just KrownRoof every year.

[Vickel]

That's my situation exactly, except I just bought my new Corolla recently. I got rust-proofing "thrown in", but I didn't realize that to keep the rust-proofing warranty valid, I would have to bring it back for annual inspections ($45 + tax). Sounds like a rip-off/cash-grab. I've already pretty much decided to forget about that, and just take my chances.

check up should be free