[Yoda]

I know that MINI has warranty over body rust. But just to ask you guys whether extra anti rust on body work is necessary? In my country, it seems like every body always have their new car coated with anti rust product even though we don't have snow and salt on the road but we have flood occasionally and I am sure I don't put my MINI thru the flood.

[BruceK]

I don't think rust protection is really needed on a modern car. But I live in a relatively dry, warm climate. The only rusty cars I see here are ones that drive on the beach near the saltwater.

As you pointed out, in your location you don't have to worry about snow or salt on the roadsm, but do you ever drive on unpaved muddy dirt or gravel roads? In other words, is there a possibilty of mud clinging underneath your car or gravel chipping away the paint underneath your car? If so, that might be a reason to consider some sort of rust proofing.

What does everyone else think?

[KenL]

I don't think it's necessary and may void the manufacturers warranty.

It's big business in some places and a way of scamming extra money out of customers in my view.

[Zippy]

As far as I uderstand MINIs already have rust proofing treatment in the form of cavity injected wax and a tough underbody sealant, along with plasitc arch liners.
I think that any further treatment wiuld be a waste of your money!

[Romhog]

I just got off the phone with my service rep.
He told me what it was painted with, I cant remember the name of it, but he did state it was rustproofing. He also stated there is nothing to offer even when you buy the car, they dont have any options like that. Covering anything inportant, if you were to do it, didn't seem to bother him. He said they can just break it off. I think im going to call off my appointment to have mine done tomorrow. Other than added protection, and some reduced road noise, I wonder if it is worth it now.

[chiph]

Quote:

Originally posted by Yoda
I know that MINI has warranty over body rust. But just to ask you guys whether extra anti rust on body work is necessary? In my country, it seems like every body always have their new car coated with anti rust product even though we don't have snow and salt on the road but we have flood occasionally and I am sure I don't put my MINI thru the flood.

Do you live near the ocean? If so you may want to think about it. But if you're one of those people who is always washing their car to keep it clean, I doubt you will have any problems with rust.

One thing to do is buy a paint-stick (touch-up kit) from your dealer to take care of stone hits on the hood/bonnet.

Chip H.

[CurtP]

I know GM states in their warranty manual that the rust-through warranty is void if you use any sort of additional rustproofing than what comes from the factory, including dealer applied treatments.

It really isn't worth it, and can utimately make matters worse, especially if they use the non-drying asphalt type undercoating. It not only creates voids that moisture, road grime and salt can accumate in, but the crud will stick to the undercoating and won't wash off easily. It really makes working under the car a PITA too -- that stuff is nasty. Even the stuff that hardens will still have voids in it.

Undercoating is strictly a money maker for the dealership (or whatever place is applying it). It generally takes less than $15 worth of materials, and about 10-15 minutes to apply with "professional" equipment.

[Romhog]

Yea, after thinking much more about it, its not worth it. Im just going to spend my $120 on my air box!
After a 2nd check under the car, the main structural underframe near the side of the car, is already coated in a nice thick undercoating. And the lower sections (cans) where the interior areas are, are a bit thin but still black is a undercoating as well. "Will not chip or fault, by rocks or other objects" Thats what my dealership stated.
Say NO to undercoating!
Say YES to waving to other Mini's!