Any Corrosion Issues?

[Madder]

I am shortly relocating to a coastal town, I am looking at a new Countryman but would like to know how they have stood up to rust. Any signs of issues in obvious or less obvious spots?

Cheers,

Jase

[Ratpack]

All cars come with anti-corrosion warranties for 12 years these days... Unless you are planning to park it on the beach, it will be fine. Regular washing to remove salt residue from sea spray is all that is required. Just don't be moving to Wollongong because I have the only Cooper S All4 and the town isn't big enough for two!

[Madder]

C'mon, with the infinite variety surely the town could handle another C'man.

Don't worry though, long way away for you.

What is warrantied and what a company will take responsibility for are two different things.

[Blackhawks]

I concur ... the town should be able to handle a second beast!

[The Nun]

Quote: Originally Posted by Madder (original)

C'mon, with the infinite variety surely the town could handle another C'man.

Don't worry though, long way away for you.

What is warrantied and what a company will take responsibility for are two different things.

Its warranted for rust coming through from inside/behind a panel and perforating it not from stone chips or corrosive residue being allow to sit on the surface.
So if its rusts from inside out youre covered but not from the outside in.
The idea is you can see that happening so you should do something about it, like touch up the chips or clean it.

[Madder]

Thanks all.

I'd rather the corrosion not happen at all than have anybody fix it up. Previous cars I've had down by the sea have done superbly and I hope that the C'man does too.

[burnstar]

I'm pretty sure all cars are "factory dipped" now and go through a rust proofing bath during manufacturing, anyway that's what they say when I watch Megafactories.

I wondered for a while why my mini has a blue light under the bonnet until I realised the previous owner had one of those aftermarket electronic anti rust devices fitted, after some research it looks like its snake oil, however the blue light stays at it looks 'pretty' (plus I can't be bothered removing it)

[chromelover]

Its 15 years since I last owned a car that developed rust on it and that was only because I was too lazy to touch up the stonechips. I live by the sea too. Havent touched up a stonechip for years and still no rust has appeared on any car ive owned since then. Cars dont seem to go rusty nowadays.

It'll be duff electronics costing more than the car is worth to get fixed that sends cars to the scrapyard from now on. For example, ABS ECU went on a previous car of mine a few years back - cost for reconditioned one £700 fitted. Brand new was £1200!

[The Nun]

Quote: Originally Posted by chromelover (original)

Its 15 years since I last owned a car that developed rust on it and that was only because I was too lazy to touch up the stonechips. I live by the sea too. Havent touched up a stonechip for years and still no rust has appeared on any car ive owned since then. Cars dont seem to go rusty nowadays.

True, the only rust you see on cars these days is from poor repairs or using pattern panel parts that dont have the coating on them like the factory.

[steeve]

With modern epd systems the primer has at least 1000 hours salt spray resistance.
What is Electrocoat or E-coat
If you look at older small mini's they stand up very well, I havent seem any rust on the very first ones. BMW would use the same paint and protection system on all their cars. I think you can buy with absolute confidence.

Its best to make sure you keep the salt off the outside of the car and use a good quality wax (commonly called glazes) such as those made by Zymol to protect that factory shine, steer clear of 'polishes' even wax polishes. Also every now and then give the underside a good rinse with a pressure washer.