Reservations About Buying A Vehicle From An Area That Snows
11-18-2017, 07:27 PM
#1
Reservations About Buying A Vehicle From An Area That Snows
Hello Ladies and Gents!
I'm asking this question here since I can relate with you guys easily the fact that I have an S2000. Help me out you guys!
The question is basically straight forward, if you are to buy a used vehicle from a city that snows, would this be an automatic red flag. We're just not talking about S2000s but just in general, for example SUVs or other cars.
So there's an SUV that I'm interested and it's currently at a dealership in Lindon Park, Utah. This vehicle is about 6 years old and has 72K miles. So, I'm sure it has seen snow.
I'm not dumb when it comes to cars but add snow, salt, and brine then this becomes my weakest point and that changes the story. Since this is not my forte, I wouldn't know what to look for, especially on matters like this. I live in a city where it is a miracle if you even see an inkling of snow.
Again, should I just really stay away from this and continue my search? I just really want to hear what you guys think.
P.s.
Hoping someone from Utah can chime in.
Thanks a bunch!
SS
I'm asking this question here since I can relate with you guys easily the fact that I have an S2000. Help me out you guys!
The question is basically straight forward, if you are to buy a used vehicle from a city that snows, would this be an automatic red flag. We're just not talking about S2000s but just in general, for example SUVs or other cars.
So there's an SUV that I'm interested and it's currently at a dealership in Lindon Park, Utah. This vehicle is about 6 years old and has 72K miles. So, I'm sure it has seen snow.
I'm not dumb when it comes to cars but add snow, salt, and brine then this becomes my weakest point and that changes the story. Since this is not my forte, I wouldn't know what to look for, especially on matters like this. I live in a city where it is a miracle if you even see an inkling of snow.
Again, should I just really stay away from this and continue my search? I just really want to hear what you guys think.
P.s.
Hoping someone from Utah can chime in.
Thanks a bunch!
SS
Last edited by SaintS2000; 11-18-2017 at 08:44 PM. Reason: Utah
11-18-2017, 07:48 PM
#2
Join Date: Aug 2012
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Some people drive an S2000 differently than they drive an SUV or minivan. SUVs and minivans are usually year round means of transportation. It matters not that the drivers live in a place that snows in the winter. Although an S2000 can be a DD, many use it for recreational or "fun" driving and that means they park it the garage for the winter. Not only is the S2000 marginal (with summer performance tires) in cold conditions but many will not bother with winter tire swap outs.
It means that some snow belt S2000s that you may be interested in may or may not be a rust bucket. It may be in terrific shape as a garage queen. You have to go and see. Personally, living in California, I did not have the time to waste on checking out cars like that so I only looked for cars that were from California or the Southwest. Mine came from Phoenix. Rust free. Corrosion free. No salt or brine has ever touched it.
It means that some snow belt S2000s that you may be interested in may or may not be a rust bucket. It may be in terrific shape as a garage queen. You have to go and see. Personally, living in California, I did not have the time to waste on checking out cars like that so I only looked for cars that were from California or the Southwest. Mine came from Phoenix. Rust free. Corrosion free. No salt or brine has ever touched it.
11-18-2017, 08:55 PM
#3
You answered wrong question (admittedly oddly worded). His basic question is, I want to buy a used suv. I don't live in a snow area. Is it ok to buy my 72k miles used suv from a place that gets snow?
All the stuff about S2k was basically trying to say, this is not really an S specific question.
I live in a snow area (not Utah, East coast). We drive used cars. We buy ised cars. Its mostly unavoidable, and mostly not an issue.
A vehicle exposed to road salt will have a lot more underbody corrosion. But its mostly superficial. The real world problems this can eventually cause is it becomes harder to remove rusted bolts when doing suspension and in some cases brake service. But its usually not that bad at all at just 72k miles.
The other thing that can happen, but its rare, is metal brake lines can rust through, and leak. Its a real pain to replace these. Again, not going to be an issue with mileage that low.
Lastly, aluminum engine exterior takes a beating. It'll be covered with spots of white powdery corrosion. It doesn't look good, but is usually mostly hidden by all those plastic covers they use these days.
Points of reference. I just bought a used '13 Lexus RX350 suv family cruiser with about that many miles, and engine and undercarriage still look pretty decent. I also bought a used winter car for myself, a '09 Infiniti G37xS, with 150k miles. Its really pretty rough underneath and in engine bay. But with the plastic.covers cleaned up that all looks really good now. But not looking forward to when I have to service it. As part of ppi I removed the plastic splash panel to check oil pressure (these engines have a weakness with an internal timing chain tensioner gasket, that can be detected by checking oil pressure). Each and every one of the metal hidden nut clips that hold it together was rusted seized, and had to break them off to remove panel. Took an hour just to remove stupid panel. There are even rusted bolts under the hood.
PO took real good care of appearance of rx, while Infiniti PO it seems like they never even washed it. This can make a big difference. The car wash under spray does a decent job of cleaning off the salt, and done frequently can prevent the worst of the corrosion.
So of they took good care of it, and with those few miles, it should be ok.
All the stuff about S2k was basically trying to say, this is not really an S specific question.
I live in a snow area (not Utah, East coast). We drive used cars. We buy ised cars. Its mostly unavoidable, and mostly not an issue.
A vehicle exposed to road salt will have a lot more underbody corrosion. But its mostly superficial. The real world problems this can eventually cause is it becomes harder to remove rusted bolts when doing suspension and in some cases brake service. But its usually not that bad at all at just 72k miles.
The other thing that can happen, but its rare, is metal brake lines can rust through, and leak. Its a real pain to replace these. Again, not going to be an issue with mileage that low.
Lastly, aluminum engine exterior takes a beating. It'll be covered with spots of white powdery corrosion. It doesn't look good, but is usually mostly hidden by all those plastic covers they use these days.
Points of reference. I just bought a used '13 Lexus RX350 suv family cruiser with about that many miles, and engine and undercarriage still look pretty decent. I also bought a used winter car for myself, a '09 Infiniti G37xS, with 150k miles. Its really pretty rough underneath and in engine bay. But with the plastic.covers cleaned up that all looks really good now. But not looking forward to when I have to service it. As part of ppi I removed the plastic splash panel to check oil pressure (these engines have a weakness with an internal timing chain tensioner gasket, that can be detected by checking oil pressure). Each and every one of the metal hidden nut clips that hold it together was rusted seized, and had to break them off to remove panel. Took an hour just to remove stupid panel. There are even rusted bolts under the hood.
PO took real good care of appearance of rx, while Infiniti PO it seems like they never even washed it. This can make a big difference. The car wash under spray does a decent job of cleaning off the salt, and done frequently can prevent the worst of the corrosion.
So of they took good care of it, and with those few miles, it should be ok.
11-18-2017, 09:06 PM
#4
You answered wrong question (admittedly oddly worded). His basic question is, I want to buy a used suv. I don't live in a snow area. Is it ok to buy my 72k miles used suv from a place that gets snow?
All the stuff about S2k was basically trying to say, this is not really an S specific question.
I live in a snow area (not Utah, East coast). We drive used cars. We buy ised cars. Its mostly unavoidable, and mostly not an issue.
A vehicle exposed to road salt will have a lot more underbody corrosion. But its mostly superficial. The real world problems this can eventually cause is it becomes harder to remove rusted bolts when doing suspension and in some cases brake service. But its usually not that bad at all at just 72k miles.
The other thing that can happen, but its rare, is metal brake lines can rust through, and leak. Its a real pain to replace these. Again, not going to be an issue with mileage that low.
Lastly, aluminum engine exterior takes a beating. It'll be covered with spots of white powdery corrosion. It doesn't look good, but is usually mostly hidden by all those plastic covers they use these days.
Points of reference. I just bought a used '13 Lexus RX350 suv family cruiser with about that many miles, and engine and undercarriage still look pretty decent. I also bought a used winter car for myself, a '09 Infiniti G37xS, with 150k miles. Its really pretty rough underneath and in engine bay. But with the plastic.covers cleaned up that all looks really good now. But not looking forward to when I have to service it. As part of ppi I removed the plastic splash panel to check oil pressure (these engines have a weakness with an internal timing chain tensioner gasket, that can be detected by checking oil pressure). Each and every one of the metal hidden nut clips that hold it together was rusted seized, and had to break them off to remove panel. Took an hour just to remove stupid panel. There are even rusted bolts under the hood.
PO took real good care of appearance of rx, while Infiniti PO it seems like they never even washed it. This can make a big difference. The car wash under spray does a decent job of cleaning off the salt, and done frequently can prevent the worst of the corrosion.
So of they took good care of it, and with those few miles, it should be ok.
All the stuff about S2k was basically trying to say, this is not really an S specific question.
I live in a snow area (not Utah, East coast). We drive used cars. We buy ised cars. Its mostly unavoidable, and mostly not an issue.
A vehicle exposed to road salt will have a lot more underbody corrosion. But its mostly superficial. The real world problems this can eventually cause is it becomes harder to remove rusted bolts when doing suspension and in some cases brake service. But its usually not that bad at all at just 72k miles.
The other thing that can happen, but its rare, is metal brake lines can rust through, and leak. Its a real pain to replace these. Again, not going to be an issue with mileage that low.
Lastly, aluminum engine exterior takes a beating. It'll be covered with spots of white powdery corrosion. It doesn't look good, but is usually mostly hidden by all those plastic covers they use these days.
Points of reference. I just bought a used '13 Lexus RX350 suv family cruiser with about that many miles, and engine and undercarriage still look pretty decent. I also bought a used winter car for myself, a '09 Infiniti G37xS, with 150k miles. Its really pretty rough underneath and in engine bay. But with the plastic.covers cleaned up that all looks really good now. But not looking forward to when I have to service it. As part of ppi I removed the plastic splash panel to check oil pressure (these engines have a weakness with an internal timing chain tensioner gasket, that can be detected by checking oil pressure). Each and every one of the metal hidden nut clips that hold it together was rusted seized, and had to break them off to remove panel. Took an hour just to remove stupid panel. There are even rusted bolts under the hood.
PO took real good care of appearance of rx, while Infiniti PO it seems like they never even washed it. This can make a big difference. The car wash under spray does a decent job of cleaning off the salt, and done frequently can prevent the worst of the corrosion.
So of they took good care of it, and with those few miles, it should be ok.
So I wonder, knowing Lexus is truly reliable, and since this is a Lexus dealer, is it safe to assume that they have done a thorough inspection?
Last edited by SaintS2000; 11-18-2017 at 09:40 PM.
11-19-2017, 08:05 AM
#5
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Foothills East of Sacramento
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You answered wrong question (admittedly oddly worded). His basic question is, I want to buy a used suv. I don't live in a snow area. Is it ok to buy my 72k miles used suv from a place that gets snow?
A vehicle exposed to road salt will have a lot more underbody corrosion. But its mostly superficial. The real world problems this can eventually cause is it becomes harder to remove rusted bolts when doing suspension and in some cases brake service. But its usually not that bad at all at just 72k miles.
The other thing that can happen, but its rare, is metal brake lines can rust through, and leak. Its a real pain to replace these. Again, not going to be an issue with mileage that low.
Lastly, aluminum engine exterior takes a beating. It'll be covered with spots of white powdery corrosion. It doesn't look good, but is usually mostly hidden by all those plastic covers they use these days.
A vehicle exposed to road salt will have a lot more underbody corrosion. But its mostly superficial. The real world problems this can eventually cause is it becomes harder to remove rusted bolts when doing suspension and in some cases brake service. But its usually not that bad at all at just 72k miles.
The other thing that can happen, but its rare, is metal brake lines can rust through, and leak. Its a real pain to replace these. Again, not going to be an issue with mileage that low.
Lastly, aluminum engine exterior takes a beating. It'll be covered with spots of white powdery corrosion. It doesn't look good, but is usually mostly hidden by all those plastic covers they use these days.
In contrast my California beater car is a 94 T-bird without a hint of rust anywhere. None. Mechanical issues are the issue.
11-19-2017, 05:50 PM
#6
Depends on how long you see yourself keeping the vehicle. I just sold a 2005 Acura TSX that was just starting to show some rust issues. The doors were starting to drip rust at the seams. With proper care, it will probably hold up another year or two before it shows on the outside. It will be almost 20 years old at that point. The manufacturers have gotten much better at rust prevention.
11-19-2017, 06:19 PM
#7
If you have the option buy it from a non snowy region.
Salt/snow/cold/ice is hard on vehicles. Cold makes rubber components brittle and break. Salt corodes. Plows beat the crap out of roads which become pot hole hell during winter months = worn suspension components.
So yes - I'd rather buy a vehicle from a non snowy region if possible... If I found the perfect deal/vehicle would I absolutely not buy it from a snowy region? No. Just do your due diligence in pre-inspection etc. Look for corrosion, worn suspension components, bushings that are warn etc.
Salt/snow/cold/ice is hard on vehicles. Cold makes rubber components brittle and break. Salt corodes. Plows beat the crap out of roads which become pot hole hell during winter months = worn suspension components.
So yes - I'd rather buy a vehicle from a non snowy region if possible... If I found the perfect deal/vehicle would I absolutely not buy it from a snowy region? No. Just do your due diligence in pre-inspection etc. Look for corrosion, worn suspension components, bushings that are warn etc.
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11-19-2017, 06:38 PM
#8
Volare? AMC wagon? Most on this forum probably never seen one of those in person! We're both old guys!
Like someone else mentioned, they don't make 'em like they used to. Now there are federally mandated 80k mile exhaust requirements, which results in ss being used. There are galvanized body panels. You used to see 10 year old cars with rust eaten through the entire rocker, and parts of the doors, all the lower parts of fenders and quarters. Real death traps. Now its rare to see rust you can even poke a finger through. Still happens, but rare.
I recently sold an '01 A6 with 250k miles, not a spot of rust, and an '06 RX330 with 210k. In fact, in the past 15 years I can't recall a single body rust spot on any vehicle I've sold, even though none have ever had less than 200k, and at least 10 years old, if not more like 15.
Like someone else mentioned, they don't make 'em like they used to. Now there are federally mandated 80k mile exhaust requirements, which results in ss being used. There are galvanized body panels. You used to see 10 year old cars with rust eaten through the entire rocker, and parts of the doors, all the lower parts of fenders and quarters. Real death traps. Now its rare to see rust you can even poke a finger through. Still happens, but rare.
I recently sold an '01 A6 with 250k miles, not a spot of rust, and an '06 RX330 with 210k. In fact, in the past 15 years I can't recall a single body rust spot on any vehicle I've sold, even though none have ever had less than 200k, and at least 10 years old, if not more like 15.
