the dealer offered to sell me rustproofing for my sport fit. it already comes with it from the manufacturer, right??
thanks!

 

Aftermarket rust protection is different. They spray this waxy stuff all over hinges, nut & bolt heads, inside doors and fenders, etc. It basically doesn't allow water to get to the metal. The cars do not have this from the factory. The metal is zinc coated from the factory however, which protects it from rust. If you live in areas of heavy snow all the time, where they heavily salt the roads, it may be a worthwile investment. Otherwise, I don't think it's really necessary.

 

I went to Ziebart and had it done for $400.

They spray underbody and wheel wells with a black undercoating... (this is same material they use for their sound deadening package, only for the sound deadening they spray 4x the amount)

And they spray the interior panels, seams, and top areas with a caramel colored substance that seals out water.

I live in an area that salts the streets during winter, and had my last new vehicle done with Ziebart and it worked well. Kept it rust free and looking clean for 12 years before the rust finally won. Ziebart eventually bought out my warranty for $750 when the rust hole was big enough.

Now Ziebart only offers a 10 year warranty vs. lifetime like I had the first time around.

With Ziebart, you return annually, and for $40, they re-spray the entire car. It eventually builds up thick on the underbody too. You need to return every year for the warranty to be valid.

But the main reason I do it, is with my salty environment it keeps my vehicle rust-free longer than those cars without it. We dump a lot of salt during the winter months. And I plan on running my Fit for many, many years.

 

CC1, that sounds like some awesome rust proofing. I wonder if I can get something similar here in Detroit...

 

I did quick search and looks like 6 stores within 25 miles of Detroit.

Ziebart International :: Ziebart International :: Locations

 

From Consumer Reports: "Extras you don’t need. Another profit source for dealers is extras such as rustproofing, fabric protection, paint sealant, and etching your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on windows to deter thieves. Sometimes, these types of charges will simply appear on your bill of sale without anyone having mentioned them to you. Don’t waste your money. What could cost the dealer about $90 can cost you $1,000 or more."

 

I've seen that too, and agree. I think the rustproofing depends on whether you live in a salty environment, and if you plan to keep your vehicle forever.

I wouldn't get the dealership rustproofing because it is a one-time application.

From my personal experience, my previous vehicle showed no signs of rust for at least 5 years longer than others of same model driving around here. I know when it was 10 years old, it was still looking very clean. It was worth the $400 plus $40 annually.

 

Dealer rustproofing is heavily marked up, and you generally have no idea what it actually is. If you live where roads are salted, research and get good aftermarket rustproofing.

 

Thanks for this!

 

Alternatively, you could skip across the border to a Krown shop, the only APA-recommended rustproofing chain.