Rust From Living Next To Sea

[alexcelica]

Had my 2011 Diesel Scirocco for nearly 4 months now. I live around 100 metres from the sea and it's getting covered in salt whenever it's windy. Unfortunately a garage isn't an option.

I moved here 2 years ago and my last car (2004 Celica) started going rusty fast. It did have an MOT rust advisory in 2011, one sill welded in 2019, subframe replaced in 2020 but by the end of 2021 there were multiple corrosion failures on the MOT with the garage not wanting to touch it because it was too far gone at 17 years old. The garage was surprised how fast it deteriorated in the final year.

My worry is that my Scirocco will have the same fate so just wondering if anyone has experience living next to the sea or any advice. I have read mixed reviews about waxoxyl treatment making cars worse and haven't been able to find any dinitrol treatment services nearby in Blackpool. Even if I did go down this route I'm sure there would still be a some exposed parts which are missed.

Do you think I can expect to get another few years out of the Scirocco before it rots beyond repair or should I think about changing my cars sooner?

[Andy b]

I live about a mile from the east coast

I’ve had my scirocco for over 5 years and the car itself is a 61 plate

It’s cleaned well (2 bucket method & aqua waxed) and has been machine polished about 18 month ago and there are no signs of rust up top

I’ve seen the underside on several occasions when it’s in a garage up on ramps and it looks great for it’s age underneath

So from my experience I would say that you shouldn’t have anything to worry about, just have a look every time that it’s up on a ramp or ask your mechanic to let you know if anything looks amiss