Background info: I am looking for a winter daily driver to replace the Mustang for what looks to be a bad winter this year for my first year in Colorado.

My problem: The car I want is probably going to be an Accord. I almost hate to say this... but I need a car I won't be pissed about putting in a ditch. And it certainly won't be the Mustang going in the ditch.

My question: Are the older (94-99) KNOWN for having rusting problems for high snow areas? It seems all the cars I have looked at here in Colorado have had some sort of rusting problems. I have noticed the rear wheel wells, and underbody of the cars are the worst spots.

Is this a common problem, or am I just running into the neglected cars that weren't taken care of?

 

well the salt that they throw on the snow to keep it at the sides is the problem as to the rusting, under the wheel well is worst cause that is where the tires throw off the snow

 

I'm a mustang guy myself and I must say hondas are known for their rust above the rear wheels. A lot of cars will rust here true enough but hondas seem to be particularly bad about it. my 1980 hatchback has drastically less rust on it than my 94 accord and I've had to have the mustang repainted once because the paint had faded off of it. Mind you the paint on the accord is still shiny. The metal on import cars tends to be thinner which keeps the weight down and makes it a little cheaper. I think you just need to be realistic about whats going to work for you. If it's going to be a winter beater car for you then a car thats starting to rust might not be too big of a deal. Depending on the severity of it you can often times get it repaired or if you're savvy maybe a little DIY project depending on how far gone it is.

Hope this helps.

Grant

 

The only rust would be on the rear quarter behind the rear wheels.

It's caused by a lame *** piece of plastic up in there that partially covers the metal.

If you find one without rust (not horribly difficult) then just take that piece out if you're worried.

 

my 2001 honda accord started getting rust inside the rear taillights in 2005

any car can rust where water can collect

 

I am from Co., we are neighbors! I grew up in "rust country". A trick to use is NOT to use totally automated car-washes. They DONT get the wheel-wells cleaned out, hardly at all.

Between storms, get the car to a coin-op wash that has good HP spray heads. Get the wand way up under the wheel-wells and flush out all the dirt/mud/ice/chemicals. This will go a LONG way towards beating rust. It's so dry here it will dry quickly, and all the caustic crap will be gone.

At the same time, use the want to flush the brake rotors all the way around, until they stop bleeding dirt. The rotors will brake quieter and last MUCH longer if you keep the rotors/calipers clean. Rotors+calipers+sand+small rocks= lots of scoring on the rotors! Wrenchy

 

94-97 cars have rear quarter panel rust problems 98+ cars seem to be better regarding this as I had a 98 with no rust on it in 2006

 

Honestly, I believe every Honda has the issue of rusting near the wheel wells on the rear quarter panels. This is the rust that's usually refered to as "Honda cancer." The older model cars always had issues with this, but honestly, it's not a hard fix for a body shop.

 

early 90's Honda's have leaking trunk issues or weather striping problems.

I have it my friends have it also

 

This is the key up here in New Hamshire and New England everytime it gets above 32 degrees wash the under body and wheeel wells out. Keep t aCorolla wagon rust free for 300,000 salty miles!! Rust Check from Canada also helps a lot!!