Rust

[mis3]

My car is getting old and when I lifted the car last week, I noticed some rust bubbles at the bottom of the passenger door. I checked the inside of the car and I could see a few rust spots (not bubbles) all along the door as well. My car door has side moldings all around my car. The body shop said they would repair the rust (with metal fillers) and paint the car below this side molding.

As for the door of the driver side, although I cannot see any rust bubbles, I can feel the paint is rough at the bottom (very small area). So, the rust has started on this side as well but not as bad as the passenger side, no sign of rust from the inside.

I am deciding if I should go fix both doors. I will probably keep this car for another year.

[Don]

Re: Rust

If if taken care of now, it won't spread and get worse and might increase the resale value a year from now if you get a real picky buyer. The question is, is the value of the car worth getting it fixed?

[Bock]

Re: Rust

At the bottom of the doors there is usually small drain holes, make shure they are not plugged. The passenger side rusted first because that side hits the accumulated road salt, gravel, sand and other abrasives thrown up by the tires on the side of the road. The other side will rust soon if nothing is done. Is it worth the extra cost as you are only keeping the car for one more year. It depends if you want to sell a prefect car. Will you get a return on the extra investment. Is it a classic or daily driver.

[Blueline]

Re: Rust

Years ago when I had issues with rust, I would have it repaired, and then it would pop out in another area. It was never ending. You cannot see what is under the sheet metal, and automobile rust is like a cancer once it masticizes. It starts popping up every and anywhere. Back then I would just keep repairing until i could afford a newer car. Fortuantely I don't have to deal with rust anyomore. If it was me, and I planned to get rid of it in another year, I would not put another penny into it. Duct tape the holes. Believe me, It did it more than once. Man I drove some junk.

[mis3]

Re: Rust

The car is a 2004 Mercedes CLK320. Besides the rust, the car is in excellent condition, both mechanically and cosmetically. I bought it new and it has been maintained by Meguiars products over the years.

Unfortunately, the car does not worth much according to the dealership. I am probably biased, I think the exterior styling of this car stands the test of time.