Is rust removal worth it?

[akboss]

I have a 2003 Protege5 that has 140,000 Kms on her but runs fine. I'd like to keep driving it, the car suits my needs perfectly and she's efficient, practical and fun. But it's starting to have visible rust appearing around the rear quarters and under some of the side trim pieces.

I haven't got a quote from the bodyshop yet, but I bet it won't be pretty - probably $1,000-2,000. So, my question is, do I pay to fix up the paint on a 6-year-old car that is probably only worth $3-4K on the used market? I mean, it's a good car and will keep going, but I don't want it to look shabby.

Just looking for advice as per an 'investment' in an older car.
Cheers,
A.

[MrBill50]

akboss,
I know exactly what you mean. I have a 1995 Chevy Tahoe with 161k on the odometer and it runs great, has no mechanical issues and up until last year had no visible rust. It was (is) really "cherry". However, the last couple harsh winters had taken a toll on it and I was starting to see some rust bubbles appearing down low on the doors. Like you, I didn't want to dump a ton of $$$ into it, but didn't want it to look shaby either so I called the guys at Master Series Coatings (WWW.NOMORERUST.COM) and they advised me on what I could do to save my beloved Tahoe from a rusty grave. They've got a line of really effective and affrodable products for prepping and refinishing metal, but the one I found particularly helpful was their Silver Primer. Go to the site and check it out for yourself and then give them a call. I'm sure they can help you save your Mazda too.

[akboss1]

Hey that's great - thanks for the post.

[dderolph]

A 2003 model with 140 Kms on it could run a lot longer, even twice as many Kms or more, I'm sure you agree. If you compare the what you could be paying every month for a loan on a new, or newer used, vehicle to the amount it would cost to have some body repair and paint work done, I think you'll conclude getting the work done could, indeed, be the financially prudent choice. In other words, it will save you money in the long run.

Also, keep in mind you the vehicle will have a higher resale or trade-in value when you eventually get rid of it if you have that body and paint work done. So, you recoup the cost of fixing it up, and continue to save, in two ways, through avoidance of loan payments on a new/newer vehicle and probably through somewhat higher resale or trade-in value at some future date.