Is it OK to install Electronic Rust Protection?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by mcmurray, Nov 16, 2005.

  1. mcmurray

    mcmurray Junior Member

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    I am in Australia and I have ordered an '06 Prius for February delivery and was wondering if it is OK to install an electronic rust prevention system?

    I asked a dealer and he told me that they wouldn't install one as it could interfere with the sophisticated electronics of the car. They also indicated that the warranty could be affected. Does anyone have any experience on this issue? <_<
     
  2. jayman

    jayman Senior Member

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    When I purchased my Prius in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the dealer actually offered an electronic rust protection gadget. There have been numerous documentaries debunking such gadgets.

    Tomorrow I'll try to remember to swing by the dealer and look up the name of that gadget. They do claim to offer a guarantee.

    BTW: I can understand being concerned about rust here, as plenty of calcium chloride is spread on the roads in winter to deal with the ice and snow. Don't you live in a hot and dry country, or do you live on the coast and are exposed to salt in the air?
     
  3. mcmurray

    mcmurray Junior Member

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    Thanks for your info.
    Yes, I do live near the coast - the Gold Coast at Surfers Paradise in Queensland. My Webpage has some info on where I live.

    I am sure that such a device, if they work, would be of much greater value to you where you live but I guess as this is my first new car ever purchased I am being somewhat 'protective' and down here I can only get the one option pack (#6 for '05 and #8 for '06) and with a cost of AU$49990 on the road it is a big investment!

    regards,
    John
     
  4. hdrygas

    hdrygas New Member

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    I don't know here in the US rust proofing is standard at the factory. It is dieing. I would guess that the factory provided adequate rust proofing. FWIW
     
  5. jayman

    jayman Senior Member

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    John:

    You have a wonderful home.

    I would imagine you have to be concerned about exposure to salt due to close proximity to the ocean. Cars can quickly rust in such an environment, and other things like exterior air conditioning condensers will also corrode unless routinely washed down.

    I'll try to get the information today. I have the day off after the business trip and will be taking my parents out for lunch.

    jay
     
  6. jayman

    jayman Senior Member

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    They are getting better but if you live in the Rust Belt (Long winters with heavy application of calcium chloride to control ice and snow on the roads) you will notice rust after 4-5 years.

    I've had most of my vehicles Rust Checked, which is an annual application of oil to the frame and panels:

    http://www.rustcheck.com

    I've noticed at least around Winnipeg that many 1999 and 2000 GMC pickups already have exterior rust on the bottom quarter panels of their extended cabs, and the box behind the rear tires.

    So the manufacturer may claim to be doing a better job at rust prevention, and they slowly are, but the new vehicles are not "rust proof" by any means. I think I'll get my Prius Rust Checked soon.
     
  7. jayman

    jayman Senior Member

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  8. mikepaul

    mikepaul Senior Member

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    US $36,567.28 is a lot more than I'd have invested in my Prius... :eek:

    (I think it was $25,500 including ToyoGard package and sales tax...)
     
  9. DanMan32

    DanMan32 Senior Member

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  10. mcmurray

    mcmurray Junior Member

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    Thanks DanMan, that was an eye-opening article. I will forget the electronic rustproofing!!

    John