This 2006 I purchased has some rusty bolts, clamps, brackets, etc. in engine bay. Some are worse than others. Suspension subframes, arms also looked rusty. It has 145000 miles. There were other gen 2 we looked at on the dealer lot with similar mileage but with much less corrosion. I'm starting to clean up and replace some parts. Should I be concerned about the pealing paint on subframes? If so what do you recommend for painting/sealing?
Peeling paint traps moisture, salt, and other contaminants which speeds metal rot underneath the car. I usually wirewheel, sandblast, and then slather on a lot of Rustoleum underneath there where appearences are unimportant. Then usually a touchup here and there as followup over the years is necessary. Just avoid getting sand in any joints or moving parts, it's pretty unforgiving.
Thanks for the tip. Here is a picture of the rear subframe or beam assembly. Should I not be concerned, what do you think?
I’ve been just brushing off loose rust (sometimes), then painting area with boiled linseed oil with a foam brush and/or an old toothbrush. Quite effective and lasts.
Before you go putting a crazy amount of time, effort or money into it, keep in mind it's been on the road for 15+ years. What you have there could be considered pristine condition compared to some vehicles on the road north of you. It's just not that bad and is more aesthetic than anything else. Personally, I'd just drive it and roll on.
^ that. You've got moderate rust on a 15 year old car at the end of its design lifetime. It's working perfectly, from what I can see- the condition is still good enough that you can probably squeeze a bonus round out of it, get a few more years. This is the ideal sort of case for just milking the car down with zero further investment, while you bank up savings for the next one.
