Questions and Answers

Subaru Imprezza Rust Proofing Q. Hello Vincent, Hopefully this question is not a waste of your time given your expertise... I've just purchased a new car, Subaru Imprezza 2.5i, and, naturally, the dealership is pushing the undercoating and/or rust proofing packages; I'm just wondering if these are worth it? The total cost is about $550.00 for both, about $275.00 each. Do you have an opinion if either or both are worthwhile and effective? Thanks in advance! Carrick

A. This is basically a judgement call. First off, what kind of warranty do they give you? If they give you a 10 year warranty against rust perforation, then it would be a check in the plus column.

The next consideration is where you live. Here, in the upper midwest, they throw tons of salt and chemicals on the roads every winter. This stuff goes through cars like a swimmer through a shark. Any added vehicle protection is needed and welcome. So if this is the kind of area you live in, another check in the plus column.

Can you afford it? If you can then go for it. I have one simple rule, "It's better to have it and not need it than it is to need it and not have it". And when you go to sell it or trade it in, it may add a few bucks to it's value.

You might get a better price and/or warranty from an independent vehicle protection company. There is a franchise called Ming® Finish that offers a line of vehicle protection packages. You might want to see what they have to offer before saying yes to the Dealer.