Are there any cars that are designed to last more than 12 years without rusting?

In the past I have owned a Volkswagen Polo and a Golf. The cars lasted 17 years and 14 years and were still good roadworthy cars when I sold them. I was shocked when I read your comments about modern cars not being built to last (apart from a few Mercedes-Benz models). You did not recommend a Jazz as they are only built to last eight years. I looked under my current 2003 Fiesta and found a worrying amount of rust. Is there any make of car that is built to withstand rust and will last at least 12 years? Or is my best bet to spray the bottom of the Fiesta with waxoyl each year? I had thought that modern cars used galvanised panels and had beaten the rust problem.

Asked on 28 August 2010 by shropshire lad

Answered by Honest John

No. None. If the structure lasts, then some vital component that costs more to replace than the value of the car will fail. That's why manufacturers are now reducing body warranties. I reckon the best you are likely to do is a Mercedes-Benz C200 CDI Classic SE manual that I reckon will be good for 500,000 miles in 10 years, but not 500,000 miles in 20 years.

Tags: rust corrosion high mileage

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