We need to replace our 1998 Dodge Caravan which runs good but is rusting out.

The replacement vehicle will probably be a Chevy Traverse or GMC Acadia. Given the high cost of these vehicles I am looking at a used one about 5 or 6years old. I don't mind facing some mechanical repairs in the future (used vehicles in this age range usually have about 70-100K miles), but I don't want the vehicle to come from a rust-prone area. It doesn't get much worse than here in Western New York. My 2006 HHR I bought new here has a lot more corrosion issues than the 2006 I just bought last year from Delaware.

How far do I have to go from Western New York to find an area that doesn't promote rusting (salt use, lots of snow, etc.)? Is Pennsylvania or Ohio any better?

Thanks
Steve

 

Think Southern states, like Maryland, Virginia, etc.

Both Ohio and Pennsylvania use copious amounts of "Fender Solvent" AKA salt on their roads in winter.

 

843de: "Think Southern states, like Maryland, Virginia, etc."

No.No.No. You didn't say that. Southern states are ones like Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia.

(OK Mike. I couldn't resist a little picking on you)

 

firemangeorge, you said that, like it's a good thing!!!

 

George, I've known New Yorkers who think PA is a Southern state.

Of course as I type this, I'm looking out at 8" of snow, with more falling at an inch an hour.

For the moment, North Carolina is doing a fair imitation of Buffalo NY.

 

to me, Washington, Idaho, Montana etc., are all Southern states. Each time I head down to Washington, I'm surprised it isn't nice and hot in January!

 

Yep, you still need to bring the toque ......A, hoser??

 

LOL - you bet - it's part of our national costume. :)

 

Sam, Sam, Sam, the Canadian Eh is spelled "Eh" not "A".

Whopper and the rest of our friends up North don't go around sounding like Fonzie on Happy Days.

 

Florida is a southern state. Just stay away from a beach car as sea salt has similar corrosive effects to autos as does road salt. But Arcadias etc. may not be cars of the "senior citizens" of Florida. Most dealers don't keep 5 or 6 year old cars on their lots, but you could do a search of the car dealers in southern states.