Okay people, I want how vulnerable the subaru models, particularly the outback, is to rust. I drive in northern winters with lots of salt on the road. I am taking the precaution of an annual rust treatment but want to know if there is anything to keep a particular eye on. I find that where I live, rust is the prime enemy - mechanically vehcles outlast the body almost always. cheers!

Yes rustproof your car, rear quarters and under body and usually victims of large amounts of rust over time. Rust proofing along with cleaning fender areas is a good idea to protect your car from rusting. I like going through carwashes like every week, the ones with underspray.

The lower body metal on older Legacies/Outbacks is anti-corrosion plated on both sides, and all metal on recent ones. In addition, they come undercoated from the factory. There really isn't any benefit to third-party rustproofing since the factory treatment is already so thorough. My '90 Legacy went 12 years and only had a 1" square rust due to a gap between a fender liner and the fender. My '02 shows no signs of rust at all. I drive on salted roads all winter, and wash the car maybe twice during the winter. Subaru really put some thought into their rust protection and it works very well.

In what state are you living in, we can give a better answer

 

nipper

Hi,

 

" want to know if there is anything to keep a particular eye on."

 

The doors, hatch. I try to spray/fog the lower fourth or so with WD-40. Water Displacement is good.

 

Doug

Wash very well, often, especially during and soon after the winter months. Also oil the underbody!! And holes, seams, and cracks and crevices. I use NAPA brand chain and cable lube, it spreads and soaks in very well.