Rust protectant's and trade-in value.

[Blmpkn]

Say you get your truck fluid film'd or rust check'd or whatever your pick of sticky rust inhibitor is... and then later on decide to trade in your truck.

I imagine a dealer isn't going to want to sell a vehicle with a filthy nasty looking undercarriage.. as practical as it is...and would likely offer less for trade in since they're going to have to pay one of their monkeys to clean it up.

Yay? Nay? 8 page debate? What's up?

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[jdagg2003]

I have never had a dealership do more than a quick look inside and out on my trade, I don't think they even popped the hood when I traded in my mustang. They have a computer program that they just punch basic information into and it tells them what it is worth, of course they start there negotiations well below that number.

My salesman where I bought my 16 mustang (a pretty huge multiple location used car lot) told me they basically auction all the trade ins they get unless they are low miles, and in ready to sell condition or a particularly high demand vehicle.

 

[CB750F]

The dealer does not care, I think?
I keep my vehicles for as long as they last, last one, 18 yrs.
I get them sprayed because I try to keep them long.
If you change vehicles like you change your socks, don't spray it, your wasting $$$.
Also, spray first 2 yrs, then on the 5th, flip a coin on the 10th yr. Spraying every yr is also wasted $.
But, please do what makes you happy/we all justify whatever we do anyways.

 

[Motorpsychology]

A nonrusty vehicle will be worth more than a rusty one of the same year, everything else being equal. The rustproofing itself isn't worth more, although a transferable warranty will help it sell quicker.

 

[slowmachine]

Here in New Hampshire, I undercoat my vehicles. Part of it is pride-of-ownership. There’s not a lot of monetary payback until most of that make/year/model has been ruined by owner neglect. At that point, you have a bit of leverage for a higher valuation than average market value, based on superior condition. Pride of ownership is enough for me. Undercoating is a reasonable standard of care.

 

[Dgc333]

I used New Hampshire Oil Undercoating on my last truck. Once all the solvents in it flashed off it gave the undercarriage a nice even black finish. May not add value but certainly won't reduce the value and it's not something anyone in the right mind would try to remove.

 

[RedDakooter05]

Dealership trade/sell: No. Unless the frame is in severe decay, they won't care unless it's unusual for the area(ie; Trading in a 15 year old Minnesota truck down in Alabama).

Again for private resale significant rust may or may not discourage some buyers. But typically surface rust is fine, anything that looks structurally compromised will effect the value and legality of selling.

 

[Langwilliams]

I had my truck done an I think it looks better than the plain finish. If you touch it you get a little oil film on your finger but it doesn't drip or anything. I'm not known for keeping vehicles for years but I really like the ranger so I had it done. It was $150 for the first spray an I can go back every fall for 3 years for a $50 recoat/touch up.

 

[McLeadslinger]

Definitely depends on the region you live in. In areas with salted roads, I would most certainly protect the undercarriage. Here in NC they don’t salt roads when it snows so I just use my pressure washer under the truck.

In regards to dealerships. Most just scan the VIN and do a walk around That’s about it.

 

[gwhalin]

I can't imagine why the dealership would care. They can wash it off if they don't like it and it seems like it would indicate a well cared for vehicle. That said and as others have pointed out, I don't see them even looking.

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