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Certain DIY folks will say that they can do this or that at home for cheaper. Mud flaps? Not a problem. Tinted windows? Get the spray bottle. LED under glow? Just grab some tape. However, for things that stray away from physical appearance like LED lights and tinted windows, should you really pay the dealer all that money to protect your car from rust in the future?
Unless it’s a vinyl wrap, you don’t really see new cars with surface rust underneath the paint. At most maybe you’ll see rust on places like brake rotors or maybe a rock chipped the paint, and you get some bubbles. However, you are spending all that money on a new car, should you not think about that car’s long-term reliance? Maybe some money spent today will prevent you spending a fortune in the next decade or so.
If you are like me, you probably plan on driving the car until the wheels fall off. Fortunately, if you buy a Toyota, you will be driving for a long time. However, if it isn’t a mechanical problem that causes you to get a new car, it definitely is rust. On Facebook’s Toyota RAV4 Hybrid page, user Amal Anand asked if the extra $7000 of dealer add-ons like rust protection and extended warranties were worth it?
Right off the bat I can say that you would want to put on some rust protection after about a few days of driving because those parts need some miles on them to really break free. If you add rust protection from the dealer, it tends to chip and fall off. A lot of forum writers have shared this experience. However, if you plan to splurge a bit on early rust protection, owners suggest you get it done elsewhere so you won’t be charged with the insane price’s dealers are charging.
Mike Lee wrote, “As far as rust protection I’d probably go to a vendor that specializes in it as opposed to the dealer. It’s probably cheaper.” Now depending on where you live, a lot of major mid-sized towns have access to local paint and body shops. The average cost to spray your undercarriage and body with rust protection would not go more than a few hundred bucks. Maybe even cheaper. The dealer needs to pay all those mechanic’s salaries, health insurance, 401k’s, etc. It’s no doubt that they are going to charge you at most a grand in exchange for rust protection.
However, Michael Butkus said, “Way overpriced. Mid-West Auto for a Toyota warranty. You don't need rust protection. Most of the undercarriage is plastic.” Now this is also depending on your car. If your 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is right off the assembly line, which in this case most of them are, then you would probably only want the parts that are metal to be sprayed and not the random bits of plastic.
Also be sure to check out our latest article on the new Toyota Crown.
What do you think? Would you get any dealer add-ons? Let us know in the comments below.
Harutiun Hareyan is reporting Toyota news at Torque News. His automotive interests and vast experience test-riding new cars give his stories a sense of authenticity and unique insights. Follow Harutiun on Twitter at @HareyanHarutiun for daily Toyota news.
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Comments
I also read the rustproof
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I also read the rustproof spray can damage hybrid components/cables
You are correct! Certain rust
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In reply to I also read the rustproof by Nick (not verified)
You are correct! Certain rust proofing products can damage your seals, bushings, rubbers, etc... It also might contain conductive properties that in a high voltage vehicle is definitely not recommended! We don't want to help the electricity travel easier!
This is coming from a Cpertified Master Toyota Technician
Hi,what model of RAV4 is
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Hi,what model of RAV4 is pictured on the article? i noticed it doesnt have the usual “sad” drooping end grille. The sad look grille turns me off, makes the RAV4 face look like a sad clown.
This is an article written by
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This is an article written by someone that knows nothing of what he's talking about. Just because you can write an article definitely doesn't make you an expert. I rarely say anything whatsoever online but after reading this. Wow. I've been in the car industry since I was 12 years old. I'm not 40 and I've worked in independent garages and in dealers. I've experienced both sides of the coins. I've worked as Service advisor, Parts advisor, Parts and Service Manager, Certified Master Technician, Sales and I'm now working in the business office providing proper information to customers. I'm I don't agree or disagree with the article. What the article should've done was provide you with facts instead of giving their own opinion. When you use the wrong rust proofing products you are Damaging seals, rubbers, etc. To the point, where it can actually void your warranty on certain components. Are the rust specialists the solution? Well, think about it... The need you to come back every year for them to stay in business. Are they applying the best product out there? I think not. Are dealers doing it? To an extent, yes. Don't get me wrong. It's a vehicle to generate more revenue for the business and the employees but the dealers business does not require for you to come back every year. They will charge you a premium for the convenience and for a better product as well. One that won't wash off... To say that the underneath of the vehicles are made out of plastic is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. They have plastic covers and those plastic covers do not shield the vehicle from salt and other contaminants getting in and doing their thing. I agree that the only way you can kill a Toyota is with rust. So evaluate your options, ask questions about the products, what kind of guarantees do they provide? Any warranty with the rust proofing? Any additional services? Assistance? I'm not saying to go and apply rust proofing from the dealer. There are so many articles out there in favor of rust proofing and you'll find the same amount against. That's the nature of things. Each situation is different. See what makes sense to you. Rust proofing a vehicle will increase the vehicles life, so let's say you spend $2000 and extends the life of your vehicle for a year. Let's go with the worse case scenario. Isn't it worth it already if it avoided you spending $50k for an additional year? How about you? Planning on driving it until the wheels fall off? Then do your research and definitely forget everything you read in the article. Thank you!