Steel can be galvanized easy enough to withstand decades of corrosion. It's just not cost efficient. (Most) people would rather spend $20k for a "luxury" package, so that's what the masses get instead of a vehicle that will actually last. Planned obsolescence.
Volkswagen actually tried to get it right more so than anyone here in N.A. did. Double sided zinc plated panels. Copper Nickel brake lines. I've seen many 20 year old VW/Audis around here with original brake lines looking much better than other manufacturers half their age.
BUT they get failing marks on so many of the mechanicals and is understandable why people that don't live in the land of cancer overlook them.
It's all a trade off.
For a better perception of my environment, Fluid Film performed a 5 year study at my counties ODOT garage. We're a perfect storm of heavy Lake Effect snow (100"+ per year avg), high year round humidity, and winter temps that are conducive to accelerated corrosion.
I'd gladly give up most all of the amenities in modern vehicles for something that could just hold up for 25 years with minimal structural maintenance. But that's not what most people want .
As it is, I easily spend 10-12 hours and $100 per vehicle annually on rust prevention.....all to eventually lose anyhow. That might not sound like alot....multiply by 4 (vehicles) and one maybe starts to appreciate the effort. Most won't put this effort into one let alone 4. It's a real investment both physically and financially in long term ownership here. There's no alternatives unless one wishes to have a car payment for life.
OK! Today's crying session complete!
