Catch a Wave?

Apparently our trusty red Caravan is no longer so trusty. Our mechanic says that rust is attacking areas of the chassis and this makes it a poor investment to keep repairing. Any old car can be kept running a long time if rust in the frame/chassis can be avoided.

I realized yesterday that there are NO shops around Nanaimo specializing in under-coating to protect cars from rust and corrosion! Guess why.... There is a world of difference in the condition of older cars in this part of the world vs. Quebec and Ontario. Those "down east" cars are subject to the worst salting of the roads because their climate is such that salt is the main tool used to keep the roads clear. On the prairie province roads, the temps are usually so cold that salt doesn't work as well, and plowing/sweeping has to be used more. And on the west coast of course, the roads are rarely in need of winter maintenance of any kind (the interiour is a different story).

We decided to look at some "next-to-new" models around the 10 to 12,000 dollar level as a replacement that we can expect to keep for 10+ years. Perhaps we'll "Catch a Wave" ...