Snowman9000
IL
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I am on the lookout for a specific older car to tow, and here in the midwest we have the salt/rust thing which complicates finding an older car.
We plan to head southwest later this winter. We were going to tour TX and not get to AZ. But I'm thinking this would be a great chance to look for a rust free specimen. Which state offers better selection, etc., or is it a toss up? Thanks.
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BuckBarker
Treasure Coast Florida
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Arizona definately! If it is good enough for the military to store thousands of old airplanes, it is the best place to find rust-free autos. West Texas would be right behind New Mexico.
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Vulcaneer
Northern New England
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I would think AZ. Much dryer. And even in TX, there is some risk of being close to the Gulf and salt water.
However, pay attention to the condition of the interior. Heat and sun blazing through the windows can kill the dash, door panels and seats. Leather and vinyl cracks and fabric fades.
JMHO
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bsinmich
Holland, MI
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I have lived in Michigan all my life and have owned 49 cars over the years, not counting MHs. The difference in how they last is great. We sold an 11 year old Dodge Grand Caravan a year ago and there was only a little bit of rust on the vehicle. Back in the 70s I had a Electra 225 and within 18 months the hood and trunk lid had begun to rust. You can also look at an older Saturn because the plastic body doesn't rust.
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Homer
Northeast Indiana
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Out West you may not have the rust problem, but flat crankshafts, sand damaged paint. Sun damaged interiors, rubber degeneration are very real problems.
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301TBS
Ontario, Canada
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Flat crankshafts? Can you explain that for me?
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Raymon
Phoenixville, PA
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You would want to carefully investigate the car's history. Just because the car is in, let's say, Arizona today, does not mean the car spent it's entire life in Arizona. I have a 1970 Chevelle, 396SS that came from Missouri; I live in Pennsylvania.
Another point: I have absolutely no knowledge regarding towing older vehicles; flat tow versus dolly towing. You should consider this issue before you buy the vehicle.
There several websites for researching older classic and antique vehicles. I found mine on ebay.
Wishing you the best.
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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Anywhere on the west coast you can find great rust free cars. Waaayyyy up here in OreGone we don't use salt either. We do get rain, but unless the car is a known leaker rust is not an issue until the cars hit about 25 years old. And then it is only some vehicles, like older Hondas that came over on the ships deck. Southern California is probably your best source for old cars though. Seems like lots of collectors there keep vehicles for ever.
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Vulcaneer
Northern New England
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Someone brought up a good point. You don't need to go way south or south west to find rust free cars. If you just go far enough where they don't salt the roads the cars will be rust free. And those are the areas where the sun damage (Paint, Interior, window seals, etc.) might not be as severe as in TX, AZ.
Think MO, AK, TN, southern IN, etc.
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accsys
Green Cove Springs, FL
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Be very, very careful in buying a used car for the next few months. I am afraid there is going to be a large number of Hurricane Sandy cars make it to the market that shouldn't. They will not just be selling them on the East coast but across the nation. A CarFax report is going to be a must.
John & Doris
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