2007 Illinois Outlander now for sale in Texas. I know salt is a winter issue in Illinois. Are outlanders likely to become rusted out underneath? What should I look for?

 

I live in Wisconsin, but my 2007 Outlander has only been here since 2011, so it had its first 4 winters in a salt-free state. Illinois is pretty salty, though.

Mine is not too bad underneath, and there's no body rust yet anywhere else, but it has had some issues. There was a small spot on a door seam that I nixed early. Underneath, I had a coolant tube that runs to the transmission, I think, that rusted and had to be replaced. It's about the size of a straw, and it's been mentioned in this forum already. Also check the brake rotors. They're pretty exposed on this car and if they haven't been replaced, they might be in rough shape. Also, the exhaust parts take a beating. I've had to have some pieces replaced. Personally, if you live in Texas I'd look for an Outlander that has not spent its life in a salt state. 11 years in that environment is going to make a big difference vs. a car that's spent its life in a no-salt state.

 

My 2008 has spent its life in Connecticut with treated roads in the winter. The exhaust system was done as of this past year and I had it replaced, but there are no other big rust issues on the vehicle.

 

I've been in Kansas city and st louis. I'll second the exhaust system will rust out first. Mine is about done, past the cats. Other piece to watch is the front crossmember. There was a recall on it, but fix is little to no help.