We all know that Cali cars are desirable thanks to low humidity, little rain, and relatively temperate clime. But I have an opportunity for a low mileage Ft Lauderdale car for my wife and was wondering how detrimental the climate really is by comparison? TIA

 

You'll find the undercarrage of FL cars in fantastic condition but the exterior paint quality is not. The extreme UV rays and sometimes sea air (if you live on the beach) really dont help. Oxidized and dead clearcoat is common. Most simply dont wash/wax their cars enough.

 

My car has been outside all day and all night for 2 years, beachside. Once i went away for a week and there was a white layer of salt on it when i got back. I wax every 2 months or so. I just claybarred and waxed last weekend, and the mirror shine is nearly perfect. Ill post pics later tonight when i can upload one.

It all comes down to how they took care of it. But basically like he said, the paint takes some hits from the sun, so you might want to check it out and if its a good deal, factor in the cost of a repaint. But as far as rust and stuff goes, its all good. But find a good owner. For example, every time i jack up the car, i check and repair the undercarriage coating.

 

What color is it? Believe it or not......it will make a difference down here.........especially if it was not really taken care of.

 

Over 18,000 hours of blistering florida heat, followed by meguiars claybay, and meguiars gold paste wax.

(and these are cell phone pics... imagine how shiney real camera would be)

 

Thanks Gents; good insight.

It's a 2007 dark blue with only 10k miles on it, in great shape. I was more concerned with hidden rust issues and didn't even consider paint degradation.

 

Bright colors definitely fade fast here. I'm expecting dark blue would be fine as long as it was taken care of - plus it's just an 07 model, so it's almost certainly safe from fading. Though, I've found that the interior is the fastest to fade, especially if the car isn't tinted and sits outside a lot. That's about the only thing I think I'd worry about.

 

There's a problem! The car is TOO shiny! Probly causes accidents wherever you go!

 

My VR.. Ah.. Crap..

 

Keep it waxed.........often!

 

Salted winter roads are much more harmful than anything you'll find here in FL (other than a car which has been through a hurricane storm surge).

I live a block in from the bay and after a couple years my RX8's paint is holding up like new. Undercarriage is clean.