I plan to buy a 2008 H3 Alpha, 92K miles, which was
in the Florida coast for years. Don't know if it was garaged, or if waxed much.
The body shows no rust; but the dealer questions frame rust.
I will probably only be alive to drive it say
another 6-8 years; should I not buy it?
I love H3's....but can acquire one from inland.

 

We cannot see what is described as "frame rust". A light surface discoloration with solid in tact frame rails and components is not a problem. Flaking off metal, checking and holes is a BAD situation. Get down under and thoroughly inspect with a magnet and bright flashlight.

If it is at a dealer, have them put it on a hoist then look at it.

 

I lived in Florida near the coast for many years. Unless the vehicle frequently was exposed to salt water (such as driving down the coast on the beach or flooded out from a weather event) it should be just surface rust. Has Doc as said a thorough inspection is in order. Surface rust can easily be remove with a few strokes of a wire brush revealing clean-non-pitted metal. You may want to inquire with a local GM dealer to see if they will do an inspection for you. They can also check for codes and other hidden malfunctions.

If your serious in buying it you can consider the cost of the inspection money well spent.

 

surface rust is what you'll find on ANY H3!

My H3 came from SoCal and it has surface rust on the frame.

 

The mechanic put the H3 on a lift yesterday.
I tried to attach his photographs.
Yes, this Florida coast H3 has rust;
I can not tell if its "flaking off"
in small peices. Or just quite extensive;
& plus on the frame, it seems to be on
the flooring more seriously.
I am very unhappy but unsure if I can
buy this H3---or need run away,
& keep looking for the Alpha 2008/09
in red/orange that I seek.

I live in coastal Fl. I am certain, as our water levels
are rising, I will be going through ocean water
in the roads here (at least every few months)
. The H3 ability to slowly do 24"
of water is a reason I want one!

 

IMO I don't think it looks that serious. If you sprayed it with a good rust neutralizer then fluid film I think you would still be able to get good service out of it. The frame appears to be more surface rust then anything else. The floor pan picture you posted looks like there might be some rust bubbles there. Exhaust rust is to be expected and should be dismissed. Again, you can only tell so much from a picture. Personally I would have taken a wire brush to both the frame and the pan to see the depth and extent, but judging from the pictures only it does not look bad. What was the mechanics opinion?

Considering you will be driving through salt water from time to time this is destine to happen on anything you buy. If you can get this H3 at a reasonable price and it is sound both mechanically and electrically I would buy it.

 

Looks like typical surface rust for a 15 year old daily driven vehicle to me.
AS H2-SUT stated rust inhibitor everything and coat in your preferred encapsulater/film (mine is NHOU New Hampshire oil undercoating) .

 

My H3 has virtually no rust on the frame or floors at all. SoCal, 170,000 miles.

 

Have your insurance agent run the vin for insurance quote, that thing looks like it was sitting in flood water for a while.

 

I was thinking the same thing, Doc!!! But, I was reluctant to say it out loud.