Rust Protection

With the quality of panels now - probably for most people, rustproofing (electronic or with coatings) is not necessary. The factory already has place some body sealant on very rust prone areas (seams, corners, joints, etc) and the metal overall is self-healing for most scratches.

If you live the rust-belt areas and not able to routinely clean off the road salt accumulations, or drive in areas where the car will be subjected to possible body damage (long stretches of large gravel roads, drive your car routinely on the beach, etc) - then a underbody coating will probably help in that case.

Check with the dealer - many underbody coatings will void the manufacturer's warranty on body panels if incorrectly applied or cause headaches for you later if a panel does happen to rust through on you.

Good Luck.

Someone had a 2001 Corolla S that he bolted on some 17x7 wheels. The wheels were a bit too wide and he had to roll the fender lip with a hammer and dolly. Craked all the paint off the bottom of the fender lip and drove it that way for three years - only surface rust, no rust through at all. That was in Ohio - if you ever lived there - you would know that it get snow and they salt pretty heavily.

I just spray some water up under the wheel wells every once and a while and sometimes, when I take the wheel off for a thorough cleaning, I give the wheel well a once over with an old sponge.

Good quailty wax and frequent washing is all you really need. For more stubborn spots, swirl marks - a cleaner/wax, swirl remover, and or a clay bar can really help that finish come through.

Good Luck.