I had a '14 and it was a nice time 
Florida cars and salty ocean air
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Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 389
Likes: 8
From: Louisville, Kentucky
Formerly: 2007 e63; 2012 GL450
Florida cars and salty ocean air
I am looking at a 2014 car located in Naples Florida. Curious if any Florida residents think salty ocean air is a corrosive issue for cars? It’s a fairly high-end car, and I presume it has been garaged, as it appears in excellent shape. But just wondering if this should be a concern to me?
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Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 154
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From: South Florida
GL550
I live on the east coast, it's a straight line from Naples (Weston FL). It's no issue if the owner keeps the car garaged or has a nice wax or some form of clear coat. FL cars are not prone to rust as one might think.
My daily is 2012 that always sits outside baking in the hot Florida sun, I forget to wax it most of the time and it doesn't even have 1 inch of rust.
It's safe, don't worry about it.
My daily is 2012 that always sits outside baking in the hot Florida sun, I forget to wax it most of the time and it doesn't even have 1 inch of rust.
It's safe, don't worry about it.
Last edited by NaviTimer1; Nov 2, 2019 at 03:44 AM.
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Joined: Dec 2014
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From: New England/Florida
2005 SL 500. 2015 S550. 2016 GLE400 2018 S560
My 2018 is kept in RI during the summer months and I live 2 minutes from the ocean. During the winter I live in southeast Florida and have not had any issues from salty air.
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From: Florida
18 AMG GTC and 22 F150 Limited. Past owner 16 Maybach, 17 Brabus Smartcar, 06 Ford E150, and 22 G70
I am on the mainland in Brevard County and my 2016 is in beautiful condition. I have noticed NO issues with salt damage or wear and tear.
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From: West Plam Beach, FL
'16 S550 Coupe, '11 Lexus LS460, '02 CL500 (SOLD)
As long as the car did not reside directly on the Gulf, you're probably ok. Salty sea breezes can take their toll on any metal over time. I grew up about a 1/2 mile inland from the ocean, Atlantic City, and my wrenches more often than not had a slight rust coating on them from the salt air, even though they were in the garage. Of course they were bare metal but I think you get the idea. Have a look around in the engine compartment for any signs of rust. It's also a good idea to take a look underneath with the car on a lift. You never know where a car has been. Lastly, check the Carfax for where the car has been and for other info on it. For example, I'd stay away from any cars that resided in snow belt areas where roads are salted. And BTW, there are a lot of seasonal residents in Naples whose cars could be up North for part of the year or longer.
Last edited by Jud Chapin; Nov 2, 2019 at 03:29 PM.
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Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 30
Likes: 9
From: Venice, FL
2018 Ford Expedition EL, 2019 Tesla Model 3 LR
I live 800 feet from the gulf and keep my 5 year old expedition outside. Run through the car wash every two weeks. Paint and chrome are still perfect.
Metal and paint prep have come a long way since the 70's.
Metal and paint prep have come a long way since the 70's.
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Super Member
Joined: Feb 2017
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From: Rhode Island
2014 E350 Sport (sold), 2015 S550 Sport (sold), 2018 S560 Sport (sold), 2018 GLE43, 2014 E550
Whats your summer spot in RI? I live here year round and rarely see W222's around here. Thing is a beast in the winter as an aside (with Continental DWS 06 all seasons).
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 559
Likes: 166
From: Rhode Island
2014 E350 Sport (sold), 2015 S550 Sport (sold), 2018 S560 Sport (sold), 2018 GLE43, 2014 E550
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 559
Likes: 166
From: Rhode Island
2014 E350 Sport (sold), 2015 S550 Sport (sold), 2018 S560 Sport (sold), 2018 GLE43, 2014 E550
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Sarasota, Florida
2023 E450 Cabriolet, 2019 F150 Platinum, 2014 Dodge Challenger R/T
And there is your secret..... undercarriage wash.... do it frequently and you will be ok...
If your real close like a block or 2 away then yes salt will corrode the bare metal...
My wife's Harley took a beating when we left it in the garage for 6 month's....
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From: Huntington NY
S560
You cannot convert a salvage title into a regular one. Once the vehicle with a salvage title is repaired and you get it inspected you can then obtain a rebuilt title.
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From: FL & CT
2015 S550 Palladium/Deep Sea Blue, 2016 Tesla Model S 70D, 2015 Volvo XC70
My 2015 has a little rust on the lower side chrome trim. It has spent the past 15 months or so in FL, about 200 ft from the ocean (though parked most of that time in an air conditioned space) but before that spent 3 years in CT, so sorry I don't know which state was really the culprit.
