I had just finished cleaning out my '99 LS and had just shut the door when I noticed that the left side rocker panel (I believe that is the correct name) was hanging. Whatever that panel is attached is almost ready snap off due to rust and there is a lot of rusted of metal in the bottom lip of the rocker panel. Should I be worried about the integrity of the vehicle? I live in Minnesota and I know that if I don't cover the panel, that the rocker panel is attached, the rust will only get worse and possibly will prevent any future repairs to the rocker panel. What should I do?
Thanks,
Taggerun

 

Wow they must use alot of Salt on the roads up your way. I noticed a bunch of rusty cars over in Iowa last year when I was there for a few months.
All that said you need to determine what you want to do with the Car, fix it or forget about it. If you repair the car it will be expensive and you may not be able to get any value from that repair. If not you can just drive the thing and get what use out of it you can and then send it on to a salvage yard.

 

IMO that isn't fixable for any reasonable amount. I'd also think if that spot was that bad, there are probably other bad spots too.

Best bet if you're really set on a 5th gen is just to buy one from a southern state that doesn't have rust issues. 5th gens seem to have bottomed out on price around here, you can get one for $1k or less. Add a few hundred for a flight to go get it and gas to get back, and you'd be set.