Carolina Coastal Car Concerns
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2026
Posts: 24
Likes: 4
Carolina Coastal Car Concerns
Hi all! I have an opportunity to bid on a ‘19 C7 in coastal SC. I’m in the Midwest. I’m being told that the humid, salty air of the coastal regions can cause significant damage to metal parts (brakes, engine, etc.) as well as potential mold issues in the interior (carpet, seat cushions). Supposedly the car has been pampered and garaged, but not sure if the garage has been climate controlled or not. What, if anything, should I be concerned about or check into before bidding? Thanks. Any help would be appreciated.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 5,481
Likes: 2,190
From: Loveland
Have them take some pictures of the front and rear suspension. Even in humid parts of the country most people don't drive their C7's if wet sloppy weather. In the mid west they salt the roads in the winter, much worse than out east. I guess if it was parked, literally next to the beach, it could have issues.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 10,441
Likes: 1,737
From: North Texas
If the seller had a habit of leaving the car outside with the windows down, you might have a problem. Otherwise, you should be okay. I grew up in Corpus Christi and the water there is much saltier than the Atlantic. Our house was about 200 yards from the water. I don't remember any excess oxidation on any of our cars. We kept them clean and didn't drive them on the beach. I agree with Joe that I wouldn't buy a car without a personal inspection. Experience working auctions supported that conviction. It's more trouble and expense, but does help hold down on disappointments.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,160
Likes: 1,733
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Never seen much issue in a coastal car that was garaged. Shouldn't be an issue compared to midwestern salted roads.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 262
Likes: 130
From: Effingham county GA
Hi all! I have an opportunity to bid on a ‘19 C7 in coastal SC. I’m in the Midwest. I’m being told that the humid, salty air of the coastal regions can cause significant damage to metal parts (brakes, engine, etc.) as well as potential mold issues in the interior (carpet, seat cushions). Supposedly the car has been pampered and garaged, but not sure if the garage has been climate controlled or not. What, if anything, should I be concerned about or check into before bidding? Thanks. Any help would be appreciated.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 49,314
Likes: 3,919
From: Best Island in the U.S.
St. Jude Donor '12 thru '17
This. My ‘14 C7 I bought new is kept in a garage. We live a block from the beach. No rust, mold, or corrosion anywhere. A midwestern car where salt is used on roads would concern me more than one kept in a garage near the beach.
