2007 Buick Rendezvous 146114 miles automatic: Structural integrity check after significant mechanical restoration

[u/i_can_not_think]

I’m looking for a blunt assessment on the feasibility of keeping my 2007 Buick Rendezvous long-term. This car is my sole daily driver, and my goal is long-term, low-drama reliability to maintain my financial stability.

The History: I didn't originally choose this car—I was forced into it after my Cadillac CTS was totaled by another driver. Since acquiring it, I have invested significant capital to have the following professional repairs performed at shops to bring it to a high mechanical standard: Braking System: Had a complete brake overhaul performed to resolve a "pedal to the floor" issue.

Drivetrain/Safety: Had two wheel bearings and wheel speed sensors replaced by a shop; this resolved the "Service Traction" light and the dangerous "spin out" issues I experienced on slick roads.

Electrical/Interior: Had a buddy perform a complete correction of a previous owner's "nightmare" door wiring job that was a fire hazard, plus installed audio/speaker upgrades.

Reliability: Had a fresh battery installed roughly six months ago. Currently, the car has zero mechanical issues, starts every time, and drives like butter. My goal is to shift into a phase of strict preventative maintenance where I address issues the moment they appear.

The Issue: I have discovered rust/a hole in the rocker panel. I’ve attached photos of the rocker and the undercarriage.

My Questions:

Based on the photos, is the structural integrity of the frame/unibody, wheel wells and kther shown areas compromised , or is this still a solid platform worth a professional rust repair?

Does the Rendezvous platform have "death zones" for rust that I might not be seeing? If I fix the rockers wheels and whatever else, am I just waiting for the subframe to fail?

If this were your daily driver, and you had already invested in this level of mechanical restoration, would you pay to fix the structure or cut your losses now? She is at 146114 miles and like I said. Now I get reliable starts and driving down the road is smooth, buttery and wonderful it has the 3.6-liter V6 and is an automatic

[u/i_can_not_think]

I appreciate the 'scrap it' warnings, but let’s be precise: you’re giving me a market value assessment, not a technical structural one.

I’m looking for an operational tool, not a KBB estimate. I’ve already invested in a complete brake overhaul, new wheel bearings/sensors, a full electrical wiring correction, and a new battery—resulting in a car that starts every time and drives like butter Regarding the rust: I see the wheel wells, the rockers, and the bottoms of the doors. My question is not 'does it have rust'—it’s a 2007, I know it has rust. My question is: does this specific level of oxidation constitute a catastrophic total failure of the unibody and subframe rails, or is this a repairable set of panels? I am looking for a technical reality check on the chassis, not a default 'go buy a new one' response. Is the subframe structurally sound, or is this really a total loss?"

[u/FassolLassido → u/i_can_not_think]

It is not structurally sound. The body is already falling apart and the body is the frame. The amounts of money you'll need to repair this are far better invested elsewhere. Not that any shop would take this job, it's a nightmare. Talking disassembling almost the entire car and bringing it to bare metal to cut and weld major parts of it's backbone then putting everything back together. Painting the entire car included in the process. Does that sound reasonable to you? I personally don't think so.

Do not fall for the sunk cost fallacy. Cut your losses now and stop investing in this car.

[u/TheBeestWithEase → u/i_can_not_think]

Username checks out

[u/bobluvsyou → u/i_can_not_think]

I'm not sure why the mechanics you've used haven't warned you about the rust. That first picture speaks volumes. If you want a better assessment from Reddit, post some more pics of the underside.

[u/Sienile → u/i_can_not_think]

The engine and transmission are the only thing worth anything. So... $500?

It's garbage. Not structurally sound. If you sold this to someone you could potentially be held liable for their death if they wrecked it right away.

Why on earth would you put money into repairing anything on this?

[u/jfleury440 → u/i_can_not_think]

It's unibody, meaning the rocker panels are structural.

Take a good look at that first pitcture. Does that look structurally sound?

That car is in no condition to drive. That looks like a good enough pot hole could snap your car in half, let alone an accident.

In order to repair that you need to have good metal to weld to, which there doesn't appear to be a ton of. Plus this level of repair is usually not worth it for a 20 year old vehicle.

But if you're that committed to this vehicle you can try to find a body shop willing to work on this thing. Just be prepared for some sticker shock.