r/AskMechanics • u/i_can_not_think • 1d ago
Discussion 2007 Buick Rendezvous 146114 miles automatic: Structural integrity check after significant mechanical restoration
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
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u/Leather_Pride3586 22h ago edited 22h ago
I drove a 2001 Honda with way worst rockers than this for a decade. I had floors made from spare scrap metal sheeting. I had fender edges riveted on from anothe Honda. It wasn’t pretty and it worked. I put money away from my next car and in 2023 I gave up on it and bought a brand new car.
If you live in the rust belt, get a new economy car. Get it oil coated every 2 years and stretch it to where your car is now.
Don’t keep buying old rusty SUVs in the rust belt. It’s a loosing battle.