Tips on Buying Cars: Rustproofing/Paint Protection, rust problems, honda fit

Question
Hi webfoot:

I am purchasing a 2007 Honda Fit.  I will NOT be taking the dealer rustproofing and paint protection; however, I do want to do what's best for this vehicle to keep it in tip top shape.  I plan to keep this for a minimum of 12 years, so I want to preserve the body and paint as well as the mechanical.  I live in Canada and the winters tend to be very harsh (plus lots of salt on the roads).  My question is:  are there any benefits to one kind of rustproofing over another?  Is the "Ziebart-style" kind as good as or better (or worse) than the yearly oil spraying?  What about the annual paint protection?  

There seem to be a lot of different opinions about these products and I'm finding it difficult sorting out fact from fiction.  I don't want to get ripped off, but I do want to look after my vehicle well.

Thanks for your help.  Regards, Jay

Answer
Honestly, I'm not much of an expert on rustproofing as we really don't have rust problems in Georgia.  

What I have learned about it is from looking at northern cars that come down here.  Most of the rustproofing that I've seen appears to have caused more rust than it has prevented by clogging up the water flow as designed by the factory.  In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if such a product could potentially void the manufactures corrosion warranty so if you're dead set on having it done, I'd make sure a Honda dealer does it.  Not that they will do any better, but for liability purposes.

Today's cars have far more advanced corrosion protection than just 10 years ago.  If it were mine, I'd keep a good coat of wax on the painted surfaces and try to wash down the underside as much as possible.

Good luck!