<VV> Eastern Rust, NO CORVAIR

[NicolCS@aol.com]

I have a question about the way things are these days regarding vehicle rust 
in the "rust belt" northeast/midwest area.  I grew up in Ohio, so I remember 
well how quickly things rusted-out back in the 60's.  Seams started showing 
rust stains after about 3 years and perforation started to show up around 5 years 
after exposure to the first salty winter.

I have lived in the western US for the last 35 years and things basically 
don't rust-out at all.  Underneath the car, unprotected bolts and the occasional 
metal edge will show some corrosion and aluminum components under the hood 
stay a nice dull grey without any evidence of corrosion.

How do modern, 10 year-old, cars hold up after salty winter exposure?  I'm 
looking at purchasing an Astro Van circa 2000 or 2001.  I'm really skeptical 
about getting anything from the Northeast, but that seems to be where the lower 
mileage vans are showing up for sale.  
Any thoughts?
TIA, Craig Nicol