I live opposite the ocean without a garage. What mid-sized SUVs can you recommend that are fully galvanised?

The reality is that, in 2022, a car maker that can’t make a car that can be parked in a seaside suburb without corrosion setting in, doesn’t deserve to sell you a car at all. If you look closely at the fine print of a modern car’s specifications, you’ll often find that even though the car is covered for five, six or seven years, it will also carry ten years of warranty against corrosion perforating the body.

Older cars were notorious for rusting, but modern galvanising and coating techniques and products have reduced this to the point where you shouldn’t need to worry about rust taking hold in the first decade at least. It’s different in Europe where the authorities apply salted grit to the roads in winter to reduce accidents. This grit is very corrosive and can eat through a car’s metal skin and inner structure in no time flat. But in Australia, this doesn’t happen.

Beyond that, you can ensure that the car is kept clean (washed regularly) and you can consider applying a coat of quality wax to the paint to give it an added layer of protection. And when choosing a particular make or model, ask the dealer if there’s a corrosion-protection limit for added peace of mind.