I live in Michigan also and salt is definately I killer on any car. Salt is what forced me to turn in my 91' Stealth for a Xfire yesterday. I had 275K miles but the engine and trans were still strong. It was everything else that started rusting away and quick. It's like cancer once it starts. Both sides of my rocker panels where rusting in the back starting this winter. By yesterday, the rust had completely made a 3 inch hole into the unibody next to the rocker panel and climbed half way up the quarter panel. I could actually peel the rust from the bottom of the car with my fingers, and had I kicked it, there would have been a big hole in the rocker panel. All I can suggest for winter dirvers is frequent car washes. The more you wash it the less time salt has to infect it's deadly bite.

I purchased my Crossfire with the intention of having a respectable daily driver. Now after one day driving it, I feel bad leaving it outside in the snow right now. I wish I had a two car garage.