I'm trying to find some info on some patch panels for the quarter panels. I'm looking at getting another third gen, but I can't afford what the "rust free" ones are going for.

 

You'll spend more fixing rust then you would just buying a rust free car to begin with. Unless you have the skill and equipment to lay down a paint job, the paint will cost as much as a clean thirdgen.

Replacement panels are easy enough to find. It's just the welding, grinding, filling, priming, painting, that people have trouble with.

 

Well my budget for a car is 4g and I've yet to find a decent non t top car in that price range. I've found some v6 ones but, doing a motor swap is just as expensive. Wouldn't be my first paint job and I'm not wanting a show car anyways. Just a decent v8 weekend toy.

 

Let me ask you this. You have 4 grand to spend and can't find a decent car. While looking, you are willing to spend that 4 grand on a rusty car? How will you pay for the rust repair, paint and any other repairs that are needed? You could use the $4k as a down payment on a $6k or $7k car, get one with no rust, doesn't need paint and you could enjoy it today. The $3k extra will cost $140/month on a 2 year loan at 10% interest or $98/month on a 3 year loan. You will also build a credit rating this way. Do you think the repairs on the rusty car will exceed $3k? I know a lot of people don't want loans or the requirement to make payments, but in the end, you're better off.