1999 Mercury Cougar/Sub frame defect

What's the defect? If it is rust and you live in one of the states that throw a ton of salt onto an ounce of snow, like here in WI, frequent washing really accelerates the problem. The water helps the salt seep into places it normally wouldn't get to. I drive a 1980 Volare and 1988 Grand Caravan that never get washed in winter. Both have very little rust. Other similar vehicles are long gone due to excessive rust.

Caradiodoc