Rear Fender Rust - 2006 Mazda3

[Chillyballs]

Hi All,

I'm fairly new to the forum - I bought a 2006 Mazda 3 GT sedan about 1.5 years ago brand new from Kieswetter Mazda in Kitchener. Overall I've been pretty happy with the car until now. I just washed it on the weekend and noticed a significant amount of rust coming from the lip on the rear fender - drivers side. The paint is bubbling quite noticeably - almost wrapping around to the exterior body panel.

I've rustproofed the car since new at Krown. Personally I don't think this is acceptable on any level of quality. Most cars don't show any signs of rust even after 4-5 years with NO rustproofing. Has anyone else noticed this on their Mazda3? I took it into the dealership today and they said they would fix it up - only have to drop it off for the day. Doesn't seem right that a body shop could blast away the rust, repaint/clearcoat all within the same day.

Let me know what you guys think. See pic below.


http://aycu06.webshots.com/image/23965/2003738203536603163_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2003738203536603163)

Thanks for your input!

Cheers

[EvilDeadFan]

It's new. Take it to the dealer. Do you have a good warranty? Because that's pretty bad.

[mazda lover]

also search "rear fender rust" and see another thread on the subject.

[b]

I have a 2004 with rust forming. Mine looks rough too. I am off warranty tho.

[midnightfxgt]

Not perforation... not covered.

[rallyboy]

My '05 is showing signs on both sides. Mississauga Mazda said it will be covered under warranty once it comes through the paint. Will take pictures to send to Mazda Canada and said it will take a couple of days to have fixed.
(underground/indoor parking + winter salt = early rust)

[b3GS]

it's strange.. but it seems the people who have gotten Rust protection are the ones getting the rust!?!?

I've heard how it's VERY important to get the car done when it's completely dry and clean... I think it's very possible that getting the rust proofing done is trapping moisture in.. which will only result in rusting

I think it's more important to keep the car clean as you can in the winter.. be sure to power wash under the car as best you can. I park underground, so I'm a bit concerned about this... but I've never gotten a car rust proofed before and I don't plan too.. from what I've seen and heard.. it doesn't really help

[MajesticBlueNTO]

it's strange.. but it seems the people who have gotten Rust protection are the ones getting the rust!?!?

I've heard how it's VERY important to get the car done when it's completely dry and clean... I think it's very possible that getting the rust proofing done is trapping moisture in.. which will only result in rusting

I think it's more important to keep the car clean as you can in the winter.. be sure to power wash under the car as best you can. I park underground, so I'm a bit concerned about this... but I've never gotten a car rust proofed before and I don't plan too.. from what I've seen and heard.. it doesn't really help

rubberized asphalt undercoating (the black stuff) can lead to rust as it can trap salt in crevices that didn't exist before (same can be said about the wax stuff).. the same thing with plastic parts in the wheel well (biggest example was the late 80s/90s hondas that had the rear rust at the back wheel well...caused by the trim piece holding salt)

oil-based rust proofing on the underbody shouldn't lead to rusting

parking underground in winter will speed up the rusting process as the above-freezing temps causes the ice to melt, mix with the salt and start the oxidation on unprotected metal

like you said, power washing the underbody in the winter is a good preventative method as it'll wash away most of the salt and dirt


as for the OP's problem, that looks like stone chips that weren't taken care of...you can see the spots where it chipped down to the bare metal and started rusting...the rusting then caused the bubbling of the surrounding paint as the oxidation spreads in the metal. no rustproofing would have prevented this from happening.

what you could have done is either 1) apply some grease to the chip (like vaseline) until you can tend to the chip properly...which leads to 2) use touch-up paint and then wax the area

like midnightfxgt said, the rust warranty (both factory and Krown) covers perforation only (which is rusting from the inside out, not the outside in)...if the dealer is covering this, they are doing it out of goodwill.

cliff's notes: this is not the fault of Mazda. they can send you home for neglecting to tend to the stone chips and not do anything about it.

[iconicrocket]

I'm going to check my fenders when I get off work.

[mazdaowner]

I have a 2005 Mazda 3 which is now showing quite a bit of rust, more so on the trunk below the brake light, not so much but starting on the wheel wells.

Before doing anyhting i would recommend asking whether it is warrantied. It is 3 years rust and 5 years perporation. i took it to one Mazda dealership and they told me that neither was covered (as it was not considered perporation), but they are going to meet me half way and will cover the side panels, but not the trunk, went to another dealership to ask the same question-they took pictures, said it should all be covered under warranty, but will send the pictures to Mazda to get it approved.

Pays to do homework.

[Thrizzl3]

I have a 2005 Mazda 3 which is now showing quite a bit of rust, more so on the trunk below the brake light, not so much but starting on the wheel wells.

Before doing anyhting i would recommend asking whether it is warrantied. It is 3 years rust and 5 years perporation. i took it to one Mazda dealership and they told me that neither was covered (as it was not considered perporation), but they are going to meet me half way and will cover the side panels, but not the trunk, went to another dealership to ask the same question-they took pictures, said it should all be covered under warranty, but will send the pictures to Mazda to get it approved.

Pays to do homework.

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=25439...way to revive an OLD thread

[ArcticMZ3]

as for the OP's problem, that looks like stone chips that weren't taken care of...you can see the spots where it chipped down to the bare metal and started rusting...the rusting then caused the bubbling of the surrounding paint as the oxidation spreads in the metal. no rustproofing would have prevented this from happening.

cliff's notes: this is not the fault of Mazda. they can send you home for neglecting to tend to the stone chips and not do anything about it.

I know this is an old thread, but it shows how time has clearly proven you wrong. Rust on Mazda3's is now a systemic problem. The rust originates with the manufacturing process; it is NOT the result of stone chips. The rear fenders lips on the Mazda3 rust from the inside out, causing the paint to bubble and flake off, exposing the rusted metal underneath. This type of rust is NOT the result of stone chips...so do not let dealers or Mazda Canada pull this BS on you . It is clearly problems in the Mazda manufacturing process that is causing the issue.

This type of rust is TOTALLY unaccepatable on vehicles this new!

[MajesticBlueNTO]

I know this is an old thread, but it shows how time has clearly proven you wrong. Rust on Mazda3's is now a systemic problem. The rust originates with the manufacturing process; it is NOT the result of stone chips. The rear fenders lips on the Mazda3 rust from the inside out, causing the paint to bubble and flake off, exposing the rusted metal underneath. This type of rust is NOT the result of stone chips...so do not let dealers or Mazda Canada pull this BS on you . It is clearly problems in the Mazda manufacturing process that is causing the issue.

This type of rust is TOTALLY unaccepatable on vehicles this new!

Note that Mazda DID send people home and initially DIDN'T honour any type of rust warranty for this.

In Ontario, it was the hard work of Lynne Witty and her collection of more than 50 cars that had this problem, and the backing of the APA, that caused Mazda Canada to even begin to authorize their dealers to fix this rust issue.

This initiative happened almost 1 year after my post...but thanks for taking the time to point out that "time has clearly proven" me wrong. :pop

[ArcticMZ3]

Haha....Nothing personal.

[mazda lover]

I know this is an old thread, but it shows how time has clearly proven you wrong. Rust on Mazda3's is now a systemic problem. The rust originates with the manufacturing process; it is NOT the result of stone chips. The rear fenders lips on the Mazda3 rust from the inside out, causing the paint to bubble and flake off, exposing the rusted metal underneath. This type of rust is NOT the result of stone chips...so do not let dealers or Mazda Canada pull this BS on you . It is clearly problems in the Mazda manufacturing process that is causing the issue.

This type of rust is TOTALLY unaccepatable on vehicles this new!

You are VERY correct. I have an 05 that is staring to show rust on the rear well wheels. For the first 3 years the was never winter driven and always garaged. This past winter was the first it was driven as my winter beater died in December. Don't want to know what it might look like if I had driven it the last 4 winters. I was thinking of the 2010 as a buy but is this rusting going to continue and I would be facing the same problem again. Look again at the picture, bubbling is the result of rust under the paint, I don't see any chips exposing metal. By the way rust showed on my car on 2008 just over 3 years old and by that time never winter driven. Those with rust issues would you buy another Mazda 3?

[Jeff0]

Those with rust issues would you buy another Mazda 3?

No more mazda for me if my 2008 will rust less than 5yr. Anyway I have this lifetime warranty rust protection from the dealer, let's see how they are going to deal with this problem...Sad to hear on this nice car..It looks like the rust problem is a computer virus embedded on this car that is programed to a certain time to take effect...lol..:)

[mazda lover]

No more mazda for me if my 2008 will rust less than 5yr. Anyway I have this lifetime warranty rust protection from the dealer, let's see how they are going to deal with this problem...Sad to hear on this nice car..It looks like the rust problem is a computer virus embedded on this car that is programed to a certain time to take effect...lol..:)

Have a careful look at your rust protection warranty, does it cover surface rust?
they will blame on any surface rust that is caused by stone chip, not covered or is it? go in and ask them if you have rust showing on the inner wheel wells and rear bumper area am I (you) covered. It would be interesting what they will say..good luck

[krasyal]

Why is it that the Mazda's wheel rim ( reer ) seems to rust ?

[Go_Habs_Go]

Why is it that the Mazda's wheel rim ( reer ) seems to rust ?

Because they either did not do a good job with prepping the steel on the panels of the car or the paint they used is not protecting the panels very well or most likely it is a combination of both.

Either way it's pretty pathetic to have this happening on cars in the year 2000+ when Mazda has been selling cars in Canada for decades. They know what the winters and salt do to cars here. Heck have you seen the Mazda Protege 5's rear wheel rims?

WAKE UP MAZDA!!! booo for your crappy workmanship.

[mazda lover]

because they either did not do a good job with prepping the steel on the panels of the car or the paint they used is not protecting the panels very well or most likely it is a combination of both.

Either way it's pretty pathetic to have this happening on cars in the year 2000+ when mazda has been selling cars in canada for decades. They know what the winters and salt do to cars here. Heck have you seen the mazda protege 5's rear wheel rims?

Wake up mazda!!! Booo for your crappy workmanship.

^^^^^
+++++++++++++1

[mazda lover]

Drove by a local Mazda dealer to look at the 2010 M3 again, car looks great in a dark colour which blends in with the grinnie grill.
I noticed they had a lot of used 3s on the lot so I went to check if any had any rust staring. Sure enough 2-2005 1-2004 1- 2006 & 1-2006 M6. I am surprised the dealer didn't fix them before putting them on the lot. The 2006s the rust was just showing, give it another year of winter and it will be worse. 1 of the 2005 also had the rust between the bumper and fender at the rear the others were at the wheel wells. Saw nothing on the 2007, clean. One car, can't remember what year looked to have had the wheel wells repainted.
2006 owners keep your eye on those areas. :bang

[Bean]

Its not just Mazda. I saw a 2007 Honda with rust on the fenders. So far so good with my car.

[Flagrum_3]

Drove by a local Mazda dealer to look at the 2010 M3 again, car looks great in a dark colour which blends in with the grinnie grill.
I noticed they had a lot of used 3s on the lot so I went to check if any had any rust staring. Sure enough 2-2005 1-2004 1- 2006 & 1-2006 M6. I am surprised the dealer didn't fix them before putting them on the lot. The 2006s the rust was just showing, give it another year of winter and it will be worse. 1 of the 2005 also had the rust between the bumper and fender at the rear the others were at the wheel wells. Saw nothing on the 2007, clean. One car, can't remember what year looked to have had the wheel wells repainted.
2006 owners keep your eye on those areas. :bang

Had a good look at the 2010 rear wheel wells, ...seems Mazda has taken some steps to resolve the problem, in that area anyways.
As for my '05, knock on wood, no sign of rust yet! but I also take special care of the problem areas plus had it oil-sprayed yearly.


_3

[mazda lover]

Had a good look at the 2010 rear wheel wells, ...seems Mazda has taken some steps to resolve the problem, in that area anyways.
As for my '05, knock on wood, no sign of rust yet! but I also take special care of the problem areas plus had it oil-sprayed yearly.


_3

any idea what Mazda did different to the rear wheel wells for 2010? I looked at one and saw no difference
Rust proofing may not help surface rust, or poorly prepared metal before painting.

[Bean]

I think mine is the first 2007 model with the problem. It is scary. Of all the cars I have had, this is the first one to have this problem so soon. Not good. And I have had many cars over the years.

[thanu31]

dam im nervous now:(
Im making a deal on a 06 2moro or wed..

[Bean]

Dont despair. Maybe your car will be okay. I dont know if all of them have this problem, although most I have seen do. By the way, I do not have a heated garage.

[Flagrum_3]

any idea what Mazda did different to the rear wheel wells for 2010? I looked at one and saw no difference
Rust proofing may not help surface rust, or poorly prepared metal before painting.


Not sure how to explain it but it's quite noticeable! The wheel well edge has been thickened on the inner edge, where most of the rusting starts...Wish I could take a photo of the '10 and another shot of an earlier model and you'd see the difference clearly when compared.

Rust proofing will definately not help Surface rust or Poor metal but it will decrease the chances of any other type of rust.....but we don't know for sure What is causing the rust most here are experiencing...All I know is my 3 has been Oil-Sprayed yearly and I have no signs of rust, as of yet, in any of the prone areas.


_3

[Bean]

Its not just Mazda. I saw a 2007 Honda with rust on the fenders. So far so good with my car.

I spoke too soon :(

[mazda lover]

Not sure how to explain it but it's quite noticeable! The wheel well edge has been thickened on the inner edge, where most of the rusting starts...Wish I could take a photo of the '10 and another shot of an earlier model and you'd see the difference clearly when compared.

Rust proofing will definately not help Surface rust or Poor metal but it will decrease the chances of any other type of rust.....but we don't know for sure What is causing the rust most here are experiencing...All I know is my 3 has been Oil-Sprayed yearly and I have no signs of rust, as of yet, in any of the prone areas.


_3

not sure the thicker metal will make any difference. Its the type of metal or how it is prepared before painting that matters. Metal can be a foot thick but if you paint it it still might-will rust. Still a good idea to rust proof it every year.

[Bean]

Had a good look at the fender on a 2010 model today. Does not look any better to me.

[mazda lover]

Had a good look at the fender on a 2010 model today. Does not look any better to me.

I agree. I think the only way to correct this problem would be maybe better metal-prep and paint

[Bean]

You would think with all these complaints that Mazda would have done something by now.

[mazda lover]

You would think with all these complaints that Mazda would have done something by now.

even the Protege pre M3 had rust issues, nope doesn't look like they corrected it, but at least they are stepping up and fixing the rust for those of us who have it. Do a Google "Protege rust issues"

[Bean]

Well, looks like as of tomorrow I wont have to worry anymore. :(

[freddymak18]

it's the Americans! they were responsible for the early m3s... I think. lol not hating on Americans, just japs seem to do it better.:hawt

[Cardinal Fang]

How were the Americans responsible for the early Mazda3's when they were built in Japan?

[Flagrum_3]

How were the Americans responsible for the early Mazda3's when they were built in Japan?

Yeah really LOL.....Maybe he should be blaming the Chinese, because apparently that's where Mazda and most of Japan's vehicle sheet metal comes from!


_3

[Flagrum_3]

Had a good look at the fender on a 2010 model today. Does not look any better to me.

If you had a good look then you would have noticed it's quite different! Not just thicker but almost looks like a coating has been placed on the problem area!...Almost looks like a solid weld with a plastic coating...best I can describe it, but definately looks more durable then the previous version.


_3

[Hi-Gloss]

You would think with all these complaints that Mazda would have done something by now.

If you guys keep buying Mazda they wont change a damn thing.
Bottom line is Mazda is not prepping cars properly for Canadian Winters. They've got the cutest little car, yes it handles well... drives nice and tight but WHO CARES if its going to be a rusty disaster 7 years down the road?

Rust warranty is a total sham, they will try to say a stone chip caused it, or that it is not right through. Even if they fix it they will do it the half ass way just to shut you up past the warranty period... The rust is going to come back with a vengeance. You want a car that DOESN'T rust regardless of what rust warranty it has.

I've seen rusty proteges rolling around since about 06........and have noticed mazda 3s rusting out in the rear wheel arches.. This is just pathetic.... as it is a huge downgrade of quality from the 90's when cars would at least take 6 or 7 years to start showing rust.

If you are considering a new 2010, why do it to yourself? Until wee see this years model rolling around 5-6 years down the road rust free, we don't know if Mazda has corrected the problem or not.

[Bean]

If you guys keep buying Mazda they wont change a damn thing.
Bottom line is Mazda is not prepping cars properly for Canadian Winters. They've got the cutest little car, yes it handles well... drives nice and tight but WHO CARES if its going to be a rusty disaster 7 years down the road?

Rust warranty is a total sham, they will try to say a stone chip caused it, or that it is not right through. Even if they fix it they will do it the half ass way just to shut you up past the warranty period... The rust is going to come back with a vengeance. You want a car that DOESN'T rust regardless of what rust warranty it has.

I've seen rusty proteges rolling around since about 06........and have noticed mazda 3s rusting out in the rear wheel arches.. This is just pathetic.... as it is a huge downgrade of quality from the 90's when cars would at least take 6 or 7 years to start showing rust.

If you are considering a new 2010, why do it to yourself? Until wee see this years model rolling around 5-6 years down the road rust free, we don't know if Mazda has corrected the problem or not.

Very well said.

[mazda lover]

If you guys keep buying Mazda they wont change a damn thing.
Bottom line is Mazda is not prepping cars properly for Canadian Winters. They've got the cutest little car, yes it handles well... drives nice and tight but WHO CARES if its going to be a rusty disaster 7 years down the road?

Rust warranty is a total sham, they will try to say a stone chip caused it, or that it is not right through. Even if they fix it they will do it the half ass way just to shut you up past the warranty period... The rust is going to come back with a vengeance. You want a car that DOESN'T rust regardless of what rust warranty it has.

I've seen rusty proteges rolling around since about 06........and have noticed mazda 3s rusting out in the rear wheel arches.. This is just pathetic.... as it is a huge downgrade of quality from the 90's when cars would at least take 6 or 7 years to start showing rust.

If you are considering a new 2010, why do it to yourself? Until wee see this years model rolling around 5-6 years down the road rust free, we don't know if Mazda has corrected the problem or not.

you are absolutely right..:whoa

[Hi-Gloss]

With this problem is really a wonder how the Mazda 3 has caught up with the Honda Civic for sales... I used to be a fan of Mazda... but after my 03 rusted out on me from every seam possible.. and was offered Nothing for it in a trade in because of this.. I will not touch mazda. It seems that honda and toyota have stepped up their game to fight corrosion... how many 03 corollas do you see with rust, except for where the paint was scraped off? 03 civics?? Doors busting open at the seams from rust??? total bullshit on a 6 year old car.

[aris]

ANd how many of uses rust check or krown your cars? or how about washing them during the winter months?

Considering how many mazda are on the road and the amount that have this issue..maybe alot of use need to wash your cars more often during the winter months...my $.02

[Hi-Gloss]

ANd how many of uses rust check or krown your cars? or how about washing them during the winter months?

Considering how many mazda are on the road and the amount that have this issue..maybe alot of use need to wash your cars more often during the winter months...my $.02

Washing your car often in the winter with hot water will accelerate the rust process... Rust starts where you can not wash.. in between panels.... You can not wash inside the door or in between the welded pieces of sheet metal on the quarter panels.

I did not use Krown.. that was a mistake. however it was a bigger mistake to buy a Mazda because a car should not rust within the first 4 years of ownership regardless of what rustproofing was done or not done... This is not 1960 when cars started to rust out after 3 years. We have the technology to build cars better. Mazda chooses year after year not to use it.

[Bean]

Its a very sad thing but as long as people keep buying the cars, Mazda wont give a damn

[mazda lover]

ANd how many of uses rust check or krown your cars? or how about washing them during the winter months?

Considering how many mazda are on the road and the amount that have this issue..maybe alot of use need to wash your cars more often during the winter months...my $.02

washing your car often will not stop surface rust, rust proofing will not stop surface rust. Waxing your car will not stop surface rust. The rust starts "under"the paint and bubbles out. If you scratch the paint down to bare metal yes rust will start. If the surface is perfect and rusts starts its from underneath the paint.

[Flagrum_3]

washing your car often will not stop surface rust, rust proofing will not stop surface rust. Waxing your car will not stop surface rust. The rust starts "under"the paint and bubbles out. If you scratch the paint down to bare metal yes rust will start. If the surface is perfect and rusts starts its from underneath the paint.

I'll agree and disagree with your statement only in the fact that 'Surface Rust' is caused by neglect i.e; scratches, chips etc; that have not been taken care of!!....But yes, I think the Mazda 3 problem comes mostly from poor quality sheet-metal underneath the paint and maybe even a poor paint preperation process which explains the 'bubbling' and in which you cannot do anything to prevent the rust from forming.

My 3 is 4 years old, has seen 3 winters and has absolutley no sign of rust! Which strengthens my belief that it is a metal problem.

I believe this as not all 3s are showing the symptoms, only some and that to me points to 'Bad Batches' of metal.Which it is up to Mazda to prevent thru good quality inspections of the metal they import in the use of their vehicles.

Will this prevent me from purchasing another Mazda, probably, but I already know my next vehicle will not be a Mazda anyways......always wanted a beamer! :)



_3

[mazda lover]

I'll agree and disagree with your statement only in the fact that 'Surface Rust' is caused by neglect i.e; scratches, chips etc; that have not been taken care of!!....But yes, I think the Mazda 3 problem comes mostly from poor quality sheet-metal underneath the paint and maybe even a poor paint preperation process which explains the 'bubbling' and in which you cannot do anything to prevent the rust from forming.

My 3 is 4 years old, has seen 3 winters and has absolutley no sign of rust! Which strengthens my belief that it is a metal problem.

I believe this as not all 3s are showing the symptoms, only some and that to me points to 'Bad Batches' of metal.Which it is up to Mazda to prevent thru good quality inspections of the metal they import in the use of their vehicles.

Will this prevent me from purchasing another Mazda, probably, but I already know my next vehicle will not be a Mazda anyways......always wanted a beamer! :)



_3

Mine is an 05, the first 3 years it was never driven in the winter till this last winter as my winter beater died. I washed the car every week during the summer, always garaged, unheated, waxed twice a year yet I am seeing rust starting to show on the wheel wells last year. To that point never winter driven. Yes oil rust proofing will help on inner panels, doors, trunk etc.
So what am I doing wrong? in fact what are we all doing wrong that have the rust issues?

[Flagrum_3]

Mine is an 05, the first 3 years it was never driven in the winter till this last winter as my winter beater died. I washed the car every week during the summer, always garaged, unheated, waxed twice a year yet I am seeing rust starting to show on the wheel wells last year. To that point never winter driven. Yes oil rust proofing will help on inner panels, doors, trunk etc.
So what am I doing wrong? in fact what are we all doing wrong that have the rust issues?

Did I say anyone was doing anything wrong? ...I don't think so! Maybe you misunderstood what I said! My first statement was to clarify that; 'SurfaceRust' is defined and for the most part caused by moisture getting under the paint where there is scratches, stone chips, damage from impacts etc;...therefore surfacerust is caused by neglect of the owner not repairing the damaged paint area...But I believe it is not what people are experiencing here, which is why I pointed the blame at Mazda for bad quality control.From the many vehicles I've seen most of the rust seems to bubble up underneath the paint where there is no sign of paint damage i.e; chips or scratches, pointing directly to poor quality sheet metal or paint bounding.

So....basically there is nothing anyone can do to prevent it, it seems, except be one of the lucky ones whom their vehicles were not built with poor batches of metal......I am still not convinced I'm one of the lucky ones, that is why I stay vigilant and wash and wax and examine the prone areas often!!



_3

[Dave_The_BMXER]

Rust warranty is a total sham, they will try to say a stone chip caused it, or that it is not right through. Even if they fix it they will do it the half ass way just to shut you up past the warranty period



I disagree here only because I had my car fixed after the warranty period with no holes and it was a painless process.

If it rusts again I will just keep going back until I sell the car as the work is *apparently* covered for life.

I agree with your other points these cars shouldn't rust so early. My moms 97 altima didn't show visible rust until about 9 years.

[mazda lover]

Did I say anyone was doing anything wrong? ...I don't think so! Maybe you misunderstood what I said! My first statement was to clarify that; 'SurfaceRust' is defined and for the most part caused by moisture getting under the paint where there is scratches, stone chips, damage from impacts etc;...therefore surfacerust is caused by neglect of the owner not repairing the damaged paint area...But I believe it is not what people are experiencing here, which is why I pointed the blame at Mazda for bad quality control.From the many vehicles I've seen most of the rust seems to bubble up underneath the paint where there is no sign of paint damage i.e; chips or scratches, pointing directly to poor quality sheet metal or paint bounding.

So....basically there is nothing anyone can do to prevent it, it seems, except be one of the lucky ones whom their vehicles were not built with poor batches of metal......I am still not convinced I'm one of the lucky ones, that is why I stay vigilant and wash and wax and examine the prone areas often!!



_3

Sorry but I was not implying that you said I or anybody was doing something wrong, it was just a general comment, kinda like thinking out loud. Asking a question to myself and looking for an answer.

[victor_t]

this is about the paint, not rust, but I need to rant.

a bird dropped some doo-doo on my hood today. so when I got home I wet the area and wiped it with a kleenex. and now I have some nice new scratches on the hood.

wet bird shit is enough to scratch the clearcoat on this car. I'm truly amazed.

[Bean]

ANYTHING is enough to scratch the clearcoat on these cars

[sunkist4338]

Did I say anyone was doing anything wrong? ...I don't think so! Maybe you misunderstood what I said! My first statement was to clarify that; 'SurfaceRust' is defined and for the most part caused by moisture getting under the paint where there is scratches, stone chips, damage from impacts etc;...therefore surfacerust is caused by neglect of the owner not repairing the damaged paint area...But I believe it is not what people are experiencing here, which is why I pointed the blame at Mazda for bad quality control.From the many vehicles I've seen most of the rust seems to bubble up underneath the paint where there is no sign of paint damage i.e; chips or scratches, pointing directly to poor quality sheet metal or paint bounding.

So....basically there is nothing anyone can do to prevent it, it seems, except be one of the lucky ones whom their vehicles were not built with poor batches of metal......I am still not convinced I'm one of the lucky ones, that is why I stay vigilant and wash and wax and examine the prone areas often!!



_3


what are the prone areas?

[Bean]

Rear fenders and trunk area

[sunkist4338]

Rear fenders and trunk area

why not the front fenders? what is different from the front to the back fenders?

[Bean]

I dont know. All the Mazda 3s I saw had rust on the back area. Not the front

[sunkist4338]

I dont know. All the Mazda 3s I saw had rust on the back area. Not the front

I think we just solved the the problem ... make the rear fender and trunk just like the front fender... lol

[Bean]

Right on :)

[mazda lover]

this is about the paint, not rust, but I need to rant.

a bird dropped some doo-doo on my hood today. so when I got home I wet the area and wiped it with a kleenex. and now I have some nice new scratches on the hood.

wet bird shit is enough to scratch the clearcoat on this car. I'm truly amazed.

the scratches might have been caused by the kleenex which has small wood fibers in it, thats the reason not to use kleenex to clean eye glass if you wear them, but it is still annoying how easily the paint scratches. Next time use a very wet sponge or go to the coin wash and water pressure it off.

[Flagrum_3]

the scratches might have been caused by the kleenex which has small wood fibers in it, thats the reason not to use kleenex to clean eye glass if you wear them, but it is still annoying how easily the paint scratches. Next time use a very wet sponge or go to the coin wash and water pressure it off.

Agree 100% Never use kleenex!!.

Talking about bird droppings!...I washed the car yesterday, then overnight parked at work; It seems a whole Squadron of birds decided to target my car, it was covered, literally!! I couldn't even count the amount of droppings!! Friggen Shithawks.....Needless to say, I headed straight to the nearest coin-op and gave her, her second wash in as many days....and just to be sure, I waxed her LOL, as I've been told bird shit has acid in it, which will just strip your wax to hell!

Sorry, end of story, back on topic :)


_3

[sunkist4338]

the scratches might have been caused by the kleenex which has small wood fibers in it, thats the reason not to use kleenex to clean eye glass if you wear them, but it is still annoying how easily the paint scratches. Next time use a very wet sponge or go to the coin wash and water pressure it off.

or use meguires ultimate detailer and a soft cloth. I keep this in my car ... armed and dangerous..lol.

ok back on topic.

I was at the Gyro dealer today.... see post in dealer experience section as to why "

while I was there I decided to see if the fenders on the 2010 were different than the previous ms3's. They have made them different on the 2010. first in the rear wheel well the lip (closest to the front) has what looks like a reinforcement on it. it looks like double metal for lack of better description. the rear part of the rear wheel well does not have a fender lip but some sort of plastic covering that part.

the front wheel well also has the plastic thing covering the entire inside of the wheel well on both sides

I will try to post pics,

If anyone has pics of the earlier models pleas post them for comparison.


I hope this modification has resolve the rust problem they have been having

ok... don't know how to insert images here. the image button wants to use an url... help with this please

[Bean]

Whether they made the changes or not, I do not plan to buy another Mazda ever again.

2 yo cars should NOT have this problem

http://i43.tinypic.com/2dj1jrp.jpg

[sunkist4338]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24147351@N03/3556730702/sizes/m/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24147351@N03/3555919773/sizes/m/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24147351@N03/3555919111/sizes/m/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24147351@N03/3555918407/sizes/m/

[CFX]

this is about the paint, not rust, but I need to rant.

a bird dropped some doo-doo on my hood today. so when I got home I wet the area and wiped it with a kleenex. and now I have some nice new scratches on the hood.

wet bird shit is enough to scratch the clearcoat on this car. I'm truly amazed.

The reason for your scratches is, bird droppings normally contain small pebbles/stones, especially in pigeon droppings.
Next time, try using a wet paper towel and DO NOT wipe the area, dab it.

[Bean]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24147351@N03/3556730702/sizes/m/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24147351@N03/3555919773/sizes/m/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24147351@N03/3555919111/sizes/m/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24147351@N03/3555918407/sizes/m/


???

[sunkist4338]

???

I was trying to post the fenders of the 2010 design as they are different
try this

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24147351@N03/

[Bean]

Got it. Awesome children pics there. Are you a Professional Photographer?

[sunkist4338]

Got it. Awesome children pics there. Are you a Professional Photographer?


thanx for the compliment, semi Pro... I like to play around. Have done some professional work. Just have a love for photography...

[Bean]

Very good job. :)

My hubby also has a love for Photography although, to be honest, he does not take very good pics. :chuckle

What model is your car? Auto? Just curious

[sunkist4338]

Very good job. :)

My hubby also has a love for Photography although, to be honest, he does not take very good pics. :chuckle

What model is your car? Auto? Just curious

2010 ms3 gs, aluminum metalic mica , auto trans, with comfort package. and I love everything thing about it , inside and out, even the front grill..lol

[Flagrum_3]

2010 ms3 gs, aluminum metalic mica , auto trans, with comfort package. and I love everything thing about it , inside and out, even the front grill..lol

Well there's no accounting for taste then! LOL ...just j/k!

Love the pics, especially the girl with the quitar one! ...nice work!


_3

[sunkist4338]

[/B]

Well there's no accounting for taste then! LOL ...just j/k!

Love the pics, especially the girl with the quitar one! ...nice work!


_3

thanx, that is my fav as well.

[glo]

Just bought a 2010, wants to know if the mazda-offer rustproofing is good or bad for the car? The dealer also has another option, they can send the car to Ziebart. Anyone had this done?

[CFX]

Just bought a 2010, wants to know if the mazda-offer rustproofing is good or bad for the car? The dealer also has another option, they can send the car to Ziebart. Anyone had this done?

Take your car to Krown.

[aris]

Take your car to Krown.

+1

or Rust Check

[mazda lover]

take your car to krown.


+1 ^^^^^

[Hi-Gloss]

I think we just solved the the problem ... make the rear fender and trunk just like the front fender... lol

Would be nice to have a rear quarter panel that you can just unbolt, to replace, but the rear quarter panels are one with the car and have to be this way.

Front fender is mounted to a part of the car that is external to the cabin, the rear quarter panels are welded to the trunk inner sheetmetal, this is done for strength and rigidity, can't be done any other way. All cars are done like this no matter what make or country of origin.

the problem isnt the construction, rather it is the way the metal is coated/treated in the factory.

Learn how to take the trunk liner off and spray Krown Oil in the wheel arches Do this Frequently and be thorough. It is going to leak out and make a mess, but it should prevent rust/ and slow it down.

As long as people keep buying they will keep pumping shit out. This car almost nearly tied Civic for most units sold! They are pumping all their dollars into marketing, because it is leading to success in the showroom..

The fact that they aknowledge and will repair it is bullshit unless you watch them do the expensive and time consuming rust repair required to do it right, youre going to have repeat problems if they just grind down and put some bondo in there then repaint. If you get your car back from the shop after just 1 day or 2 it is a sign that they are doing it the quick way. not the right way.

Im sure krown has caught on to the rust problems and are treating these areas thoroughly on new cars they coat.

Yes the picture of how the rear quarter panel is sealed looks to be how Honda and Toyota have been sealing rear quarters since about 2003. Will it be effective?.. Only TIME will tell.

[2 HUGE]

I have two small pea size bubbles on the rear fender... anyone know an idea of how much it is to get this fixed? will sanding it down and using the paint stick + clearcoat stick be a good enough method for fixing these small spots - I dont see how it'd be as smooth as having it professionally done though but as long as it solves the problem


I was gonna bring my mazda to a dealer to get an estimate just to ballpark it but if its just going to come back then whats the point... I wanna pop the bubbles - at least theyd be flush with the fender

and yeah I do notice a lot of mazdas and proteges with rear fender rust...

[chris123]

Took my 3 to a body shop. Guy told me Mazda was replacing so many rear fenders under warranty at about $2500 each that they now have a repair kit. It is just about 4 inches of the lower fender. So they cut off the lower rusty part and weld on the new piece then bondo and paint. Still costs about $1000 each side. Lost my 1988 323 turbo to rust. Looks like my 3 is going the same way unless I want to spend big bucks on it. He recommended I take it to Krown for treatment and hope for the best.