Is it just Gen1?

[Rustislite]

Whats the deal with these Gen1 Mazda3s? They rust faster than Honda Civics, and not just the rear quarters but EVERYWHERE. I know this is common knowledge, but is it just the gen1s? I haven't seen any rusty Gen2s..... YET

[Default User]

There was a voluntary rust recall on the Gen1's

But that has expired.

[Dubcee]

Gen 1 had a bath of bad steel and some paint issues resolved in upper model years for gen 1. Gen 2/3 generally not an issue except for a TSB for some Japanese gen3 for the trunk.

Washing the car once a week or so + getting Krown, Rust Check or similar applied once a year should keep most rust at bay. Which is something that is true for every car. Don't neglect surface scratches/chips either.

Sold a 2006 gen1 in 2012 rust free with this method. :)

[Default User]

^^^ true

But it's a little late in the game to get "rust free" protection on a G1 now.

The best you can do is slow the process down

[Captain Mazda]

Gen2 is best for you

[jeff7670]

My 2007 Gen 1 with 200 000 km is rust free. I personally rust spray my own each year. Also once every few months i clean the inner lip on the rear wheel arches. Seems like a pile of dirt collects on the lip causing constant moisture. I clean my entire exterior about once a month.

[Rustislite]

I have a gen1 that has a rotten door quarters are going as usual even part of the door will is starting to rust. I bought this car with 160000 on it so I'm sort of passed preventing it. I was curious because if something were to happen to my current 3 I would consider a gen2 if the rust level was significantly lower.

[Rustislite]

There was a voluntary rust recall on the Gen1's

But that has expired.

Do you know what they'd do with the recall or what they'd replace?

[Default User]

Do you know what they'd do with the recall or what they'd replace?

IIRC it was trunk/hatch and quarter panels.

But I'm not 100% sure

[morganc]

My 2010 Gen 2 has an impeccable body. Lots of love, krown, washing and attention to chips. But yes, mazda changed their steel and paint significantly from Gen 1-2.


Whats the deal with these Gen1 Mazda3s? They rust faster than Honda Civics, and not just the rear quarters but EVERYWHERE. I know this is common knowledge, but is it just the gen1s? I haven't seen any rusty Gen2s..... YET