Hello Mazda community,

I am looking to purchase a manual transmission pre-owned Mazda. Is there a specific year you would suggest I DO NOT buy? I see all kinds of years thrown around when I Google it but hoping to get some direct advice from you all.

Thank you

  • Apprehensive_Bit_176@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    First and second gen 3s would rust pretty easily, if not treated. Both incredible cars to drive and own (I’ve had both), but the rust is a killer.

    • TacosAndBeagles@alien.topOPBEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      Good to know. At what point does rust become a legitimate issue? If there’s rust on the wheel well, would you call it a deal breaker? Or rust on the rocket panel? Or is it rust on crucial moving parts?

      • thenthomwaslike@alien.topBEnglish
        1·
        1 year ago

        Depending on the state you’re in you can’t have visible rust holes on the body. in order to pass inspection I’ve seen people cover them with stickers, or weld pieces of metal over them.

      • Apprehensive_Bit_176@alien.topBEnglish
        1·
        1 year ago

        For me personally, any visible rust would be a deal breaker. A car older than 10 years is probably going to have some in the undercarriage, but that’s expected. Body or structural rust is a no.