Topic: Rustproof and warranty question for new Mazda 3

[Nomanx]

I realize there are a lot of discussions on rustproofing on this forum, but I'm specifically looking for anyone who can help me understand the rust warranty implications for a Mazda 3, not so much whether rustproofing itself is worth the money that dealers charge. I'm happy to say my mom has settled on a 2009 Mazda 3 GX, and it is one of the options that we tentatively declined, but that I want to look into more and I'd really appreciate your comments.

I know the conventional wisdom is to decline extended warranties (generally overpriced) and rust-proofing/undercoating (overpriced or useless), but as the business/finance guy was going over the extra options he did mention that the Mazda rust-proofing offers (if I heard him right) a lifetime guarantee so long as we bring the car in annually (at no charge), and the guarantee is even transferable. He gave me some pamphlets, but when I got home I realized none of them cover the rust-proofing warranty specifically, and I'll have to tell them tomorrow (by phone) if we want to accept it. It would add an additional $545 to the cost of the car.

Here are some of my concerns:

- Will they repair or replace a body part if there is rust bubbling under the surface of the paint, or only when the rust is visible, or only once it actually creates a hole?

- What if there is rust around the edges of the doors, trunk lid, hood or wheel wells?

- Do you know where I can get a detailed description of what the warranty covers online? I'll call them first thing tomorrow and see if they can email or fax it.

From what I've been reading that definitely can be a problem with Mazdas, so it might be worthwhile, but only if they'll actually fix things if they go wrong. Of course I can just ask the dealer but (from my fairly limited experience) I'd be lucky to get a straight answer, and I know I'd trust the collective experience of a bunch of car owners (e.g. you guys) more than someone who stands to make money off my decision.

Anyway, thanks in advance for any advice you can offer.

Happy New Years 
Barry

[articsteve]

The rust treatment that is sold by the dealer has no interconnection with Mazda's rust warranty whatsoever. It's a stand alone product.

 Will they repair or replace a body part if there is rust bubbling under the surface of the paint, or only when the rust is visible, or only once it actually creates a hole?

Hole and if you get a hole they can repair it anyway they like.  With bondo if they desire and a spot spray.  It's total crap and don't ask me how I know this.

 What if there is rust around the edges of the doors, trunk lid, hood or wheel wells?

Excluded as you so well suspect.

Buy the car.  In May get it done by Krown.  Go every other year.  In the off years buy a can for 10 bucks and spray the wheel wells and inner doors yourself if cost is a factor.

[carcrazy]

As a 2005 Mazda3 owner who bought the rustproof warranty I would strongly advise you AGAINST purchasing the dealer rustproof option.
Get it done at a specialized shop, most likely better and certainly cheaper.
I bought the dealer rustproof for the warranty part, but it turned out to be useless when needed.

[Nomanx]

Thanks for your help - everything I've found online confirms what you've said.

It does look like there are some significant problems with rust on recent Mazdas, I saw a Krown mentioned a few other places as well. I'll definitely check it out, but I'm curious why you suggested waiting until May. Wouldn't it make more sense to get the Krown rust proofing done right now (we pick up the car tomorrow)?

Sorry if that's a dumb question - as you can tell I don't know much of anything about rust proofing

Thanks again - I really appreciate the info, and saving us over $500 on something that looks useless.

Cheers,
Barry

[articsteve]

 Wouldn't it make more sense to get the Krown rust proofing done right now (we pick up the car tomorrow)?

Krown is more effective when it's warm out.  Because it's not a guck like product it's not imperative that the undercarriage is in a virgin state. 

I suppose if you could get the car over to a Krown shop tomorrow without any moisture on the roads then it might be worthwhile, but snow is coming tonight so in light of that I'd just wait.  Krown is not unlike WD40.  It will displace any nasties that have invaded during the winter if you wait till spring and those nasties will not take hold in that short length of time.

[carcrazy]

I think Krown is a good solution, but in Mazda3' rust case, it would not really help much. Some people Krowned their cars yearly and still got the rust in the wheel wells.
In this particular case, I think the best solution would be to have the undercarriage and the wheel wells sprayed thoroughly with the black stuff (tar or whatever it is) while the car is brand new and then have the rest of the car's  body done at Krown when the weather warms up.
I haven't checked the 2009 models, but 2004-2005 had bare metal in the wheel wells and rocker panel, hence the problem.

Even more, if I were to buy a new one, I would treat the rocker panel with some paintable rust proof undercoating and then paint it in the body color, or at least spray the bottom surface of the rocker panel lip as it gets scratched every time the car is lifted on the hoist for service. Once the paint is gone, the rust will settle in after the first winter. The rocker panel is prone to paint chipping and if you look at the high end cars, and even some Hondas, this is how they are done and for a very good reason. Alternatively, you can do some serious touching up.

Do all or any of these at a specialized shop not the dealer.

[articsteve]

I think the best solution would be to have the undercarriage and the wheel wells sprayed thoroughly with the black stuff (tar or whatever it is) while the car is brand new

That stuff is the kiss of death.  It just looks nice.   

[carcrazy]

I think the best solution would be to have the undercarriage and the wheel wells sprayed thoroughly with the black stuff (tar or whatever it is) while the car is brand new

That stuff is the kiss of death.  It just looks nice.   

I think you've said that before, but how would you think the bare metal under the car and in the wheel well could be effectively protected?

I looked under and around quite a few cars from different manufacturers and they are partially sprayed with some black stuff (it may be a different material from the aftermarket stuff but it looks similar). Mazda3 is not. Are those manufactures (Honda is one of them) making a mistake too? I don't think the Krown oil alone, which washes off over time, could be too effective in this case. Stories from Mazda3 owners with rust in the wheel wells seem to confirm this.

Just my 2 cents...