My 2007 Mazda 3 would like a word with KBB about rust....
That was 7 years ago, get over it...go buy a Lexus
Considering Mazdas from 2003 to 2012 had serious problems with rust, suspension top plates, serpentine belts and rear quarter wiring, there's nothing to point towards better quality in their new models.
Several reviewers have already complained about rattles on 2014 production press cars and the infotainment system is known for random crashes, reboots, blown fuses and hangs. Yeah, certainly #1....
How many 2nd gen Mazda3 do you see with rust? There is no TSB on it like the first generation. We all know the MPV, Protégé, and first gen Mazda3 had the rust issue. Not my brothers 8 year old Tribute, or my sisters 2nd generation Mazda3, or my Mazda6 (first gen), nor my Mazda5. Nothing outside of maintenance on my Mazda6 when I sold it, mind you only 108,000km. With the Mazda5 at 75k, only the HVAC light kept going out, they fixed that, for free... No rattles, and I beat up the Mazda5!
Yup. Despite my Protege being rusty, it has been very trustworthy, despite being beat on, autocrosssed, tracked, etc. Only issues were stabilizer end links, a couple of seized brake calipers, and the drivers seat track got a little worn out around 150k kms which they replaced under extended warranty. And the attached picture is what happened yesterday.