...the word about the rust issues with the 3s seems to have made the rounds as well - that`s tough to hide.
True. My Dad bought a 2010 Corolla and didn't consider the Mazda 3 thanks to the rust issue. Has it been resolved? Maybe. But, he didn't want to take a chance. The 3's fuel economy is poor in the class as well, a strong factor for him as he logs 40K or so a year.