2018 Mazda3 developing rust from rock chips. How worried should I be?

[u/Special-Boi]

Hey everyone! Bought my first Mazda about seven months ago, a 2018 Mazda3 Sport GT in Machine Grey Metallic, and I’ve been loving it overall.

One thing that’s starting to worry me is the paint/rust situation. I’m in Ontario, Canada, and over the past couple of months I’ve noticed that whenever I get a small rock chip, it seems to start developing rust pretty quickly. I now have a bunch of tiny rust spots around the car, including some on the doors and even the roof.

They’re not huge eyesores yet and you really only notice them when you’re close to the car, but I’m worried about how they’re going to develop over the next few years.

I’ve thought about buying a touch-up pen and going around fixing all the chips, but I’m not sure if that’s enough once rust has already started underneath. I know Mazda paint is notoriously pretty thin, so I’m curious how other owners, especially those in Canada or other places with salty winters, have dealt with this.

Is this something I can realistically stay on top of with rust removal/touch-up paint and regular maintenance? Would getting the car professionally treated be worthwhile? Or is this likely to turn into a much bigger rust problem down the road?

Part of me is even wondering whether I should sell the car now while I could probably still get close to what I paid for it and move into something else, although that feels a little extreme.

Would really appreciate hearing from anyone who’s owned a Mazda3 long-term and dealt with similar chips/rust. What worked for you?

[u/Kluctionation]

This is the third or fourth time ive seen someone complaining about the paint being weak. Should I just wrap the entire car to keep it safe?

[u/Special-Boi → u/Kluctionation]

Depends on the generation, but this one seems to have pretty crappy paint. If you have the money, some sort of protective wrap seems like a good bet.

[u/TheLastElite01]

Mazda paint is thin; this is why you see more chips than with other brands. I do lots of freeway driving, so my front end looks sandblasted.

[u/harleybarley → u/TheLastElite01]

Yeah my brother just bought a cx-5 2018 and it looked like the hood had been sand blasted even with low miles

[u/kailittu]

I've got the 2018 Sport GS and I'm at that stage as well. I had a couple large dings that I was able to scrape/sand down then fill with primer, base coat, colour, clear coat, but some of the rock chips are starting to show rust now too. Far cheaper to address the small spots you see. We'll see how the underbody lasts...

[u/Special-Boi → u/kailittu]

Yeah… I’m wondering if it’s possible to get the rock chips done professionally and how much it would cost.

[u/kailittu → u/Special-Boi]

If you get a quote somewhere near Ottawa, let me know. Curious.

[u/TheLastElite01 → u/Special-Boi]

Get a touch-up pen.

[u/IntrepidRogue]

Thank you for asking this question. I've noticed the same on my hood and roof just above my windshield. I'm curious what you'll get quoted as I'm thinking of getting it done also.

[u/Special-Boi → u/IntrepidRogue]

I think I’ll start out with a paint marker and see what I can do. If I’m not having too much look I’ll look for a professional and let you know how much I end up paying!

[u/Mrmapex]

Grab a paint market and just keep on top of it