Rust Proofing a used Mazda... Is it worth it?

[Scotticus]

I bought a used Mazda 3 Sport GT, and I don't believe the previous owner ever rustproofed it.

Is it worth it to Krown rustproof a 3 year old used car? I assume that rustproofing now will prevent potential rust in the future, but has a lot of damage already been done because the previous owner never rustproofed the car? I want to keep my car in the absolute best condition for quite a while, so if it's worth it to rust-proof (which I'm assuming it is) I"m willing to throw down some $ for it.

Also, I've noticed some extremely small rust-bubbles forming near the wheel, on the underside where the panel curves into the wheel well (I assume that this piece would get hit with a lot of rocks and salt, so no surprises here). Any suggestions on how to get rid of it?

Thanks

- Scott

[Flagrum_3]

Its never too late to get it oil-sprayed, best thing you could do IMO.

For the spots take it to Mazda, it's possible they might fix those under warranty....its worth a shot!


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[Mike]

Ya. Do the rust proof. It will help tons. Maybe won't help the current rust (except maybe slowing it down), but will prevent it everywhere else.

[Scotticus]

Thanks guys.

Most of the threads that I searched said that Krown is best for this. Do you agree? Do they do the oil spraying as well?

Hope these aren't newbie questions, but I've never rust proofed before.

Cheers

[Flagrum_3]

Yes they spray the vehicle with their proprietary formula which is oil based.

Why not check-out the Krown site? It'll answer alot of questions and explains the process pretty well!


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[Scotticus]

Great, thanks Flagrum.

One of the most frustrating things of buying a used car is seeing how the previous owner didn't do the little (yet important) things to maintain the car properly. The previous owner of my car seems to have done everything but rust-proof, so now I'm always thinking "What if?!"

[Marsh]

Krown works well. Oil spray works, but oil is VERY bad for your rubber gaskets, seals and bushings.

[shootemup]

A lot of new car owners know that they only want the car for so long, and for them, it makes no financial sense to rust proof it as they won’t see the rust. However, it is definitely worth it to get it done, at any point in time. But as stated, make sure that you do not use a petroleum based spray.

[a084596]

What about the electronic rustproofing?

[x_o_k_x]

^^Only if dealership provides long term rust proof warranty and you keep your car for along time, then it might be worth having electronic rust proof module

[All-Star]

I want to keep my car in the absolute best condition for quite a while, so if it's worth it to rust-proof (which I'm assuming it is) I"m willing to throw down some $ for it.

Also, I've noticed some extremely small rust-bubbles forming near the wheel, on the underside where the panel curves into the wheel well (I assume that this piece would get hit with a lot of rocks and salt, so no surprises here).

I bought a 2004 GT and rustproofing was top priority for me. I was going to go with Krown but went with FX Auto instead because their oil/solution doesn't drip. They also don't drill extra holes and use the factory holes instead. I realize that this could mean less coverage but oh well. As far as I can see, they were very thorough with it and treated all the key areas. Since this is an annual thing, I may try Krown next year.


What about the electronic rustproofing?

Krown's website has a separate section discussing this approach.

[Flagrum_3]

What about the electronic rustproofing?

Works excellent if you drive a submarine or a boat! ...but is basically useless on cars as they normally are not submerged in water. :)


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[06Touring3]

why would it be useless if it prevents rusting?

[shootemup]

Yeah, I have difficulty believing a study that was paid for by Krown to say their competitor is no good. I had the same Counteract unit on my Sentra for 5 years and nothing was showing on the body at all, including where stone chips went down to the paint. However, I did notice that it only really helps the body, where as the under carrage and wires in the engine bay did show signs of rusting an corrosion.

[jaimie08mazda3]

it would be a good idea. but if the car isnt that old then it wouldnt be a worry as of yet. plus i dont think ive seen a car thats 4 year old with rust on it.. or a mazda3 rust for that matter. but also its a good idea to do it for resale or for when it gets older.

[Flagrum_3]

Yeah, I have difficulty believing a study that was paid for by Krown to say their competitor is no good. I had the same Counteract unit on my Sentra for 5 years and nothing was showing on the body at all, including where stone chips went down to the paint. However, I did notice that it only really helps the body, where as the under carrage and wires in the engine bay did show signs of rusting an corrosion.

A 5 year old car is very unlikely to show rust on the body panels in most cases, unless it has been neglected or is an 04' Mazda3 :chuckle ...sorry bad joke there!

I was not going off info from the Krown site at all in my statement, I've done some extensive reading on the issue and you can find the same info on the web and on this site (it was discussed in earnest before), plus its understanding how it (Counteract) is supposed to work and the main component needed is water, in how the system works in real life...Which is why it works on ships and subs but only becuase they are submerged in water.On a car there is nothing that can work 'well' as an anode and there are too many 'breaks' in the body structure for proper current to flow.


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[06Touring3]

anyone else use this on their car or know of anyone that has?

shootemup...was your car new when you put the counteract on it?

[jaimie08mazda3]

i know of about 3 or 4 cars that would rust... sunflower/ crappalier, intrepid, nehon, taurus and anything gm, ford, chrysler made may rust depending. i mean i was in the scrapyard. saw one mazda3 that was crashed. and a few protege's and old trucks. thats about it. about 85% is domestic. although i did see my buddies 98 tacoma (was recalled by toyota for rotting under carriage. got 13500 for the thing with 500 000 KMS!!)

[06Touring3]

did those cars have the counteract system on them?

[Dave_The_BMXER]

I think theres a few threads on this board about why counteract does not work for cars.

Maybe I will search them out for you later.

[Flagrum_3]

i know of about 3 or 4 cars that would rust... sunflower/ crappalier, intrepid, nehon, taurus and anything gm, ford, chrysler made may rust depending. i mean i was in the scrapyard. saw one mazda3 that was crashed. and a few protege's and old trucks. thats about it. about 85% is domestic. although i did see my buddies 98 tacoma (was recalled by toyota for rotting under carriage. got 13500 for the thing with 500 000 KMS!!)

They would start rusting when? GM vehicles you mentioned for instance use double-sided galvanized steel body panels, it would take 10 years for them to start rusting.Also your analogy of a scrapyard is funny in the sense that when talking percentage of vehicles on the road; the percentage of scraps is about right on the money i.e' % of domestics vs. Mazda's, so it means nothing.

I had a Pontiac Sunbird born in '91 drove it for 13 years before any sign of rust appeared, and I never oil-sprayed her~(Big Mistake)....I can just hope my mazda can last as long!~ but it should considering I Krown spray her yearly.


_3

[Flagrum_3]

I think theres a few threads on this board about why counteract does not work for cars.

Maybe I will search them out for you later.

Where's MGM when you need her? Is she on holidays or something? :chuckle


_3

[mit-gee-mui]

Where's MGM when you need her? Is she on holidays or something? :chuckle


_3

I'm here. :)


Some threads on counteract:
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=14275&highlight=counteract
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=7416&highlight=counteract starts at post 36
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=25559&highlight=rust%2A+electronic

[mazda lover]

why would it be useless if it prevents rusting?


read post #12 again....

[mazda lover]

I bought a used Mazda 3 Sport GT, and I don't believe the previous owner ever rustproofed it.

Is it worth it to Krown rustproof a 3 year old used car? I assume that rustproofing now will prevent potential rust in the future, but has a lot of damage already been done because the previous owner never rustproofed the car? I want to keep my car in the absolute best condition for quite a while, so if it's worth it to rust-proof (which I'm assuming it is) I"m willing to throw down some $ for it.

Also, I've noticed some extremely small rust-bubbles forming near the wheel, on the underside where the panel curves into the wheel well (I assume that this piece would get hit with a lot of rocks and salt, so no surprises here). Any suggestions on how to get rid of it?

Thanks

- Scott


http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=25439
read the link on corisson issues with 04 and 05 M3.
If you have rust on the inner wheel wells like you said go to your dealer and complain and also call Mazda Canada to also complain. You should be able to get the repair done under warranty. But you have to file a complaint with Mazda.
Read the link to check for other areas that could rust.
No rust proofing of any kind will stop or prevent surface rust. Use the oil base and don't worry about holes being drilled, they have to to get into areas that need protecting.

[06Touring3]

read post #12 again....

i was looking for an explination

thanks for coming out tho....

[mazda lover]

i was looking for an explination

thanks for coming out tho....

Maybe a Google search might help as I do not have an answer or explanation.
Maybe others here do..

[shootemup]

anyone else use this on their car or know of anyone that has?

shootemup...was your car new when you put the counteract on it?


Nope... my car was about 3 years old when I put it on. It's 8 years old now. I found that any exposed metal from stone chips had no signs of rust though, which I found amazing as previous cars without counteract would rust pretty quick where there was stone chips. And trust me, that Sentra has lots of stone chips and seen lots of salt from 5 years of hwy commuting.

[06Touring3]

Maybe a Google search might help as I do not have an answer or explanation.
Maybe others here do..

read posts 16 and 23

thanks again...

[x_o_k_x]

anyone else use this on their car or know of anyone that has?

shootemup...was your car new when you put the counteract on it?

I have mazda dealer electronic rust proof module since brand new. Decided to try it out.. and why not 10 years of rustfree warranty too! Looks like a time bomb.. No signs of rust yet, though its only been 4 month so far lol..