Yesterday I test drove 2x Mazda 3, both were hatchbacks, one was a GX, was ok, but the GT fully loaded is the one I fell in love with, we started talking numbers, I thought I'll trade in my 04 TDI,(no room for a 4th car in my driveway) but the salesman left it to the last minute to show me the carproof report, the car in 2015 had an insurance claim of $12,000. repair to the rear and centre rear.
That was a deal breaker for me, he should've known to tell me that upfront, I did not think a Mazda dealer would do such thing.
For now I will wait to sell back my 12 Passat and then shop around for Mazda 3, GT.
I will keep my 04 Jetta, as a it has been a good car to me, still going strong and reliable at 362,000KM.
As for rust, my daughter 05 Mazda 3 got rusty real fast, but I understand the rust issue has been addressed since by Mazda.