Dear forum members,

I just signed up on this forum because I’m planning to buy a 2009 Mazda 2 with 116,000 kilometers on the odometer. I can purchase it for just €500 because the rear axle is broken. It seems this is a common issue with the Mazda 2 and Ford Fiesta.

I can get a replacement rear axle from a scrapyard for €150 and plan to install it myself, replacing the shock absorbers at the same time.

Now, I’m curious about whether the Mazda 2 is prone to rust and if there are specific areas I should pay extra attention to. Does this mean the entire underside of the car is likely rusted, or is the rear axle particularly vulnerable to rust?