Looking at buying a 03 protege5

We are considering buying a 03 Portege5 with 60,000kms on it. We've looked at 4 of them now and they all seem to have issues with rust ina seem by the strut tower, is this commen and how bad does it get. How are they for maintance and reiablity. Whats your input on these cars, Thanks.

I assume you may be in Canada? Here in NC USA I've seen no indication of rust on a Protege5. Without checking I believe the rust and corrosion warranty is for 7 years. I have an 02 P5 and it and have not experienced any mechanical problems in 56 k miles. Only replaced parts were plugs and air filter. The low fog lights are susceptible to rock damage thrown by other vehicles. Both of mine have damaged lenses from lots of expressway driving. The roof rack is noisy, I removed mine.

Clifton