ive sold a few cars because the rust had got to me, including my sidekick.
i now have a samurai, and i honestly believe they (samurais) arent nice looking cars when theyre in mint shape, like perfect paint, no rust etc... track/kicks are a different story, but i prefer to "krylon" my rust as was mentioned, patch it up, or just leave it, cause the zuk is meant to enjoy, not do body work on... its not a classic car.
i definetly wash it and try to discourage more rust from coming, but im not gonna let the existing rust get to me like it did on my other cars
anyway, track/kicks are different though cause theyre geared more towards creature comforts and styling than a samurai is, so i agree with your decision
Andrew