I have a Jap re-import TDi300 1997 and can vouch for the lack of rust
I've pretty much been right through the vehicle during normal maintenance and tinkering. All the usual suspect areas such as rear underfloor etc are like new. Absolutely no rust indide, underneath, under the bonnet, wings etc.
yes it has the usual underseal underneath.
Generaly they are low mileage, but to be honest best to ignore the mileage on the speedo reading as it's so easy to clock and go on condition of the vehicle.
Mine shows 44k, came back to UK in 2004 and previous owner hardly used it. However looking at the condition it does seem plausiable mileage.
Pretty much same as the UK model, with exception of no alarm, but they do all have the imobilliser fitted.
One anoyance is there is no reader coil on ignition barrel to auto detect when key in ignition and disable teh imobiliser, so you have to use the unlock on the key fob if not started within 15 secs as passive imobiliser cuts in automaticaly. Has two rear side window areals rather than the UK single one, otherwise to look at and drive the same as UK car.
Best regards