Most of us here are in Australian a that model is relitivly common. Most japanese wreckers yards has parts availale quite cheaply.
This is the first time I've heard of that happening, but it could be a problem there due to the cold weather every year. Do they salt the roads in your area during winter?
Best bet would be do a quick searh of the forums for that partiular model as it is quite common here. Other wise try a local wreckers yard.