That's Mazda's official line but, many members here do with good results.

 

What kind of good results, nothing blowing up? Why would you even bother paying 3 -4 bucks more a quart for synthetic when it's not necessary and you burn off a quart every 1000-1500 miles anyway. Also you're just giving Mazda another reason to question you if your engine ever has a problem and goes in for warranty work. I'm MORE than happy paying 2 bucks a quart for normal penzoil after paying 5 bucks a quart for Mobil 1 in my BMW M3.

 

if u don't live in a cold climate zone, then u don't need to be paranoid about flooding. u can shut off the engine without flooding it, even if the temp gauage isn't at operating temperature. but, just use some good common sense and u'll be ok.

 

Thanks for all the comments guys. It has very much helped my decision in joining you crazy 8 loving freaks and purchase one of my own. I can't imagine many other cars have the same fan base like you guys and it goes a long way as to the potential classic status of this car.

 

I have an early build 2003 released as a 2004 and I have never had any flood issues. Mazda replaced my battery, starter, & spark plugs after I told them that it would not start if it sat more than 3 days. Thank you Mazda. I'm at 24K miles and I still get that chit face grin every time I shift near redline. Truely, you should always do routine maintenance on all your vehicles, this one just requires a lil more attention.

 

So i've had a few emails with a dealer... and couldn't resist mentioning the flooding issue.
He said;

I'd assume (or hope) previous models would be updated with whatever part they have fitted the newer models when serviced to help against the potential of flooding. (forgive my ignorance if this is all widely known and boring info.)

 

You might ask them what the "part" is that made the difference.
I would like to know.
And if he can not come up with an answer ,,,,,,,
well,, I will leave that determination to you.

 

There you go;

Basically saying it's covered regardless of the year.

 

I've had it for two years and drove it through both winters. No flooding here. If I need to shut it off when the engine is cold, I simply rev it at 3k RPM for 10 sec first (that's the standard cold-engine shutdown procedure... when the engine is warmed up, you can shut it off normally).