Well I'm planning on going for an 05 with about 55k miles. Price is around 11k which doesn't seem bad for the year/mileage. I've read the stickies a few times and just want to make sure of a couple of things. In regards to engine flooding, can i start it, then drive it till it gets to normal operating temp (about 5+ min), then shut it off. Or is it that I can start it, let it idle till normal operating temp, then get it moving. I'm only asking b/c i've seen conflicting responses. Additionally, anything I should have def checked before the purchase like plugs, current flash..?

Also, is there anything that should deter me from getting an 04 and going with an 05? This is going to be my first manual + sports car type deal. I know this is a true car enthusiast vehicle, which I am currently not. I think it's a good car to start with so I can get more in tune with what I am driving. Thanks guys.

 

Start it up and drive it, it's a waist to let it idle. The only thing to watch out for on this and any car is to make sure it's up to date on all the "TSB"s and service. The '04 or '05 are almost identical.

 

Flood avoidance means not turning off the engine before it warms up. That's the "safest" way. Alternatively you can rev the engine to 3000 rpm and hold it there for 10 seconds, then turn off the ignition. That is meant to purge any excess gas from the engine.

As far as letting it warm up before you drive, it's best just to start and drive off gently. Do NOT rev the engine high until it is fully warmed up. That's good advice for any engine but especially for a rotary. Keep it gentle and below 5000 rpm until it's fully warmed. After that, you can put the spurs to it as you wish.

 

If you get an Access Port from Maxda Maniac you won't have a problem.

 

The rev to 3K deal is if you've warmed it by idling rather than driving. It's not a substitute for letting the temperature come up to normal. That you need to rev in that case says something about what idling does to an engine.

Like everyone else said, you should warm this (or any other car) by driving it rather than idling. There are some odd exceptions (like Alfa Guiliettas) but this isn't one of them.

Ken