After a long wait and a couple of delays my wife and I are planning a trip to Amsterdam next weekend, in order to collect our new 1.8iS. I have seen the running-in guides on miata.net but this doesn't really seem to make sense to me. What difference is going up to 6000rpm once every 100 miles going to make? Whenever I've spoken to engineers about running in a car they've suggested setting a rev limit of (say) 3500rpm for the first 250 miles, then going to 4000rpm for the next 250 miles, and so on up the rev range. Anyone have any strong opinions? (1/00)
Mazda don't require a service until the first 9000 mile one. However, I had one done at 700miles, and also converted the car to Mobil 1 in the process. I'd recommend it, just for peace of mind at least. I'm sure it'll help in the long run. (1/00)

I would also recommend keeping a watchful eye on the oil level.

As I recall, the sender above had a problem with oil consumption during the first few miles. I myself thought I'd escaped this (as I own a 1.6) but, upon checking the level last Sunday, I noticed mine is just above Low on the stick.

Officially there is no first interim service as such (as there was with my MK1) - you take it in at 9K, then every 9 thereafter.

Several other owners have reported quite frightening consumption during running in, but I'm not sure if there are any other MK2 owners on the list who have covered sufficient mileage to say whether the engines consume oil, or whether its just used during running in. Anyone care to elaborate ?

Mine will have Mobil 1 from the 9K service onwards. I have it on excellent authority that Mobil 1 is fine for the MK2 due to its solid (not hydraulic) tappets. Apropos revs, keep em down for a few thousand. I kept mine below 4.5K for the first two thousand, then opened it right up. Its worth taking the roof off when you do that, BTW.

Hope this helps you. Happy motoring !! (1/00)
I never had a problem with oil consumption AFAIK. The level has held solid at the Max mark from the 700mile change and the 9000 mile service. Couldn't wait 2000 miles to open it up though. Once I passed the 1000 mark I had to give it a quick blag down the dual carriageway. Well it was summer after all - it was bad enough missing out on a few weeks of fast, top-down motoring in the sunshine through the first 1000 miles! (1/00)

I also had an oil and filter change after 900 miles ( I was giving it my all after this time ) I also changed to a synthetic but I changed to Shell Helix, I believe this is a 5/30 oil, as recommended in the book and the garage.

Driving at a constant speed early on in the car's life, can cause cylinder glaze, I personally took it easy for the first 500 miles, taking it higher up the rev range, I think the important thing is not to give the car high loads, in it's early days, full pedal starts, high gears, low speeds, uphills etc.

...and start the car with your foot off the throttle, All new cars with Eng. management are designed for this, extra throttle, revs the car, when the oil is least effective, more wear time.. (1/00)