Okay Hi everyone! My name is Jon and I am first time Mazda owner as of Sept of this year!! I got a killer deal on a 2008 Mazdaspeed3 Sport. I had to drive over 500 miles for my new Mazda, as Ferman of Tampa had a mind blowing deal on it (better than any dealership in the southeast). If I told you what I paid for my brand new speed3, it would probably upset some of the folksfor which I am seeking advice!! Mind blowing what I paid for this awesome car!

My worry it this... I had to drive 500 miles back home right after I bought the car. I have read this and that on the "break-in period." Can anyone define this for me? I mean, I stayed around 75mph the entire way (but I had to push the turbo here and there - well because I could not resist passing with lightning agility)... I never really slammed the throttle in low gear, but I did get on the gas a few times and WOOOOOOSH it went... Did I hurt my Mazda during the drive home given that the car had around 90 miles on it when I bought it? This is the first turbo I've ever had, so I don't know much other than what I've studied... This means I would not be able to to fully understand any adverse symptoms of the turbo... So far, it seems like it is driving like a dream, but I just am paranoid...

Is this break-in period a warning for folks who try to drag race or rev high rpms constantly, or should I have kept it under a certain speed on the way home??

Somebody ease my fears!! I want to keep this car for the long haul and want to maintain it properly.

Thanks so much!

Jon

 

I doubt you hurt anything, but it is a good idea not to drive @ constant speed for too long during the break-in. The recommendation is to vary your speed as much as possible. I think if you check the manual you will find that in there too, but this is not new or specific to Mazdas.

 

I always change my oil between 500-1000 miles after the break-in period on any motor.

As long as you didn't rev it really high, it shouldn't be a problem. Sounds like you even varied the throttle positions some throughout the ride, the passing every once in a while at higher throttle would have helped you.

I think you're OK.