Decided to check my oil today for the first time @ 700miles. I found that I'm a tad bit over the 2nd mark. So I guess when i got it from the dealer they really filled it over the full marker?

Is it just me or is the dip stick harder to get at than other cars? I've checked other cars and it's not as hard to reach. Do you guys pop off the engine cover to check?

Yes, the dipstick is a little difficult to reach. You shouldn't have to remove the cover to check the oil but just to add oil. The first time I had to add oil was about 1500 miles.

Originally posted by meeh
Do you guys pop off the engine cover to check?

Yep.

I dont pop the cover to check oil
but I cut my hand every time

These are the types of things that are likely to get fixed on the 2005 model.

i pop off the cover its pretty easy to take off and put back on.

Originally posted by mikeb
I dont pop the cover to check oil
but I cut my hand every time

Mazda must take pride in making it difficult to check the oil in a rotary...my rx-7 dipstick is in the same place as the 8 and is a total *itch to get to...I guess WE should take pride in our battle scars!! :)

I bought mine on 9/5/03 so I'm not sure if it is a later build or not, but the oil is relativly easy to get at, much easier than my '82 Camaro. Never take off the cover unless it's to clean it or put oil in. 4,400 and put 2 quarts in. I drive pretty hard, especially after 1st 2,000.

So is the cover good for anything other than cosmetics (or cutting your hand)? Why not leave it off?

cover good for dirt/dust protection. never cut hand checking oil. any car. takes effort for this one but gets easier after the 20th and 40th times.

I checked my oil @ 700 miles, still reads full. I'll check it tonight; I'm @ 1400. As of yet, I have not had to add any oil, just ZAINO !