Just over 12k on my 2009 and I'm starting to have this issue. I'm not much of a mechanic but my understanding is that this may be do to spark plugs, pump issues, or compression. As I'm mostly still under warranty I'm not too keen to work on it myself if that can be helped. But never sure if I can reproduce the problem at the dealership.

My question is at 12k what is the most likely reason I'd be having this trouble? Thanks.

 

Does it happen more often when the car is hot?
Hot hard starts are common, not good but common.

 

Actually I notice it more when the car is cold.

 

Well, the usual S1 culprits are coils and plugs... However, I did hear a rumor that Mazda switched back to a smaller starter for the S2s... It "shouldn't" be compression after only 12k miles, and compression tends to show itself more on hot engines than cold...

Short of making assumptions that the S2 has the same weak points as the S1, I think that's all the help I can provide.

 

Why not? I may have a S1, but my first engine was replaced at 13K.

 

That's why i said "shouldn't". . . hopefully mazda could make the S2 Renesis last longer than 10k miles....

Granted, the same can be said for your engine. . .

I guess the good thing about a compression test is it'll definitely be covered under the Bumper to Bumper.

 

What is the outcome?

I would be taking you car to a dealer...you still have a warranty.

I have done 25k KMS or 15 K Miles, end of summer here, car starts almost as well as new.
I have never had to crank more than once about 1 to 1.5 seconds...rough.

Hot or cold...SO FAR Fingers Crossed...No problems at all with my car.

A few silly questions..

Do you maintain your engine oil levels?
What REV Range do you use..
Is is an Auto?..
Do you pre-mix?
Gas grade?

I am thinking your Spark Plugs are fouled if it is taking 3 to 4 to start???