Mazda and Emissions?

look into having your O2 sensor(s) checked/replaced along with the EGR valve.

You probably need a new catalytic converter. You must take your vehicle to a repair shop that has a 5 gas - exhaust gas analyzer. Only with that tool can you truly find the nature of your emission failures. No sense in throwing parts at your car. This car just happens to be one of the worst cars in regards to passing emissions.

Realistically, the laws are only going to become more strict and you should consider buying a younger car, If all else fails, do like everyone else and pay the emissions mechanic $100 for the sticker.

my car was the same way. last time i went to emissions, i failed by a very small margin too. so i put a new catalytic converter on. i figured that would give cut me down a good enough parts per million to pass and it did. it dropped my emissions by a huge amount. i was suprised to notice a difference in power too. i thought about it and it made sense cause it had the original catalytic converter on it. my car 93 nissan 240sx. hope this helps

Mazda Mechanic is right. Catalytic converter to start. It should be gone by now, and a new one will make a world of difference.

Good luck. He's also right about it being a bad one for emissions... gotta love that rotary engine.