Can you guys help me settle this debate? I've heard from two different groups of mechanics two different ideas on spark plugs. One group says to stick with the OEM plugs while the other says to upgrade to platinum. I'm not looking for horsepower gains, I just need to replace my spark plugs.

Suggestions?

I'd say with our cars stick w/ OEM style plugs. I forget which ones are for the Mazda's, but thats just my take on it.

I wouldn't spend the additional money for platinum plugs. It won't make a difference in your car. They may last longer, but you won't see any performance benefit. The only time I'd suggest something like the Denso Iridiums is in a heavily modded car, and even then you can get most of the benefit just by gapping a stock plug to different specs. They're overblown. Get whatever basic plug makes you happy, just double check the plug gap (you'll need feeler gauges to do this properly) as they can get messed up in shipping.

With most new cars, stock is the best way to go unless you have done heavy mods to the car. Most older car (meaning '80s or older) do good with an upgraded plug because of technology changes.

Thanks guys, I'll call Spradley up here today to get the part number for the plugs.