I know this subject came up once previously in one of the picture threads, and most people said "mudguards = ugly" but i must disagree. I know at least a few of you must have them on your cars.

Does mazda make specially fitted ones for the P5, or do the generic black hard rubber ones available at pep boys (3 different types of fit i noticed when i was there today picking up some cleaning supplies) fit just as well? I would like to get some of these to help keep dirt and rocks (especially) away from the bottom of the car and help the paint down there to last longer.

 

I have mudflaps in my -99 Pro both rear and front. Those which i've seen coming from Mazda are:
front flaps behind the front wheel and rear flaps in front of rear wheel. I've got plastic fender lines both rear and front and so the rear flap is also behind the rear wheel.

And yes, ugly or not, the benefits are great at least here in north where we have gravel road and lots of snow
We do have a lot of tarmac also but naturally there's always a **** load of gravel on the tarmac....that's the way to go

 

While there is no doubt that mudguards are helpful, if you live in a climate where they would help protect your car, by all means get them. Luckily, where I'm from, my car never sees the conditions that warrant them.

 

There are Mazda made mudflaps specific to the P5. I believe they come black, but can be painted to match the car.

Ask your dealer.

~HH