I had a 2nd gen that the starter went out in. If you're thinking about getting an aftermarket, DONT. Especially if your engine is old. Aftermarket starters don't turn as many RPMs as stock mazda ones, and rotaries need more RPMs to get going.
I guess the seals weren't sealing well or something, but when I put an aftermarket starter in it and it sat for awhile, it would flood. One time the battery went low and a friend of mine got his car and pushed me over and over until it started. Neighbors probably got pissed, kept dropping it in 1st when we'd try and it took at least 10 times. Smoked like a motha, too. But it did run pretty good otherwise.