RX-U-LA8ER

I have read about 5 different treads on here and it seems like a good board I have made up my mind to buy an RX8. I only have a few questions.

I had the opportunity to test drive a manual used 2004 from a local dealer here a few weekends ago and really liked the car. I am 39 so I'm not into the tuner aspect just looking for a somewhat dependable car to take out on the weekends.

I am looking for a sporty car not necessarily a sports car and this is what I consider the RX8 so the horsepower is not really an issue I just want a car to cruise around town in and take on a few trips.

1)I understand the automatic is down on horse power compared to the manual my first question is how is the mechanical history on the automatic?

2)I have read about 3-4 gear going out and the manual getting hard to shift. How often does this happen?

3)Lastly I was looking at a 2004 model can someone tell me what the warranty information was on that year?

Thanks for all of your advice

C Blank

Rems31

The 04/05 AT models have the 4 gears whereas the 06/07 AT models have 6. the 06+ also has more HP. Either way, I suggest getting the manual. Much more fun to drive.

The 04's may have an extended warranty depending on which option the original owner chose. When the original HP was overstated, mazda gave the owners a choice between free servicing for 4 years (I think) and an extended warranty (not sure how long though)

ZoomZoomH

iTrader: (1)

you are in luck because i am in helping mood, so i'll answer these questions

1. DON'T get the '04-'05 automatics if you can avoid them, as they only have 4 gears and REALLY slows down the car due to poor gear ratios. '06 and on auto 8's have 6 speed auto. As far as I know RX-8 automatic reliability is on par with any other make's automatic

2. My '04 6MT shifts perfectly since day 1, overall the manual tranny is pretty reliable, assuming you don't mod the engine and put massive power through it.

3. for 2004, the warranty is 4 year/50000 miles bumper-to-bumper. However, Mazda has retro-imposed an additional 5 year/60000 miles powertrain warranty on all 04-06 RX-8s as well. So you're really well covered by Mazda in that department.

And here's my personal suggestion to you: DO NOT get the automatic if you can help yourself. This car, especially the Renesis rotary engine, is best driven by a manual transmission, where you can freely rev it throughout its full range of engine speed.

good luck with your purchase.

Old Rotor

I have an '04 A/T and its been great. I would rather have the M/T, it is more fun, but my medical problems win out. At least I was able to get another rotary car, thanks Mazda for not forgetting about us. Get whats best for you.

Raptor2k

If you are physically able to drive a manual, buy the manual RX-8. If you need an automatic, you'd be better off with another car.

auzoom

Mazda had some issues with shift fork and syncros pre (I believe) 06.

mdw1000

I have the auto (also due to medical issues) and really enjoy it. I use the paddle shifters most of the time, but it is nice to be able to occasionally put in in automatic when I need to or when I'm stuck in bumper to bumper 5 mph chicago traffic.

I believe the 04 autos had the most engine problems due to the pre-recall PCM programming.

My dealer tech said the 4-speed transmissions have been very reliable. However, I agree with ZoomZoomH in that the gear ratios are way too tall. I rectified this some by having a lower final drive put in, but the two extra gears of the 6 speed definitely would help with acceleration. However, the 4-port engine in the 4AT does have a bit more torque, and from what I understand is tuned for more low end power. But I don't think that is enough to make up for the tall gear ratios.

My advice would be to look at 06 or newer autos if you can afford it. If you can't then take a look at the 05s. If you don't mind the slower acceleration, it is a very fun car. Having never driven the 6AT, I'm not sure how much of a difference it would be If you can test drive a 4AT and a 6AT, that would be your best bet.

mdw1000

Another consideration is that the 6AT may have more aftermarket support because it uses the same engine as the 6MT, just with a lower redline.

Old Rotor

The auto 04 has had fewer engine and transmission replacements then the manual.

CTrx8

iTrader: (2)

according to???

if you mean the thread that is up about that i haven't been following it but see that the numbers are a little higher for MT. i'd argue that more people on the board probably own the MT so % of MTs that had problems vs. AT is impossible to determine. if you have other data i'm curious where it is from.

*** in the act of full disclosure i should also mention i'm an '04 MT owner.

Old Rotor

What I read on rx8club.

tksnobords

i highly agree. my personal opinion...an automatic in this car is a waste. mainly because you dont get to experience the rx8. its alot less of a car. although i havent driven the auto...but the power IS less. the warranty is true...i just called mazda and they said the 5/60k. my tranny is grinding pretty bad 3rd to 4th and slightly in 4th to 5th. BUT mazda is taking care of that.

ncoherent5280

now i've heard that at about 60,000 miles or so the seals or something start to go bad making the overall integrity of the engine bad? Is this true, i really like the way rx8s look. even though there not that fast it seems to be what im looking for. im just worried about the reliability of the car, i want something that will last

fugg

im not going to lie to you, but I just picked up a new '07 Touring... And for some reason, it gets pretty hard to shift.

what I mean is that for some reason, lets say I try to go from first to second, or third to fourth, I feel like I have to jam the **** up/down to get it into place.... Really feels bad on the gears.

At some times too, thinking I've already shifted the gear, I would then clutch out and gas, only to find out that it hadn't in fact shifted "fully" and I would end up grinding the gears...

But everyone else has different experiences, so don't assume it's a worldwide problem.

Socket7

Fugg, that is not normal at all. It can be a bit knotchy as the syncros engage, but it should never need to be forced.

Take it to your dealer.

Summernicole1

Mine was extended warranty which was 5 years, or 60000 miles...
and its an 04