Well, since my wife has the TL and I have the RX8. Sounds like it would be better if you went with the TL. Some of the fun factor is lost when you get an Auto. Believe me when I say that cause I traded in my Auto RX8 for an 6 Speed MT RX8.

Don't get me wrong both cars are great. But if you're going to get an auto, I would go for the TL. Its been a great car for my wife so far.

 

hmm if your going for the auto i would skip the 8 and go with http://www.lexus.com/models/is/index.html :P love the IS Series.

quote from the site "The heart of the IS 350 is a potent 3.5-liter V6 that churns out 306 horsepower [1], making it the most powerful engine in its class [2]. With 277 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm [1], the IS 350 can achieve an astounding 0-60 acceleration time of 5.3 seconds [1] [3], which is fastest in its class [3]. The IS 250 is briskly propelled by a 2.5-liter 204-hp V6 [1] with 185 lb-ft of torque ["

 

Ironically, I'm thinking of giving up my 8 when my lease is up and going for a TL (a manual one though). This has very little to do with the car and very much to do with the dealers. I would check to see whether or not the Mazda dealers near you are any good. The two I've been to have been shady (one intentionally didn't do a TSB that I tried to give them, the other lied to me about the price of my car) and give you the impression that they'll rip you off any chance they'll get. I think I'd rather find a car company that doesn't try to rip me off.

The IS is a nice car, but it's quite a bit more expensive than the TL. I would take the TL over the IS. The IS350 base costs like 34K. The TL fully loaded (but no nav) runs you about 31K. When I swung by the Lexus dealer, most of the IS350 models there were tagged at around 40K WITHOUT navigation. I'm sure you can talk them down some, but most of them were a little below 40K. You don't get bluetooth unless you have the nav system too IIRC.

 

I understand all the people telling me that manuel is better but look at the price difference between the rx8 and the TL. A little under $7,000. Is there any automatic owners that are satisfied with there choice ?

Thx for all the other replies

 

The paddles on the auto 8's steering wheel are pretty darned cool.

Another thing to consider is if you will be driving it in the snow the 8 needs winter tires to be drivable in less than 40 degree weather with a half an inch of snow on the ground.

The thing to do is to test drive each car and buy the one that strikes you as the best for you.

 

Don't get me wrong, I am very satisfied with my purchase of the 05 AT. As long as you don't go into it expecting tons of power down low, you will be happy with it. I'd imagine I'd be even more satisfied with the 06 AT. I'm just saying that the TL is a lot of car for the money (handles pretty well, nice ride, very high built quality, very nice interior, very high features per dollar, powerful smooth engine, etc). The only real negative I can think of with the TL is that it is front wheel drive, so it doesn't handle as well in vigourous driving.

I'd say get internet price quotes from several dealers for each car using edmunds.com or something similar, and then go test drive each one at the dealer that gives you the best deal. Don't be afraid to let them know that you are shopping for other cars as well, but be friendly about it. A test drive will help you a lot. I thought I really wanted a TSX until I test drove it. It is a fine car, but didn't have the steering feel that I was looking for.

 

I had an 04 rx8 and sold it to get an 05 tl with navi. Great car and plenty quick with terrific features, handles great for a front wheel drive car. Only problem was I didn't wake up in the morning wanting to drive. Sold the tl and got an 05 rx8 (stick, naturally). Two great cars but the rx8 just makes me want to drive.

 

^^ I agree with stickman.... the 8 just makes you want to drive constantly, even make pointless trips, just to drive it is worth it..... even though gas prices are high, gotta love the sound at 9K......

 

If you NEED an auto, I'd go for the TL.

 

I'll take a rwd AT (even a rotary one) over fwd anyday, thanks. The AT 8 still maintains it's superior chassis, and is still fun as hell to drive. If you want an overpriced, boring family car, then get the TL, otherwise ...