Hello All!

This is my first post to this site, although I have been reading it for quite some time now. I am seriously thinking about purchasing an auto RX-8. I KNOW what you are thinking, but I need an auto or at least my wife does and if I get this car, she will drive it on Saturdays. Now that that is straight. I have read all about the gas mileage discussions and the consumption of oil. However if I purchase this car, will I be in the shop every other month with problems (assuming I maintain and drive it correctly)? What are your thoughts? I really need assistance here as I am thinking of buying within the next three weeks or so. HELP!!

 

Teach your wife to drive stick... honestly, it isnt that hard.

If you REALLY need to get an AT though, go for an 06. They have a new tranny and better hp/tq numbers.

 

Buy.

And teach your wife to drive stick, if shes only going to drive it one day a week then there is no reason to get a AT just for her.

 

I've had this car for a year now, and haven't had any issues. As long as you drive it correctly you should be fine. Honestly if your not in it for the power and speed and would rather have more of a touring vehicle then go with the auto.

 

!?!?!?!?!?!?!

 

I typed that wrong, so I edited it.

 

The 06 auto has got to be a big improvement on the earlier ones . Has anyone done any comparison of the 06 auto with a manual ?

 

If you need to buy an auto buy the '06. Specifically it will have a 6 speed trans. instead of the old 4 spd and it will have the 6 port high powered engine rather than the lower powered 4 port engine. It will make all the difference in the world. It's a fun and reliable car with 4 real seats. Your wife will thank you for buying it. Trust us.

 

Only buy an 06 Auto, if 05 or 04 teach your wife to drive a manual or look for something else.

 

I think many people will be surprised by the performance of four port engines with FI. The % gains with them are larger than the 6 port engines. We will see about the final numbers when these kits are released, but at higher boost levels, I wouldn't be surprised if the 4 port power numbers surpassed the 6 port power numbers. Also, taller gears will be reccomended for the MT 8's for less wheel spin - which the 4AT and 5MT already have.

Of course, I don't know if the AT's will ultimately run into heat or transmission issues at higher boost levels, but watch out - they'll be more respectable than everyone gives them credit for right now.

 

not everyone is planning on going FI...besides, it wasn't the point of this thread. it's about the current state of the auto and manual.

if your wife is only going to drive once a week, i don't see why you must give up manual entirely. unless you don't really want it... if that's the case, then settle for the 06 auto.

 

Personally I hate the new 6spd auto transmission. I'd rather live with crappy gearing (better for FI anyway). And if you believe it has the rated 215hp, then I have some real estate to sell you.

As far as having trouble with the car, it's luck of the draw (just like any car make). I'm approaching 70k miles with zero problems.

 

He didn't say anything about FI, but he is posting in the Aftermarket Performance Modifications forum. So I answered his question in terms of aftermarket potential.

 

No worries all. I MAY look into FI at some point, so the information is still good to hear. My wife may only drive once a week, but she does not want me to get another 'sporty' car at all! If I can talk her into at least getting an auto, at least I will still have an 8.. I will not fight that battle this time. If/when Mazda comes out with a new 7, I will save my ammo for that fight!! And ShawnV74, I will everyone!!!

 

Just get the stick. I more or less learned on my 8. Its really easy.

 

lol, did you even read his posts...???!!!:::"""?

 

Testdrive one. Do alittle home work & just buy what YOU WANT! I got one. Just cant understand how some people can purchase a car & bitch(when its not problems). Think it happens when people purchase what other tell them they should do(Not you) and then find out they may have made a bad choice. GOODLUCK

 

Silver Surfer, I agree with you. I did test drive the auto RX-8. Loved it.. I would be willing to sacrifice the manual for now... I just wanted to hear everyone's thoughts so I can make a more informed decision.

 

i have an auto and im fine with it. while its not as fast as a m/t if i was just in it for speed i would buy something else. plus its fast enough for me so im good.

on upkeep, if you take car of the car like you say you will there is no reason that it should be broken at all. ive had mine for almost a year with no real problems.

even if you dont get a m/t, the rx-8 is a great car enjoy it

 

Thank you everyone for chimming in!!! I will let you know if/when it happens!!!!

 

Do what you want ,,don't follow the masses , be an individual !

Lemmings

 

Usually it's the teen-boy racers that put you down for getting a manual. For anyone living in the city with a real 9-5 job and real traffic, the auto is the better choice if it's your daily.

 

To answer your question about maintenance, as long as you're willing to put a little effort into keeping up with it as far as oil and such, you shouldnt have too many problems. In December I'll have had my car for a year (bought it used), and only had to bring it in for CEL once and it was an emissions leak. Was under warranty so no problems really. So you should expect average amount of problems, nothing too abnormal from other cars

 

Endgame, I have an 04 AT Rx8 and I absolutely love it. Of course it is not as fast as the m/t but if you get one with the sport package you wont miss not having the speed and youll still get the rx8 look. You just have to learn that the auto is not built for speed so just enjoy it in the turns. And you can also throw some mods into the car like i did to give it a little more pep(K&N intake, Greddy exhaust, Rp Supercat). Get the car you want its your money. The car in general is just an awesome car to drive. The only problem i've had with mine is a foggy tail light other than that nothing. Like 8 maniac said the only maintenance is checking the oil. I've a a CEL go off a couple off times for a faulty gas cap but thats the only time I had a CEL go off.

 

i just bought an AT last night, only cuz rents dont know how to drive stick, they bought so i take.