** Before any flaming... I've been doing alot of research here over the past few weeks, but if you must... it's your call **

Anyways, I'm looking to purchase a used RX-8 very soon. Basically, I'm not really a car guy at all. However, anything I buy (electronics, sports related, etc) I always make sure to research it very well, but what I mean by this previous comment is that cars and driving in general is not high on my hobbies list. It would basically be for commuting, however I wouldn't mind having some fun driving of course... I've been driving automatic for the past couple of years, and have never driven manual, but aside from driving it home on the first day, that isn't really my concern as I'm sure I can learn relatively quickly (although I don't know anyone who drives manual personally). Well after reading practically every thread on this forum, it's almost as if 99% of everyone here is driving manual or regretting AT.... Which definitely influences me somewhat (no peer pressure, lol)... So, I'm pretty torn. I know nobody here can make my decision, but any input would influence my thoughts.... For the most part I want AT for the extreme ease and I guess needing less concentration towards the actual driving itself (although MT appears to become second nature for MOST people), in turn freeing up my mind for other things.. such as finding my way, etc... Don't worry I don't use my cell, etc, while driving....... As for MT, I wouldn't mind experiencing the best this car has to offer, but I really think at some point it may become a hassle rather than just second nature.... I don't know, I don't often put myself in traffic situations too often, but there are short roads and tons of stop signs in my area. Deep down I would like to be a MT driver, but I normally have tons on my mind when driving, I don't know how this will mesh well. I used to have a friend before college who drove MT and I'd ride with him, he was a decent driver but it was still jumpy in his Civic .... One more thing, if I go AT, I was leaning towards an '05, but now I'm starting to think about an '06 for the 6pseed AT.... Any input on that? I won't be attempting to race or anything... Just normal street driving, what kind of differences would I notice in city situations between '05 and '06 AT?

Sorry for the long post, looking to join you guys soon

Thanks!

 

depends on what your looking for.
if you want to have the pick up of a yugo
then go with the a/t.
but if you want a let more get up and go under your seat
go with the manual

 

yeah, i've never found manual to be much of an issue when I'm driving but I really enjoy cars as a hobby so that may not apply to everyone. I have driven other manuals and the rx-8's gearbox and clutch setup is by far the best in regards to being smooth and just fun to drive.

If you do want an auto, go with the 06 because of the added horsepower and the addition of a 6 speed auto. The 4 speed in the 04's and 05's don't have the necessary gearing to make the rotary's unique powerband feel any more interesting than a camry.

 

hey i just read your input on AT and MT
and i personally have to say i love my AT
i know most people go "oh ****, you drive rx8? WOW NICE, is it MT?"
and i go no its AT.. they usually have a whole disappointment on their face
but look at it this way.. i love MY car.. and i enjoy it.. and others enjoy looking at my car
if youre simply going for daily driving.. and you have been a AT driver.. i would say stick with AT... BUT! if you do have the piece of mind to want to learn MT.. i definitely recommend it. cuz i wouldve gotten MT if i could..
anyhow.. regardless, hands down i love my AT and i have the 6speed one *ive been in my friends 4speed... not as fun*
hope you make the right decision though
CHEERs

 

unless you live in San Francisco, get the stick shift

 

driving in so. cal isn't that bad when driving MT. I use the 210 every morning and evening driving a 8 MT and find it okay.

 

I love my 4 speed (Oneday FI) AT. I let a good friend drive my AT and he was quite surprised and impressed. That says a lot coming from someone who drove stick all his life.

 

To be completely honest, driving an MT stuck in traffic... (the I5 freeway @ 4-6pm) don't bother me.

 

get manual. you will regret it if you dont.... just ask Tajabaho

 

i know taj wants MT but he still has lots of pride for his AT :D!

 

Well, you can make your AT look like an MT by doing this:



Do you see the paddle shifters? It's an AT. He basically replaced his Automatic shift **** with a manual one and added a shift boot to it. This is actually pretty smart thinking imo.

 

Thanks for the responses all. As of now, I think I will just base my AT/MT decision on the best overall RX8 I find at a good price... However, I sort of think AT would suit me better though, as I'm just your average driver... Also, since this is a car specific website, I'm assuming all the AT regretters are 'enthusiasts', but I'm only on this site to learn about something I'm interested in purchasing..

Thanks


P.S. About the post above this - Interesting, but I wouldn't do that, rather have the real thing or not at all then pretend

 

You're right, this forum are full of enthusiasts who wants an MT.
Just go with what you think is right. It really depends on your situation.

Just keep in mind that the AT...
- Produces a lot less horsepower
- Does not rev up to 9k
- Smaller brakes

That matters a lot to some people, especially me
If you don't need all this and you prefer convenience then buy the AT. It all narrows down to you and your choice/needs, don't let anyone on this forum bother you.

 

Don't mind the smaller brakes thats just less weight. The Panspeed track car runs stock brakes. The only reason I got cross drilled & slots with Hawk HP+ pads was to help with cooling out where I'm at.
No rev limit with IntercepterX.
Less power, SC or FI will take care of that

 

not that much less power. around 15 whp less i think, and whatever dominion said.

 

wow...taja had a lot of thoughts =] '''hope u enjoy your AT as well as my MT''' 8 is a great and fun car to drive for realz''

 

ATs might have only a bit less peak power, but their gear ratios are a lot taller. In my opinion, the ratios contribute more to the poorer acceleration than the peak power difference.

Anyway, I know you're considering AT vs. MT, but you haven't stated your reason for considering a RX-8 in the first place. You say you're not a car guy, which is a bit different from a lot of owners here. As a car guy and especially as someone that loves driving for fun, I absolutely must have a manual transmission in my car. However, if you're a different personality the AT might suit you. This is especially true if you don't go driving for fun and don't care about willing stoplight drag races. Then again, even MT RX-8s aren't the best drag cars.

Whatever you do, don't forget to rev it.

 

Well when I was really young (middle school age) I used to be into cars and go to car shows, but that was a long time ago, and since I have forgotten EVERYTHING about cars. For the past 3 years I've been driving a beater AT civic and not caring at all about cars. But even in high school I had alot of friends really into cars (one had an S200 which was cool, but i'm not into convertables), but I never really listened to anything they were talking about.. lol.... So anyway, it's time for me to buy my own car around/under 20g used/new and i've been looking for quite a while... Was actually leaning towards the 4door Mazda3 for a long time, never realized that the resale for the RX-8 was alot lower than it's MSRP.... But I really prefer a coupe (or something that resembles a coupe) so i'm not too interested in the 3 at all anymore.... If I were an actual car guy, I would no doubt get manual, but at the moment I'm not, and don't see myself ever becoming really... Even still, there are plenty of non car guys that prefer manual, but thats probably not me... I probably wouldn't joyride or stoplight race, only extra thing i'd do is give it the necessary maintainance....

 

I agree. I'd get a 2006 or later automatic just so I can have the extra oil cooler for the SoCal heat though.

 

Besides the fact that it's missing a clutch and less horsepower

 

^^ Anyways, wanna do a full out detail when I get my car back?

 

I have never owned an automatic transmission, but drive them everyday at work. Once you are accustomed to driving a manual, there is no having to "think" about it. It's as natural as driving an auto in my opinion. I suffer through SOCAL gridlock everyday on the way to work, but look forward to going home in no traffic and wringing out the manual. This car begs to be run up through the gears. It would be a sin to get an automatic. Get the 6 speed.

 

sounds like you're a perfect candidate for an AT. i drove AT cars all my life and I've always wanted an MT. now that i have one, i'll never go back, but i actually love driving it, even tho traffic sucks down here (i had muscles burned into my leg). an AT is great if you just want to drive an extremely nice looking and well-handling car, be unique and don't mind having poorer mileage than u would in any other AT coupe.

 

you would have even worse milage in an MT8, just a fact

 

i had a automatic from the time i was 15 to the time i was amlost 21, it was an AT 240sx and i drove the **** outta that car, but when i need a newer more reliable car i got an mt8, and **** i love it, even in the worst traffic, i drive on the 405 everyday and sometimes its packed all the way from bake to harbor and past that,...i guess you could say that a manny tranny puts you on the road more and makes you feel the car that much more actually getting into that "sports" part of your car, an AT is a lot more "kickback" and "less" work on the road...it all depends on what type of person you are