This car is the most fun I have ever had in a car, my wife and I both fell in love with it. My problem is my wife wants an Automatic, as she spends a lot of time in stop and go traffic in Wpg, and prefers that option. my question, is the auto close in performance and exceleration? I really love this car, I can handle the stick but she can't. :Eyecrazy:

If the car is for her, buy her what she wants. Otherwise...

Buy a used car w/ a stick, teach her how to drive it, and then but the MT RX8. You'll regret it if you don't get the MT.

the new 06 rx8 automatics will be closer in hp.

If the car is for her, buy her what she wants. Otherwise...

Buy a used car w/ a stick, teach her how to drive it, and then but the MT RX8. You'll regret it if you don't get the MT.
Umm, he never said his wife didn't know how to drive manual. He said she didn't want one because she has to sit in traffic.

I haven't heard much experience with the new auto transmissions, but the 04 and 05 are much slower in comparison to the manual. If acceleration is what you like about the car, the an 04/05 auto 8 will dissapoint. I'd suggest test driving an 06 auto if you get a chance.

she knows how to drive a standard but due to stop and go, she prefer's the standard. Im trying to convince her otherwise. I also testdrove a crossfire, no comparison the rx-8 was far superior.

I had the exact same dilema as you - auto or stick (wife's desires or my needs). We decided that the car was more for pleasure than it was for utility so she gave in and let me get the stick and we life and drive through Manhattan traffic! No way the auto could be more fun in any car. Get the stick or else you will regret it more than her regretting that you didn't get the auto. The car is my toy and the toilet is my throne - besides that she has everything else.... LOL

The new 6spd auto might be a decent trade off. Go test drive one--its 0-60 is supposedly in the low to mid 7 second range--about a second or so faster than the 4spd autos.

Get the manual!!!

if she know how to drive get the stick. the clutch is light so it is not too bad to drive in traffic. if you ever went down to an open road or track you will not regreted.

If you guys are buying new, then the AT might be an option, the 06's have new auto trannies and new motors for the auto's.

The 04-05 automatic rx8's where a huge dissapointment, DO NOT get one at all costs.

auto :icon_tdow

6speed :icon_tup:

auto cars are so boring to drive :batman:

[QUOTE=BlueEyes]Umm, he never said his wife didn't know how to drive manual. He said she didn't want one because she has to sit in traffic.

You're right... :spank:

auto :icon_tdow

6speed :icon_tup:

I like how you say that as though they're mutally exclusive. I guess 6-speed automatics are thumbs up and thumbs down.

Go for the 6-spd.
I live in TO. I drive all day. I get in traffic.
The clutch is light. 1st gear is good to over 60kph.
Heck - I've lugged the thing in 3rd all the way to about 5kph to well - fast enough.

IF the 8 had a DSG like the VW system there would be a case for it. But alas - it doesn't.

If anything - manual is easier in stop and go as the idle speed usually is much slower than automatics.

I find it funny the complaints about the clutch being too much work - usually it isn't the effort - it's the fact that the women can't have their coffee, donut, cell phone, make up applicator, etc.

If you can't press a clutch in and out a few dozed times, then either you are a lazy ass, or lacking a left leg. You don't deserve an 8.

Gotta wonder how they ever get around to steering the thing.

If the stop and go is an issue - why not pick up a car that has radar based adaptive cruise. This way you can put a bungie around the steering wheel and catch up on a few zzzz's.

If you are CONSTANTLY in stop and go traffic. The 8 is NOT a good car from a fuel point of view.

Buy the 6speed or you will hate yourself forever. End of story.

buy the crossfire!!!

we came to a compromise, she would prefer to drive my 04 yukon and I get to drive the manual rx-8, took me less then a second to agree to this arrangement. so Im looking hard for a good deal on a used rx-8 manual, one dealer in wpg that we like to deal with has a 05 rx for 33,688.00 I see I can get one for around 20,000.00 canadian in the states and the paper work in bringing it up is not that involved I have already checked into it. once its all said and done I will have paid much less then used prices here in canada, I donot know why more people donot choose this option.

Don't forget you will have to pay tax and duty when you bring it over the Border.

not to mention you'll need daytime running lights ect. to get it certified.

MANUAL!!!!! 'nuff said.