I just traded my 04 AT for a 06 MT....
I most definitely (no), I STRONGLY recommend the 6 speed.

The AT vs. the MT are two different RX-8's dressed in the same suit....
As for learning to shift a manual transmission, if you burn up your clutch you can always
replace it and upgrade to a light weight flywheel

As for insurance, I pay $66 (USD) a month for full coverage.... I'm twice your age so you
will probably spend twice my amount... (only a guess).

Good luck!

 

Definitely go for the MT. You won't regret it. You'll have so much more control of the car, and be able to get on the right amount of power exactly when you want. The clutch is nice and smooth and makes it easy to drive.

As for insurance, you'll need to shop around. I'm a bit older than you and I'm paying $1,800/yr (midtown toronto) full coverage including depreciation waiver. If you're going to move to Yonge/Eglinton and won't be using the vehicle for work, tell them you're only going to put 15000kms/yr (keep the figure under 19k) and it will be cheaper. Apparently there's different rates for usage. Since I walk to work, I told them I'll only put 10-12k/yr and she told me it dropped my premium. By the way I'm insured with "The Personal" and they were cheaper than Monnex. If you're still looking for an 8 you should try Avante Mazda. I bought mine there and they really worked me a great deal!

 

Hi!

I'm 26, live in Montreal and didn't really have any experience with stick before I got my 8 two months ago! I also don't drive it everyday (it's a toy, I commute by subway) so our situations are pretty similar.

First I'd recommend you get the manual transmission. The engine is not that torquy, lightweight clutch/flywheel assembly... it's a great car to learn how to drive stick. I had some experience on smaller cars (civic, kia and such) and found it a little more troublesome to drive the 8 but in the end it's MUCH more satisfying. Especially if like me you buy it to entertain yourself... no point in getting it AT. Add to that the fact that among all car if there is one car for which you get much less in the AT version than the MT, it's the 8. (Please AT owners, don't trample me! Only a personal opinion! My other car is an AT!)

Regarding the "buying" part, try to get one used. I got one with only 16 000km on it for about 40% less than sticker price. Buy smart. And never, ever, ever-ever-eva trust a car salesman

As for insurance, I don't know how it's in the GTA but here I had quotes around 1800-2000 a year for a boxster or a 350Z... 2 minor claims, 1 speeding ticket... 8 came at 1400$ a year so about 115$ a month.

Feel free to msg me if you want to ask anything else.