I have both an RX-8 (manual) and a Mazda 3S SP23. The Mazda 3S SP23 is a terrific car: very nimble, good speed and handling, quiet, well outfitted in the SP23 configuration. Some people seem to be dismissing your idea without having actually driven the 3. I'm very familiar with the 8 and I like the 3, too!

 

I agree, I'd say no to this one. I drive an AT RX8 and i'm sure if you weren't part of this forum you'd be perfectly happy w/it. If you've got the itch, try to find a leftover '04 MT RX8 despite your unspoken reasons... and the 6 with all the visual goodies is very sexy.

 

RX8rider

Do whatever is best for you...

The Mazda 3 is a nice little car. The Mazda S 5-Door got a GREAT review in the long-term test in the April 2005 Motor Trend.

"This may be the best compact sedan on the market today."

I like the way the 5 door looks. Pretty sporty.

It's usually not the best decision financially...to trade cars in. The dealer...walks away with more money in his pockets. And you usually end up...upside down.

Either way...you have to make the decision on your own. In the end...you'll be the one driving and paying for the car.

Good luck.

 

YEah seriously dude--try and find a used 6spd 8--I've driven the 3 alot and yeah its coo; but if for nothing alone the handling of the A/T 8 is far better than that of the 3. I plan on trading my auto for a manual RX8 when I'm ready to get another car--right now I'm content with the auto 8. You'd be kicking yourself if you got a SP23 for 21K and come upon a used 6spd RX8 for 23K.

 

S-plan info

 

Though I have an auto 8 I very much love it. I would only want the 6speed if I was racing which I dont, my car is all looks and that is all personal preferences. Driving and 8 and trading it for something less such as the Mazda 3 is like being rich to poor. Ok so you like stick, then get something better than a Mazda 3 and there are far more better looking, MT, faster cars than the rx8's that are much or less expensive. But not the Mazda 3! I wouldn't do it.

 

Knowing that I already put in about 8k on my car hell no Im not trading it for a 6MT. I love my auto 8.

 

To be eligible, you need to work for a partner or supplier of Ford. For Mazda, S-Plan gets you roughly invoice pricing... saved me over $4k. You also can get discounts on Volvo, Jag, Range Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, etc... but most of the high-end stuff you only save a small amount. I'm looking at the Volvo XC90 V8 right now, and the S-Plan would only save me $3k off of $55k... probably the same amount I could negotiate off anyway.

 

1. Eliminate your reasons for discounting the 8 MT
2. Get the 8 MT

Flogging the 3 at revitup was fun, but it's no replacement for a blanced, RWD car like the 8. Likewise, AT sucks.

 

You'll cry going from RWD with an LSD, to single wheel FWD.

 

Here we go--I was wondering which 'genious' would light the fuse on the AT/MT bash session--hopefully folks don't take the bait and stick to the topic at hand.

 

I agree. The 3 is a solid performer. It's a great car and has so many amenities. Don't dismiss it until you try it out. I did a lot of research and it was either the 3 or the tC for my sister. It has won a ton of accolades and the Protege is a proven fun car.

On the other hand I haven't had extensive experience with the auto RX8, but it looks like you're not happy.. maybe do what budebaker did and trade it for a manual and swallow the loss and be happy.

 

I've tried it... even the MT version and it's one of the best cars in that segment and price range. I just think it's a huge step down on so many levels AT or not.

 

SP23 are pretty nice........... I saw a couple while I was waiting at the dealership to get my brakes worked on. Very nice I must say................ But thats a big drop from being an RX8. You will miss the 8 if you take the 3. But do what your gut tells you to!

 

I would not do the trade, but then again I detest FWD. I've only owned 2 front wheel drive cars in my life and won't own another. The handling sucks (FWD = MAJOR understeer)....so what use is having a sporty tranny (5 or 6 spd MT) with a car that can't take advantage of it? If you commute in heavy traffic daily, you'll appreciate the AT more than a MT. Me personally, all of my vehicles are RWD and MT.

 

I had driven RWD all my life, and when I got an MX-6 LS (FWD, V6, MT), it was a horrible experience for me. I hated the torque steer and heavy nose. I kept it only a few months.

That said, I love the looks of the Mazda3 hatchback; I think it's one of the coolest-looking hot hatches I've seen in years. Makes me want to drive one.

 

I'll be driving my Millenia S exclusively for the next week and a 1/2 due to body repair and soundsystem install-- I forgot how much I DON'T miss FWD and torque steer. This is a downright foolish trade (RX8 to 3) --unless it is for financial reasons.

 

yay, another auto-bashing thread, gotta' love it! some people just aren't happy unless they are making other people feel worse than they do, right on, way to go!

 

bashing? there is no bashing going on here. He axed a serious question and people are answering it for him.

 

The 3 is a fine car. They catch my eye every time they go by. Reviewers say it has great handling (though I thought it felt like driving a zippy minivan - tall, very upright seating, etc.).

But the thing is, you apparently jumped a bit too early at the AT RX-8, and now regret it. Be careful the 3 isn't just a quick, temporary fix to have a MT. If so, one wonders if a year from now you'll also be regretting the 3's FWD, looks, etc.?

Just be sure the 3 satisfies your wants & needs. If so, it's a very nice choice...

 

Test drive the 3 and then decide. Which one do you have more fun driving? Think about it. Personally, I'd take the 3 and some extra cash over an automatic 8 anyday. Manuals are more fun to drive. Period.

But, as lots of other people have said, it would be sweet if you could find a used MT 8 and do a trade...