I'm pretty new to the rotary engine field, as I have only owned VW's 1.8T's and just sold an 05' GTO with the LS2. I did read all the beginner forum stuff which helped, just wanted to get anymore input.
It's an 04' with 30k miles (AUTO) and clean carfax.

I'm picking it up in the South here, so I know I need to watch the oil (which I hear is a big thing on these cars).. which isn't a problem since I do that anyways in all of my cars on a weekly basis. Anything to look for when picking up the car and further input... besides getting maintenance history and all? Thanks guys... excited about joining the RX community.

 

Welcome to the club

The auto is gonna lose you marks with the MT crowd around here, and until you test drive it, you won't know what low-end torque really means!

Get the MT if you really want to get the most out of the RX8. Do also note that mods are really just visual, as you are unlikely to bolt on any real HP gains without going FI.

Regardless, enjoy your RX8,

Ed

 

04 + Auto usually means disaster somewhere down the line..., try to find another deal if you can.

Test drive it.

Also, know that the mileage is going to SUCK.

And the 04 4-port engine with auto is going to be slow.

 

if u don't know how to drive a stick, then learn and get a manual 6-speed. otherwise, you'll be missing out. this car is way more fun as a manual.

 

I know the manual is gonna have more torque feel and be faster, but I also have a job where I need a car to go through lots of ATL traffic. Why do ya'll say an auto makes the car disaster prone... I've heard more problems about the 6speeds?

Don't really care about losing marks with some of the crowd... buying the car for me not for them. Just looking for a good car to mountain and autox drive every now and then, but doesn't irritate me to drive the other 90% of the time to work/back.

Other question I know the newest RX-8 has more power... but do all the other years have the same engine? Can any auto owners chime in too, since I know there's gotta be some of you not driving a 6 speed hehe.

Also was reading up about the engine/tranny failures a while back (I know all of you guys have probably been asked this alot)... but was that just due to the 5-20W oil or do these engine/trannys really just have problems all around? Cause I can't see why an auto being well maintaned would just start breaking as compared to the 6speed?

 

hey Renesis:
Avoid the 04 if you can. The 04 Auto only has 4 ports meaning it has less power and a lower redline (7,500)
Try and find an 06 Automatic, those have a 6 port with more HP.

If you're looking to ocassionally AutoCross, I'd still recommend a M/T but if you really want an A/T, that's cool...just make sure it's an 06.
With gas prices going up and the redesigned 09's hitting showrooms, you should be able to get some great deals on an 06

 

Thanks Jedi I appreciate the input.

 

Ok flying down to FL to get my 8, will post pics later. Thanks for all the help guys.