I've now owned my RX8 AT for a little over three months and I'm really satisfied with the car as a whole. It's exciting every time I get in and drive and it's hard to complain about this awesome car. However, while the AT and tiptronic setup is fun, looking back, I think I might have preferred the MT. I've only driven manual a couple times but I'm very willing to learn and practice. The main reason why I got the AT is so that my wife would be able to drive it if necessary. Anyhow, my question is what's involved in swapping the AT for the MT? How much am I looking at loosing financially with the swap? I currently have ~2700 miles on the car now if it makes any difference.

 

Unless you have a ton invested in your AT 8, you are probably better off trading it in for an MT. The tranny isn't the only thing that's different.

 

I haven't invested anything in it yet other than winter tires and rims which I can use on either. It's an 2004 AT with the sports package

 

Well--its hard to say--you could sell you RX8 for about 22K-25K and pick up an MT for as little as 25K.

 

Yeah, the problem is the auto also has (as far as I understand) 2 less ports also. So, the change to a stick would still leave you with 4 ports instead of 6 (again, as far as I understand and you should probably wait for more replies)

The work, money, and port issue makes it a unreasonable to make such a change. Can you do it, yes probably so, but the warranty would be dead and the work would be LONG.

Trade it back in and hope for the best...Or, you can sell it yourself to maximize the worth of the car. Just an FYI, after my extensive search...auto's are really taking a hit in value so either way it does not look promising. Sorry to be all doom and gloom...you never know, maybe a dealership can work something out.

 

This has been discussed before, and dismissed as unpractical and uneconomical at least, and impossible at worst. And the guy who brought it up got ran out of town. :p

I believe you would need a new engine, trans, clutch, ECU and various other parts, and your 8 would be in the shop forever. The cost of labor on a job like this would be more than you would lose by selling yours and getting a manual.

Basically, enjoy the twisties. I will not post the obligatory "you should have gotten the manual" comment.


Um, I guess I just did.

 

I find myself in a similiar situation. I really liked the concept of the paddle shifters and since I live in LA, usually get auto/tip cars. I was also thinking of taking the shift plunge by selling my car and buying a used stick, but in my case, I am leasing and the loss will probably be too great. At this point, I've decided to hang on the auto for awhile and maybe see what happens with '06 cars. At that point, I may or may not stay with the 8. Great car but the mileage is really getting me down.

 

Do this
https://www.rx8club.com/attachment.p...chmentid=38349

And you'll end up with money to buy a manual rx8, jk :p :D

 

just trade it in for an manual. Where in columbus are you?

 

I'm in Bexley. I go to OSU. I The good thing is that I paid about 24500 for my 8 because I bought it under the S plan. I could buy a new MT 8 for invoice. I bought the 8 at Mazdadirect.

 

oh yah, you mentioned that under the "fast roads in columbus" thread.

 

I predict an engine flood!! :D

- Irish

 

Your going to lose a lot on the trade in. I'd recommend waiting for the 2006 model year before trading, at least then maybe the 8 will have some new gizmos and such.

 

You're probably right Therm8. should be happy with the one I have for now. When I finish my residency in 2007 and I'm out there making the big bucks, I'll buy a 2007 fully loaded, top of the line RX8!!

 

seems this thread is done..but i need to add..I had an 99 accord 4 cycl with auto
i had about 12g in upgrades...and wanted to changed auto to manual
, well...turns out, it is impossible as the keys have immobilizers...and they cannot be removed. in order for the manual to work, needed to swap out ecd also.
Thus, I got the RX-8 6 speed with touring under the s-plan...and traded in my accord for $6300 (It had a transmission problem where it needed to be remaned)
----------------
if anyone can add...think getting that much for tradein was a good value?

 

I want to trade for a MT also. I really regret not getting it in the first place. I am having trouble finding the car I want. (No one seems to have one available) My dealer doesn't seem interested in helping me out so I am on my own. Not much luck so far! I just have to have the MT..........*sigh*

 

Looking back at my decision, I didn't have the power to make the choice. It was my mom's. She was buying the 8 for me and never liked manuals. After having this car for some time, almost three months, I wish I had brought better facts to my mom about the manual. My dad's preferance was already in the manual, but my mom's decision was what counted. I have an Automatic 8 as of now, and even though I enjoy every moment in this beautiful car, I still think I would have been happier with a manual. Just being stick and 40 hp more was worth an extra grand. But oh well, I have already worked on my car, I will just have to buy another rotary when I have the money myself.

 

Why don't you trade in your cars? Mazda is still offering $1500 cash back on 2004s and another $1500 if you finance through Mazda Credit. If you can get the car at invoice, that $3000 will help offset the money you lose on your trade.
If you finance through Mazda Credit, they will charge you a minimum of 7.5% interest, so make one payment and refinance with Cap One at 5.89% if your credit if really good.