Fierdon

Hi there, I've been part of the forum for a while, but haven't visited in over a year now.

I went to a local dealership for a buddy of mine to look at a car and they wanted me to sell them my Jeep (one on lot like it but two people want it) and I told them the only thing I wanted was an RX-8. Well he said it just-so-happens they have one that they just got as a trade-in. He showed it to me, it was a 2004 with black and red leather seats and an Auto with paddle shifters.

Now, I'm not much for autos, but the paddle shifter seems real cool, and I would only be using it for daily driving and the Local AutoX that comes up every couple of months. I did some reading and have found out that the Auto for 2004-2005 was a 4-speed with lower HP and a 4-port engine. I also hear a lot of people say to stay away from them. Should I just pass up this deal? Or is it possible to do minor things to it to help it keep up with its 6MT brother?

As of right now, I'm thinking of getting rid of the Jeep due to it not being practical for me anymore (dropped my hunting lease, no longer need 4x4). I know the RX-8 gets bad gas mileage, but my jeep gets me no more than 13MPG, so they can't be worse can they? I also love the looks of the car and the fact i can fit more than two people in it (all my friends have 2 seaters, so I'm always the one driving).

So, should I even consider the RX-8 4AT? Or should I just leave it? They are few-and-far-between here and I would most likely have to drive a few hours just to find somewhere that may have more concentration of them, though my Credit Union isn't fond of doing Loans for vehicles that aren't local and/or private sales.

04RX8man

pass...autos suck IMO...and 4 ports are worthless for the most part again my opinion .......keep looking...

chino0314

iTrader: (12)

04 autos have too many issues go 6speed or not at all

Fierdon

Are they worthless due to lack of power? Or lack of aftermarket?

What kind of issues and would they be covered by TSBs?

shazy

/\ No they don't lol.

Don't get it. It takes like 9 seconds to go to 60mph. You'll have 98 civics beating you there lmao.

If you really want an automatic I suggest the 6 spd auto version. It's faster when you are driving and its better for driving too.

Im all down for manual, but it's your choice.

RyanX-8

iTrader: (1)

I have an 04 auto. Love the car to death. I have had no major issues. Don't not get the car you want because some people think autos are crap.

Easy Driver

I didn't think the 2004 had paddle shifters. I thought those only came in with the 6-speed autos.

chino0314

iTrader: (12)

04-05 autos are four speed
06-08 autos are six speed

VS8

iTrader: (4)

autos r gay

Fierdon

I had thought that too. But, I know I saw paddle shifters. The car wasn't 'on' the lot yet as it was in the service department because they just got it as a trade-in.. I thought I saw 2004, but it could have been a 2009? It was black and had black and red leather seats. Did the '04s come with Red and Black Leather Seats?

Fierdon

Did all RX-8s of all years come with a Limited Slip Differential?

EDZRIDE

iTrader: (1)

Yes on the GT model; yes on all but the "Base" models.

shazy

IT doesn't matter if it has paddle shifters or not. It's still an automatic, it doesn't even blip the throttle when you downshift and it slips alot.

rxwarrior

iTrader: (1)

Tell the dealer to find the one you want, don't just settle for the one they have. Do an auto trader search within 300 or so miles of you and I'll bet you're surprised at how many turn up.

ken-x8

Despite the paddles, it's still an automatic. If you're not big on automatics, then why get one. That's really up to you, though, not what other people think.

It's not possible to do minor things to help it keep up with 6MT models. In general, there are no simple HP upgrades for any RX-8. Inlet and exhaust mods are popular, but they affect the sound more than the power.

If you've fallen in love with the one the dealer has, try to proceed as objectively as you can. Drive it enough to see if you really like the auto and the amount of power. Get it looked at, carfaxed, research prices, etc.

Ken

CarAndDriver

I would definitely not get an AT in the 8. I don't think the engine works that great with an auto. If you have your heart set on an AT, get an 06+. Plus the 4-port engines only had 1 oil cooler and that seemed to be very problematic.

shazy

So do the 6 port autos.

Easy_E1

iTrader: (2)

ALL AT"S come with one oil cooler. What's problematic?

Easy_E1

iTrader: (2)

In my opinion,, Your opinion sucks, All opinions like this are worthless!! In my opinion,, KISS MY ***! And not the one in my AVATAR!

Easy_E1

iTrader: (2)

A worthwhile post. Unlike the rest of the crap on here. Thank You Ken

Easy_E1

iTrader: (2)

Where do you people get your info from,, The back of a cereal box?

Easy_E1

iTrader: (2)

And your a ghey Pedophile.

JinDesu

iTrader: (2)

Easy went on a rampage here...

I think a few people mentioned how the long gearing of the 4 port does well at autox?

Easy_E1

iTrader: (2)

I just get tired of the IDIOT's bashing the 4 port AT.
And as far as Autocross goes, the 4 port AT KICKS ***! Just ask my 6speed friends.

ZachLegend

I've had both the AT and the MT. I liked my AT, and despite what people say, its not THAT slow, especially with the right mods and its still an amazing handling car, which is why a lot of people buy the 8. Mine didn't have any problems in all the time I owned it, so I don't know what people are talking about.

I say, if you like the RX8 and want a daily driver, the AT is definitely better than the Jeep. And if you are able to put up with the annoying stubborn AT pessimists on this forum, then by all means, get one.