is an automatic transmission a good idea with a rx8?
 

Hello all,

I have been trying to find a sports car that I will fit in, I am 6'6" and it seems like the rx8 is a viable option for me...I would love to know if auto transmission is ok in terms of the engine lasting as long as with a manual trans? I have read about the difference in power with the auto and I think I will be ok with the lower power but I am concerned about long-term reliability issues with the automatic. any advice would be great!!!

Thank you all for all the great information!
Yogi

Biggest thing I've heard and it's not what you asked...............but there is more headroom when the moonroof isn't there. In terms of fit, I'd just go sit in one, take it for a drive, and make sure it works for you.
In terms of reliability and transmission(purely from the aspect of which you asked)...........there really isn't a difference. There are far more concerns with this car than the transmission. If you are one that won't read the manual, don't keep up on regular maintainance, or have no plans to do some reading on here(once bought) to learn some of the small little quirks, then I'd look elsewhere.


One small edit: As BigBacon below reminded me.............I think I would at least steer clear of 04 model years at this point. 06 and newer would be even better.

hmm, it might be a tight fit for 6'6 but maybe not. My friends dad is 6'8 and he could not fit in the drivers seat even with it being all the way back. My wife's uncle is pretty tall to, and he tried one and couldn't fit either. you will need to go look at one and try it.

it will be about the same in terms of reliability, you won't have to worry about a clutch breaking on you either. I haven't seen much about tranmissions dying for either option, it's more the engine.

If going AT, i would suggest an 06+

If you're buying new, I don't know if there will be any engine reliability differences for the ATs, but there sure were in the early cars.

Drive an AT and a MT, only you can decide if you'll be satisfied with an AT from a sports car perspective. I wouldn't, but that's me.

Definitely don't get a moon roof. I'm only 6'2" and I fit much better without a moon roof.

My little boy is 6'4" , 260 LBS. and fits in the passenger seat and his head barely clears with a sunroof. 6' 6" is going to be tight.

just curious, does the sun roof really take that much away? I thought thats why they made it open to the outside and not into the car. hard for me to know, I'm only 5'6

^.............Yes, I've heard it does make a difference. There are threads on the subject.....especially where it relates to taller guys and helmets(for track days).

I grew up with sticks, and disliked autos, but my 07 6spd AT is the best auto I've ever seen. It shifts smoothly with my foot planted on the gas at 7000 rpm, and will stay in gear for several seconds when I track the car and get off gas before redline so it keeps the revs up in the corner for the fast exit. I went to Dallas last week at 75mph and got 27 mpg. Whats not to like?

For reliability, you probably have less to worry about than manual because the automatic is relatively protective of itself. For enjoyment... of course the manual is better.

I own an automatic, and I really REALLY appreciate it in traffic because I have some sort of knee arthritis, and constant pedal movement kills me. If I am to buy an RX-8 again, though, I would get the manual.

MT = redline at 9000 rpms, 232 hp , AT= redline at 7000 rpms, 212 hp . Test drive both and decide for yourself what is more fun:) 6'6" sound a lot for an rx8. I am 6'3" and everything feels tight.

I would steer clear of the sunroof if you truly are that tall. My uncle is 6'3'' and his head touches the roof in the passenger seat (I have a sunroof). The drivers seat does adjust downwards so you might be okay, but you're going to have a hard time if you ever have to ride shotgun. I would just go check it out and make the decision based on your experience. Just remember to check the passenger seat too.

The automatic transmission must have been a good idea for the Rx8 if Mazda mass produces them. I own a 2006 AT 6spd, 6 port. Never had any problems.

I'm 6'3" and my car doesn't have a sunroof. I'm fine. I did sit in a GT model in the dealership and my head almost rubbed against the roof liner.
04 & 05 AT models had a 4 port engine that was considered Lo-Power in Aisa & Europe. They were also supplied in manual transmission cars. Starting in 06 they coupled the 6 port Hi-Power engine to the automatic transmission. The extra 25 HP is a nice addition. There were reliability issues in the hot summer states (AZ, NV, TX, .....) in early models, but I haven't heard of any special problems recently. You just have to remember the rotary engine likes to be driven hard to keep carbon build up to a minimum.

Get a manual.

I'm 6-3 and can were a cowboy hat (not that I would) but I'm all leg and minimal torso. I have no sunroof.


Little - lol

Thank you all for your thoughts!!!
 

I will be looking at a 2008 rx8 Sport with under 11,000 miles, auto transmission asking $18,000. Any input from you experienced Rx8 owners?

Thanks again,
Yogi

Haven't had any problems with my 2007 6AT

I have been wondering the same thing. I am looking to buy an 8 here very soon myself. Will mainly be a daily with some spirited back roading and a trip to the track every now and again. Plan on doing some light performance stuff to it (exhaust, k&n, etc) and was wondering if the 06+ AT is worth it or if I should stick to the MT.

I have always been an MT guy, but I know that AT's have come a long way.

I was told by a dealer that the sunroof cuts headroom about 1/2-3/4 inch
 

I sat in a 2010 GT with a sunroof and my head hit the support bar that runs around the sunroof. I am 6'6" solid so I think I might fit in one without the sunroof...

I will let you all know when I do.

Yogi

Is this your daily driver?
 

Thank you for the information, Can you let me know how you use your car? Have you taken any long trips in it and if so how was the ride comfort?

Cheers,
Yogi

Can you give me some more information on how you use your car?
 

I love the sound of 75 mph and 27 mpg!!!

How log was your drive and any other information you can give me about how you use your car would be great!!!

Yogi

Yogi,
That is the best average trip I can get but I did same mileage to same spot a few years ago. In West Texas we don't have that pesky 10% ethanol, and it was cool enough that I think I used AC about half the time, and the 20 mph wind was to the right rear. My 6spd auto was running about 2600 rpms @75 mph, and I was using 8 oz. Pennzoil Air cooled 2 cycle oil in that tankful of gas. 282.2 miles divided by ( 10.347 + .0625 for the 8 oz. premix burned too) = 27.1 mpg! No need for me to worry about carbon deposits; I drove it like I stole it at ECR on a HPDE north of Decatur, and got about 8mph there on track geeting up to 96 mph then braking to 30 mph for hairpins.

That's a pretty good price, but definitely consider a 2009 on account of the engine improvements starting with that model year.

A 2008 rx8 sport without the sunroof has more headroom by about 1 inch than a 2010 touring with sunroof...FYI