to buy or not to buy
 

Hi people. Have't been here in a very long time.
Anyways, I've been waiting for the SMG transmission to come out but I guess I can't wait anymore. I'm hopefully going to be buying a blue Automatic RX-8 very soon and I wanted to hear some opinions. Is it worth waiting another year or so for the SMG or 5-speed auto to come out or should I just buy an Auto 8 now? The reason I'm not getting a manual even though I want one is because I live in a heavily traffic-congested area, I don't know how to drive a manual yet, and my mom doesn't want me to have a manual. How bad is the Auto's acceleration? Is it slower then my current Lexus LS400's 0-60 of 7.8 seconds. Should I get navigation? Should I get appearance package? All opinions will be greatly appreciated.

buy a hi-powered stick version and learn how to drive it, you will get better gas mileage and do it with a smile on your face

IMO, If it has to be auto I'd wait for the 5 speed but the paddle shifters are pretty cool. But, also it's not hard to learn how to drive MT. I wouldn't start to learn a MT on a $30k car, but everyone starts from something- learn from a friend or fam member. Rent a car.

You're other questions are personal preference. I think the app package looks better than stock and I don't really travel in unfamiliar areas, so don't need nav. In those instances that I map out beforehand.

Manual or nothing IMO. :)

i have a 4-speed automatic and i still think its pretty good. not as tough as the manual, but if there's no way u can get da manual, just go for the auto. the rx8 is still the rx8. i assume the 5 speed or smg would be much nicer than the 4-speed. i still get pretty quick, and compared to ur LS400, it be about the same if you go touring package without all the extra weight. but in ur concern to get one now or not, its really about ur patience. how much can u hold it? haha

I say go manual ... I didn't really know stick until I bought the rx8. Only takes a couple of days to get use to (drive in a parking lot). As for Nav ... it's handy to have but kinda pricy. Besides that's what Mapquest is for.

If I could do it over again, I would get the "appearance package" (as you Americans call it) ... ie the spoiler, side deflectors and front air dam. It gives the car that much more oomph! Take a look in the photogallery for some hot examples. Good luck and hope you join us.

FYI---The appearance pkg does not include the spoiler.

app package adds about $750 to the price of your car. If you have your dealer install it, app will add over $1200 range. It's up to you if you think the app package is worthwhile. If you have any plans to get an aftermarket body kit, or mazda speed bodykit, then it's definately not worth getting.

You gotta do what you gotta do IMO.
But the manual would be a lot more fun down the road. I'd like to try the paddle shifter thing, but who knows how it will work after 100,000 miles. I know that would be a consideration for me.

Good feedback. So far I'm leaning towards an '05 winning blue auto rx8 with the GT and appearance packages and nav. And I hear the auto's acceleration isn't that bad above 20mph. Once I get it, the first mod will be clear corners. Maybe some rims too. But if I get rims wouldn't that make the tire pressure monitoring system obsolete? And does anyone know if I can mod the nav and make it a dvd player or a computer or something? Sooo many questions, so little time! Also, any tips for trying to get the dealer to give me a good deal. Thanks a lot guys (and girls?).

If you're concerned with it's acceleration at all, I would learn to drive stick and get the 6speed. You get all 9000+ RPM, more power, and the true sports car driving experience. Yes, it's slower than your LS400. The navigation is great- not as good as Acura's, but I use it all the time. Appearance package? I like it a lot with the spoiler, but it also depends on if you plan on getting a different body kit down the road (like the Mazdaspeed one)... you'll have to throw away the pieces of the appearance package if so.

Good luck...

Give the six speed a try. It is one of the smoothest shifting cars around. It really is the best way to feel at one with the machinery. My little sister got a great deal on a manual transmition car, never drove one in her life, and known not to be coordinated. After a week she never wanted to go back to an automatic. If you just want to stomp on the gas and go, get the new Mustang GT or G35 for the same cash. IMO

CO3

Go manual ,

If you purchase the 4 speed Auto when the much improved 5 speed SMG transmission becomes available.... (This is the right transmision for the RX8 Mazda has done the car a diservice by putting in a weak outdated 4 speed AUTO )........ IMHO not only will you kick yourself but you will loose BADLY on RE-SALE as no one will want the old 4 speed auto unless they get a huge saving , so go manual or wait for the 5 speed SMG AUTO .

cheers
michael

I'd have to agree, try to get the manual. I have the auto and while it certainly handles just as well, four gears is not enough for this car. 2nd gear is too tall. Still having said all that, I still enjoy the auto and although it's not blazing fast, it's quick, especially once you get going (fast enough for me to get a ticket :)) I really like the paddle shifters, however, and if the car had more power and more gears, it'd be great.

I live in LA and have always had auto cars but with the 8, for the first time, I really, truly regret getting the auto.

Wait.

IMO this is the key sentence from your initial post.

If your mom is still influencing these issues for you then keep driving the LS400 until you're comfortable making this decision for yourself and can explain it to her in a way that doesn't upset either of you.

Until you can do that, you're not ready to do this.

It's just a matter of time. If you're as young as I assume you are that probably seems like forever. It's not, trust me. I've been there! :)

How long do you plan to own the car? At this stage, if you MUST get an auto, I'd wait for the '06 5 speed auto or '06 6 speed SMG to be available - September is only 10 months away! 10 months wait, for years of enjoyment. In 3 or 4 years, would you be glad you got the 4 speed auto with the low-power engine, or cursing that you didn't wait 10 months for the better auto trans with the high-power engine? As mentioned, as soon as those new transmissions (both to be available with the high=power engine) become available, the resale value of the lo-power 4 speed autos ('04-'05) will plummet.

Regards,
Gordon