lamboceligts

Hi guys, I need your help asap please.

I might in a couple days purchase a 2004 Automatic RX8 for $7,800.

It seems to be in good condition and has 64,000 miles. I don't mind that it's an auto because I messed up my wrist in a motorcycle accident.

Would this be a good vehicle to buy for a summer car or even to flip?

I've heard there are issues with the engine and trans in the earlier models..

Thanks

K1NeT1C USMC

do a compression test on it first before you buy it.

RX8Lovah

compression test!!!
i should have compression tested mine before i bought it, and thankfully havnt had any issues - But... im testing mine next week before the Warrenty runs out in july lol

xexok

It might be a fun car to drive, but I hate automatics so I'm not sure. Definitely not a good car to flip, with gas prices how they are its pretty tough to sell a car that gets such low mpg.

Domenico

iTrader: (6)

Your losing hp with an auto, but if your ok with that then go for it. Seems like a good price, just make sure they have all the records on it.

1.3_LittersOfFurry

iTrader: (4)

If your gonna go auto atleast go +06. Much better car.

lamboceligts

Thanks for the responses. Yeah this is true I didn't realize how low of a MPG it got.

I was looking for an auto because I messed my wrist up in a motorcycle accident and like the look and handling of the RX8.

But I am really more worried about the engine and how easily it can flood or need repair.

monil

don't worry about flooding, never happened in mine till now, have started the car and shut it without driving or pulling out of garage, but its good to be careful

flooding is mostly noted on MT RX-8's

CyberPitz

lolwut.jpg

All RX-8's without the updated starter, up to par battery and ignition system will be much more prone to flooding. Transmission has nothing to do with it.

monchie

+1 on compression test! When you buy the car, you will have engine warranty until 2012. Get some extended warranty from the dealership your buying from if you could afford the payments. For me, an extended warranty is a peace of mind after the basic warranty expires. Good luck.

PeteInLongBeach

The automatics are rated as better highway fuel mileage than the manuals. Even the 4 speed automatics have taller gearing than the 6 speed manuals; the 6 speed automatics are even higher geared and have the 6-port motor.

Domenico

iTrader: (6)

I've never had my car flood

Razz1

If you live in a hot climate zone.. stay away from Auto, unless it is 06 or newer

Easy_E1

iTrader: (2)

There is no issue with the AT trans. So delete that from your mind.

Take the VIN # to the local Mazda dealer and check service and warranty history.

Bigbacon

iTrader: (4)

Isn't the AT trans a tank compared to the MT?

monchie

Don't hate because the op has an AT

What's wrong with that, it's still an rx8, right?

PeteInLongBeach

Translation, please. What does this mean?

Easy_E1

iTrader: (2)

A"tank"?

loco-8

I don't think flipping is a good idea. I don't know about the AT 04's. I have a MT 04 since new. I flooded it once. Actually my wife did while I was pushing it out of the snow in the driveway. I did the deflooding procedure you can find online and it worked. I wouldn't worry about flooding. and I thought the ATs had 4 ports and the MTs had 6 ports.

xexok

That really just blows my mind to think the autos get better mpg. Every car I have owned the manual gets better mpg. My last car was a mercury cougar and I regularly got 25+ mpg in it with a manual but someone I know with an auto gets 20 mpg average in it.

I'm not saying your wrong, just saying thats strange to me.

Bigbacon

iTrader: (4)

I noticed this recently on other cars also. I was looking at 370zs and they are the same way, not by much but the AT does get like 1 MPG more both city and hi-way. Think it was like 19/26 vs 20/27 or something.

PeteInLongBeach

2 reasons:

- Older automatics had no lock-up torque converter, so there was always slip in the fluid coupling. Kind of like a clutch that slips all the time - lost/wasted motion. Newer automatics now have a clutch pack in the torque converter that locks up the drive with no slip (in the Mazda this ocurrs in 5th and 6th). Lock up torque converters make automatics at least as efficient when cruising as manuals, less so in lower gears and under accelerating when the torque converter is slipping.

-Gear Ratios. The RX-8 manual transmission ratio turns 20 mph per 1000 rpm in 6th. The automatic turns 30 mph per 1000 rpm in 6th. HUGE difference. Translating to driving terms: at 60 mph the manual is running at 3000 rpm, the automatic is only running at 2000 rpm. Lower revs = less fuel consumed.

Not all manual vs automatic comparisons are the same. It varies depending on each transmission design. Clealy, Mazda designed the manual transmission cars for performance and response even in 6th gear, but at the expense of fuel consumption. My Toyota MR2 was the same scenario. The automatic version was geared much higher in top gear than the manual verson, so it got much better mileage (was much quieter cruising too).