I know this is almost like beating a dead horse, but I finally understand. I test drove an '04 GT model with a 6 speed. My 8 is an automatic, and I can honestly say they are two totally different cars. While I still can't say I regret buying my 8, I can definitely say I much prefer the manual transmission. It makes a "seat of the pants" difference. The guys at the dealership were amazing - I test drove the car alone with instructions to "drive it like you stole it." Needless to say .... I cleaned up the car with multiple redline shifts and speeds that I would've easily been arrested for. That car renewed my joy in driving. Had I owed less on my 8, they would have taken it as a clean trade. I was wary of the 04 model, but this one was inspected by an RX-8 specialist, had all the updates, and compression tested. I will definitely be looking for a 6 speed 8 in the future.


I have come to admit: I have an addiction.

 

Homework, did you not do it in HS also?

 

I decided I wanted an 8 after I sat in one for the first time I knew I would regret it if I bought an automatic. There are 2 times I miss an auto traffic jams and hitting a stop light while going up a hill in Seattle.

 

I did enough homework to graduate with a 3.5 gpa. :p My 8 .... Maybe not quite so much. I have decided to keep my auto for awhile, make my payments and build my credit, then eventually sell/trade for a 6 speed grand touring model. I don't regret buying my 8 at all, even with it being an auto. I will have another one day.

 

Auto = relax
Manual = stress

Anyway, it doesn't matter if you drive an auto or manual, its still an rx8...lol

 

Dang right it is.

And I spent 4 hours detailing (wash, dry, wax, polish rims, vacuum, cleaned the dash, and conditioned my leather) ......... only to have the hubby say that "Blackie" (his 2003 Toyo Celica) is a lower profile car and less likely to draw attention. I didn't spend that much time cleaning to let Hachi (yeah, she has an unoriginal name) sit at home on New Year's!!!!