Silent_Angel

Hi new here and just saying hi

Right now I'm looking into buying a RX-8 2007 And I was wondering, how forgiving is the cluch. I havn't drive manual in a long time, and little experience in manual transmission. And is it worth the money to invest in a fully loaded GT?

THanks

nate340

The clutch on the 8 is easier than my focus. i let my mom drive it and she had a hard time finding third at first. by the end of her test drive she was able to chirp in to third.

Huskyfan23

great clutch. The 8 has been praised time and time again on it's gearbox and manual transmission in whole.

The GT does add about 100 lbs to body weight, but the additional weight is really not that noticeable on the performance end. If you drive around a lot, I highly suggest you purchase a GT. Much, much easier to live with on a day to day basis (and IMO, much more comfortable).

Starter

reverse is hard to find sometimes.

nate340

I find the opposite. Push down and all the way to the right.
Sometimes going to 1st then reverse makes it slide in that much nicer thu.

Starter

If I am moving and it is hard to hit it.

nate340

I was always taught not to change in to reverse while rolling. Something about reverse not having syncros

CarAndDriver

No point in getting an AT in an 8. If getting an AT, get a different car.

Silent_Angel

lol thats what I felt like, just that I want to make sure cause I was tought manual by my dad, and before I have enough practice to be good enough he changed his car. so I want to know if I'm just going to be spending insane amout of money fixing my manual.

Thanks for all the feedback

Shinka-Dono

Hi. The best way is to test drive a few cars on your list and go home and think about it. (don't test drive then hang around while the leeches try to attach themselves)

j67345

I'd have to see a stock 8 chirp into third to believe that one.

I think the clutch is a pretty easy one though. Agree with Shinka-dono....go for some test drives, and give yourself a day or two to think about it before buying something. Mine is fully loaded, and I'm definitely happy with all my options...

nike178

Yea i don't think a stock 8 can chirp 3rd..

nate340

a stock 8 can chirp into 3rd. ask around not the easiest thing to do but very possible. Also depends a lot on road surface and tires. i try not to do it too often, i dont want to be replacing bits just yet.

before you start stating what a stock 8 can and cant do search. just because your unable to do something does not mean it is impossible.

j67345

i didn't say I've tried to do it. So chill out noob

Shinka-Dono

Yeah! you big jerk j67345

Easy_E1

iTrader: (2)

*^$#)(@@*(&%$@$(*&)()^@!$#W!@%!(#_+)^*&

j67345

Sorry man, sometimes I just can't help myself! Maybe I can chirp into 3rd or 4th with all the crap still stuck on my tires from the Limerock track!

CarAndDriver

Hi

j67345

hello there

mikeferz42

gurantee she/he stalls more than once when she/he gets the car though. congrats if you get the car.

nate340

i got called a noob!! first time.

chickenwafer

iTrader: (9)

i chriped 3rd once. But I wouldn't have heard it if the radio was on and the windows up

StewC625

I wouldn't call it forgiving, but I would call it predictable - it's got a nice, low friction point, a nicely weighted clutch pedal effort - not "truck" strong, but enough so it's easy to modulate. The shifter on a new one can be notchy - if you rush shifts, you can crunch the gears - not a catastrophe or anything, but just FYI - it's normal. It gets better with a bit of age (like nearly everything else). Also, I replaced the stock gearbox oil with Royal Purple synthetic and that made a HUGE difference in the shifting.

Is it worth investing in a fully loaded GT? I'd say you get out what you put in - I wouldn't get anything but that, but I also was coming out of a loaded up Acura TL, so I doubt I'd have been happy with less.

Good luck with your search for a new '07. Have fun - you won't regret it - it is a special car, it does require more effort of ownership than a typical car, but then again, it is anything BUT a typical car.

MazdaJeff

I've only actually driven the 8 a few times, but the tranny felt fine. I think like any manual it will just take getting used to.

Nothing to do with the tranny, you might have some issues keeping the car at a higher RPM if your newer. It will all come in time, so no worries.

I would say if you can afford it get a GT. I have the smart key in my current car and I love it.

StewC625

I didn't mention what I like best about the manual - it feels really good. Can't explain it other than that. You'll get used to it and enjoy it ... go with it!!