superceleb

I currently drive a 07 Mazda3 that I purchased about a year ago. I was kind of in a rush to buy my last car when I did...I like the 3, but it's not really what I was looking for.

I have been looking at RX-8s in my area for awhile now, and one recently popped up that I like. It's 04, red, AT, leather, sunroof, etc, with 25,000 miles. It's at a Ford dealership (which kind of concerns me) and they are asking $16,000 (which I would hope I could get for less).

I'm paranoid after reading some of the postings on here that I will be setting myself up for a car with issues. It sounds like the AT 04s pretty much have a 50/50 chance of having problems. I want auto because my gf sometimes drives my car. Any thoughts?

BlueRenesis82

Personally I would teach your gf to drive stick, that alone will cut down on the amount of problems that you have with the car. Plus, you aren't married to her, get what makes you happy versus being nice for her to use.

dmc27

No. 04 AT is more likely to be a problem child.


Agree w/above - get MT and teach her how to drive it. It's a fun bonding experience with lots of dirty joke potential. You'll be much happier w/MT.

Phil's 8

iTrader: (3)

I have an 04 at with 0 problems, but some are prone to be problem children especially if not driven correctly.

jones75254

iTrader: (2)

Get MT 8, is good excuse to NOT let ur g-friend drive it.(doesnt work for me cuz mine knows how to drive stick---dammit!)
AT 8 is pretty much only good for looks, power is non-existent.
My girl has driven stick since she was 16 and i still worry my *** off when she drives my car, no way in hell she touches it if she has no experience driving stick.

In short, save urself alot of grief and get the MT.

4me2

auto>no

Old Rotor

I've had a '04 A/T since '03, no problems.

Phil's 8

iTrader: (3)

Yea but you have the MT establishment that does not want to hear of those of us that do not have problems. They don't seem to understand that the MT has it's problems also, or just do a three monkeys thing about their beloved MTs (hear, speak and see no evil).

RotaryP7

Do w/e you want. But if it's going to be an AT, get the newer 06 and up models.

TopGear8

iTrader: (3)

Don't do it, get a MT. just wait longer and you can get an 04' MT with the Grand Touring package for that price or even less. Mine was only 15k with 41k miles on it.

07rx8gtblack

I'd suggest that you look for the 6 speed AT, which is what I have. I can tell you from my experience of driving the AT that it still is a blast to drive. I have driven mostly MT since my first car, which was 89 Integra LS Special Edition, but AT RX-8 feels more fun-to-drive than any other cars that I have owned. If AT is what you want, don't let others convince you not to. I am still getting used to the pedal shifting on the steering wheel, but it kind of looks cool to me.

dmc27

Damn'd establishment. I hate those f8ckers.





OP's reason for AT sucks. But even with good reasons for AT, buying an 04 AT is not the best option. Yes, there are plenty of 04 AT 8s that are problem free. There's also a higher percentage of 04 ATs w/problems compared to 05, 06, or 07s. All factors aside, why buy an 04 4-speed AT when you can get a newer model w/a 6 speed AT?

I understand what you're saying, but if you were buying again NOW, would you recommend an 04 AT?

Phil's 8

iTrader: (3)

I recommend neither the at or the mt, my only thing is people that knock something that they know nothing about. There are plenty owners on here that belittle the at 8 and have never driven one. I've driven plenty of MTs and personally would never own one but that's my personal preference and I would never presume to tell others not to purchase one. I always have known that I would go FI and that it would be a s/c as I do not care for turbos. While I have never made a secret of it I sure do not tell people not to buy one. If you wish to convince someone not to purchase something then show what the faults of the item are and be sure and mention the faults of what you are pushing. Your % of failure may be correct but did you notice the change of the % after it was announced that the carbon needed to be expunged and that premixing was good for your engine?

superceleb

Thanks everyone for your help. I think I am pretty much set on AT. I'm kind of looking forward to drive an auto too, cause I get caught in stop and go traffic daily.

I would definitely prefer something newer, but price is still a concern. I really don't want to spend more than $16k. My current car is going to have about $1,000 negative equity, which sucks, but at least I would have a car I want.

dmc27

Take a look at the TSBs and Recall files at finishline and make sure they've been done. I would recommend making a vacuum test (see recall file) part of your bargaining. Don't take the car if they won't do the test and give/go over a copy of the results. (probably best on any 8, but def. on 04 AT)


^I hear you Phil. I know the AT gets bashed. I drove both b/c I was curious, and my dislike of AT is from the difference between the 2 rides, and the fact that I just don't like AT sports cars! lol. But I try not to bash - especially when the reason for AT is a valid one. Traffic / GF / inexperience don't cut it, but to each they're own. superceleb is looking for opinions, so you should be recommending something. AT, MT model year - something.

But in the interest of clearer answers for OP: the AT, in general, will shift at lower RPM - which cuts out roughly half of the best part of the power band. (best = most power, most fun, and most rotary screamin' love.)
The 04 specifically, has a higher chance of engine trouble simply b/c the flashs have modified the amount of oil injected, so any 04 AT will have a higher likelyhood of all the miles on the odo being miles driven before the MOP issues were "fixed" - thus making the new models a better option especially for AT.

Phil's 8

iTrader: (3)

Overall you are correct but....................... FYI:

Engine oil I agree with unless it was fed premix and I guess it would be hard to know for sure.
If he elects to do a few mods then the engine RPM are a mute point as all flashes, piggybacks, ecu replacements will correct that little problem.
Have fun with your new AT. Doing mods to it? Come over to the AT threads and ask your questions.

Nopstnz8

iTrader: (6)

I have an 04 AT which I got almost a year ago. Since then, I have had no major problems with the engine. The only problems I have had with the car are problems that were covered under warranty which everyone else had. Check the KBB value to see what that car is worth. Also, make sure it still has a warranty, if not, try discussing an extended warranty because you may need it. Any of the problems I have had have been covered, so I haven't paid anything for these issues. Good luck and have fun with the 8.