I've had my 8 for a few weeks now. I love it to death. Everything about it is just fine and dandy. I got an auto because I told myself I couldn't drive stick and that I live in high traffic areas so it wasn't worth it.

Now it just doesn't seem right. When I get into my car it's like I'm entering into this fabulous little sports coupe/sedan with a killer suspension and a stellar little engine, and the transmission is pretty much the same as my dad's toyota solara.

Now when I think of sports cars I can only see a manual transmission. I've been practicing on friend's cars and I know I can handle it.

I think I'm gonna save up my earnings from this summer and save up to trade my auto 06 rx8 in for a manual one. I might have to get one with a few more miles on it (still would prefer under 20k) but I think it'll be worth it. I'm not into racing or anything, I just want to have a genuine sports car.

I don't think all the fun-making has had anything to do with it. I'd like to think I came to this decision by my own good sense... but I could be wrong :P.

So would it be dumb of me to trade in my pretty much brand new (2k miles on it) 8 for a slightly more used (<20k miles) manual 8?

 

Why not trade even up for a 6 speed, think positive. It really cost more to produce a car with a automatic transmission then the cheaper 6 speed manual.

So you got sell it like you know your car is worth more then the RX-6 manual that you are trading it for, ask them to throw in the next level up interior or exterior trim. Let them know that you know that the AT is an extra $2000-$2500 option.

You got to sell it! Trade even for a 2006 RX-8 Grand Tourer 6 speed manual with a moonroof, tell him that you know your'e lossing out but you will let them get me this time.

Sell it, Man Sell it!!!

 

Well

First of all, what you want is a sports car right? What does a Sport car *should* have? Faster and cooler than regular Sedans, right ?

When u want a Faster one, shouldnt u check and compare the AT and MT version first before signing the contract ? Sure some AT can shift faster than MT. but when you're down to a track, or for whatever reason u try to race (or run away) with someone, MT will always give you better control. Just like how planes work, sure they use Auto Pilot most of the time, but when it comes to Taking off and Landing, its always in Manual Mode.

Driving in Traffic should not be used as an excuse. I have to stuck in Traffic at all times, many people are afraid of MT cars because they think that its *hard* to use, well, at first maybe, but after maybe a month or 2 u will feel that its just part of the driving. not to mention back in the old days when Auto Tranny does not exist, I gotta say those people can drive better than most of us today.

Think deep before you trade your car. the 8's used car value might not be as good as you think. especially this is ur first year of ownership u will take the biggest hit.

You're not crazy at all, but think about the problem again, do you want a pure sports car, or something else ? Dont pick a little bit of both, like your AT Rx8. Pick only one side.

 

Go for it.

 

No, you're not crazy, you've just come to your senses.

 

i had no clue how to drive a stick just before i got my 8 i mean i knew i had to push the clutch in give it some gas and let the clutch out but i had only done it once before. so 1 day before my weekend 350 mile drive through san diego and las vegas rush hour traffic at 3:30 pm starting time and finishing in fresno at around 1am or later i asked my friend if i could borrow his 85 bmw with a manual.

bumper to bumper traffic hills everywhere going through mountains i learned how to drive stick pretty damn quick and i have loved it ever since. thats when i decided to get rid of my SUV and go with the 8 that i had been wanting for awhile so the next week thats what i did and ill never look back

edit: and i taught my ex's 12 year old sister how to drive stick took me half an hour before she was driving me around town.

 

Lie, cheat and steal to get into an MT. The automatic transmission castrates this already sparingly powered car and makes it really a dog. Granted the suspension is still phenomenal, but if you can't get what little power it has to the rear wheels, good luck enjoying it. Unless you have 1 leg, there's no reason ever to buy an auto.

 

you can take your hand off the steering wheel to switch gears when needed.

 

I'd steer with my teeth to have the MT!

 

agreed, besides if we weren't meant to drive manuals we would have evolved with only 1 leg. Errr something like that.

 

Crazy is good if it leads you to a correct decision. Go for it!!

Ken

 

Thanks guys. I feel better now, haha.

I'm not the first owner... In fact I'm the third owner (even with just 1.7k miles on it haha). The main depreciation has happened, so I'm not going to be hit that badly. I was saving up for rims, but I guess I'll just wait. The money I get over the next few months should cover the difference.

 

I was going to call you crazy just to be an ***, but you WERE crazy and are now seein the light.

Get the MT, if not you will regret it forever. I have owned 1 AT vehicle in my life and I almost drove it off a cliff it was so annoying. Even my SUV's and Trucks were all MT.

 

You say you want an '06 GT with less than 20k? I hope you have deep pockets because you're going to take a big hit on a trade like that. You might have to settle for 2 of those 3 stipulations.



And, really, even if you DO have deep pockets, there's no reason to pick an '06 or '07 over an '04. Surely you read the thread about what C&D said about the RX8 in their latest publication? The RX8 was described as "going grey at the temples" since virtually nothing has changed about them since they first hit the market. The renisis has proven itself to shake off years with ease, so aside from personal preference, there really is no reason to spend the extra money to get an '06 as oppsed to an '04 or '05.

[/$.02]

 

Anything 05 and newer.

 

Yes you are crasy...and ditch the AT...it sucks...

 

06 and newer...you get the credit card key thing

 

Not always. They have automatic landing and take off control systems, which in fact pilots use it from time to time to check the systems. (knowledge comes from an actual pilot)...

 

Still anything auto sucks...no fun in that! haaa

 

If you have to ask, then you are.


Dealers can get rid of AT cars faster than the MT version. Tho they prlly know they can't move the mulligans regardless of tranny.

It's worth a shot to try for an even trade. Doubt it'll happen - but after they laugh you out just play the game, and get what you want for as little as possible.

 

AT rx-8 are sold at a few thousand lower than manual versions of similar conditions. AT rx-8 are tough to sell. Maybe the new 6spd AT is better than the old 4AT ones.

 

Go with MT... You will be very happy, and love the car almost as much as your wife/gf/hubby/bf/lover watever...... why? because after going 9000 RPM in 1st gear and 2nd and 3rd...etc... your heart will beat so fast, blood rushing to your head... your legs will shake uncontrollably... it's almost orgasmic!

So unless you don't like that feeling of "AHHHHHHHHHHH That was great!" or "OHHHHHHH THAT WAS FREAKING AWESOME!" then well... just trade your 8 in for something like a Kia.

=)

ALL SIGNS POINT TO YES! GET THE MT! You will not feel bad that you fronted up some extra $$ for it. But trade for an '05 or newer. I bought mine with 43K miles already on it, but this thing still looks like new, and drives like new. It's not all about how many miles is on the car, it's about how well taken care of the car is. We just assume high mileage = junk car... which is partly true, but I've seen some low mileage POS around so just be sure you know what you're getting before you sign your life away. I looked at a low mileage '04 MT before buying mine (it had 15K miles) and that thing was beat up!...outside and in....

RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH... learn all you can, then buy. Good Luck!