Thinking about buying an '04 AT - Questions
 

I bought a brand new Red '07 manual trans Sport model w/performance package just over a year ago and had to sell it recently (complicated story). Now my wife and I must buy a 2nd car again and I came across a Yellow '04 AT w/black leather interior. Gorgeous condition inside and out w/only 29K miles, and I've always liked yellow (used to have a yellow '91 MR2 that I still have fond memories of). I have mixed feelings about the automatic transmission. The manual is definitely more fun, but I guess I'm getting old (was already lazy), so I must admit that I kind of like the idea of being able to use my cell phone or have a drink more easily, plus stop & go traffic would be less of a pain.

Two things that concern me:

1) Winter/snow. Just moved back to CT and it's been really cold. I've read here that with a set of Blizzaks, the RX-8 should do OK in some snow. Looking for more confirmation on this.

2) The car I test drove vibrated like crazy when idling at a traffic light. I felt like I was in a massage chair. I've read here that this might be engine mounts. If I were to buy, I'd push back on the dealer to commit to fixing this, but should I be worried?

3) Despite the pristine condition and low miles, is there any reason why I should be wary of buying an '04 AT?

Thanks!

In response to question 2.

When my motor was going I had the same bad vibration even after the engine mounts were replaced. I would have the dealer replace them first, and then test drive it. Also, while the A/T is more comfortable you may get to a point where you miss the real shifting.

One thing that I have read constantly on this forum is how the rotary loves to rev and how essential to it's lifespan the revving is. You lose a little bit of that with an A/T.

You do have the 100k engine warranty so that helps. How long do you have on full warranty? My 04 is out in February, and I'm pretty uncomfortable.

You'll be fine out here with the Blizzaks in the winter....the 04 AT's have the 4-port engine though, so not as much power as the newer AT's. Definitely have the dealer fix the vibration & do all recalls/flashes before you buy it though

If you could live without yellow, I would look for an 06+ AT. 6 Port engine and less problems from what Ive heard. Just a suggestion.

I always think "Hey, this isn't so bad!" for about the first hour of driving automatic...Then I get really tired of it and driving suddenly becomes a chore. I really think you'll miss the MT, definitely try not to settle.

edit: didn't realize you already owned one, whoops.

Id recommend looking for an 04 MT in lightning yellow, or an 06+ AT. I think after being an MT owner, you will miss the performance if not immediately, then eventually.

the vibration is a motor mount issue. I just had mine fixed under Mazda's 65k drivetrain warranty. The tech said it would not be covered under the 100k extension. After parts and labor, it was almost a $1200 job, so make sure it will be covered under a warranty!

I love my 04 AT, but I've been an auto driver since I started driving. I know how to drive a stick, but see it a MT as something more for a weekend toy than a daily driver. The AT isn't fast, but I'm happy with it. I also haven't driven a MT rx8, so keep that in mind

Thats why you love your AT so much ;)

Its not necessarily a motor mount issue. Just have them replaced before buying, and see if that fixes it.

yeah I personally would look for MT also and DEF try to find on in yellow You know you want to b part of the Lighntning yellow group!!!!! We are the most popular color......hahahahahahaha

2004 automatics have a really low re-sale value regardless of miles or condition. How much are they asking for it?

I don't think anything makes cell phone usage less dangerous. But as far as eating while driving... You're usually not going to take a sip or a bite while in the middle of something significant like going through a tight corner or passing on a two lane road. I've never had a problem eating while driving a manual.

Anyway, once you've mastered heel-toe, it's not a big deal to master heel-toe-knee for those moments when one hand is on the shifer and one is holding the Big Mac.

Ken

1) RX-8 does fine in the snow with snow tires, plenty of threads here about that.

2) Take it into the dealership and have them check everything out, it'll be worth it to see how much they quote you on replacing anything they find to be bad / it'll be worth it to have them determine what all warrantied recall work they can do to it.

3) '04 AT are 4 port, as someone above pointed out. The 4 port are better for going turbo, if that's something in the back of your mind. I have an '04 AT and I love it, I'm actually having Black Halo Racing (Charles R. Hill and Easy1 on this forum) install a turbo, many many upgraded components, strut bars, and some other things here shortly. No, it's currently not as fast as a MT. But it will be able to spank the pants off any N/A MT out there once I'm done :) So if you want a car that you have plenty of room to upgrade, want to save a few thousand dollars, other luxuries the AT offers - the '04 is fine. But if you are REALLY concerned about power / don't want to be ridiculed for having an AT sportscar, get the MT :)

One other advantage to the AT is the ability to take off in 2nd. gear; pretty handy in the snow!

I'm sure you mean the MT.

you can do it in the AT, and I would assume the MT as well.

The RX-8 is awesome like that, AT and MT let you take off in 2nd!! Sweetness. Another reason to just get an RX-8 !! lol

No, I meant AT, still have to do a lot of clutch slipping with the MT.

yea i can take off fine any time in second with my AT

lol, well my MT can take off in 3rd :lol:

Have you tried that in the snow yet?

Thanks for the all of the advice. At this point we're actually bouncing between an RX-8 (for me) and a CX-7 (for my wife, with me taking her old Lexus RX300 for now and trading that in for something in the Spring).

FWIW, the AT RX-8 I started this thread about has 29K miles and they're selling it for $15K. As I mentioned, it's in gorgeous condition, inside and out, but the vibrations I experienced concerned me.

I also came across a Yellow MT RX-8, also for $15K, which has 37K miles. It's also a one-owner car w/leather interior (and navigation system, unlike the AT), but I haven't seen it first-hand so I can't comment on the condition (but the one-owner status and relatively low miles might bode well).

don't stick yourself in a headache of an 04-05 AT rx8.. 06+ maybe.

i would run far away from that vibrating AT.

way way WAY overpriced!! You should be able to find a <$12,000 04 AT with <40K miles EASY. Have you looked at rx8s on this forum, theres members here selling them!

You could get a GT MT for those prices! Remember, a nice shiny detail doesnt mean the cars worth more money.

Nope, my car sits nice and pretty in a garage from November to February :aroused: