Mine's going out after 95K. I can get a used one with 48K on it installed for 1800 from a parts dealer that my mechanic recommends (Neptune Speed in Socal), or a rebuilt one from Mazda installed by same mechanic for 3200 (Galpin dealer will do it for 3600 giving me "a deal".) The used has a 12000 mi/12 mo warranty parts AND labor. The rebuild only parts for 12K/12mo (go figure...). I can't decide which way to go. After all, a rebuild is technically a used one...
Any advice appreciated. I love the car, but am not the worlds greatest mechanic... The used one comes from a car that had a serious rear end collision. Would that potentially affect the tranny?
Anyone selling one out there for even cheaper? I saw a post from last March with a 2005 for $375, but I'm sure that's long gone...
Also, my car still seems to drive fine, but I am getting engine warning light on with error message of transmission. I don't seem to really notice anything major, just sometimes it does not downshift back to 1 at a stop (I always use manual paddle shifting when I drive), and once in awhile it seems to shift a little clunky, but that could be my error not gassing enough during downshift or relaxing the gas too much on the upshift. How long can I limp this thing on for?

 

I'd go with the rebuilt. Have you gotten any prices from the independant rebuilders (Aamco,etc.)?

 

Rebuilt is like new, used is still used...you don't know how long it will last, so i'll say rebuilt too.

 

First things first: have you checked the fluid level and/or done a fluid swap? I don't know specifically about the RX-8 autotragic transmixer, but many autos can misbehave if the fluid is low or old but can get a new lease on life with some fresh fluid.

 

I have one I just pulled from a running car. Car had 80,000 Kms on it. $400.00 Plus shipping. Will ship anywhere but I'm posting this from my phone so I have no idea where your at. Pm me if you want more info.