Facts/Opinions on automatic Rx-8

DerrickS · 06-11-2013, 12:39 PM

OK - My wife would like to get an RX-8, but wants an auto. I know.... I know...

Give me some technical discussion on this. I'm fine with having the auto, since it would be her ride, but I'm worried about longevity. Should I be?

Give me some facts, please.

RedR1 · 06-11-2013, 01:12 PM

the 8 isn't a powerhouse to begin with, but the automatic 8 has a bit less power, as well as a lower redline.

i personally know 2 people with auto 8's, and for what they are, they like them. both only have about 70k on them and are still ticking. Coupled with that, and are fair weather weekend cars only so they aren't exactly being stressed.

what info specifically are you looking for? I will be more than happy to ask them if needed.

JL1RX7 · 06-11-2013, 03:25 PM

With any eight get 06 and up. Auto's in general are less reliable on the eights. Main reason is most people don't let it rev high enough. Then you get carbon build up and clogged cats. This leads to the engine can't breath and eats itself.

All eight's have a 8 year/100k warranty on the motors now. The big thing is receipts. If you have them then they will honour it, without them good luck.

Also the 9+ (series 2) eights are completely different, redesigned engine, rear suspension etc. So they don't seem to have the same issues as the series one.

Sephitrask · 06-11-2013, 04:27 PM

RedR1 is partially correct on the power differences between the manual and auto versions; when it comes to the series 1 its accurate. For the series 2 rx8 the engines are identical and much better than the S1. As mentioned above the main reliability issue with the auto is carbon lock; drive it like a grandma and it will die. You HAVE to rev the piss out of it often. This is even more important with the renesis due to the side exhaust ports. The S1 renesis NEEDS premix every tank, so I would buy her a S2; less miles, better engine, no premix needed. they start in 2009, and you can tell the difference in that they dont have "gills" on the fenders

WE3RX7 · 06-15-2013, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sephitrask

RedR1 is partially correct on the power differences between the manual and auto versions; when it comes to the series 1 its accurate. For the series 2 rx8 the engines are identical and much better than the S1. As mentioned above the main reliability issue with the auto is carbon lock; drive it like a grandma and it will die. You HAVE to rev the piss out of it often. This is even more important with the renesis due to the side exhaust ports. The S1 renesis NEEDS premix every tank, so I would buy her a S2; less miles, better engine, no premix needed. they start in 2009, and you can tell the difference in that they dont have "gills" on the fenders

Just to clarify.. its not just S2 cars that have the same engine between the auto and manual. The autos all became 6ports in 2006 (thus '06 through '08 S1 cars have the same engine between auto/manual). It's only the 04 and 05 models with the 4ports that you really want to avoid if power is a concern.

As for the automatics themselves, there are two main versions. The 4spd autos were short lived, Mazda swapped them out to the 6spd auto versions (again, around the late 05 to 06 model years). The 4spd auto transmissions are produced by Jatco. The model is UM500/3418641D I believe. These were also used in Mazda/Kia utility vans in Japan. For what it's worth, I believe it was a bit overkill having that trans in the RX8.. however, Jatco doesn't have a huge reputation for reliability in sports cars. Mazda switched to the Aisin built transmissions after '06. Aisin builds the transmissions used in many toyota pickup trucks and porsches, so take that for what it's worth.

Personally, I don't own an auto RX8 and have limited experience in them. Based on the MFG and history of reliability in other makes/models I'd say you'll be safe with an '06 or newer (obviously '09+ S2 would be best for the engine improvements) automatic 6spd built by Aisin.

Side note, I believe the switch from Jatco to Aisin around 2006 wasn't a poor reflection on the automatic RX8 but with the Mazda6 models.. Mazda had a lot of problems with the Jatco built autos in the Mazda6 cars and switched them to Aisin around the same time so yea, looks like Aisin would be the way to go if you HAVE to go auto

DerrickS · 06-11-2013, 06:37 PM

This is good input, thanks.

Me being who I am, I would push for the S2 version anyway; I just like the look better, plus they have a lot of upgrades that make sense.

I don't have any concerns with her keeping the revs up - she's in a Mazda3GT right now, and that thing gets a workout pretty regular. (Just one more reason I love her :-) )

I think I had heard that there were issues with carbon lock, so that was a worry, but I was also concerned with the transmission. I have to say, I'm not real impressed with Mazda automatics. Especially when shifting around 8 grand.. Any comments on that?

DerrickS · 06-18-2013, 06:27 AM

Very nice information WE3RX7. Thank you for that. This is just what we needed to make an informed decision. After reading that, I feel like I could own an Auto RX8 without trying to take my own life. Of course, there is still the lower red line, and that dreaded fluid coupling between power and road. I guess if it's not "my" car, it would be OK... Maybe....

Ugggggg... I really hate automatics. Just had to throw that out there.

Whizbang · 06-18-2013, 09:20 AM

well there certainly IS a time and a place for an automatic. Especially just for cruising or mucking about. For that matter, my girlfriend had a clot in a vein between her first rib and collar bone (due to welding / lifting) so since that is taking time to heal, she doesnt really drive her manual cars much anymore.

i think im off topic.

get an 06 up and worst case, at least you know the engine is the same.

rotar bones · 06-30-2013, 06:28 PM

Hello. I am new here. Wanted to chime in on the automatic. I have a 2004 series one auto with 80,000 on it and other than regular maintenance my auto is doing fine. I tend to rev mine untll the rev bell sounds daily. I have owned it for over 5 years now.

06-11-2013, 12:39 PM	#1
DerrickS Spot's Driver Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Asheville, NC Posts: 15 Rep Power: 0	Facts/Opinions on automatic Rx-8 OK - My wife would like to get an RX-8, but wants an auto. I know.... I know... Give me some technical discussion on this. I'm fine with having the auto, since it would be her ride, but I'm worried about longevity. Should I be? Give me some facts, please. __________________ Derrick 84 RX-7 five letter "It's better to go into a corner slow, and come out fast, than to go in fast, and come out dead" - Sir Stirling Moss

06-11-2013, 04:27 PM	#4
Sephitrask BOILED PEANUTS!!! Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Jacksonville, Fl Posts: 257 Rep Power: 15	RedR1 is partially correct on the power differences between the manual and auto versions; when it comes to the series 1 its accurate. For the series 2 rx8 the engines are identical and much better than the S1. As mentioned above the main reliability issue with the auto is carbon lock; drive it like a grandma and it will die. You HAVE to rev the piss out of it often. This is even more important with the renesis due to the side exhaust ports. The S1 renesis NEEDS premix every tank, so I would buy her a S2; less miles, better engine, no premix needed. they start in 2009, and you can tell the difference in that they dont have "gills" on the fenders __________________ www.rotarycarclub.com *"The way a Rotary engine makes power is ferocious, much like having a chainsaw under your right foot."*

06-11-2013, 06:37 PM	#6
DerrickS Spot's Driver Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Asheville, NC Posts: 15 Rep Power: 0	This is good input, thanks. Me being who I am, I would push for the S2 version anyway; I just like the look better, plus they have a lot of upgrades that make sense. I don't have any concerns with her keeping the revs up - she's in a Mazda3GT right now, and that thing gets a workout pretty regular. (Just one more reason I love her :-) ) I think I had heard that there were issues with carbon lock, so that was a worry, but I was also concerned with the transmission. I have to say, I'm not real impressed with Mazda automatics. Especially when shifting around 8 grand.. Any comments on that? __________________ Derrick 84 RX-7 five letter "It's better to go into a corner slow, and come out fast, than to go in fast, and come out dead" - Sir Stirling Moss

06-18-2013, 06:27 AM	#7
DerrickS Spot's Driver Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Asheville, NC Posts: 15 Rep Power: 0	Very nice information WE3RX7. Thank you for that. This is just what we needed to make an informed decision. After reading that, I feel like I could own an Auto RX8 without trying to take my own life. Of course, there is still the lower red line, and that dreaded fluid coupling between power and road. I guess if it's not "my" car, it would be OK... Maybe.... Ugggggg... I really hate automatics. Just had to throw that out there. __________________ Derrick 84 RX-7 five letter "It's better to go into a corner slow, and come out fast, than to go in fast, and come out dead" - Sir Stirling Moss

06-18-2013, 09:20 AM	#8
Whizbang Respecognize! Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Δx = ħ/2Δp Posts: 3,190 Rep Power: 20	well there certainly IS a time and a place for an automatic. Especially just for cruising or mucking about. For that matter, my girlfriend had a clot in a vein between her first rib and collar bone (due to welding / lifting) so since that is taking time to heal, she doesnt really drive her manual cars much anymore. i think im off topic. get an 06 up and worst case, at least you know the engine is the same. __________________ For current updates and event coverage check out Follow on Twitter! @WhizbangRally Whizbang Rally's Webpage \| Facebook

06-11-2013, 01:12 PM	#2
RedR1 Brokeback Power! Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 290 Rep Power: 18	the 8 isn't a powerhouse to begin with, but the automatic 8 has a bit less power, as well as a lower redline. i personally know 2 people with auto 8's, and for what they are, they like them. both only have about 70k on them and are still ticking. Coupled with that, and are fair weather weekend cars only so they aren't exactly being stressed. what info specifically are you looking for? I will be more than happy to ask them if needed.

06-11-2013, 03:25 PM	#3
JL1RX7 Rotary Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Front Royal, VA Posts: 487 Rep Power: 18	With any eight get 06 and up. Auto's in general are less reliable on the eights. Main reason is most people don't let it rev high enough. Then you get carbon build up and clogged cats. This leads to the engine can't breath and eats itself. All eight's have a 8 year/100k warranty on the motors now. The big thing is receipts. If you have them then they will honour it, without them good luck. Also the 9+ (series 2) eights are completely different, redesigned engine, rear suspension etc. So they don't seem to have the same issues as the series one.

06-30-2013, 06:28 PM	#9
rotar bones rotary owner/driver. Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 69 Rep Power: 0	Hello. I am new here. Wanted to chime in on the automatic. I have a 2004 series one auto with 80,000 on it and other than regular maintenance my auto is doing fine. I tend to rev mine untll the rev bell sounds daily. I have owned it for over 5 years now.