Facts/Opinions on automatic Rx-8

[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

[WE3RX7]

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