potential Fit owner... pros and cons?

[FiremanDon]

Can some Fit experts lay out some of the pros and cons of these cars?

Already test drove one a few days ago. I understand it's a small motor, so it's kind of slow. No big deal. It is pretty peppy for a 1.5 though.

The gas mileage is incredible and it's a very versatile car.

What I'm looking for are wierd quirks in the earlier models (prob going to buy a used 07 or 08, whichever I could get my hands on for the right price).

Any particular maintenance jobs that are difficult?

Any oddities I should know about?

Thanks, guys.

-Don

[EXWRX]

Maintenance wise, they're very simple. The only real cons I see with the Fit are the ride and the lack of power. Handling is pretty good stock, and gets much better with some minor mods like the rear sway bar.

[FiremanDon]

yeah, i was shocked with how good this thing took corners. it was completely stock, too. The seats in the first generation weren't too comfortable though. I've read alot of Fit owners upgraded to the newer ones.

[ztyhurst]

The Fit is my favorite car that I have owned to change the oil on. The drain plug and the filter are close enough together that I can catch the oil from both with the same pan, and there is a groove below the oil filter to allow easy drainage of the filter before removing it without pouring oil on the engine itself. I haven't had to do anything else other than refill the windshield wiper fluid. I have a 2008 with 19000 miles.

[kenchan]

pros: it's cool.
cons: you dont have one yet.

[FiremanDon]

Originally Posted by kenchan

pros: it's cool.
cons: you dont have one yet.

haha... working on it

[Fat Ping Cat]

yeah i would say the cons are the harsh ride, carpet like stuff on the floor, lacking of an armrest, no passenger side visor mirror. that's about it i guess.. haha not too bad

i did something about the mirror and armrest. put floor mats down. i lowered my car too now so i just accept the ride for what it is. it handles nicely though.

ohh and EVERYTHING sticks to the seats, that's pretty annoying, i have to vacuum like every week

[FiremanDon]

well, i come from the VW world, where glove boxes break b/c the hinges are made of cheap plastic and the door moldings shrink when it's cold and offer an unpleasant wind noise. I can't forget to mention the constant CEL's.

[Type 100]

Seats are one weak point, yeah. Not very supportive around the lumbar area and thighs.
I upgraded mine to Recaro SRDs - problem solved.

CELs shouldn't be a problem with Fits. Now go get one already.

[FiremanDon]

still looking. been finding some in the $12-13k range, but no one's budging on prices. i'm patient, so i'll find the right one sooner or later.