My Official Saga from Base --> Sport Thread

[StormSilverGD3]

I figured I posted this in another Fit forum so it deserves to be here as well...

Almost a year ago, back in June of 2006, I set out on a journey for a new vehicle. This is when I discovered the Honda Fit. For me it was an immediate decision that I had to have one. My local dealership had 3; none of which met my requirements. They are all Sports; 2 were black and 1 was red.

I had my heart set on a Vivd Blue Peal Fit. It didn't really matter if it was Base or Sport at the time. Well, low and behold there were no blue ones to be found anywhere near by. So, I decided I'd settle for my next favorite, Storm Silver Metallic. 2 days later I was sitting in the finance office signing papers for my new 2007 SSM Fit base. I was happy as can be!

Now, around 9 months later, opportunity finally came knocking at my door. My sister wanted me to go to the Honda dealer with her so she could check out a possible red civic coupe. Upon walking the dealership lot we came across, you guessed it, a Vivid Blue Pearl Fit Sport (MT). The stuff everyone seems to be after these days. It seems as though I felt compelled just to ask what kind of deal I could possible make. After all, my car wasn't even 1 year old yet.

I'll make this long story very short and just a couple days after seeing it I am now the proud owner of a 2007 VBP Fit Sport MT. =) And I must say, it is a completely different driving experience.

The biggest difference is the only direct link between you and the road. That would be the tires. Having the 15" alloys and slightly larger contact patch make all the difference in the world. The car feels 150% more stable in cornering than my base model did. And the larger and heavier shift knob makes for more precise shifting. And these are just my immediate findings after the first night of driving.

As time progresses I am going to document the similarities and differences I notice. This should be the ultimate comparison for anyone interested.


Oh, and I also have the inside scoop on the up-and-coming Mugen Si. :P Looks like I'll be getting a test drive as soon as it hits my dealer's floor.

[Cat]

Storm Silver:

Do you have any other comparison's between the base that you had and the Sport that you bought? The dealership has a base Red Milano coming in the first of May that I will test drive. They also have a VBP Sport coming in mid-May. I know that the Sport package can often make the vehicle ride much differently than a base - any other differences that
stand out for you?

Thanks,
Cat

[StormSilverGD3]

Well, so far, the slightly lower-profile and wider tires on the Sport make for a much smoother and responsive drive. Obviously wheels could easily be upgraded on a base model, but this is a major difference i have noticed so far.

I haven't yet burned an mp3 disc to see how it performs in the stereo. I'm sure the added tweeters and extra 40-watts do make it sound better though. And I've only read a few tales about people using the auxillary input with iPods, so, we'll see how that fares.

A HUGE feature i missed in my base model was Cruise control. I am very much glad to have it in my Sport.

I really do like the look of the Fit better with the aero package that the Sport offers. The car just seems complete with it.

Oh, and another silly notation, the leather wrapped wheel. I normally wouldn't even take a second glance, but, man oh man the leather it sooooooo soft! I wish my S2k's steering wheel felt this soft to the touch.

That's all for now...here she is...a bit dirty from the constant rain we've had.

[Gravy!]

MP3 cd player is very good. I love it. The aux jack is awesome also! I've always had "stripped down" cars and since I keep cars for over 10 years, I decided to go all out and do it right. Haven't looked back since buying the Sport.

[matt7277]

How did you end up with the trade off? Did they stick it to you or give you a pretty good deal?

[FatFit]

The only thing different about the Base and Sport regarding how it handles are the tires. A set of good 15" rims and tires would give you the same feeling as the Sport. That and the shift knob which skunk2 makes a nice weighted shift knob for $40. Course I have a different perspective on it because I like buying stripped down cars and then making them "un-stripped". Which to me unstriping a base fit is putting better tires on it because man do those tires suck ass. While driving through the mountains, the car still felt nimble and quick if I drove "smoothly" but as soon as I threw it into a corner to see how it would react it understeered so bad I almost slid off the mountain(not really but you get the idea). I can't wait to try some better tires and suspention parts.

[StormSilverGD3]

Originally Posted by matt7277

How did you end up with the trade off? Did they stick it to you or give you a pretty good deal?

I didn't end up with an even trade, although I also didn't take too big of a loss. I only had to carry over $2700 in negative equity. And for me, to get the Fit that I originally wanted, I have no regrets about it.

FatFit...

To some extent I do agree with you. If just the wheels/tires and shift knob were my concern then I would have done the same and just upgraded on my Base model.

I didn't want to fork out all that extra money for the 5-piece aero kit, fog lamps, wheels, tires, shift knob and still not have Cruise Control.

But, everyone's situation is different. I'm dropping my K&N air filter in this evening and will monitor how it helps (or hurts) my fuel economy.

[FatFit]

Oh I definatly understand why you went with the Sport. It's one hell of a deal if you consider what you get for the extra money.

In my case, I just enjoy modifying cars so buying a Sport really wouldn't make sense in my situation. The base model if perfect as it is "stripped" down as you say and I can modify the way I want. Mugen kit, spoon spoiler etc. It's just fun, but people buy Fit's for many different reasons.

As long as you enjoy your Fit thats all that matters. It really is an awesome car, Sport model or not.

[RedAndy]

This will be interesting to see what else you notice. Just so I'm clear, was the Base that you had also an M/T, so the only difference is sport vs. base?

[StormSilverGD3]

You are correct. My Base Fit was also M/T as is my new Sport.

Now I'm gonna go put my dead pedal back in and drop the K&N in.

[StormSilverGD3]

Just a quick thought...

Keyless entry:

I added the optional keyless entry to my Base, but, having the remote built into the key is just awesome to me. Some may call me O.C.D, but, I hate having keys and key chains dangling from my steering column while I'm driving. So, the consolidation into 1 gets kudo points from me.

[aznguyen316]

the base shift knob is different?

[Cat]

I just got a phamplet from Honda on the Fit and it is showing a steering wheel the same color as paint. Is it worth $75.00 more for the steering wheel to match the color of your car? Did anyone go this route? Also how much do they charge for installation of i.e the cargo cover or the chrome exhaust pipe? I am wondering if it is worth purchasing these items at all.

Cat :X

[RedAndy]

Originally Posted by Cat

I just got a phamplet from Honda on the Fit and it is showing a steering wheel the same color as paint. Is it worth $75.00 more for the steering wheel to match the color of your car? Did anyone go this route? Also how much do they charge for installation of i.e the cargo cover or the chrome exhaust pipe? I am wondering if it is worth purchasing these items at all.

Cat :X

1) Steering wheel - if you like bling, go for it. I'm not a fan personally.
2) Cargo cover/chrome exhaust pipe install should be about as hard as changing a light bulb. Haven't done the exhaust, but it literally takes 30 seconds to install the cargo cover with no tools.

The comment for steering wheel applies to the exhaust tip too. But the cargo cover is a must for me as it keeps those prying eyes out of my hatch - well worth it in my opinion (though I really think it should be standard...)

[StormSilverGD3]

I think the cargo cover should be a standard item as well.

The colored steering wheel is a colored leather wrap for the wheel. From what I have been told by people that have it, it makes for a bulky feeling steering wheel.

Exhaust are a piece of cake to install. I removed the OE pipe and hung my ASpec in 10 minutes.

[freestyle]

Knowing that I am getting Honda Fit 5MT, what is the main difference between Fit LX 5MT and Fit Sport 5MT?

I know the noticeable difference is:
- body kit
- maybe some dashboard control differences
- 14" vs 15" wheels

BUT is there a difference in the actual mechanical components such:

- suspension (springs/shocks)
- sway bar thickness
- brakes

If there are no differences in things I listed, then I prefer getting the LX because it is lighter and cheaper, I would anyways get new lightweight wheels and do some other modifications.

Thanks.

[s0x]

in america its base or sport im assuming lx is base the only difference is the wheels and lipkit NOW
this is the big difference to me
for about 1100 bux give or take you get
keyless entry (alarm)
the lipkit
the wheels
and a more powerfull stereo

honestly
i would get it and then if you dont want the lip and the wheels sell them
youll make like 400 bux at least off the wheels
and then you can sell the lip kit too
the keyless entry and the stereo get to stay and its worth it

[manxman]

Sport also has cruise control- not offered on Base model.

[freestyle]

All I need in a car is four wheels, nice suspension or at least with potential, decent engine (this is subjective). I don't care about other features. It should be as light as it can be.

[smatts]

You also get fog lamps on the sport.