Used 2007 Fit, or new 2009 Fit?

[Deanwvu]

Hey all.

I decided a few months ago that my 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee has to go. At 16mpg, I figure I spend about $4800 a year on gas given my current driving habits.

I've decided the Fit is the best possible replacement for the Jeep. It has an amazing amount of cargo space for its small size, and gets more than double the gas mileage. Also its a ton of fun to drive!

I want this to be the last gas powered vehicle I buy. I am hoping that by the time I am done with the Fit, there will be a viable all-electric vehicle out, or a highly efficient plug-in hybrid (with a 50+ electric only range so I never use gas except on long trips).

So, I am defiitely getting a Fit in the near future. I am just torn among two choices...

First, let me tell you all I prefer the 2009 Fit over the current generation. I am not dogging the current gen, in fact, I would already have one, but I googled the 2009 and found out it would be a new generation model.... so now I don't know whether to wait for the 2009, or buy a gently used 2007 or 2008 and save some cash. I will definitely not buy a new 2008.

So, I found a 2007 Fit Sport with 27,000 miles for $11,500. Or, I can wait till September (hopefully) and check out the new 2009's.... and pay 5000-6000 more... 6 grand will buy a lot of gas for the Fit! The improvements I like about the 2009:

1. More room (and telescoping wheel). I am 6'4". I have test driven the 2008, and I am comfortable, but I could see how a closer wheel, and maybe a little more space between my seat and the pedal would make it even comfier....

2. More storage, including a USB interface.

3. "Smarter" seats, which dont require removing the headrests at all for putting the rear seats down.

4. Two 12 volt plugs instead of one. I've got an XM radio, cell phone, and a NUVI GPS, all which have a 12v plug... it would be nice to be able to plug in two at once.

Anyway.. that's what i like about the 2009 Fit. It helps that I like the visual style of the 2009 as well. More power is great, but I don't particularly care about it that much. One or two mpg is good too, but I don't consider that a factor either. Perhaps if the ride "feels" better (quieter cabin, smoother ride, whatever...) that will make it feel worth it.

Bleh, I dunno if its worth the extra cash for the 2009. Just writing it here does help me think. I mean, I really should wait to test drive an 09--that will truly tell me if its worth the extra cash.

The only downer there is that I have to drive the Jeep for at least another 3 months... grr....


By the way, I can afford the 2009 Fit no problem... but I still don't like to waste money.....

[Kyle is raaddd]

i would take the 07
TW!!!
but thats just me
i think the 09's look funny

[ricohman]

I am as cheap as you.
I couldn't find a used Fit so I bought a new 2008 as the Canada ecoauto program will give me $1000 cash rebate and 20% of my insurance for 4 years. So thats about $1600 or maybe a bit more. And there is no more rebates for the 2009's in Canada.
I could afford the 09 no problem but I do not want the 1st ones on the lot. I would like to buy the newer model after its been out a year or so.
And that would mean driving my V10 F250 to work and back. And that would cost me $100-$140 a week in gas.
So I bought the one that was sitting in front of me.
A bird in the hand......

[jrlnc]

Deanwvu:

Please see my thread:

http://www.fitfreak.net/forums/fit-t...ought-fit.html

This is after an honest 2 year experience. The extra little goodies are nice, but if you can find a used Fit for a good price, go for it!

Just my 2 cents!

[cathyrob]

My wife and I own both a 2007 and 2009. Without a doubt, the 09 is a better car for many reasons: 1) feels heavier, more solid ride like a larger sedan 2) greatly enhanced sound electronics and interface with MP3 player -- this car becomes "one" with our ipod 3) MPG display on odometer really helps you to conserve fuel, and most important 4)ever since about 25k miles, we have had a shuttering sensation in our 07 clutch when going into 1st gear in a cold engine. No one can figure out this problem. So far with 12 k on the 09, no sign of this problem.

Only major advantage of 07 is that it is easier to retrofit with a hitch kit if you want to haul a small trailer. They changed the underside of the 09 to prevent this.

Love both cars with no regrets on buying the second. Nothing compares to a Fit!

[smaglik]

nice thread revival.