General Fit TalkGeneral Discussion on the Honda Fit/Jazz.
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Welcome! I set out to buy a Civic Si Coupe, but drove the Fit first and preferred the handling. It is much more nimble. The Civic was a let-down after the Fit, even though it is unquestionably faster. The Fit is simply more fun to drive. Toss in the $5K savings, and it was a no brainer.
I wanted a manual, but the wife wanted an automatic, so we drove both. The auto was just okay. The paddle shifters are kind of a gimmick IMHO, and I really couldn't visualize myself using them much. But the manual tranny is sweet. Since this is going to be 'my car' (wife has an '01 Odyssey), the stick won out.
I can't compare the Fit to the Yaris or any of its other competitors, since I haven't driven any of them. But I did a lot of online research, and the Fit came out on top in every head-to-head review I read. Based upon what I'd read, I expected the Fit to be slower and noisier than it actually is. I've been quite pleasantly surprised by the ride quality and acceleration. Don't get me wrong -- it's not going to win any drag races against anything outside of its class. But I'm not fearful of merging into highway traffic either.
My last 4 automobile purchases before the Fit were all Hondas, so I'm not at all concerned about reliability. The mileage on these at time of trade (or wreck, *sniff*) has been 99K ('87 Accord), 187K ('90 Accord), 195K ('91 Accord), and 101K and still going ('01 Odyssey). The most major repair was a new tranny in the Odssey at 77K miles, and that was under warranty.
There were a few corners cut on the Fit compared to a Civic or Accord. There's a lot of plastic in the cabin, and some exposed screws here and there (door handle wells and seat belt anchors) that would've been covered in an Accord. The carpet is pretty thin too, but I've got floor mats on order and hopefully they are as plush as what my other cars have had. But it's nothing to be embarrassed by, and the instrument panel is dead sexy. I prefer the analog speedo to the digital one in the Civic.
Like you, Silver, Orange, and Blue were my color prefs, in that order. But the Orange is not as vibrant in person (at least not on a cloudy day) as on the website, so I ruled that one out once I saw it. I could still live with it, but I like the Orange on the Element better. I couldn't find a Silver Sport with a manual tranny, so I went with the Blue, which still had to be shipped from out of town. I like the color more and more each day.
I paid $16,570 out the door at Bob Howard Honda in Edmond OK just this past Monday for a 2009 Blue Sensation Pearl Sport with 5-speed manual. The sticker was $17,120 and the doc prep fee was $200. I'm still grinning ear to ear.
Obviously, you may consider this an endorsement of the Fit.
Welcome! I set out to buy a Civic Si Coupe, but drove the Fit first and preferred the handling. It is much more nimble. The Civic was a let-down after the Fit, even though it is unquestionably faster. The Fit is simply more fun to drive. Toss in the $5K savings, and it was a no brainer.
I wanted a manual, but the wife wanted an automatic, so we drove both. The auto was just okay. The paddle shifters are kind of a gimmick IMHO, and I really couldn't visualize myself using them much. But the manual tranny is sweet. Since this is going to be 'my car' (wife has an '01 Odyssey), the stick won out.
I can't compare the Fit to the Yaris or any of its other competitors, since I haven't driven any of them. But I did a lot of online research, and the Fit came out on top in every head-to-head review I read. Based upon what I'd read, I expected the Fit to be slower and noisier than it actually is. I've been quite pleasantly surprised by the ride quality and acceleration. Don't get me wrong -- it's not going to win any drag races against anything outside of its class. But I'm not fearful of merging into highway traffic either.
My last 4 automobile purchases before the Fit were all Hondas, so I'm not at all concerned about reliability. The mileage on these at time of trade (or wreck, *sniff*) has been 99K ('87 Accord), 187K ('90 Accord), 195K ('91 Accord), and 101K and still going ('01 Odyssey). The most major repair was a new tranny in the Odssey at 77K miles, and that was under warranty.
There were a few corners cut on the Fit compared to a Civic or Accord. There's a lot of plastic in the cabin, and some exposed screws here and there (door handle wells and seat belt anchors) that would've been covered in an Accord. The carpet is pretty thin too, but I've got floor mats on order and hopefully they are as plush as what my other cars have had. But it's nothing to be embarrassed by, and the instrument panel is dead sexy. I prefer the analog speedo to the digital one in the Civic.
Like you, Silver, Orange, and Blue were my color prefs, in that order. But the Orange is not as vibrant in person (at least not on a cloudy day) as on the website, so I ruled that one out once I saw it. I could still live with it, but I like the Orange on the Element better. I couldn't find a Silver Sport with a manual tranny, so I went with the Blue, which still had to be shipped from out of town. I like the color more and more each day.
I paid $16,570 out the door at Bob Howard Honda in Edmond OK just this past Monday for a 2009 Blue Sensation Pearl Sport with 5-speed manual. The sticker was $17,120 and the doc prep fee was $200. I'm still grinning ear to ear.
Obviously, you may consider this an endorsement of the Fit.
Hello JeffChap,
Thanks very much for your reply and insight into the Fit.
I hope you enjoy your Fit and many good years ahead.
I'm in Orlando and hoping to buy a Fit. I requested bids on 2010's and was told by a couple of sales people that they should be arriving around Thanksgiving. The Fits coming to Central Florida are supposed to be arriving in Jacksonville.
I'd be interested to hear when they arrive in Miami (I'm assuming they'll hit ports down there of course) and what price dealer are asking down there as well. I realize there is not a lot of wiggle room price. I'd have been interested in an '09 except that I read there's a bump in mileage in the 2010's: 27-33 in the '09 vs 28-35 in the '10 as I recall. I want the Fit for it's cargo space in addition to it's reliability and MPG. If some of the other small cars like the Scion xD were designed to maximize space and MPG, I'd be interested in them as well.
I'm in Orlando and hoping to buy a Fit. I requested bids on 2010's and was told by a couple of sales people that they should be arriving around Thanksgiving. The Fits coming to Central Florida are supposed to be arriving in Jacksonville.
I'd be interested to hear when they arrive in Miami (I'm assuming they'll hit ports down there of course) and what price dealer are asking down there as well. I realize there is not a lot of wiggle room price. I'd have been interested in an '09 except that I read there's a bump in mileage in the 2010's: 27-33 in the '09 vs 28-35 in the '10 as I recall. I want the Fit for it's cargo space in addition to it's reliability and MPG. If some of the other small cars like the Scion xD were designed to maximize space and MPG, I'd be interested in them as well.
David
Hello David,
Im in West Palm Beach and only one Dealership has 2010 Fits (4 of them).
Other Dealerships say they will have them next month.
Likewise I like the versatility of the Fit, MPG and its great rating by Consumer Reports.
I'd have been interested in an '09 except that I read there's a bump in mileage in the 2010's: 27-33 in the '09 vs 28-35 in the '10 as I recall.
David
Sorry David, but there is no increase in mpg. You were comparing the Fit Sport automatic to the Fit base automatic. That's one reason I chose the Fit base automatic (09).
Consider getting a costco membership and asking for the "members" price as a basis to start negotiating. This can save you time and give you a realistic starting point.
Avoid paying dealer fees for added on things like sealant and protectant. These are spray on wipe off no-cost things you can do yourself or pay a detailer to do if you really feel you need them (I don't).
Watch out for dealer add-ons like floor mats, cargo covers etc. The "list prices" for these items on the sales floor are about twice what you'll pay online. Or make sure you negotiate for the price of these as well (how about throwing in a set of floor mats?). The Fit doesn't come with these things standard like other Hondas.
Also dealer administration fees are entirely negotiable. My experience in GA was in August. Costco price was under invoice but they wanted 400 in "additional dealer mark-up" (adm fees are not "administration"). I walked and they called me to knock off the $400.00. Paid 15,600 for an 09 base auto (list was $16,200 including transportation) plus tax and title. I could have finessed more going to a different dealer at this point, but I was lazy.
Oh and the finance guy will try to make money off you after the "deal is done" by selling maintenance programs and extended warranties. Research these before paying a dime for them, and if you must, negotiate on these too. They are pure profit (well mostly) for dealers. Also find out what finance rate you can get from your bank before financing with American Honda (the dealer makes money on the loans they write). I found my insurance company, State Farm offered competitive financing rates, but Honda beat this after I told them what it was. Tell the dealer you'll finance with them even if you already have financing or plan to play cash; they'll give you a better price if they think they will make it up on the loan.
Costco pricing/response is unpredictable. You also don't actually need a card to get at least initial pricing.
My suggestion is to wait until the 2010s are in at multiple dealers, and then try to get internet prices.
As far as Costco prices - there are only a few dealers here and there that do the Costco deal. You can plug your info in online to get them to send you details by email -- but it will only send you the data for ONE dealership even if there are other Costco dealers in the area. The same goes if you call them up by phone, they can only send you to one dealership at a time.
I got one of the costco dealers to send me an "internet price" that was the cheapest price (before fees, etc.) that I got.. it was weird cause they said internet pricing, not costco pricing.. in the end I didn't really want to travel that far to check them out (They didn't give me OTD pricing.)
I went to another costco dealership just to see what the costco pricing was like, and they didn't give me a good price/info on it (heck, the price they gave me on walk-in didn't even beat that same dealership's own internet price.)
As far as what people paid for their cars, there are whole threads on the subject -- but it won't really help. There is only so much leeway in the pricing, and many dealerships won't budge much, especially with a brand new model. The best question would be, what are techniques to get the best pricing you can?
However, until then, perhaps you should just go to your local dealership and try to test drive the vehicle -- even if they don't yet have 2010s... if they still have 2009s, try to test drive them. Until you do so, it's all academic. Just go and check out the Civic and the Fit up close and weigh your pros and cons.
__________________
IS
CBP (Black) 09 Base Fit C4C deal (thanks Gub'mint!)
Alpena Innisbrook Interior Makeover Kit (Seatcovers)
$23 keyless entry keyfob (why they don't just give you one when the system is in there is beyond me.)
Costco pricing/response is unpredictable. You also don't actually need a card to get at least initial pricing.
My suggestion is to wait until the 2010s are in at multiple dealers, and then try to get internet prices.
That's good advice. Until they have multiples in the color and style you want you've not much room to negotiate. If you go to the showroom you're at their mercy. Online there's no pressure
Sorry David, but there is no increase in mpg. You were comparing the Fit Sport automatic to the Fit base automatic. That's one reason I chose the Fit base automatic (09).
Fit base manual, Fit Sport manual: 27/33/29
Fit base automatic: 28/35/31
Fit Sport automatic: 27/33/30
Thanks for this tip. I did a little googling and it looks like you're correct. This opens the possibility for buying an '09 if they have a the base Fit automatic in silver.
Thanks for this tip. I did a little googling and it looks like you're correct. This opens the possibility for buying an '09 if they have a the base Fit automatic in silver.
Looking to buy Fit - South Florida
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