Hello!

I currently have a 2004 Acura TL and i am toying with the idea of getting a used 07 or 08 fit. My TL has an astounding 167k miles on it from driving freeways all the time.

I'm downsizing in both upkeep cost and maintenance cost and of course practicallity.

I drive about 350/ week. @ 4 weeks its about 1400 miles a month and 16,800 a year. If I really do get 25mpgs per fillup (which my MID says i do). that means I use 672 gallons. Currently it's about $3.49/gallon for premium and it is expected to increase when summer rolls around. Yearly gas will cost me $2352.

If the Fit does get an average of 35mpgs, @ $3.29/gallon for 87 regular that yearly cost will be $1584.

40mpgs it will cost $1386.

I'm pretty convinced to get a Fit just because i need to get something smaller
and lower my ownership cost and I want a car that will last me a long time without breaking the bank.

What are you thoughts on downsizing from a big car to something in the econobox mode? Has anyone else downsized like this?

 

I recently downsized from a full size Silverado 1500 Pick Up to an 06 Honda Accord. Not quite the same downgrade as you, but I did it for all the same reasons as you. My wife has the 08 fit, and I love driving her car too. It is very comfortable, has plenty of space, and can comfortably sit four people.

 

That's great to hear Grohe! I hope there are others that can share there stories.

 

I think you will miss your TL. Especially if it was an SH-AWD or Type-S. Although I am not sure about how much more reliable the Fit can be, are there a lot of issues with high mileage TLs? They are still Hondas underneath after all.

But the Fit is still a lot of fun, economical and far more versatile.

For a small car it is very big inside. The track record on these cars is impeccable so far with at least one or two on this forum north of 200k already and no trend of real issues besides coil packs @ 70k, valve adjustments when necessary and otherwise regular maintenance. There are a few relatively cheap, subtle tweaks available to help bring this tall hatch closer to your TLs handling which might help you live with it long term.

Go take a few test drives in different conditions if you are in a position to take your time.

 

Hey DiamondStarMonsters - Well the track record for TLs is good with high milage. Maybe i'm being fickle about it, but I want a change of pace and want to be practical and have a car that will (knock on wood) last me for at least 5 to 10 years. The fit "fits" that bill.

I drove one yesterday that was a 2008 Fit S Auto and it was alright compared to the TL. It obviously wasn't awesome, but it wasn't a night and day difference between the two. I like the ride height, the view from the windows and the shape of it.

Sure the TL is a great car, but for me. That's too much.

What other "things" should i watch out for when I am looking at these used fits?

 

Hi Kitkit201, I would say that if you can afford the payment on the new one is to get a new Fit. But that's just my opinion.

 

You can watch out for is to check if the recall repair was done. The windows switches on 07-08 when its raining and a lot of water got into the switch, there's a big chance that your Fit will burn. Also the '07 to '08 Auto Fit will not get the same mpg as the manual Fit's but I'm not sure. Check the following links below if you haven't been to the Eco Forum.

https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/eco-...nomy-poll.html

https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/eco-...nomy-poll.html

OR to see everything go to

https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/eco-fit-discussion/

 

Why the 09-11 versus the older 07-08? What's the big deciding factors? They both seem to be very comparable?

 

1. '09-'11 is fresh(not totally but fresh) in styling.
2. If you get the new one, you get the factory warranty plus higher resale value.
3. You'll know the history of the car because you're buying it new and you will be taking care of it from 0 to whatever miles it gets.
4. You don't know what the previous owner did to the car.
5. I heard the seats are more comfortable(I have not sat in one).
6. You'll also get a mpg guage which the '07-'08 doesn't have.
7. 16" wheels on Sport model, 07-08 has 15's.
8. The engine is a little bit more powerful (117hp) while 07-08 has 109hp.

More to come....

But if those doesn't matter much. '07 to '08 Fits are good too. I have an '08 and I love mine but I bought new back in 2008.

 

9. 2009-2011 has optional Navigation system. It's not available on '07-'08.
10. If you decide to go for 2010, there's probably left unsold on the dealers lot that you can get more discount since its now 2011.

 

Thanks for the insight Black01. Very helpful.

Today I drove my friend's 08 Fit (base) manual and loved the shifter. The clutch was very "honda" like and buttery smooth. I think Im gonna go and shoot for a Manual for sure. I have a scangauge 2 sitting around and I think it's time again for some major MPGs

 

we average 32mpg most of the time. the 1 thing i hate about the fit is lack of hp. it is an automatic, but needs to downshift 2 gears just to hold 70mph on interstate hills. i hate seeing 5000rpm while going up a hill. just my 2 cents. i'm sure this will be a big change from your TL

 

I have 2010 Automatic Fit Sport and I am getting 28 mpg around town. The freeway I am getting 33 with winter gas. Make sure you get a manual Fit.

 

Most definitely purplehondafit . I like convience of the automatic, but the manual is so easy to drive it's a no brainer.

 

I am kicking myself for not getting a manual. I thought of trading it in but I would lose lots of money. I probably should stop typing on here. Have a nice weekend.

 

well.. i sold the TL tonight! i made an offer on a 08 fit sport in SSM.. MIGhT pick it up tomorrow if the stars are aligned! Cannot wait!!

 

Well, looks like im picking her up today!

 

Not knocking the Fit, I have one. But there are many other cars that get substantially better highway milage if that is what you are looking for. If you get a Fit with 15's on it, expect about 30-33 highway mpg out of it.

 

Well it'll be much better than my TL's 24 Mpgs. If I hypermill it (I had a Civic HX and Original Insight before which got about 68mpgs - i can probably get somewhere in the high 30's

 

The TL - although very nice and near luxury was not something I can see myself in over the years. Plus it had high millage and i was sitting on a time bomb of problems. I wanted something much more reliable that will last me at least another 5 years.

The one im buying today is 71k 2008 Fit Sport 5MT/