I'm very interested in buying a sport model with automatic trans and 71,000 miles. I see there are three recalls issues. How about the auto transmission service and timing belt, when should they be done? How about struts or other wear items? Are these going 150,000 without much mechanical issues?
I've heard the A/C is not very powerful. Over all I'm liking the little buggers. Any advice will be helpful...

 

The GD chassis (07 and 08) both have timing chains. I'm not sure when it needs to be replaced though. The ATF is recommend to be replaced 60k miles for normal driving, then every 30k miles afterwards. If you drive in more extreme conditions such as colder temps, mountainous areas, or do any spirited driving then it is recommended that you change it sooner.

The A/C isn't powerful like you've heard but it gets the job done. One member here found out that actually their GD's freon level was kind of low from the factory. The brake fluid uses DOT 3 and should be replaced at least every 3 years. Engine idle speed should be inspected every 160k miles. The engine air filter along with dust and pollen filter should be replaced every 15k.

Some members have had coil pack issues when their GDs was well under the 100k mile mark and all Fits are subject to having their paint peal on their bumpers where it connects to the front fender/rear quarter, there is a technical service bulletin/recall about it as well as a thread or two here.

I can't say anything about the struts or other any other wear items since I only have 37k miles on my '08 but I hope that the things I did mention help.

 

The recalls are no big deal. The first two should have been taken care of by the dealership long ago. As to the recent head light recall, just take it to any Honda dealership to have it taken care of, as mileage does not matter with a recall.
The owners manual; talks about all service requirements. The owners manual is available on line, if it is missing from the car.
Struts and wheel bearings are only a problem if the car has been modifed (lowered, off set wheels or oversize tires).
As to the A/C system, yes it is on the weak side. Getting the windows tinted really does help out quite a bit on the A/C.
My 08 has just over 40,000 miles at this time with zero problems so far. A friend has a 07 with about 80,000 miles on it. The only non-normal maintenance problem he has had with it, was changing out the ignition coil packs at about 65,000 miles.
Unless you hot-rod them, race them or modify them, they are very dependable cars.
Gregg

 

yes, that is helpful. Thanks. Timing chain, no wonder I wasn't seeing anything about a timing belt. Anyway, I'm going to look at one in an hour or so. thanks again!

 

thanks Gregg!

 

Also, two more things.

One: The fog lights are expensive to replace (160 bucks a side), I recommend getting lamin-x film to protect them from being broken by rocks.

Two: I've read on here that 2007s have had issues with their rear window washer not spraying or being broken off completely. Honda has an updated version of that part available.

 

Just make sure the recalls have been services. Timing chain should last over 100k. I remember around 150k on nissans. But for some reason. I hear a liquid type gushing into the car. Could be coolant going into heater core. Wear and tear stuff all depends on previous owner. Hence "previous owner was an old lady"

 

Also. The problems and issues are really nothing compare to other cars. I also have a G35 coupe. Gives me so much headache

 

Good luck with the purchase! Mess around with everything look inside the trunk behind the bumper, under the car. Play around with all the buttons as if you owned the car. That's what I do when I look for a used car.