Hi all,

I'm currently looking at purchasing a used 08 Fit sport with the manual trans with 83k miles. Plans are to use it as a reliable daily driver so I can save my S2k for the weekends.

My question is in regard to the reliability of the GD Fit. Anything in particular I should look out for in one with 83k miles? I've done a bit of browsing through the forum and have noticed 3 issues: the coil packs, the automatic trans, and leaky seals between body panels. What maintenance items should I check and possibly replace immediately after purchase of the vehicle?

I've always loved this gen of Fits and I'm looking forward to possibly owning one. Any help or recommendations from current owners and their experience would be much appreciated!

Cheers

 

I bought mine "certified" from Honda with 69K on the odometer and the only issue I had was the clutch went in less then a year (bout 8K driven if that). At that time it was just a DD so I was shocked that happened so quick.

I'm now hitting 88K (3 years later) and there has been no issues. The car is mostly used for AutoX and driven very hard. Honestly the Fit is a great car. I told myself this would never be used to race or fixed up but that didn't last long. It is definitely worth the investment to save a few bucks on gas and the S2K for the weekends. Good luck with your purchase.

 

I bought mine with 46k miles and about 5k miles later, my input shaft (aka mainshaft) bearing started getting really noisy. My mechanic removed the transmission and I got in there and changed it myself but it required a bearing puller. The bearing and seal I changed were 30$ total at the dealer. It seems to be a common problem with honda transmissions.

One thing that sucks is that the GD fit has no dead pedal for your left foot. I bought a nice one from zeta products but I believe it is out of production so maybe you can ask in the for sale section to see if someone will hook you up.

I've owned the car going on 3 years now and I've never even had a pending code let alone a trouble code/check engine light. This car is so reliable you'll get bored waiting for something to fix .

One thing I did change was the transmission mount. It was ripped/cracked so I changed it. That was very easy. Next thing on my list are the coils but I'll hold out until they start acting funny first. The original coils are still running fine for me.

If you get some cold weather in Utah, I'd strongly consider ditching that puny 151r battery and getting a 51r instead. It fits perfectly in the engine bay with no modification needed and is really a great improvement for those who live in colder climates.

 

One more thing to consider: TPMS in '08 but not in '07. That means extra sensors and batteries to go out. My first one just gave out, and at around $60 to replace each one at costco, not cheap.

I know some will argue it's better to have the TPMS system than not, but with the el cheapo implementation - not telling you which tire is low, you have to guess - not something I would have wanted.

 

Having owned both, driving the Fit is about as fun as the S2000. I know, less power, no drop top, etc. But light, go-kart like handling makes it fun.

Get some snow tires, since you're in Utah. We've had a mild winter, but I'm sure we'll get some dumping in the next coming months. You should be able to find some good OEM Civic rims on KSL to put the snow tires on. If you get aftermarket, make sure you're at 45+ or close to it on the offset.

 

Well said. I owned an s2k back in 00-02 and the FIT handles almost as good. No other car manufacturer can make fwd that can almost hold there own with rwd.

 

I bought mine brand new with 7 miles on it and it now has about 120k miles. It has been boosted most of its life. I put a turbo kit on almost 5 yeast ago and it had 40k miles at the time. It ran at 130 hp up until 2 years ago and now it's at 160hp. I have been beating the crap out of the car on track for the passed few years and it has been taking the abuse..... (see my track video thread)..... so yes. I would say it's a great and reliable car. Just make sure you change the fluids regularly and it will last.

Good luck with purchase.

 

Wat. No Fit has go-kart like handling.

Fit is fun...for what it is.

OP, you're spot-on with what you need to look out for. Other than those trouble spots, just change the consumables like you would on any other car.

 

Believe what you want. Owned/tracked ITR, S2000, ///M's, E30's... Fit is fun, period.

 

Well shoot, if the S2000 is only as good as a Fit...it looks like my fun car will wind up as something that comes with a Wankel under the hood.

 

Thanks for the responses everyone. Sadly the deal on the first gen fell through. After some more shopping and research this is what I ended up purchasing over the weekend:



2013, base with 5MT in Raspberry Metallic. I've heard the second gens are quite bulletproof as well. A fun car thus far! Definitely livens up my daily commutes. I'll be doing some light mods like some Swift Springs, progress rear sway, and some stickier tires.

 

^Good choice! I'm a big fan of Raspberry Metallic, if there'd been one at the dealership when the Orange Burst was picked up...it would've been strongly considered.

 

I was iffy about the color at first, but it's grown on me.

In regard to performance I'd say the S2k is on a much higher level than the Fit. Sure the Fit is definitely fun, as it is surprisingly involving and direct for the driver. But the S2000 is a different animal. Apples and oranges in my opinion. Both loads of fun, but in their own way.

Here's my weekend warrior:

 

Yes the Fit is fun around the corners with upgraded suspension and tires but I don't think I have ever enjoyed driving it as much as when driving the M3 or Miata.
Can't compare to s2000 but I am positive it is more similar to the Miata than the Fit.

 

I bought the fit for gas mileage and reliability and it has done just that for me. I average 33 mpg. it's pretty awesome that it only costs me 21 bucks to fill up

 

Yep, that's the reason I picked my Fit. Not to compete with S2000s. Although the mpgs claimed on fit freak can be deceptive. I only get 28 mpg combined driving like a grandma. My friend gets 25-30mpg on hers. Really can't complain when gas is at $2/gallon!

 

My fit is way more fun to drive than an s2000 and a miata. I have many videos of me passing s2000s

 

Cmon you guys know what I mean. If you put the same amount of money into an S2000, it would leave any Fit in the dust. These cars have very different purposes and the Fit is a great handler for what it is.

 

Same money..... please an s2000 is already more expensive than a fit. Then you mod it with another 5-10k into it then your around the price of a stock s2000

 

Inde 10 12 14 de4 warmup session:
Watch around the 8:00 mark you start the see the s2000 in the distance. It will beat me in strait line speed and also has wide nto1 on it.