Hi all, I'm looking for a car and the Fit seems to be ticking all the right boxes for me. This would be the first car I own myself, I'd been sharing my parent's cars for the last few years cause they had three cars already.I'm used to driving minivans and do use the cargo space often, so the supposedly legendary cargo volume of the Fit with folded down seats is a big draw, and also that they appear to be very reliable in general. Finally it looks like they are slow but fun to drive in terms of handling which is always welcome. Got a budget of 15k, originally 10k but decided I could stretch it a bit more.

One thing I absolutely hate is car touch screens and bad infotainment systems, so AFAICT that rules out 3rd gen, and I much prefer the look of the face lifted 2012-13 variant of gen 2. There is one silver 2012 Honda Fit Sport that I've been looking at near me, it has 71k miles on it and is listed for $11,495. Does that price seem right? Carfax claims that's about $1,400 bellow their estimated value. My parents are worried about the 71K miles, but that seems to be pretty low for a car this age and I've see many Fits go for double that or more. Should I be worried about that? It has no reported damage.

If I go see it and take it for an inspection, is there anything I should ask the mechanic to check specifically? I know some have issues with the spark plugs loosening. Sort of off topic but i have no experience working on cars since I haven't owned one i can mess with, but I'll probably be learning on this car.

Thanks.

 

The fit is a perfect first car to own and work on. Maintenance is cheap and easy to do on your own. Check YouTube, there a lot of videos on diy. The one your looking at seems to be a fair price. I bought my fit a few months ago it's a 07 Sport with 175k. So far I've changed the spark plugs, oil, transmission fluid, radiator fluid, engine and cabin filter all OEM parts for under $200.

 

Whoa. The Fit is my first car too, and I started out in a family owned 91 Toyota Previa, precursor to the Sienna. The cargo space is good, although dimensions of the rear hatch are limiting. I fit a dryer in the back once, with less than 2" clearance top and sides getting it in through the hatch. If you're planning on moving or picking up lumber/free stuff from facebook market, a small truck or something more tow capable may be more practical and make life easier (think ford ranger, toyota tacoma.)

The fit is kind of like a mini minivan. Good visibility and a friendly turn radius. The small overall package makes navigating busy parking lots tolerable. It's good on fuel and generally easy on the wallet with maintenance. Plus the service manual is available via ebay or downloadable here. Personally I like having the disc and being able to navigate it in adobe acrobat, print out sections I want for doing my own services. The service manual for this car is the best one I've ever used and will help tremendously with doing your own services. This car forum/community is an awesome asset too (unless you're looking for an advanced modding community - you won't see much here about turbos or engine swaps, but there's a couple threads.) Also, our dogs like riding in the fit.

As for maintenance.. The spark plug thing is worth checking on, as well as whether Technical Service Bulletin maintenance items have been performed. Get it inspected by a good mech!

I can't comment on price. Stuff is expensive now. The car I just finished up was $3k, 5 after my services were complete, and it has 250k miles. Stuffs crazy.

The Fit should make a good first car. It certainly has been for me. With low cost for parts, one can afford to keep it running well, and the service manual would provide an exceptional introduction to doing maintenance if that's your bag. Pairing the manual with youtube videos (for fact checking, numbered steps) could teach you a lot. I've had my 2012 for over 5 years. It's now at ~110k, and I plan on keeping it. It keeps running while I work on everyone else's cars, and it's fairly fun to drive too.

Dislikes: I wouldn't personally try towing more than a lawn mower with it 😂 and being boney I find the seats uncomfortable for long drives (1.5h +). Other folks are cool with it but I am decidedly not, even after swapping head rests for more accommodating ones.
Personally, I should have gotten a truck. But that would require one being out there that would meet my needs AND budget.

 

If you need to buy something, then you need to buy something. But it's still a terrible time to buy a used car as prices are still stupid. In 2012 the Fit Sport MSRP was right around $17k (depending on options). So 11 years and 71k miles later it only lost $6k in value. NUTS!! Especially for an econobox Honda. I was also told by a Honda engineer that 2013-up are better cars across the board for Honda w/ regards to quality.

 

If you're not (currently) a car person you're on the right track with getting any potential purchase inspected. To take it a step further, use a mechanic that you or your family have trust and history with. It won't hurt to tell them that this is your first car and that you want them to point out any and all issues. Outside of the spark plug issue you already mentioned I don't know of any unique problems with the Fit. It's essentially a basic, reliable, fun, little (but big inside) car.

As someone else said, if you absolutely have to have a car today then you will pay a hefty premium. In my opinion, that's way too much for the car you're looking at but I am... frugal. If you see yourself driving this car for a decade or 100K miles then it probably doesn't matter in the long run. On the other hand, if you have access to a car that your family already owns you have the option to hold off for a while or at least keep searching for a really great deal. While money in the bank isn't earning much at the moment, it's still a better return than what you'll lose on a used car purchased today when the prices eventually return to normal (hopefully soon).

 

@atomicwrites Welcome to our little clam bake.

The Fit is a great car. I have approx. 75,000 mi. on my '13, and it's running better than ever. It's always worth it to have a professional mechanic do an inspection before you buy a used car. While they are in there, ask them to check that the spark plugs are not loose (Some have had problems with this. I have not.), and there is a recall on the axles for rust and a recall on the airbags. Also, I would suggest that it is better to spend a little more on a clean car than to save a few bucks on a car with more problems.

Hope you're getting the manual transmission.

 

I think you will be fine with it. 71k is not that much for a Fit. I have about 71-72 on my 2013 (bought new). First thing I would check is to make sure the spark plugs are tight (that's right around the time they might start to come loose and strip the threads (mine loosened around 65k but I caught it before they stripped--should probably just replace them). Also, this car was made in Japan as versus the 3rd gen made in Mexico. So, Japanese vs Mexican quality build to it. Also, make sure the axle recall was performed (or take it in for the recall after you get it). As for price, Biden's out of control spending has caused record inflation, and it is probably not going to get any better anytime soon, unfortunately. Good luck.

 

"Biden's out of control spending has caused record inflation"
Ahhh, so that's what it is. I'm glad that you cracked the case.
Just so I understand, is Joe B. also responsible for the high inflation around the world?

If possible, let's just keep it about the cars and not bother with politics please.

 

😂 The other posts have been incredibly sensible and hilarious "but I am... frugal." You guys are great!

To add a note or two: the 3k car that was purchased had a v6 and severe exhaust leaks from both manifolds that hollowed out two catalytic converters and made the car sound like an actual lawn mower. If we still lived in a state like CA where emissions are tighter, the car would have cost 7k when repairs were done instead of 5 due to need for functioning CARB certified catalysts.. if someone else did the labor, 10+k to resuscitate the freakin thing and guarantee it'll see 350+k miles

It's a good time to buy and fix $500 junkers.

Now, some manufacturer needs to come forward and make a modern 4cyl turbo diesel, with comfy seats and a petit silhouette, 6' bed pickup. Make it get high 20s mpg and be able to pull 5k lbs. It could even be a unibody. I'd get a real job to pay 40k for that.
Sh*t. I think the closest thing to my target is a jeep gladiator..

 

All right, thanks for all the answers. So regarding recals, I looked up the VIN on both the NHTSA site and the Honda site and it looks like they have all been handled already. Thanks for confirming this should be an easy-ish car to work on.

Theres some other slightly newer cars like Ford Fiestas and Chevrolet Sonics availible for cheaper, like 8k, but from what I've read reliability is not very good on those, I'd guess that's why they're cheaper. Also their catgo capacity is much lower i belive. Or a 2008 Fit for 6k with 122K miles, I think that's a bit too old to be comfortable with buying it. Unless it was like half that price maybe but supposedly its under the market value. It does seem like prices are still pumped up though.

One thing I read on refit is that the gen 2 doesn't have lay flat seats, only gen 1 and 3. That doesn't refer to the rear seats folding down the make a huge trunk right? Because that's one of the main features I wanted.

Thanks for confirming about the miles. So when you get the car inspected, it's expected that the dealer will let you take it out for a day to take it to your mechanic? We've never done that before, but have only bought 1-2 year old cars. I think you'd want a shop with a lift to do the end inspection right? My dad has always used backyard mechanics so I'd need to ask around for recommendations on an actual shop.

Sadly not getting a manual as I haven't learned to drive it, just the fake manual mode on the sport trim.

 

You mean someone had done an engine swap and messed it up?

 

I have a 2010 Fit Sport (early gen 2) and can confirm that the rear seats fold flat. Very useful, although mine mostly stay in the upright (I believe called "tall") position which is handy for groceries.

Although I recommended the inspection, I can't comment on how it works for the buyer because I've never done one. My dad (diesel mechanic at a construction company) was my personal mechanic and wingman when I was younger and taught me just enough to be dangerous when it comes to buying cars as an adult. So far it's worked out well for me.

When I was younger my dad bought several cars from a local used car lot that let him take the car home overnight, but I suspect that wasn't common to all customers but came about because he had known the owner for years. I have no idea what options you'll have from a dealer because that's not the way my wallet or personality allow me to shop.

At a minimum, the dealer should be willing to put the car up on the lift in their service department and have a tech go over it with you. There's nothing to say you can't bring a car person/mechanic along with you if you can find one. I have helped several friends buy used cars over the years. You should also inquire about any sort of warranties they offer for cars sold off their lot. They should also be willing to let you take the car to a private mechanic if they really want to make the sale, but it may all depend on how far you have to go and how long you want to keep the car. I think your best bet is to ask them directly.

 

@atomicwrites no swap, it was an 03 mazda tribute/ford escape that I've been yammering about for months. I think a collision had jostled the exhaust manifolds and caused studs to snap. extracted and chased, replaced with 10.9 bolts coated in with some hondabond and the power of optimism
I knew I wouldn't get the chance to re-torque them.

One of 4 or 6, can't remember. All recessed as shown.

An engine dolly I made because all the local shops were out of small engine stands and I was too dumb to figure out how to spacer bolts and make it fit a larger stand.

To OP:
Look for a mobile mechanic in the area of the car to be inspected, or use the "yourmechanic" website to book a mobile mech for a pre-purchase inspection.
When we bought our tacoma they only let us get the pre inspection at a shop they knew and worked with.. talk about conflict of interest. but we were in a hurry.. waste of $120. My .02: Don't sweat getting it somewhere with a lift, just make sure it's checked by an actual 3rd party - preferably someone who would benefit from finding faults and generating potential work for themself.

For a mobile, you just tell the dealer you're having a mobile mech come out to do a pre-purchase inspection. you dont even have to be there for it if it's yourmechanic. They just have to be able to get the keys for the right car.
They wont be as good as a shop that specializes in Hondas and Acuras, but unbiased and accessible with a good scanner is what counts.

 

Ah OK, I thought you were talking about a Fit.

I am OP . Yikes, only allowing their shop to do inspections sounds really sketchy, guess it turned out fine though. So you think a mobile mechanic is enough? That would likely be simpler to coordinate then. Thanks.

 

So an update, I went to look at the car and it seemed pretty good visually, some minor cosmetic flaws like the paint on parts of the corner bend where the roof and door meet having chips showing black plastic (no exposed metal) a bit of plastic trim missing on one rear door, and a dent in the plastic on the inside of the trunk door. Only big issue was that the odometer button was pushed in all the way through the hole in the dash and jammed off to the side, so we could not see the odometer. But I imagine the dealer should be able to fix that pretty easily.

However when we test drove it, my mechanic said that he felt like the car was suspiciously weak. Like it was too slow to accelerate or shift (it's an AT). I don't know if he may just be feeling the slow engine that the Fit is supposed to have, or if there's an actual problem. When I drove it I was surprised at how punchy/responsive it was, however my daily driver is my parent's Chrysler Pacifica mini van which is notoriously slow and feels like whenever you hit the gas the ECU calls a town hall meeting to decide if they should heed your request so my opinion may be skewed. Anyways I left the car. We were thinking maybe i could try one of the few other Fit's in the area (they are all higher millage or have accidents) and see how they feel in comparison.

Also, what car search sites do you like? Been looking mostly at CarFax, cars.com, and Autotrader, but i imagine they must not get everything.

 

Just whatever google turns up.
I'm glad you passed on the car. If you can hold off until finding something that feels right, that's the way to go. Plus, it'd be good to test drive more than one fit.

Also, I don't like carfax. They can only show accidents that got reported . You can wind up with a car that should have been scrapped and they'll say its fine. Look at gaps between body panels and check for symmetry between the drivers and passenger's sides. gap between bumper and headlights on each side. Note if the hood is hard to get your fingers under when opening, or if a door makes noise when opening.

Better off getting a car that has a known accident and got repaired properly than a "clean" one.
Trying to figure out someone else's sneaky BS is tiresome.

 

Oh, also it had the two front struts (?) at least replaced, but not for performance afaict. Lable said PICC Auto and that seems to be this: FCS Automotive International These say they are tuned to replicate OEM feeling, presumably they would be cheap or else you'd just buy OEM no?

 

I bought a 2009 Fit Sport 5MT new in 2009 and put 125,000 miles on it in 6 years with only regular maintenance and two warranty repairs--the HVAC blower motor and the left rear window regulator motor had to be replaced. After multiple vehicles in between, I just bought a 2010 Fit Sport AT with 55,000 miles from a local Honda dealer for $12,400 which included a 3 month warranty. I also shopped Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Carvana, and Carmax. Cheapest prices were on FB Marketplace (private sellers) and Craigslist (small used car dealers). Carvana has a lot of GE8s with low miles, but they are more expensive and I'm not comfortable with Carvana's reported poor customer service and problems delivering titles in a timely manner. Carmax has a better reputation, but also more expensive than the local market.

Yes, prices are crazy! But if you do your due diligence, you can find a good one. I recommend creating an account on the Honda Owners site https://owners.honda.com/. You can then add a vehicle to your garage if you have the VIN and see what maintenance was done at Honda dealers. You might also consider paying for a Carfax report or ask the seller to provide one. Not everything will be reported, however. For example, my 2010 has pretty new tires, but it's not in the Carfax or Honda Owners info. If the previous owner did all their own minor maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations, you might not find much. But most people don't do their own wrenching, and you should find reports of where it was sold, where it was registerd, recalls addressed by a dealer, and any accidents.

Good luck and let us know how your search turns out!

 

Yeah carvana has a lot but the internet has told me not to touch them with a 10 foot pole. So far I've been looking for something sub-100,000 miles per my parents recomendation but im wondering if i should consider higjer milage ones as well, they are obviusly much cheaper. And it looks like you can expect them to go into the 200k range probably.

 

So I want car shopping again on Friday and went to check on 3 cars. The first was a Gen3 2016 Fit LX, I thought I'd try it and see if i really disliked it's controls that much. Well I called the dealer and confirmed it was available to test drive and they made an appointment for me, then when i got there the owner couldn't find any appointments and said the car still hadn't arrived form the auction in a different city. Supposedly they'll call me when it's back. Next went to look at a white 2013 Sport and Inside it looked great, but the roof had several spots where the paint chipped and the metal started rusting. It would need paint right out of the dealer, also it's a bigger brand affiliated dealer and the car is more expensive even after saying the price was way to high for a car that needed paint (they dropped it about $500) and the fees are *much* higher ($999 dealer fee ). The test drive felt good though, but i didn't have a mechanic with me I was just looking. Finally went to look a a red base trim 2012 with only 57k miles, but they said the had gotten it recently and it was at the paint department. So i got to see 1/3.

From what I've seen everyone dislikes the 3rd gen CVT transmission right? It's slower?