Fit vs Fit Sport
#41
Check again on the Rims for dirt cheap. good luck finding 16" wheels/tires that work on the fit (that actually look really good) for cheap. (CDM EX/CivHY are I believe 15" or maybe 14" (can't remember) and finding them in great shape will be tough.) it's tough enough to find steel wheels for the Fit due to it's odd sizing. Probably looking at $600-$900 including mounting Balancing, and transfer of the TPMS system on a set of ultra cheap wheels. Anything decent wil be more. The sway bar isn't removable on the Fit. you can add on an additional swaybar but they sit lower than practically anything else on the car. they add to the fit sport's rigidity but a base fit with an aftermarket sway isn't as stiff as a sport with aftermarket sway. There's also anothe $150 after install/shipping as that's not going to be available locally. Adding speakers will run you about $50+shipping if you do the install yourself. and the USB is looking at another $150... At that point you might as well be adding an aftermarket HU.
Add that all up and you might as well have purchased a sport. Because everything is warrantied and rear suspension problems with an aftermarket sway bar probably won't be supported by the dealer under warranty.
~SB
Add that all up and you might as well have purchased a sport. Because everything is warrantied and rear suspension problems with an aftermarket sway bar probably won't be supported by the dealer under warranty.
~SB
Any 15 inches wheels from old acura or civic will do the job. These will go for around 300-400$ with tires (probably better than oem fit tires, and in 185 or 195 wide).
I found some acura integra 14 inches wheels for 50 bucks a few months ago, they are on my civic now but since I just found some vx wheels, I will probably give them to my mom for her fit. 14 inches is small, but who cares for winter tires (and it will be easier to find tires probably). And Québec roads (especially during spring) are horrible, more sidewall isn't bad.
Last edited by broody; 07-17-2010 at 12:56 AM.
#42
No need to go with oem wheels.
Any 15 inches wheels from old acura or civic will do the job. These will go for around 300-400$ with tires (probably better than oem fit tires, and in 185 or 195 wide).
I found some acura integra 14 inches wheels for 50 bucks a few months ago, they are on my civic now but since I just found some vx wheels, I will probably give them to my mom for her fit. 14 inches is small, but who cares for winter tires (and it will be easier to find tires probably). And Québec roads (especially during spring) are horrible, more sidewall isn't bad.
Any 15 inches wheels from old acura or civic will do the job. These will go for around 300-400$ with tires (probably better than oem fit tires, and in 185 or 195 wide).
I found some acura integra 14 inches wheels for 50 bucks a few months ago, they are on my civic now but since I just found some vx wheels, I will probably give them to my mom for her fit. 14 inches is small, but who cares for winter tires (and it will be easier to find tires probably). And Québec roads (especially during spring) are horrible, more sidewall isn't bad.
~SB
#43
~SB
#44
One of the things to consider is 15" or 16" wheels that look good. Granted, you can find any old Integra (3rd Gen GS/GS-R) or 98-2000 Civic Si wheels that will actually fit but what condition will they be in? not Great! I took good care of my Blade wheels on my GS-R and they still showed some wear & Tear. Since the Honda 4-lug was very popular and very interchangable between the line-up, there are a lot of older hondas that have swapped wheels. since honda makes cars that run forever, many of them are still on the road. Looking on e-bay and craig's list, there's still some demand for wheels that are in decent shape with a 4x100 bolt pattern. Most people with a new Fit aren't going to want to retrofit older wheels that aren't in "like new" condition. Those will sell for $300 likely for the set and tires another $250 shipped (again for NEW Tires) - My Integra Dunlop Direzza DZ101's for my integra 205/15 were $60/tire shipped. (cheapest summer High performance & size at the time - 195's were much more $$) Then you'll need to transfer the TPMS sensors over and have the tires mounted and balanced. (depending on model in CA - all models in US) Since 14's would look awful on the fit and need spacers to physically fit, 15's would be the minimum choice. Again, that's not going to be easily had for under $600 total. (don't forget Tax, Shipping, Mounting/balancing etc...)
~SB
~SB
#45
~SB
#46
Base vs. Sport
I bought a base fit for several reasons. Better fuel mileage being the first reason. I live in the City and the plastic bodywork gets broken when hitting potholes the size of Rhode Island, and the wheels get curbed parking in the City. Learned both lessons on my last car. I added an aftermarket cruise, as that was the biggest problem for me, and the key fob for the keyless entry. I may breakdown and get the front speakers, but since the factory tunz play home-burnt mp3 discs, I find I really don't need the iPod. I still am thinking of getting the iPod interface just to play with because I'm just that way. As for the body-color mirrors, I got a black one so that isn't a problem for me - they're black. $279 for the cruise and $50 for the fob. Mine is an automatic, but I am an old fart, so the whole paddle shifter thing escapes me - that's why I bought an automatic. San Francisco hills are not the most user-friendly for manual transmissions.
#47
Blue Sensation Pearl.. should look awesome More I think about it the more I'm thinking of going with 16's.
#49
~SB
#50
Yeah, we shall see. Might even go 15's.. depends on how it looks once I put the springs in.. still haven't decided what springs to go with. I like Progress, just worried about them not having enough drop on the Fit.
#51
Fit vs. Fit Sport
Reviving this forum topic...
OK so the 2011 Fit base now comes with cruise, key fob, and USB port. So the only thing it's lacking is the 16" alloys, floor mats, and silly body kit. Oh and the tweeters in the dash. SO for $1700 bucks on the 2011 model is the base the way to go? Also, is it true that the base model gets better MPG? Does the manual have taller gearing? Thanks!!
Cheers,
James
OK so the 2011 Fit base now comes with cruise, key fob, and USB port. So the only thing it's lacking is the 16" alloys, floor mats, and silly body kit. Oh and the tweeters in the dash. SO for $1700 bucks on the 2011 model is the base the way to go? Also, is it true that the base model gets better MPG? Does the manual have taller gearing? Thanks!!
Cheers,
James
#52
Sport may be worth it
Remember, MOSTpeople who buy new cars are horribly ripped off with sleazy charges. Car salesmen eat their young. They are not nice people. Not a single one of them. If you live in NJ, it's much worse as there are oddly no specific laws to protect consumers. Every state is different. Plus, if you finance, it makes it even easier for them to rip you off because of the extra paper work. Remember NO car dealer in America is a bank -i.e. no dealership can give you a car loan. What they do is sell you a car via an installment plan. THEN they package this paper and sell it as a type of junk bond to banks and in the market. Your monthly payment could very easily balloon if you are not careful (depends on the state). So educate yourself, and BRING A SILENT FRIEND ALONG to monitor the salesperson and sit with a check list of dos and don'ts (from website -'How to buy a new car'. This will save you at least 2000 on a new financed Honda Fit. Honda knows they have the number 1 rated small car in America, but don;t let them manipulate you. Times are hard and they are NOT selling cars. It's YOUR market.
Google "How to buy a new car" -It's an eye opener and will save you much bread. I am a little older and bought with cash, but these guys STILL tried to rip me off with "window etching" and other absurd rubbish. I was shocked.
#54
I don't recall Honda adding Bluetooth as part of the sport trim... or rather, at all with the Fit. The EX trim 2nd gen Insight does have Bluetooth.
GPS is on part of the "Sport with Navigation" trim... which costs even more than just Sport trim. Side molding is an accessory. So you probably saw a Sport w/Navi with dealer added options.
If you're big on "do it yourself" stuff, you can get the Base and just add after market versions of everything.
GPS is on part of the "Sport with Navigation" trim... which costs even more than just Sport trim. Side molding is an accessory. So you probably saw a Sport w/Navi with dealer added options.
If you're big on "do it yourself" stuff, you can get the Base and just add after market versions of everything.
#55
I just bought a 2011 Base Fit AT - choose it over Sport. Wanted max gas mileage, smoother ride, & didn't care for the "aero" add ons except the rear spoiler. 2011 Base got lots of the extras that were only available on Sport in previous years (PDL, CC, TC, VSC). I would have seriously considered the Sport if the base did have those.
Not totally satisfied with the base as is, I spent $160 for a Progress 19 mm rear sway bar, $700 on new 15" mags (cheap MB 7) with 185T/60 x15 tires Hankook Optima tires (Discount Tire gave me $200 for trade on the OEM tires & I sold the wheels on Ebay for $100. Getting $100 rebate. So total cost for wheel & tire package is only $500. Also added superior flor mats for $40. All of this was planned before purchase. So far about $800 ahead.
The only other things I would like to have that are standard on the Sport are the map lights (will cost $75 - 100 for part & professional install) & rear spoiler (cost about $160 for aftermarket copy of OEM). I may get those later. So I would still be ~ $500 ahead, have lighter tire wheel package, better tires, better ride, & better mpg with similar handling to the Sport. And with the aftermarket mags it doesn't look like every other Fit on the road.
Also added a Zeta drop-in center console/armrest & tint & may do a complete sound reduction package later.
Some would question if the futzing around to get the aftermarket stuff is worth the effort to save $500. For me it was fun & worth it . Others would say no.
Now on the 3/4 way thru my 3rd tank I am getting 39.4 mpg according to the on board calculator with 75% urban driving & 25% short freeway trips. Even with better tires I am finding the ride a bit stiff & noticing more road imprefections than the 93 Del Sol that I had before this, so I probably would have be not enjoyed the Sport as much.
Not totally satisfied with the base as is, I spent $160 for a Progress 19 mm rear sway bar, $700 on new 15" mags (cheap MB 7) with 185T/60 x15 tires Hankook Optima tires (Discount Tire gave me $200 for trade on the OEM tires & I sold the wheels on Ebay for $100. Getting $100 rebate. So total cost for wheel & tire package is only $500. Also added superior flor mats for $40. All of this was planned before purchase. So far about $800 ahead.
The only other things I would like to have that are standard on the Sport are the map lights (will cost $75 - 100 for part & professional install) & rear spoiler (cost about $160 for aftermarket copy of OEM). I may get those later. So I would still be ~ $500 ahead, have lighter tire wheel package, better tires, better ride, & better mpg with similar handling to the Sport. And with the aftermarket mags it doesn't look like every other Fit on the road.
Also added a Zeta drop-in center console/armrest & tint & may do a complete sound reduction package later.
Some would question if the futzing around to get the aftermarket stuff is worth the effort to save $500. For me it was fun & worth it . Others would say no.
Now on the 3/4 way thru my 3rd tank I am getting 39.4 mpg according to the on board calculator with 75% urban driving & 25% short freeway trips. Even with better tires I am finding the ride a bit stiff & noticing more road imprefections than the 93 Del Sol that I had before this, so I probably would have be not enjoyed the Sport as much.
#56
I think that the sport model in any brand car Vs. the base is very clear.The sport car ALWAYS looks better and give you those extra things that the base car don't have.The only thing is that the base car you can mod it like you wish.If you like you base model stock that is O.K.If you like your Sport model stock that's O.K. too.Sometimes $$$ is the real factor here.I think that the Sport Edition cars is the way to go when buying a car....
#57
I just bought a 2011 Base Fit AT - choose it over Sport. Wanted max gas mileage, smoother ride, & didn't care for the "aero" add ons except the rear spoiler. 2011 Base got lots of the extras that were only available on Sport in previous years (PDL, CC, TC, VSC). I would have seriously considered the Sport if the base did have those.
Not totally satisfied with the base as is, I spent $160 for a Progress 19 mm rear sway bar, $700 on new 15" mags (cheap MB 7) with 185T/60 x15 tires Hankook Optima tires (Discount Tire gave me $200 for trade on the OEM tires & I sold the wheels on Ebay for $100. Getting $100 rebate. So total cost for wheel & tire package is only $500. Also added superior flor mats for $40. All of this was planned before purchase. So far about $800 ahead.
The only other things I would like to have that are standard on the Sport are the map lights (will cost $75 - 100 for part & professional install) & rear spoiler (cost about $160 for aftermarket copy of OEM). I may get those later. So I would still be ~ $500 ahead, have lighter tire wheel package, better tires, better ride, & better mpg with similar handling to the Sport. And with the aftermarket mags it doesn't look like every other Fit on the road.
Also added a Zeta drop-in center console/armrest & tint & may do a complete sound reduction package later.
Some would question if the futzing around to get the aftermarket stuff is worth the effort to save $500. For me it was fun & worth it . Others would say no.
Now on the 3/4 way thru my 3rd tank I am getting 39.4 mpg according to the on board calculator with 75% urban driving & 25% short freeway trips. Even with better tires I am finding the ride a bit stiff & noticing more road imprefections than the 93 Del Sol that I had before this, so I probably would have be not enjoyed the Sport as much.
Not totally satisfied with the base as is, I spent $160 for a Progress 19 mm rear sway bar, $700 on new 15" mags (cheap MB 7) with 185T/60 x15 tires Hankook Optima tires (Discount Tire gave me $200 for trade on the OEM tires & I sold the wheels on Ebay for $100. Getting $100 rebate. So total cost for wheel & tire package is only $500. Also added superior flor mats for $40. All of this was planned before purchase. So far about $800 ahead.
The only other things I would like to have that are standard on the Sport are the map lights (will cost $75 - 100 for part & professional install) & rear spoiler (cost about $160 for aftermarket copy of OEM). I may get those later. So I would still be ~ $500 ahead, have lighter tire wheel package, better tires, better ride, & better mpg with similar handling to the Sport. And with the aftermarket mags it doesn't look like every other Fit on the road.
Also added a Zeta drop-in center console/armrest & tint & may do a complete sound reduction package later.
Some would question if the futzing around to get the aftermarket stuff is worth the effort to save $500. For me it was fun & worth it . Others would say no.
Now on the 3/4 way thru my 3rd tank I am getting 39.4 mpg according to the on board calculator with 75% urban driving & 25% short freeway trips. Even with better tires I am finding the ride a bit stiff & noticing more road imprefections than the 93 Del Sol that I had before this, so I probably would have be not enjoyed the Sport as much.
Last edited by Goobers; 06-25-2011 at 12:26 AM.
#59
Base is Best
I test drove a Sport, then a Base, and then the Sport again (the salesman was getting irritated with me, I'm sure). The higher profile tires and softer rear suspension make the Base noticeably more comfortable, and it was the clear choice for me.
The appearance stuff you get with the Sport (flashier wheels, rear spoiler, side skirts, muffler tip) are actually a turn-off to me. They make the Sport look like it's been "Riced" by a high school kid. As an asian in my 30s, I don't think it's cool to look like I'm a 16 year old anymore - I bought the Base because it's the more comfortable commuter without a lot of fake flashiness bolted on.
Base > Sport!!
The appearance stuff you get with the Sport (flashier wheels, rear spoiler, side skirts, muffler tip) are actually a turn-off to me. They make the Sport look like it's been "Riced" by a high school kid. As an asian in my 30s, I don't think it's cool to look like I'm a 16 year old anymore - I bought the Base because it's the more comfortable commuter without a lot of fake flashiness bolted on.
Base > Sport!!