I just test drove a 2011 Base Model FIT (MT) this morning and loved it. Now I want one because my 2000 Jeep Wrangler TJ feels like a dinosaur compared to the Fit.

I need some advise on Base vs Sport, or more specifically, 2011 Base with VSA or older model Sport without VSA. I've searched, I know there is a million threads on sport vs base, but I have more specific concerns and want to lay out my thoughts here for discussion.

I am certain that I want manual transmission, and really like the Polished Metal Metallic color that is only available on the 2011 models, but I could also imagine myself in a dark blue Fit (that color is available on all recent models).

Also, In 2011 the VSA comes standard on the base model— however, I am unsure if I want an older (2009 or 2010) Sport model or the 2011 Base model with the VSA. Basically, I am not sure how important it is to have VSA (I live in the Philadelphia area). If I could get a slightly older sport for a similar price as a 2011 base model, I need to figure out just how important the VSA feature is to me.

So, my basic dilemma is:

option 1) older 2009 or 2010 Sport, for about the same price as 2011 base model, in dark blue with a Manual Tranny - is this realistic?

option 2) 2011 base model, Polished Metal Metallic with VSA (possibly adding aftermarket rims, tint, and body styling myself to make up for the fact that it's not as cool looking as the sport)

 

I would not drive a car without VSA or some other electronic stability control. I was driving a Passat and hit some black ice. The VSA equivalent saved me from hitting a bridge abutment.

There is .9% financing right now (through May I think) but there won't be new Fits entering the country for a while. So if you see a base 2011 MT you like on a dealer lot, this would be a good time. We included all the options (including a very nice tint job) in the car order and financed that as well. And if I were doing the deal again, I would try to get the tires switched to something in 195/60/15. The stock Dunlops are pretty bad.

 

I just bought my '10 sport for $16100 before tax, and I got the '10 because of the 0.9, now I'm kind of sad that they've extended it to the 11's. I would have actually prefered the base, but got the sport because it has cruise and the payment would have been the same. My other vehicle is an 09 Traverse, and I've only had the VSA kick on once, when I was hot rodding in the snow. Because I have an AWD vehicle, I'm not regretting not having VSA too much, though I'd go for the base 11 if I were getting one today. I have to say the arm rest is awesome though, along with the leather steering wheel.

 

I just traded my '09 base on an '11 base. Both 5 speeds. The VSA is real nice with the stick. I used to struggle trying to pull out on my busy street without spinning the inside tire. Especially in the rain. VSA hits the brake on that tire and off I go. Wasn't sure I'd like the VSA but I love it. Works very well.

 

Aside from the looks, is there any feature that you must have on the Sport? The 2011 base has cruise control, remote entry, and USB audio, which are the main things I think most people missed on the 2009-2010 Base Fits.

I think (for the MT), the only differences between an old sport and a 2011 base are fog lights, tweeters, security system, leather wrapped steering wheel, and body kit and wheels. Oh, and map lights.

If you don't care about any of that, I'd get the 2011 base.

The importance of VSA is sort of a personal decision -- most auto buying guides/AAA/consumer reports will tell you that stability control is a must-have if you're getting a new car, and for a lot of drivers, having VSA could mean the difference between calmly steering around an obstacle or losing control. There's a couple threads debating the merits of VSA if you search... though keep in mind, you can't really add VSA to the car, but can always add all the other stuff it's missing from the sport (well, maybe not the steering wheel).

 

I just join this thread today, cos i'm gonna buy a 2008 FIT with all Options.
AT/NAV/DVD/RC/ ect. in that Car the factory fitted Display is on Japanese language. ( cos it has been imported form japan.) i just wanna know, how to change the language. it'll be a big problam for me since im not a Japanese
Please give me some help...

 

Does VSA ever adjust the throttle for you? or does it keep the power on?

 

dude, no hijacking. please start a new thread for your question.

 

I agree with this post completely. I would add that if you must have an orange car, you will have to purchase a sport as well. I'd say there's a handling difference as well between the two.

In my area, there are some 2010s still around that could probably be had at a discount if you are one of those folks that must *not* have VSA.

My need for VSA was more because I don't often get the chance to drive the way *I* want to...90% of my driving is at rush hour in Lunaticville. Given the old adage that "it isn't me, it's everyone else I worry about" I just like the idea that something else is nannying reaction times and can react to the road conditions better than I probably could.

I had a 2010 base and now have a 2011 Sport w Nav.

 

Dammit, those ARE exactly the things I miss.

 

I love my VSA. 09 Sport w/Nav -- only way to get it at the time and has more than paid for itself two chirstmases ago driving between parents and inlaws in norther IL. Tons of cars in the ditches, watching other folks fishtail (even in cars I'd expect to be FWD) -- you almost couldn't tell in the fit.

We would have done just the 09 Sport, had that come with VSA at the time and bought a separate GPS unit. GPS is rather a ripoff, IMO, especially at 150 for an update dvd. Particularly when the '10 upgrade DVD still didn't have the I355 extension (opened: late 07) around Chicago. Lame.

 

imho, you really dont need VSA unless you're going to be driving in snow with your stock tires. i use snow tires on my Fit's and they do just fine without VSA even in deep snow.

you can get a full set of 15" snow tires with steel wheels from tirerack for like $550 shipped. www.tirerack.com

now if you're talking performance and VSA, the VSA is kind of a joke as the Fit's have an open-differential. unless you get limited slip diffs it's only going to slow you down.

 

It does cut the throttle briefly but lets you get right back at it so it's not too bad. I hardly notice it when I'm using it for traction at low speeds.

When going around a corner at a decent speed it's a lot more noticeable. There are corners I took in my '09 where I slid a little bit and now the VSA kicks on.

I didn't think I'd like it cutting the throttle but it's very unobtrusive. I love it in the rain. It's amazing how fast it can tighten your line on a corner and then go back to normal.

It would be nice if it had a "sport" mode where it wouldn't cut your speed but would behave like the systems that were outlawed from Formula 1. Just tapping the brakes on the appropriate wheels to get around a corner as quickly as possible.

Works pretty good though. Doesn't hamper the enjoyment of the car at all IMO.