It won't be $55 more for me. The only way I can get OEM is to have the dealer install it for me. It'll probably be more than $200 more for paying msrp on the part and expensive labor cost.

Any one have any recommendation about the 3 after market armrest on ebay that I posted?

Thanks

 

The OEM one is a pretty easy install. Anyone with a bit of mechanical skill and a drill can easily do it. You might have to find a friend who could do it, but the instructions are really easy to follow.

As for the ebay ones, they'll be ok if you don't plan to ever put your arm on them. If you plan on using it as an armrest though, OEM is the way to go. I know that's not the answer you want, but regardless, its the correct answer.

 

There's no doubt that the OEM center armrest will give the most solid installation, but I have to say that the cheap aftermarket armrest we put in my wife's base Fit works fine. It's similar to the three ebay examples shown, but not exactly the same. It's a previous model sold by Zeta Products (third ebay item in the list).

I snugged up the fit of the armrest's post in the cup holder by sticking some self-stick neoprene foam to the post. With that extra snugness, I chose not to screw the armrest in place at all. It's pretty solid, and since it's as wide as the space between the front seats, it really can't move much from side to side anyway.

If you're willing to gamble $55 shipped, I would try the first of the ebay choices you listed.

 

Hi. Is it true that the OEM center console arm rest can only be installed in a A/T Fit? Could I install it in my M/T Fit? Thanks.

 

Its likely true that the dealer won't install it on your MT fit, but several people have done it and say that it causes no interference with shifting. With the armrest in place and extended forward, I can easily pul up on the ebrake for example, so I cannot see it interfering with the shifter.

 

the armrest was one of the things i put on when buying the car from dealer. although the padding under the leather does not seem to be thick. the cheap arm rest that came with the fit sport so glad i got rid of that thing. i had the arm rest installed at the dealer not sure why i didnt get the original one back.

 

I got an aftermarket center console armrest from an Amazon search (I think...its been awhile.) Cheaper than Honda OEM, and much easier to install...as it just has a cup sized bottom that fits snugly in a rear center cup holder. You lose the 1 cup position but you lose that with the OEM one too.

True, if you roll the car onto its roof you won't be able to pull yourself up bu grasping the console, as although snug it will pull out of its cup.

But I have 6000 miles with it and it works just fine for resting my right arm on it! I think it was around $140 or $150 ...too much for when you look at it, but justified for the added comfort driving with it, especially on long drives.

Also...you'll read even the OEM one is just for automatic transmission cars, but I've read of many who say they have no trouble shifting their MTs with a center console in place.

 

It's not an issue for all of those that can shift with it (i have MT and armrest also)... it's an issue for the one time someone attempts to blame it for an accident they got involved in.