First time poster, couple of questions:
Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 51
From: USA
I am 6'6" and I can not see the nose on my 2011 Mugen Sport Fit . As others have posted you do get use to it . As far as price and stuff I paid 23k for mine but the Honda dealership installed a lot of mods . Mugen floor mats look cool !
Here's my main worry, and I suppose it's a combination of two factors.
First, while I realize that the jittery or over-responsive feel of the Fit is certainly not due to any specific Honda design or construction flaw, and that it's an inherent problem/quality of any and every small car with this profile, it remains a concern, especially for the parent of a new driver.
Second, as some have pointed out, the Fit just doesn't have a lot of mass. It is what it is: a small, light, economy car. I'm trying to weigh the advantage of this when it comes to her learning how to drive (having her trying to pilot around some big boat just seems like we'd be making the whole challenging process even more difficult) against the obvious disadvantages.
The size/weight thing is worrisome.
I'm going over to a local VW dealer this afternoon just to look at what they offer (Jetta, Beetle, Golf in that ascending order?)
I'm still reading back in this forum--great and interesting info--and will continue to appreciate any further comments. Thanks!
First, while I realize that the jittery or over-responsive feel of the Fit is certainly not due to any specific Honda design or construction flaw, and that it's an inherent problem/quality of any and every small car with this profile, it remains a concern, especially for the parent of a new driver.
Second, as some have pointed out, the Fit just doesn't have a lot of mass. It is what it is: a small, light, economy car. I'm trying to weigh the advantage of this when it comes to her learning how to drive (having her trying to pilot around some big boat just seems like we'd be making the whole challenging process even more difficult) against the obvious disadvantages.
The size/weight thing is worrisome.
I'm going over to a local VW dealer this afternoon just to look at what they offer (Jetta, Beetle, Golf in that ascending order?)
I'm still reading back in this forum--great and interesting info--and will continue to appreciate any further comments. Thanks!
I made sure they had enough "monitored" behind the wheel experience to the point where I felt comfortable with their abilities, habits and decision-making while behind the wheel. Analogous to a leash - start short, then extend longer with progression "ratio".
Though technology advances and safety features have "almost" made cars idiot-proof (ie cover for driver's shortcomings, inabilities, poor decision-making) the person behind the wheel is still a difference-maker. What they drive is only secondary. Along with the size of the vehicle comes different skill sets. Hard to argue with physics.
Just make sure she's ready and have confidence in your decision. That would be the responsible thing to do. Everything else is secondary. Just my take.
Last edited by Subie; Jan 22, 2012 at 01:49 PM.
Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 113
From: CaliFlorida
Have her try the CR-V
Here's my main worry, and I suppose it's a combination of two factors.
First, while I realize that the jittery or over-responsive feel of the Fit is certainly not due to any specific Honda design or construction flaw, and that it's an inherent problem/quality of any and every small car with this profile, it remains a concern, especially for the parent of a new driver.
Second, as some have pointed out, the Fit just doesn't have a lot of mass. It is what it is: a small, light, economy car. I'm trying to weigh the advantage of this when it comes to her learning how to drive (having her trying to pilot around some big boat just seems like we'd be making the whole challenging process even more difficult) against the obvious disadvantages.
The size/weight thing is worrisome.
I'm going over to a local VW dealer this afternoon just to look at what they offer (Jetta, Beetle, Golf in that ascending order?)
I'm still reading back in this forum--great and interesting info--and will continue to appreciate any further comments. Thanks!
First, while I realize that the jittery or over-responsive feel of the Fit is certainly not due to any specific Honda design or construction flaw, and that it's an inherent problem/quality of any and every small car with this profile, it remains a concern, especially for the parent of a new driver.
Second, as some have pointed out, the Fit just doesn't have a lot of mass. It is what it is: a small, light, economy car. I'm trying to weigh the advantage of this when it comes to her learning how to drive (having her trying to pilot around some big boat just seems like we'd be making the whole challenging process even more difficult) against the obvious disadvantages.
The size/weight thing is worrisome.
I'm going over to a local VW dealer this afternoon just to look at what they offer (Jetta, Beetle, Golf in that ascending order?)
I'm still reading back in this forum--great and interesting info--and will continue to appreciate any further comments. Thanks!
Let us know what you think about the VWs. They should have more style and appeal, but there can be reliability and longevity issues that you won't have with a Honda.
To help you ease your size/weight worry, I would say have her try your CR-V. If she is comfortable, then you will know she can handle it. If she rolls it, well then it probably won't be a great fit. Maybe bolt on a training wheel just to be safe...
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,661
From: Georgia
Consumer Reports basically said, "It sucks." (link)
How this suckdom could creep in before a major model change, I don't know... (ok so it's a major model change. Don't listen to me...)
(and they said the steering was crappy (my interpretation) which will teach me not to believe everything I read on a manufacturer's brag page. At least until tomorrow.)
Ok that made me laugh. A little. Malevolently.
Last edited by Steve244; Jan 22, 2012 at 03:25 PM. Reason: I didn't know what I was talking about.
Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4,329
From: Cleveland, GA
The CR review sounded like they were talking about a Corolla. I think it comes down to Honda's are basic and the competition no longer is. The Focus for example is a fantastic driving car. I'd still bet that the Civic will go the distance better than any of it's competition. It will just be boring the whole time.
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 670
From: SF Bay Area
Are you taking your daughter with you on these test drives? You should really be listening to her input. Do tell her the questions she should be trying to evaluate prior to testdriving.
BTW, regarding the nose and/or seat position. Remember that Honda's is a japanese company, they are not especially tall people. So it's designed that way, this isn't something you should be trying to correct.
Of course if you're living in an area where the typical is a raised up trucks, for visibility's sake maybe you should consider a SUV type vehicle (I'm looking at you texas).
BTW, regarding the nose and/or seat position. Remember that Honda's is a japanese company, they are not especially tall people. So it's designed that way, this isn't something you should be trying to correct.
Of course if you're living in an area where the typical is a raised up trucks, for visibility's sake maybe you should consider a SUV type vehicle (I'm looking at you texas).
Last edited by raytseng; Jan 22, 2012 at 05:10 PM.
Thread Starter
|
New Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3
From: columbus, ohio
Update on my car search, plus some OT ranting!
My wife and I decided that the Fit is just a bit too small and light for us to be comfortable getting it for our first-time driver daughter.
Please don't get me wrong, we think that it's a well-made, fairly-priced vehicle.
In the past week we've also researched and test driven a Subaru Impreza and a VW Golf. We're going to go back to the Honda dealer and try a Civic, although I must admit, I'm concerned about the Consumer Reports low rating.
Now for my off-topic rant!
I'm a recently retired real estate Broker--40 years in the business. I always felt that the most difficult businesses for a consumer to "see behind the curtain" are health care, real estate, and auto dealers.
There's no point in even discussing health care: no one can understand the Byzantine complexity of their products and pricing--including the people in the business--so for a consumer to try and research "a fair deal" is laughably preposterous.
That leaves real estate and auto dealers. I haven't bought a new car in a while, so up to last week my vote for deliberately opaque, muddy, misleading, over-complicated, difficult-to-compare, unintelligible and vague business practices was the real estate industry.
As a Realtor, why would we want you--a civilian--to see behind the curtain and understand how the business really works? All that does is make things more complicated, more difficult for me to manipulate you, and most importantly, puts less money in my pocket.
As I said, this was up to last week. I'm now changing my vote and going with auto dealers as the winner of the "Would you please cut the crap and just tell me what your bottom line is?" award.
Incredible, just incredible.
Please don't get me wrong, we think that it's a well-made, fairly-priced vehicle.
In the past week we've also researched and test driven a Subaru Impreza and a VW Golf. We're going to go back to the Honda dealer and try a Civic, although I must admit, I'm concerned about the Consumer Reports low rating.
Now for my off-topic rant!
I'm a recently retired real estate Broker--40 years in the business. I always felt that the most difficult businesses for a consumer to "see behind the curtain" are health care, real estate, and auto dealers.
There's no point in even discussing health care: no one can understand the Byzantine complexity of their products and pricing--including the people in the business--so for a consumer to try and research "a fair deal" is laughably preposterous.
That leaves real estate and auto dealers. I haven't bought a new car in a while, so up to last week my vote for deliberately opaque, muddy, misleading, over-complicated, difficult-to-compare, unintelligible and vague business practices was the real estate industry.
As a Realtor, why would we want you--a civilian--to see behind the curtain and understand how the business really works? All that does is make things more complicated, more difficult for me to manipulate you, and most importantly, puts less money in my pocket.
As I said, this was up to last week. I'm now changing my vote and going with auto dealers as the winner of the "Would you please cut the crap and just tell me what your bottom line is?" award.
Incredible, just incredible.
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,661
From: Georgia
I'm surprised to say this, but check the offerings by Kia and Hyundai. They are spanking Honda these days in features, price. They seem to be on top of reliability issues (never thought I'd say that either) but if you have any doubts their warranty makes up for it.
Truecar.com and edmunds cuts through a lot of the crap car shopping.
You're not captive in the showroom (unlike a customer being driven around to look at houses). Just walk out when the BS gets too high. The salesmen will alter tactics when they realize you don't want to hear it and cut to the chase. Bring in printouts from those sites showing what you want.
Truecar.com and edmunds cuts through a lot of the crap car shopping.
You're not captive in the showroom (unlike a customer being driven around to look at houses). Just walk out when the BS gets too high. The salesmen will alter tactics when they realize you don't want to hear it and cut to the chase. Bring in printouts from those sites showing what you want.
Another thought here-- Why not a nice solid used car for your daughter? All used cars are not junk. If you want safety--I'd go for a used Volvo- that's what my daughter and neice drove for several years as young drivers.
Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 97
From: Portland OR
My wife and I decided that the Fit is just a bit too small and light for us to be comfortable getting it for our first-time driver daughter.
Please don't get me wrong, we think that it's a well-made, fairly-priced vehicle.
In the past week we've also researched and test driven a Subaru Impreza and a VW Golf. We're going to go back to the Honda dealer and try a Civic, although I must admit, I'm concerned about the Consumer Reports low rating.
Now for my off-topic rant!
I'm a recently retired real estate Broker--40 years in the business. I always felt that the most difficult businesses for a consumer to "see behind the curtain" are health care, real estate, and auto dealers.
There's no point in even discussing health care: no one can understand the Byzantine complexity of their products and pricing--including the people in the business--so for a consumer to try and research "a fair deal" is laughably preposterous.
That leaves real estate and auto dealers. I haven't bought a new car in a while, so up to last week my vote for deliberately opaque, muddy, misleading, over-complicated, difficult-to-compare, unintelligible and vague business practices was the real estate industry.
As a Realtor, why would we want you--a civilian--to see behind the curtain and understand how the business really works? All that does is make things more complicated, more difficult for me to manipulate you, and most importantly, puts less money in my pocket.
As I said, this was up to last week. I'm now changing my vote and going with auto dealers as the winner of the "Would you please cut the crap and just tell me what your bottom line is?" award.
Incredible, just incredible.
Please don't get me wrong, we think that it's a well-made, fairly-priced vehicle.
In the past week we've also researched and test driven a Subaru Impreza and a VW Golf. We're going to go back to the Honda dealer and try a Civic, although I must admit, I'm concerned about the Consumer Reports low rating.
Now for my off-topic rant!
I'm a recently retired real estate Broker--40 years in the business. I always felt that the most difficult businesses for a consumer to "see behind the curtain" are health care, real estate, and auto dealers.
There's no point in even discussing health care: no one can understand the Byzantine complexity of their products and pricing--including the people in the business--so for a consumer to try and research "a fair deal" is laughably preposterous.
That leaves real estate and auto dealers. I haven't bought a new car in a while, so up to last week my vote for deliberately opaque, muddy, misleading, over-complicated, difficult-to-compare, unintelligible and vague business practices was the real estate industry.
As a Realtor, why would we want you--a civilian--to see behind the curtain and understand how the business really works? All that does is make things more complicated, more difficult for me to manipulate you, and most importantly, puts less money in my pocket.
As I said, this was up to last week. I'm now changing my vote and going with auto dealers as the winner of the "Would you please cut the crap and just tell me what your bottom line is?" award.
Incredible, just incredible.
Anyways, yes, the car buying experience is nebulous and daunting at best. You don't mind them getting some profit, but don't wanna walk out feeling like you got hosed either. My wife swore we would only go through a car buying service when it came to negotiating final numbers after our recent experience. We researched all the tips and tricks for months and being in the legal field, my wife has heard most of the sleazy tactics. It was still very difficult not to get a "real" factory invoice price and not get the bait-n-switch. Judging by what others here paid for their 2012 MT Fit Sports I think we walked away with the best OTD price ($16.7k) But Ore doesn't have taxes either.
We didn't order the report, but this site gave some insightful advice, which seemed mostly true...
Fighting Chance New Car Buying Guide - Test Driving 101 - How To Shop Without Buying
Fighting Chance New Car Buying Guide - Reality 101: The "True Value" Of Those Big Auto Pricing Websites
Fighting Chance New Car Buying Guide - Myths & Half-Truths 101 – Cutting Thru Sales-Pitch “Boomfog”
You should get your daughter one of these, in this color:
250k miles, no problem, everyone will think it's a cop and slow down, long nose, safe, big car, can drive with one finger on the wheel, big battery.
Not joking.
250k miles, no problem, everyone will think it's a cop and slow down, long nose, safe, big car, can drive with one finger on the wheel, big battery.
Not joking.
Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4,329
From: Cleveland, GA
I'm always looking for another. His current one is nearing the 200k mile mark without a hiccup and is beyond capable. Even with the mods to our Fit, I think his CV would get around a track faster.
Not joking here either. My Dad drives 50,000+ miles/year and I pick his cars. He's on his second Panther chassis car. His current one is plain bad a$$. It's a Crown Vic LX Sport. Very hard to find. Interior basically from the Marauder (buckets, console, etc) and mechanically it is 100% a police Interceptor model (sway bars, springs, shocks, dual exhaust, tune, 3.55 gears, locking rear end, etc).
I'm always looking for another. His current one is nearing the 200k mile mark without a hiccup and is beyond capable. Even with the mods to our Fit, I think his CV would get around a track faster.
I'm always looking for another. His current one is nearing the 200k mile mark without a hiccup and is beyond capable. Even with the mods to our Fit, I think his CV would get around a track faster.
Where's the Ray Bans? 
Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,371
From: NC USA
Hi folks, first time poster and I apologize if all the questions I'm going to ask have been asked & answered before!
My teenage daughter is looking for a first car, and rather than having her drive around in some unsafe, used piece of junk we're going to help her buy a new one. Seriously looking at a 2012 Base Fit AT.
We went to a local dealer yesterday (central Ohio area), nice people, I bought a new CRV from them just last year. Looked at and test drove a Fit, first time I was ever in one.
Did a bit of preliminary pricing, deal seems OK, not going to sweat it over a few hundred bucks here or there.
My questions:
1. Very surprised at how long the nose is. I'm tall, but my wife and daughter are on the short side and neither can see the hood, much less the very front of the car. Is this a common reaction? Do people get used to this?
You might want to sit in the drivers seat and measure just how close to the front of the Fit you can see. Its a lot shorter than most think.
2. Just drove it around town, not on the freeway, I did notice just a bit of that "jittery", over-responsive feel that people talk about. Remember, this is for a young, first-time driver. Is it too jittery for her to handle?
Jittery? thats a new one. are you sure that its not the quick steering? my dad nearly lose ny sprite when he tried to drive it coming from an Olds 94. You get used to that quickness so fast that slower steering becomes negative. Then wait til you get some good tires on it ...
3. What's with the battery? Literally looks like something you'd see on a toy electric car. Is there a thread specifically discussing this? Very worrisome to me.
The battery is a non-usual size that has given more than one of us rash from computer googling. for those in the south there is a lawn tractor battery that fits but might be a bit short on starting power up north.
4. I know that Honda is not the only manufacturer doing this, but I think that it's incredibly cheap not to include floor mats. Would it be out of line to suggest/demand that these be thrown into the deal?
You will find only a few dealers providing mats on the lower level priced vehicles. Its called capitalism. But you can sometimes negotiate their inclded with the car.
Will probably have some more questions this week, TIA. - oldberkeley
My teenage daughter is looking for a first car, and rather than having her drive around in some unsafe, used piece of junk we're going to help her buy a new one. Seriously looking at a 2012 Base Fit AT.
We went to a local dealer yesterday (central Ohio area), nice people, I bought a new CRV from them just last year. Looked at and test drove a Fit, first time I was ever in one.
Did a bit of preliminary pricing, deal seems OK, not going to sweat it over a few hundred bucks here or there.
My questions:
1. Very surprised at how long the nose is. I'm tall, but my wife and daughter are on the short side and neither can see the hood, much less the very front of the car. Is this a common reaction? Do people get used to this?
You might want to sit in the drivers seat and measure just how close to the front of the Fit you can see. Its a lot shorter than most think.
2. Just drove it around town, not on the freeway, I did notice just a bit of that "jittery", over-responsive feel that people talk about. Remember, this is for a young, first-time driver. Is it too jittery for her to handle?
Jittery? thats a new one. are you sure that its not the quick steering? my dad nearly lose ny sprite when he tried to drive it coming from an Olds 94. You get used to that quickness so fast that slower steering becomes negative. Then wait til you get some good tires on it ...
3. What's with the battery? Literally looks like something you'd see on a toy electric car. Is there a thread specifically discussing this? Very worrisome to me.
The battery is a non-usual size that has given more than one of us rash from computer googling. for those in the south there is a lawn tractor battery that fits but might be a bit short on starting power up north.
4. I know that Honda is not the only manufacturer doing this, but I think that it's incredibly cheap not to include floor mats. Would it be out of line to suggest/demand that these be thrown into the deal?
You will find only a few dealers providing mats on the lower level priced vehicles. Its called capitalism. But you can sometimes negotiate their inclded with the car.
Will probably have some more questions this week, TIA. - oldberkeley
Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 124
From: Falls Church
keep in mind though that used car need not be an "unsafe piece of junk". There are oodles of safe, reliable cars out there with fewer than 100,000 miles and fewer then 10 years old that can be had in the $2-5K range. No real need to buy a brand new car.
New Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 16
From: virginia
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 81
From: College Station, TX