I have been holding out for a new Fit, but just noticed a local 2009 in light blue with 30K miles for the standard KBB of $12,500. Is there that many improvements in the new Fit that I should disregard this one? It clearly was the base with manual transmission, which is what I wanted. If I look at it, what should I look out for??? Owner only states that it has a new set of tires.
If this is the wrong area to post this question, mods please move to the right area.
Thanks!
Lyndon

 

2011 had VSA as standard across the board (on all trims). 2009 only had VSA on Fits with navigation.

However, the latest model are the 2012 (and soon?, the 2013). These have cosmetic changes to the Sport's front bumper and upper grille. These also have a couple of other features standard across all trim levels.

For myself, if I were buying a new Fit, the most important detail about the 2012 is the fact it has more sound deadening material than past model year Fits. And if I had a used Fit of some earlier year as a potential buy, I would have to test drive both of them multiple times and then decide.

But then again, that's a bit of a lie... I hate buying used. I have such a "suspicious" nature, that I would worry what the previous owner may have done... or NOT done, ie. required maintenance! I mean, lots of people do their own oil changes... but what if this person was too cheap to go to a dealer and lagged in proper maintenance? How would you know if they were telling the truth when they said they did all the maintenance on time? on the flip side, how would you know they were lying?

I just don't like not knowing "for sure."

 

Thanks, Goobers, for the fast reply.
I had forgotten about the added sound deadening material.
But if this fellow has done the expected maintenance, that is almost a $4K difference to the current model. Wish I knew a good mechanic in his town.
If he bought it at the local dealer, I guess I could ask them for records.
Lyndon

 

If it's less than 3 years old, it's still under the 36k/3yr bumper to bumper. You can also purchase a honda extended warranty from Bernardi Honda online (I think) for the "new car" price (and much lower than at a dealer) while it's under the factory warranty.

Don't know about Utah but here no sales tax is charged on private used car sales. That's a bunch of money too.

Ask him to ask the dealer to print out his records. It's not impolite. Also ask him to let you take it to the dealer for a pre-purchase inspection. They'll be honest and can spot simple stuff you or I wouldn't. If he balks, you don't want to buy a car from him.

If the inspection and records look good I'd skip the extended warranty. The drive train is warranted from Honda for 5 years 60k miles. Honda makes good cars.

 

Excellent advice!
I wish I was not packing right now for a 5 day self contained bike tour of the Tetons.
If this is a good car, it will be gone when I get back next Thursday.
Wish I had started up my vacation internet and checked earlier.
If it is still there, I'll follow through. Thanks, Steve!
Lyndon
Can one get a 2" receiver hitch for the Honda Fit?

 

Yeah someone makes a receiver hitch for it capable of mounting a bike rack. Don't know the specs.

I wish I still lived in Utah (1980-86)...

edit; looks like a 1.25" receiver is all they make but you can get an adapter to 2"

 

Yeah, that is the problem, Steve.
Many people at mtbr.com and on my recumbent bike forums claim the adapter adds all kind of sway and makes it far less stable.
Too much play, or too extended from the rear. I don't know which, or it may be both.
Trying to figure out my food bags. We are going into grizzly country up there.

 

I thought the trick was to throw them over a tree limb over your friend's tent?

or alternatively go all bear-grylls and eat bark.

 

Keep your fingers crossed. We are off!