I'm thinking of buying a fit. Either a 2012 or a 2013 depending on if I can get what I want in a 2012.

1) Sport or Base? All else equal, the main issue is that I've heard from other threads on this forum that the Sport sits lower to the ground and that clearance (especially in snowy weather) is an issue. Is this true? Is it possible to get all the Sporty bells and whistles, but put regular wheels on it or get it raised so that it doesn't sit so low? What do you think?

2) Use the stereo that comes with it or go for an aftermarket head unit. If I go Base, I'm limited in the stereo that comes with it, but even with the Sport, I'd really like a bluetooth connection between my iPhone and the stereo and I don't think that's an option even on the Sport. I don't need a fancy stereo, just a $150 one that'll give me a bluetooth connection. The problem is that based upon the photos online, the dash looks like it getting a new single DIN head unit would really clash. Anyone replace their stock head unit with a single DIN head unit? What did it look like? Can you post photos?

Thanks!!!

 

Sport doesn't sit lower, it just has the side skirts that make it look lowered. Might as well grab the sport (looks better) unless you modify the base which doesn't look bad either.

 

1. For the obvious reason (I own a sport), I say go sport.

2. The stock head unit sucks in the sport too. I replaced all of my speakers, and finally gave in and installed a new HU because the sound was so bad.

 

The main reason I didn't get the sport was because cheaper is always better to me. As far as speakers they aren't too bad but I'm a raver so I will be definitely addin a subwoofer or something.


I'm into the tunner look and really really want fogs.. I'm not sure if that's going to be an easy upgrade. I have yet to see someone update the stereo stuff so I'm interested In how they used the whole space

 

1) Get a sport, it's worth every penny from looks to features

2) Don't worry about the stock hu. You can replace it with something MUCH better for not much $.

 

I guess choosing between the Sport and base would depend on the extent of modifications you plan on doing.

For me the Sport was fine I wanted fog lights, like the OEM rear spoiler (though lately some of the J's racing or similar spoilers look really nice), keeping the Sport wheels looks much better since lowered, like the side skirts and radio is fine for me I just play my MP3 player.

 

Sport, resale at least here in FL is much higher on sports VS base, if you plan on reselling it after a few years. As for audio, well the factory system as someone stated plain SUCKS. You can read my entire install log (in my sig) if you do get a GE fit and it will help you throughout installing an after market audio system.

 

get the sport if you can. nothing wrong with base.

the HU isn't terrible on the 2012 now that i have steering wheel controls. im going to keep mine for the time being.

 

Thanks for all the comments so far, but really there are only two issues:

1) Does the Sport ride too low for safe driving in winter weather (albeit with snow tires or chain on?) Can anyone speak to driving the fit in the snow?

2) Does the fit look ok with a aftermarket single DIN head unit installed? I'm not sure it would but would like to see photos or hear from others who have done/seen this.

Thanks again.

 

the 2012 rides pretty tall, im going to be lowering mine this week. im in snow belt state. will be running snow tires on factory wheels.

single din will look fine, but again, the stock stereo isn't bad. i would swap the speakers before doing the HU unless you want DVD/Nav/rear view camera doubledin + steering wheel control module.

 

Here is my current H/U simply put I don't like Double Dins and the ones with the features I like are hella expensive.

 

The ground clearance is not an issue in the snow. I drove mine in over a foot with no problem. The stock tires are not great in snow, but you can manage with them if your careful. I have noticed that the back end likes to slide out when you get into the deeper snow. Probably because its so light.


I think it looks fine with a single din, but that a matter of opinion.

 

Base model does everything the sport does for less

 

Only get the Sport if there's some features which it includes which you really, really like. There's really not too much difference in terms of actual performance and whatnot. They're basically the same car. For your extra $1700 or so, you get fog lights, a rear spoiler, some plastic pieces to make the sides of your car look lower, and a similar plastic piece in the front. Also, you get a chrome exhaust tip, map lights, some shiny trim pieces on the dash, floor mats included, a leather wrap on the steering wheel, paddle shifters for the automatic transmission, and extra steering wheel controls for the built-in stereo. Also, the Sport has 16" alloy wheels, and has a rear sway bar/slightly tighter suspension. The Sport has a black interior, whereas the Base is dark grey.

Personally, I opted for the base, since I have no use for most of the extras of the Sport. I've read that the lower front spoiler on the Sport can easily rub on dips and steep driveways, since the car has a long front. The Sport features that I do like can be added for much less than the additional cost for the upgraded package.

 

Question one: I drive my Sport in CANADA and there are no issues with snow

Question two: The radio in the Sport really rocks when using an IPOD or CD! No complaints here. The blutooth is AWESOME. My PERSONAL opinion is that single din looks like you cheaped out...Tacky at best.

 

Replacing the stock radio with a single or double din model looks terrible. That's not a comment on the taste of the person above who did it, or anything, but instead on the fact that there are not any aftermarket radios that look good. ANY. Sure, they look good when seen alone, ie not in your dash. But go look at a BMW, or Audi, or Lexus or even heck a Fit. All their radios look pretty keen in the car. Go find me an aftermarket radio that doesn't look like it's the direct descendant of a 1987 Alpine head unit or a graphing calculator. Please, try. Show me. I would like it. I did this a few weeks ago and I couldn't find anything.

(Note - there is one company that makes retro-look din radios. This doesn't look like it's from the 1980s, I'll grant you, but it would look no better in the Fit or any modern car than the ones I mention above).

In the words of Chris Rock, to aftermarket radio companies, "Please cut the f*king s*ht", ok? Make a unit that an Audi owner or Mercedes owner can put in his car without being laughed out of the country club - I guarantee you that all the new Scion FRS owners will beat a very lucrative path to your door.

Thanks

Oh and you should get the Sport if you want more than one or two of its unique features over the base. Price difference is very small and you get a lot of little add-ons that add up. My two cents.

 

I can tell you have not seen the newer Double din units out, while they do not appeal to me they are MILES, MILES better in EVERY way over the factory cheapo radio in the car, as for making it look good in the dash, that is opinion and also installer ability. Could I have made mine look better, sure but I am not that picky that I wanted to sit and fabricate lexan or plexi-glass to surround my single din.

And here is your double din that doesn't look like something out of 1987.



And yes it is Alpine, but there are many other double dins, pioneer etc that look just as good. Take off your blinders when it comes to aftermarket audio, or simply enjoy the crap provided by the factory.

 

1. Get the Sport! Leather wrapped wheel, Rear sway bar, front facia, spoiler, skirts, wheels, rear sway bar.
2. I came from a Lexus GS400, ya the stereo sucked in comparison, its ok.

Oh and resale is HUGE! There is something about the Honda FIT and the Civic SI that retains value for the first two years like no other car I have seen!