I have a stupid question that I can't seem to find an answer - will the tailgate from a Fit Sport fit a Fit Base? The tailgate on my 2009 base is rusting around the lock - it's $500 to just repair the rust with not guarantees and I can get a used 2009 Sport tailgate for $600.

 

I'm nearly certain it would fit fine. I don't think there are any differences besides decorative fru-fru (most notably the attachment of the spoiler). If you don't get the spoiler with the tailgate, it will have a few bolt holes that need to be plugged somehow.

 

Should fit fine; just be aware that you'll lose the key-lock: since the Sport comes with the keyless remote locking standard, the tailgate and passenger-door locks are deleted.

If you have a remote for your Base Fit, it won't be a big deal. If you don't, the cheapest way to get it is to buy a Sport key blank, cut off the key blade, and self-program the transmitter in the key fob. Programming instructions can be found here on FitFreak. Speaking from personal experience, it works great...