Ride quality: GD3 vs. GE8
 

My GD3 was totaled last weekend from a driver running a red light at high speed. Luckily no major injuries, but the front of my car was obliterated and three airbags deployed, which in my mind means totaled. Adjuster hasn't gotten back to me yet, but this is what I anticipate.

I'm out looking at GD3's and GE8's as a replacement. For someone who has experience with both - what's your assessment of ride quality improvement with the GE8?

While I loved the handling of my GD3, I took quite a few cross country trips with it, and must admit it was rather punishing on long hauls. Tire selection can help - my GD3 ride quality improved quite a bit when I switched to Michelin Defenders - but tires can only do so much.

Thanks in advance!

As someone who's GD3 was also totalled (3 airbags: seat & two side curtain=TOTALLED) I think that the GE8 seems to ride a bit smoother, but I am still on my OEM tires. It is still buzzy at RPM above 3000. I won't ever like the GE as much as I liked my GD!!

GD is a good car. I waited on GE to decide. The GE the is a great great car. 16in wheels, added technology, and handling made me go with GE. The added torsional regidery. Made my decision. The crash issues on GD is another negative. I wish you the best bro. Keep us posted. I will say the GD is the most "raw" of fits but the added features of the GE like navigation if you want, Bluetooth, and more may have you change your mind.

Curious, fittmann, what are you missing about the GD3?

I'm probably not going to get much from the insurance company for an '08 Sport w/5MT and 146K, so if I'm "stepping up" to the GE8, it would be nice if it were worth the extra cost.

One thing which I don't like about the GE8's design is access to the back of the engine. I believe the GE8 has the windshield wiper motor there and needs to be taken out of the way before obtaining said access. Not so much of an issue if you don't work on your own vehicle, but I plan on doing a lot of my own maintenance.

Thanks, Desmond. I had a Pioneer head unit with navi/bluetooth/etc. on my GD3 so I wasn't so concerned about the technology upgrade - I could always slap another head unit in a GE8 if it didn't have one already.

Understood. You are very welcome. If you get 2nd gen get 12-13. Much quieter than 09-11 because they added thicker glass and there is a big difference. I drove an 08 Acura TL b4 this and the cabin is just as quiet in the FIT. I have OEM navigation so I added LOC, Infinity Kappa drivers, a sub, and amps for both. Also added leather too. Makes it a much more luxurious ride for me...lol.

Ah, that makes sense. Never hurts to have more sound insulation. Thanks.

No it doesnt... A quieter car is a a good thing. I cant complain here.

Sorry about your crash but I'm glad there were no major injuries.

My '12 Sport is on its second set of tires (first set lasted to around 30K, car is now at 45K) and I can't really say if it's much quieter than my friend's '08 Fit but it is NOT quiet at highway speeds. Our pavement has something to do with that, it's much quieter on fresh asphalt or concrete but it's not what I would call a quiet car except at city speeds on nice pavement.

It's an awesome car-I love it-but I wouldn't call it quiet. Ride is busy, but unless you hit huge potholes which I do from time to time, it's fine.

Not a huge difference between the two in terms of ride. Go with which ever you like more.

Source: Owned a GD from 2011-14 (albeit I modified it), have owned a GE from 2014 (after a struggle with a Fiesta) to the present. Additionally my wife drives a GD.

Thank you both. I wasn't expecting a huge improvement in ride, and this confirms it.

I did. The GD is more raw. Because the the GE has a better chassis it indeed has a better ride at the same speed. The torsional rigidity in the GE is much better in the fit just like Honda claims the GK rides so much better that they didn't remove put a RSB on it. I like a firm ride as long as it's shocks damp good.

Pics of wrecked car?

Only one, this one at the tow lot. Too dangerous to take a pic at the scene.

https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/atta...ine=1453731355

So today, I test drove a '12 Sport with 44K mi., asking price $10995.

I liked it more than I thought I would. Desmond, your advice about the '12-'13 Fits was spot on. Much better sound insulation than my GD3.

I actually didn't mind the automatic, a first for me! Certainly seemed to have enough power when I tromped it. Ride quality was tighter, not as nervous as my GD3. Seats were a definite step up in comfort. I wouldn't call them plush, but better sculpted.

Now the used car dealer.....not so sure. Noticed three things when I started out on the test drive: Radio was saying "enter code." TPMS light was on, the low pressure warning symbol, not the TMPS letters I get on my GD3 when the system senses a fault (bad sensor etc.). And when I used the maintenance minder to check oil life, it registered at 10%. I know my GD3 would display the yellow wrench icon light as soon as I hit 15%. No wrench icon here....not sure why.

When I came back from the test drive and told him these things, he astounded me by saying, "I think the tire pressure system monitors the spare tire too." Huh? "Somebody told me that once." I assured him that wasn't the case.

Edit: I asked this dealer point blank if this was a salvage/rebuilt vehicle. He said he didn't know. Big time red flag.

Did a little checking on the dealer. Found out he deals in salvage and flood damaged vehicles. Lots of customers with issues.

Did a little checking on the VIN# since he didn't provide a carfax/etc or show me the title. I found the previous sale at auction in Illinois. Saw pix of the vehicle. Major damage to front end. Dealer is not to be trusted.

I'm glad you trusted me. Now that you like the 2.5 generation FIT, go to a honda/Acura dealer to find a certified one. You'll get 100,000 warranty. Another feature I left out that's a plus for back pax that are adults. The magic seats not only fold flat into the floor but they recline an additional 2in to give them more comfortable ride while on a trip. Later get up with me on Clazzio PVC/Leather seats. I'm the Q/A rep for them on fitfreak.net. It has memory foam which adds even more comfortable seats for long drives. But I digress back. Look online for Honda or Acura dealers for certified cars. I'm glad you noticed the difference. You'll love the GE8. The GD3 will always be the raw original example (Acura Integra Type-R vs RSX-S). Keep us/me posted. If you need to contact me, feel free to call text me 9102794333 or KIK-Parasurfer1979. Anyone else on the fence between the 2 models, you're all welcome to contact me as well. I'm in "Wilmywood" Wilmington, NC but got to sleep around 0300est for my west coast family to get on Google talk (parasurfer1979@gmail.com). So again hit me up and by all means get other opinions. I'm not Jesus so don't take my opinions as the spoken word. Until your next post...

Thanks, Desmond. Obviously you know your way around the different models, so I won't hesitate to contact you if I have any questions.

Oof, didn't realize you were in Milwaukee, I'd have given you a ride in my '12 as a semi-local.

What exactly are you looking for? I'd be happy to help with your search.

my wife's GD3(auto sport) beats my GE8 (manual base) in every category except gas milage and looks.

get a GE8

Right-on. Again take in all the good posters opining here. Btw don't tell dealer you have X,XXX.XX to put down and almost look homeless. You'll get a potentially better deal lol. Don't look so bad that u look like you are about to as for a but or 2. Just look a tad disheveled, greasy hair like you didn't wash it this morning in a hurry then when you get your numbers from talking down the car and it's in writing, then go "oh btw I have X, XXX.XX to put down". Hell you may even get the number down enough to save some money for HID's etc or extra money to use around the house... ��

Mike, thanks for the offer. I already had my test ride in the '12 yesterday so I'm good there. Looking for the 2.5gen GE8, preferably blue, not a salvage or rebuilder. Sport vs base, MT vs AT, doesn't matter. I'm extending my search to IL just like I did when I bought my '08 in '09 from a dealer in Rockford.

SpaceEgg & Desmond, thanks for the advice.

Edit: My ins agent just called to let me know the estimate of repairing the damage to my vehicle: $10,800. Needless to say, that's about twice the residual value of my car. Totaled.

Just one thing to keep in mind: with the AT, there's a definite difference between Base and Sport. The Sport gets the paddle shifters, the Base does not and the tranny programming is more biased towards economy.

Oh yeah, the Sport also gets an additional rear anti-roll bar in the suspension - less understeer compared to the Base.

If you're at all into spirited driving, you'll probably want the Sport, esp. if you go for the auto trans...

Post the cars you find in your search. Sport is by far the best model. You know what the differences inside are but the rear sways bar on the sport makes for a better/controlled ride. New the difference in price between say a base/sport is $1500.00. On the used market that gap closes to $500.00 difference. Then the technology pkg difference from a sport and sport w/navigation. New is $3000.00. Used anywhere from $500 to $1000. Keep, in mind also which is something you stated at this point you like both transmissions, technology package only comes in auto. Please send me links of cars that interest you. I can't wait to get your so back in the best fit Honda has made (built in japan) :-) until your next post.

Des,

Well said bro. The sport auto is not dirt slow. I'm sorry buy like I said I came from a 08 Acura TL which had 258hp V6. Not only am I going down 141hp but I'm also dropping over 1000lbs in weight. Compared to the TL. After you add mods if you're into, this a great car. My car, I forgot how powerful small 1.5 to 2.4 liter engines Honda had. After my HPS intake, I get torque steer like crazy. I love it.

Ah, good points. I guess the Sport model wins in my book. I could live without the paddle shifters but the extra anti-roll bar would be nice.

I'd go with the 5MT, just for the extra fuel economy & ability to keep up with traffic a bit better.

Appreciate the suggestion, Mike.

At this point I'm actually considering the automatic more than I thought I would, for a few reasons:

1. I've driven stick exclusively for the last 35+ years, my last automatic car being a '71 Buick Skylark GS, and I think it might be time to give my left leg a rest.

2. Automatics have come a long way since that Buick. Was impressed with the auto on the '12 Fit I test drove, didn't seem to hunt and seemed to have enough power, for me at least - I don't drive like a maniac.

3. I drive to Chicago fairly often - have an I-Pass - and driving heavy traffic with a stick is a major bummer. Spent a few years in Cali, same deal.

The rental I have at the moment - a Hyundai Veloster - has an automatic. While it drives and handles fairly well, I would never buy this car for myself. Completely impractical - tiny rear seat and trunk, if you can call it that.

In addition, the rear hatch glass is divided in two parts with a bar separating the two. Rear headrests block the rear view on the sides. High beltline, and I'm a short guy. Verdict: Visibility is awful. The only car I've ever driven where looking back when ready to change lanes is worse than looking through the inside rear view mirror - I can't get my head centered enough to get a clear view without craning it.

Use it or lose it!

LOL....don't think that'll happen anytime soon!

So today, I test drove two different Fits, both from the same dealer though at different locations:

1. '10 Sport, blue, AT, 20K miles, $8995, rebuilt.

2. '12 Base, red, 5MT, 15K miles, $9995, clean title.

Now these seem like good deals. So I took pix of the VIN #'s and ran them through carfax. When I asked the dealer about the Sport damage, he said a fender had been replaced. Red flag. When I asked the dealer where he purchased the Sport, he said he bought it from CapitalOne. Repo, I asked? He said he didn't know. Another red flag.

Carfax on the Sport says it was totaled in TN, went through four states (KY, TN, IN, IL) before coming here, most likely a case of title washing in the transition from IN to IL. Last sold at the Midwest Auto Auction in Nov. '15. Translation: Total slimeball dealer. For this reason, I won't give my business to this dealership at all. Time to keep looking.

Ok you are being hard headed. My grandmother used to say a hard head makes for a soft behind. Meaning you are setting yourself up for something you cant get yourself out of. Only buy certified. Honda won't certify shady cars that have been all over the world with 4, 5, 6, owners. I'm gonna look for you. How far are are u willing to go from home? There are many Honda and Acura dealers in your area. My dealer in my town didn't have one that I wanted but was willing to buy a new one from a sister dealer 600mi away but I'm loyal to them. Give me distance and 3 top colors in order from favorite to least. This isn't as hard as you're making it but don't settle on something u didn't want. There are a lot of base owners trying to convert to sport. It's more expensive than the pocket change Honda charge ($1500.00 new) for the sport. Be patient. You'll get what you want. It told you the forum is here to help u...

That's a nice thought, Desmond, but I haven't received an offer from the ins co yet. I wasn't expecting to buy another vehicle and I don't have a lot of funds to throw in that direction. If funds were unlimited, different story. I'll keep everyone posted.

Here are some I found b4 i got your answer.

Cars for Sale: 2010 Honda Fit Sport in Milwaukee, WI 53214: Hatchback Details - 413727323 - Autotrader

Cars for Sale: 2013 Honda Fit Sport in Brookfield, WI 53045: Hatchback Details - 416632135 - Autotrader

Cars for Sale: 2009 Honda Fit Sport in Waukesha, WI 53189: Hatchback Details - 413111888 - Autotrader

The last one was not certified. My bad but that was just a 25mi search from Milwaukee. The certified ones look good. You live in an area that sees it's share of salt roads. You don't want a car not cleared and yo get home to find electrical issues due to salt. Make sense?

I hear you, bro. I get what you're saying.

I've had plenty of time to think about what vehicle would be the replacement for my '08 Sport. Ideally it would be something that would last at least 5 yr., better 6 or 7. For that reason, I've wanted something lower mileage.

But there's no free lunch. I've put up some personal items for sale just to fund the next car purchase. Since I don't have the insurance co. offer yet, I have to keep my sights low. Of course they don't care that my Sport didn't burn a drop of oil at 146K, they're paying me what a comp might be in my area, which is likely less than $5K total.

So I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. Can't afford a low-mileage GE8 at this point unless I go rebuilt, and would really prefer not to go there. Certified would be great but I just don't have the funds to get a low-mileage one. And while another GD3 would be OK, low-mileage ones are next to impossible to find. I've looked.

The fact that this happens in the middle of winter sucks. I guess one option is just to defer any purchase and borrow my wife's '03 Focus if I really need a vehicle desperately, but I don't want to take her vehicle from her.

Once the weather warms, I'm down with not having a vehicle. Until then, it's the frozen tundra without one.

You never told us this info. Your max price etc. As for your car insurance takes average of what your car is selling for in the area. Hope that cold area like yours sell a lot of sub compacts. Luckily my Acura TL. Sold like hot cakes yet weren't many to fine so jacked my value so I got 17k for my 08 with 56k miles. So like I asked. Give me 3 colors and max price. I know many that fly out and drive back. If that's an option, cool.

Appreciate your efforts, Desmond.

At this point I think I'm going to just chill, wait for the insurance co. offer and take it from there. Sorry, didn't mean to turn this into a post about my experience, I should have just stuck to comparing ride quality and differences in trim level. Once I posted a pic of my trashed GD3, I felt like following up to anyone interested. In retrospect, perhaps not such a good idea.

For what it's worth, I like the GE8 compared to my GD3, but there might not be one in my future. Thanks, all.

Don't worry about mileage, get what you like & can afford.

Let me know if I can help out in any way :nod:

Hence why I gave u my number or to pm me right? But this happens to most of us. Where the personal variable comes into car looking, this is the help you want to have or u'd be putting post up asking if you made the right decision after the fact which can't be fixed at that point. You signed the dotted line. Looking doesn't hurt. With Hondas mileage doesn't matter btw. The engine is just getting happy after 100k. Few brands can say that. Just relax bro. It's fine. I found 2nd Gen in your area for 7k.

i had the GD, the earlier GE and the latter GE along with my wife's GK.

The earlier GE rides pretty stiff, if you like softer ride you might want to get the 12+ GE's. the 12 GE that i currently have was too soft for me so i swapped springs to the swifts. even with the swifts the ride is kinda soft for me (still softer than the earlier GE), but it feels better matched to the stock dampers.

hope this helps.

I didn't know that about 2nd gen and 2.5 gen. Are there part# differentiating this?