All this waiting for any more news on the 2015 Fit is making my mind wander and think about other cars.

1st Choice: 2015 Honda Fit EX 6sp

The rest (in no particular order)...

2015 Subaru WRX (realistically, I don't see the local dealer selling anywhere near MSRP of about 28k for a base)

2014 Honda Civic Si (about 23-24k here)

2015 Nissan Juke (about 19K here w CVT, about 21k with manual)

 

I also have been looking at alternatives. It appears that the 155 hp Mazda 3 i SV, cost about the same as the 2015 Fit. Less interior room, much more power, same MPG, and sportier style (personal OP).

The extra power with the same MPG, and sportier style has got me thinking. I never really used all the storage room in my recently sold 2012 Fit.

If Honda doesn't release the Fit or at least announce when they will I may find a Mazda in my driveway.

 

The GK isn't all that impressive in my eyes either, and I would certainly (heavily) consider something like a Mazda 3 or a Focus ST or Fiesta ST cars over the GK.

Don't get me wrong, I love Fit's but the GK isn't really what a lot of us were looking for. Design is generic (same face as Civic), and nothing like the past two generations in terms of design. The tech isn't impressive, they're mostly features that would be standard on other cars. I haven't driven the new GK or seen one personally, but from images and some reading, that's all I got out of it.

 

My alternative is sourcing out a '07/'08 TL Type-S from the lower-48 and bringing up to Alaska. Not exactly ideal and would cost me more than getting a new Fit EX that includes a warranty.

I have 2 other cars to drive right now so thankfully I'm not in a "need a car now" position.

The Focus ST would be on my list but the seats are not comfortable for my husband.

 

The Focus ST has two available seats, the one for fat people and the Recaros for healthy people.

 

I also spent a good portion of today ogling the Mazda 3. I test drove one recently as was very impressed. My original three to consider were: Fit EX MT (but test a CVT before deciding), Focus, and Mazda 3.

All of the research I have seen has the Mazda 3 at or near the top of every list, and it is probably WAY more fun to drive.

The focus lost me based on the Consumer reports black dot of death for predicted reliability.

I may have talked my GF into a Mazda 3 and I am realizing I would be jealous if I was to get a Fit and she were to get a Mazda 3...

If the Fit were available I'd already have one, but now I am starting to wander as well...

 

We are car people and it would be raced (legally) in some form so recaro's would be a must (plus i find them more comfortable). They are just slightly too tight for my husband; they aren't exactly the same kind of recaro's you find in an EVO!

 

If you're looking at Mazdas and the Focus you might as well check out the Mazda6. I think you can get good deals on those. I didn't like it as much as I though when I drove it, mostly because I think I'm not used to low rooflines .

I think we're all interested in driver's cars for the most part. I like the Fit but I still have to see and drive one. It may be a bit small but maybe the drive can convince me. The WRX is bit expensive for me and long term I don't know how it will do. The Juke is fun but storage and rear seat space is too small. The Si is just about right and I can live with the red seats and the 18 wheels.

 

No way the Mazda 3 would win over the Fit for me. The Fit is the perfect balance of all things. Only yesterday the Fit gobbled up a big haul, reminding me how freakin awesome it is not to worry about such things. If I'm not sold on the 2015 after a test drive, I'll happily stick with my 2012.

 

I wonder why Ford went with such a tight fit on the Recaros; they're the smallest I've ever been in. Granted, I've had a bit too much Popeye's over the years, but they're the most uncomfortable ones I've ever been in (and I've gone through a Sport and am now on a Speed in my DD).

 

Yes they are quite a tight fit. But it's just me most of the time. The other seats are just there for emergency situations. I agree they would have sold more ST3 with more relaxed seats, you fit or you don't pretty much.

 

I found the ST Recaros plenty roomy.

But then....I'm not fat.

 

I say check out a Ford Focus! This is an excellent car with excellent driving dynamics. The Focus just oozes quality everywhere you look and feel. Don't know how Honda gets away with all the cheap plasticky interiors that they use. Honda should look at a Ford vehicle regarding material quality and build quality. All my Civic's have been afflicted with rattles and buzzes. The Focus - no rattles or buzzing whatsoever even over the harshest of pavement. Just quiet and lots of refinement from the Focus with excellent performance. Ford has come a long way in a very short amount of time. Honda is full of excuses why this can't be done or why that can't be done - too many compromises. Ford just makes things happen.

 

I have a hard time with the fact that Consumer Reports has given the Ford Focus the worst possible rating on predicted reliability. I was really excited about the Focus until I saw that concern. Add to that, the fast drop off in resale value. It seems that the depreciation of the Honda Fit is extremely slow, while the Ford Focus depreciates faster from what I've seen.

If leasing a car, I don't want fast depreciation or I will have lease payments that could put me in a much nicer car. If buying, I want a car that has long term reliability as well as a decent resale value. Considering those things has taken the luster off of the great design for me. Also, seeing the Mazda 3 redesign, I know there are alternatives that are well designed and don't have the concerns around reliability.

All that being said, I do have a test drive scheduled for a Focus tomorrow.

 

It's interesting that in all the time I've been driving a Fit, since 09, the interior materials haven't been a thought or drawback. I appreciate new, and it is that! The only thing that has me thinking is if the 2015 will be enough to win me out of my 2012.

 

The only other car that really tempted me before purchasing the Fit was the Chevy Sonic but at the time I was in the market to buy they were a first year car and the price with option I wanted got pretty pricey. I still keep thinking the turbo Sonic would still be fun to drive.

 

I never got into the Mazda 3, just was missing something.

I can't get into turbo cars either ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I am not planning on getting a GK but I don't think there are a lot of cars out there with as much reliability, low depreciation, fun, storage room and tech for $16k.

If you're looking for a performer there are sure other cars that are better, but I don't think there's a car out there that puts everything into one package so well for that low of a price. I would not bet on a Fiesta, Focus or MS3 lasting 200k without major issues, but that's to be expected with cheap turbo cars like that. It's not bad, it's just kind of a totally different market. I think it's pretty flattering to Honda for people to be considering the Fit alongside those though, and I see it happen pretty often.

 

Idecided to see if there were any deliveries at the local dealership today... haven't kept up well enough to see that late May is the new target date. However they did have a 2013 sport with a MT. Sooo... I asked if they were ready to make a smoking deal on it. Let them look over my trade, which they low balled, and didn't want to budge on their MSRP plus an $800 prep fee. I would have figured they would be in more of a mood to liquidate with a new model coming out. Especially when most buyers don't know how to drive a stick, much less desire one.

 

btw, the Focus ST has so much damn torque, the first thing you got to do is replace the soft rear motor mount. First world problems! I've got an upgrade intercooler on order too ... mmm, toys.

 

Trot down to your local library or car dealer and ask to see the last few issdues iof their copy of Automotive News. Therein are numerous articles on the 2015 Fit, WRX, and one devoted to the 50th anniversary Musdtang. There's a great deal of information, specs, and photos of the Fit. The major ones are the 4.8" increase in rear legroom (!) which makes it a family car, 130 engine, and smaller length., and indeed no change in weight. Much imoproved. See for yourself.