I’d like to apologize in advance for the long post, but I figure since it’s my FIRST post, maybe you folks will cut me some slack. While I’m new to this forum, I’m not new to the Honda Fit; bought an orange Fit Sport in 2008 (we called her the Dreamsicle), put 100,000 miles on it over the next 6 years, did all the regular maintenance, and fully expected it to last another 100,000 miles. Then about 6 weeks ago, our car was totaled. We weren’t even the first car out of the intersection – more like the 4th, minding our own business, when my wife screamed, and out of the corner of my eye I see this SUV bearing down on us (funny how things seem to slow down at a time like that). The lady in the Lexus that nailed us said that she had just “spaced”, and hadn’t been paying attention when she ran the red light – and I mean she blew through that sucker like it wasn’t even there – and there’s no way to prove it, but it wouldn’t surprise me if she had been texting. Regardless, it was her fault, she admitted it, and I learned that when your airbags deploy, your car is usually totaled. Thank goodness for those side-curtain airbags, though – my wife had a mild concussion, but that’s all (the Lexus hit the passenger side).

While we got reimbursed for the current value of the car (about $9,000), we were faced with the choice of buying used, or going into debt for a new one; thanks, careless woman! We decided to go with new. We test drove a Fiesta (really can’t understand why it’s so popular – it was peppy enough, but I found it cramped), a Mazda 3 Hatchback (at the top of our budget, and I liked it a lot, though ergonomically the inside had a lot to be desired – would have bought one if it had been better designed), a Prius C (great gas mileage, a little underpowered, and, IMHO, cheaply appointed – and really tiny). We waited a couple of weeks for the Fit to come out, and we were probably one of the first people in Nashville to test drive one. The car is quick enough, but I’ll never be a big fan of the CVT; still, I see the need for it (fuel efficiency), and my wife’s knees won’t put up for a clutch for long, so I knew, whatever we bought, it would have an automatic transmission. Besides, I have my MX-5 Miata for fun. It was no contest, and not just because we’ve had a Fit for six years. The inside is HUGE; they truly did a good job of the redesign. Admittedly, you lose a little space in the “trunk”, but with the seats folded down, you’d never notice. And of course, those versatile rear seats . . . And all the extra features – the cameras, the Bluetooth, the moon roof, the mileage monitors, all of that sold us on it.

So, we ended up ordering an EX-L, Aegean Blue Metallic; we went with the leather mainly because on the occasions when we drop the seats an take our Golden Retriever with us, dog hair somehow manages to get stuck in cloth upholstery – that shouldn’t be a problem with leather. And it will be garage kept, and my work parking is covered, so I’m not too worried about the heat. My employer has a perq program with my dealer – invoice cost, unless it’s a new model, which this is – but my salesman has promised me $400 off MSRP, so as long as I don’t let them tack on any extras, I’ll be satisfied. I’ll have to wait til it gets here, probably another month, but I’ve got two other vehicles, so it’s not like I’m walking.

I’ve gotten a lot out of reading the forum, from knowing to inspect the paint job, to discussions of window tint, CVT vs Manual, leather vs cloth, just a lot of really useful stuff. Having said all that, I’ve got a few questions.

1) Android phones – Am I better off getting an I-Phone? I’ve got a Galaxy S3, which I like, and I THOUGHT I would be able to run my phone’s navigation software through the USB port. Yes or no?

2) And along that same line, USB drives – can you put folders within folders? That is, could I put all my rock (or classical or whatever) in a folder, then each artist in a sub-folder, then each album in a sub-sub-folder. Does the software allow for that?

3)Speaking of software, when Honda does software updates, how, exactly does that happen? Do you have to go to a dealer? And it seems like I read some where that dealers were charging big bucks to actually do this. That’s like Amazon charging for every time they update my Kindle software – I don’t think that would go over very well.

4) No cargo cover? Well, at least I know now that I can get one online cheaper than the dealer will charge.

5) Those leather seats – At this point, my plan is to clean with 10% Woolite, 90% water, and treat with Lexol once a month. Opinions?

6) Does anyone know how to light a fire under Weathertech to get them to make mats for the 2015?

7) Is there a FAQ explaining the details of this “GA, GB, GK” business? I realize it’s the different models (my MX-5 is an “NA” model, for instance), I’d just like to know what means what.

8) A lot of people are complaining that the new model doesn’t drive like the previous one. I’m wondering how it compares to my 2008, which if I understand it, is an even earlier model.

9) Motor oil: real or synthetic? If I choose synthetic, should I get my dealer to put it in initially? And talking about oil changes -- I had my dealer do oil changes on my old Fit, and on the new model, it looks like you have to remove a plate to even get to the oil filter. Opinions?

Well, that’s it. Looking forward to getting my EX-L in a few weeks; once I do, I’ll post plenty of pictures. Keep all the good information coming!

 

Long post with substance is always a treat!!!

Welcome to the Fit forum. Its too bad about the orange Fit but we're all glad to know that no was severely injured.

Will let the current owners of GK's chime in to answer your questions.

As for the "bad" ride reviews, pls. note that they largely come from non-owners. These should be interpreted and absorbed for its weight as opposed to impressions from those who currently drive and live with it everyday.

Await the pics!!!

 

hello. glad to hear everyone is ok after getting hit by a careless driver

4) you can get all the accessories cheaper online than the dealer.
5) are they real leather? or pleather? or vinyl with inserts? i couldn't find the info online
6) email them maybe? or get the all season oem ones online.
7) it's just the different generations of the car. in order GD/GE/GK.
8) neither will be sporty like a miata.
9) whatever the recommended oil is good enough.

 

Hi, Anonymoose. Having had two '07's and a new '15 EX with manual, I can give a bit of feedback to your questions. I had a Samsung smart phone and found out that it is not completely compatible with the new Honda. It will connect the BlueTooth function, but not the various menus. An iPhone, at least a 5s, is. Go to the Honda info site to double check your phone. On the handling, Consumer Report testers said that the redesign had taken some of the nimbleness out of the 2015. I haven't noticed much difference, but I'm not an aggressive driver, either. On the 07's, animal avoidance responses were excellent. Haven't had a scare in the new one. I'm getting 42-46MPG in mixed mountain-highway-town driving. But I work at it.

 

[QUOTE=Anonymoose;1244556]
2) And along that same line, USB drives – can you put folders within folders? That is, could I put all my rock (or classical or whatever) in a folder, then each artist in a sub-folder, then each album in a sub-sub-folder. Does the software allow for that?[QUOTE]

YES. I've organized my music just as you described. Works well. There are some very informative threads about using flash drives, organizing folders, folder size limitations etc. Sounds like you've got the right idea.

Stopped reading your post after this question ... fell asleep and woke up in a puddle of drool ..... long post!! LOL!!