With a recent job change my commute is about 72 miles round trip, about 98% highway, For many years I've had a company vehicle, so I've been able to 'afford' to have older vehicles of my own. My 1999 Honda Accord 5MT is now my daily driver. It's a great car, but since I don't know when (hopefully not if) the timing belt was replaced. I've had some work done recently to get it up for the task, but would rather invest in a replacement vehicle. It'll likely be a CR-V or a Fit.

I know there's many discussions here about auto vs. manual, CVT vs. 5 speed auto. I've read many and will continue to do so. I prefer manual transmissions, I've had some rather unusual vehicles over the years with them such as a full size Ford Club Wagon (4 on the floor) and 2 different minivans with them. My '99 Accord is rated as 28 mpg highway for the manual transmission. My first tank with the new commute averaged 34.38 mpg. Not bad IMO.

I was settling on a 2009-13 Fit (GE?) but do see some 2015-16 Fits that I may be able to afford. The EPA rates the CVT as 1 mpg higher on the highway, but given my experiences (and others too) I'd think I could at least meet or maybe exceed that with a manual. I believe the manual transmissions are 3200 + rpm at highway speeds, but I've experienced that before with my Subarus and a cool '98 Honda CR-V 5MT I test drove a few years ago. Like before, over time I'd probably get used to it. A worthy compromise returning such good fuel economy.

I'm fine with the CVT's characteristics - reliability is a concern. Research shows Honda's CVT are not bad, unlike Jatcos used in Nissans and some other vehicles like the company Jeep Patriot I had. Aside from reliability, a test drive will be the best determinate. Not trying to start another auto/manual/CVT thread, just saying hello and looking for other's experiences. Last night I saw several 2015-16 LXs and EXs online at a dealership, kind of settled on one of those, then this morning I see a 2013 Sport 5MT. So temping.

My '99 Accord EX 5MT has needed age related repairs due to rust (radiator, brake & fuel lines). But the car is so solid, I don't think it's leaked one drop of oil on the driveway (unlike past newer Subarus). It's reinforced my respect and desire to stay with Honda. BTW, I'm still a manual transmission fanatic at age 64.

 

Hi there! I have had my 2010 5mt Fit Sport for about 10 months, and me personally I would go auto>5mt>cvt. The 5mt needs some getting used to in the Fit, but my reason for auto over 5mt is because I hurt my back and constant shifting (especially any clutch release that causes jerking) hurts my back. I bought at 107k and now have 120k on it. Love the versatility of it. I average about 35-37 mpg with 60/40 highway/city driving. Unfortnately, I think I am going to have to sell my Fit to get an automatic vehicle. I don't think you can go wrong with all 3 options. Honda cvt is probably one of the best/reliable cvt out there.

 

I ended up getting a 2012 Honda CR-V. A Fit was certainly in the running. My main concern was how it would do in winter in a couple ways. I've heard window defogging and defrosting isn't that great in the 2015 or so model I was considering, yours has a better reputation for that. Also how it would do in snow. I've heard it'll do well with decent snow tires. My main concern is coming home from work after the plows have been by and not being able to get into my driveway given it's low clearance. With my commute being 98% highway, I'd likely go with the automatic or CVT depending on the year. The Honda CVT does have a reputation for being one of the more reliable ones. I've always preferred manual transmissions, but I have to say with the 5 speed automatic in the CR-V I'm liking it more than a manual. Of course I'm not getting the fuel economy that I was getting with the Accord, another advantage a Fit would have. Too bad about your back situation. If you do get a an automatic Fit, you'll still be getting great gas mileage, especially with the CVT.

 

Congrats on the CRV. If I go used market the CRV EXL would be on my short list. The automatic in the 12 CRV will last a very long time, especially if you do the transmission fluid every 30-50k miles. Your concerns about snow have merit; last winter i really had to dig out under my Fit before moving it out of the driveway. I'm leaning towards getting something brand new- the new Ford Maverick hybrid pickup can be had for 20k; it's not a Honda, but I would have factory warranty for 5 years on powertrain and 10 years on hybrid system.

PS- I change the pcv valve on all my cars every 60k miles. Cheap part and I believe the location on the CRV is literally right on top left side of exhaust manifold, as that is where it was on my dad's TSX which has the same engine as your CRV. I bought a Civic from my family few years ago and was running like crap- no power, weird shifting, valve cover leaking, and rough idle. I changed the pcv valve and voila, fixed it. Cheap insurance to prevent oil burning, oil leaking, and poor operation.