07 Now vs. Wait for 08 Hybrid?
Thread Starter
|
New Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 16
From: Easthampton, MA 01027
07 Now vs. Wait for 08 Hybrid?
I'm really torn between buying the 07 model year Fit or waiting for the 08/09 model year Fit for which a hybrid engine may be available. Pros & cons:
1. I love the 07's current body style. It's really quirky and snappy, a real eye-catcher. It looks fast and fun.
2. But I really want the hybrid model so I can save more on gas.
3. The 08 model will probably be better outfitted than the current model; e.g. map lights, dead pedal, armrest, locking gas cap, etc. etc.
4. I really hate the 08 body style, at least as its currently configured:
http://thehollywoodextra.blogspot.co...honda-fit.html
It's based on the more conservative Accord/Camry type cars. Just looking at them puts me to sleep.
5. A hybrid version, based on the current body style, is supposed to go on sale in Japan in January 07. Any chance that's the hybrid model that will make it here in mid 2007 as the new 08? Will a hybrid get here before they are built in the new plant in Indiana?
6. I'm planning to buy in the Spring of 07, but I could wait a few more months for the 08 models to come out.
What would you do?
1. I love the 07's current body style. It's really quirky and snappy, a real eye-catcher. It looks fast and fun.
2. But I really want the hybrid model so I can save more on gas.
3. The 08 model will probably be better outfitted than the current model; e.g. map lights, dead pedal, armrest, locking gas cap, etc. etc.
4. I really hate the 08 body style, at least as its currently configured:
http://thehollywoodextra.blogspot.co...honda-fit.html
It's based on the more conservative Accord/Camry type cars. Just looking at them puts me to sleep.
5. A hybrid version, based on the current body style, is supposed to go on sale in Japan in January 07. Any chance that's the hybrid model that will make it here in mid 2007 as the new 08? Will a hybrid get here before they are built in the new plant in Indiana?
6. I'm planning to buy in the Spring of 07, but I could wait a few more months for the 08 models to come out.
What would you do?
Thread Starter
|
New Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 16
From: Easthampton, MA 01027
Originally Posted by Wordvirus1
I'm waiting to see what happens with the next gen. Besides, aren't Fits really hard to find right now anyway?
Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 531
From: washington
Model changes for 08 or 09 and a Fit Hybrid have been nothing more than rumors floating around here for a long time. I wouln't count on anything until we hear it from a more reliable source (nothing against 'thehollywoodextra'). You can also assume that a Fit Hybrid won't have the same cargo versatility. Map lights, dead pedal, armrest, locking gas cap, etc. etc. are all available in the aftermarket or from Honda.
New Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 18
From: boston, ma
First off, are you concerned about fuel savings just to save money? Without knowing how many miles you drive, type of driving (city where hybrid is great vs. highway), and how much the price of fuel will go up, I'd guess that it's unlikely that you'll save enough in fuel costs to cover the price difference between an 07 Fit vs. an 08 Hybrid Fit.
Second, a Fit Sport manual tranny is under 2500lbs. Expect a Hybrid version to be at least 150lbs heavier, or more if they make some form of auto tranny mandatory. Say goodbye to great handling.
Third, do you want a manual or auto? If manual, like I said, you may not have that option with a Hybrid. The Civic Hybrid is auto only.
My advice, buy a 2007 now and wait and see what they do with the future version. The resale on these cars is going to be crazy...you'll be able to Ebay or Craigslist it a year from now with ease if you really like the 2008.
Second, a Fit Sport manual tranny is under 2500lbs. Expect a Hybrid version to be at least 150lbs heavier, or more if they make some form of auto tranny mandatory. Say goodbye to great handling.
Third, do you want a manual or auto? If manual, like I said, you may not have that option with a Hybrid. The Civic Hybrid is auto only.
My advice, buy a 2007 now and wait and see what they do with the future version. The resale on these cars is going to be crazy...you'll be able to Ebay or Craigslist it a year from now with ease if you really like the 2008.
Thread Starter
|
New Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 16
From: Easthampton, MA 01027
Whither?
Originally Posted by rudy
First off, are you concerned about fuel savings just to save money? Without knowing how many miles you drive, type of driving (city where hybrid is great vs. highway), and how much the price of fuel will go up, I'd guess that it's unlikely that you'll save enough in fuel costs to cover the price difference between an 07 Fit vs. an 08 Hybrid Fit.
****************************
I do mostly highway driving. I live out in the rural suburbs--there's very little "city" driving here. So I guess that's a strike against waiting for a hybrid.
****************************
Second, a Fit Sport manual tranny is under 2500lbs. Expect a Hybrid version to be at least 150lbs heavier, or more if they make some form of auto tranny mandatory. Say goodbye to great handling.
Third, do you want a manual or auto? If manual, like I said, you may not have that option with a Hybrid. The Civic Hybrid is auto only.
*****************************
I'm going with the automatic. My wife can't drive a stick. I hear what you're saying about the loss of space too. The battery pack has to go somewhere, but I heard it could fit in the engine compartment.
I'm buying the Fit precisely for it's fantastic loading capacity. Have to wait and see what the new design looks like.
**************************
My advice, buy a 2007 now and wait and see what they do with the future version. The resale on these cars is going to be crazy...you'll be able to Ebay or Craigslist it a year from now with ease if you really like the 2008.
****************************
I do mostly highway driving. I live out in the rural suburbs--there's very little "city" driving here. So I guess that's a strike against waiting for a hybrid.
****************************
Second, a Fit Sport manual tranny is under 2500lbs. Expect a Hybrid version to be at least 150lbs heavier, or more if they make some form of auto tranny mandatory. Say goodbye to great handling.
Third, do you want a manual or auto? If manual, like I said, you may not have that option with a Hybrid. The Civic Hybrid is auto only.
*****************************
I'm going with the automatic. My wife can't drive a stick. I hear what you're saying about the loss of space too. The battery pack has to go somewhere, but I heard it could fit in the engine compartment.
I'm buying the Fit precisely for it's fantastic loading capacity. Have to wait and see what the new design looks like.
**************************
My advice, buy a 2007 now and wait and see what they do with the future version. The resale on these cars is going to be crazy...you'll be able to Ebay or Craigslist it a year from now with ease if you really like the 2008.
As I said, the Fit Hybrid goes on sale in Japan in January. Plenty of time to see what that's going to look like.
New Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 18
From: boston, ma
Originally Posted by guywdog
Have you not ever heard of a TRADE-IN..buy the current Fit and "IF" Honda comes out with a hybrid then Trade-In your Fit.......at this point any talk of a hYBRID fIT IS JUST THAT TALK !
- You bring the person you're selling your car to the dealer.
- The dealer takes your car in as "trade" and immedietly sells it to your buyer for your agreed upon price.
- The dealer subtracts your trade-in price from the price of the car you're buying so you only pay sales tax on the difference.
Like I said, my vote is buy an 07. I truely think you'll be able to drive it for a year and sell it for a great price. Honda raised the Civic SI price from 2006 to 2007 because of demand. I could easily see them raising the Fit price for the 08 models. That's a good thing if you already own an 07 as it contributes to even better resale value for existing owners.
I would say get an 07 as well. The cost of a hybrid Fit will be considerably more similar to that of the Civic or Accord. The difference in price between your fuel savings and extra cost might not be in your favour. Also, if you plan to keep the car for an extended period of time (i.e. 4 years or so), you will have to replace the batteries and that will cost a pretty penny. Just some food for thought 
Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 21
From: city of brotherly love and high taxes, PA
my dealer told me that the Fit Hybrid will be out in the US in 2007.
she also told me that I would have no problem trading in or selling my Fit Sport AT for a Hybrid.
I figure I'll wait and test drive the Hybrid before I make any definite plans. I tend to drive my cars until they fall apart around me, so I'll see what I feel like in a year. I do love my Fit though, and I've only had it for 2 days
she also told me that I would have no problem trading in or selling my Fit Sport AT for a Hybrid.
I figure I'll wait and test drive the Hybrid before I make any definite plans. I tend to drive my cars until they fall apart around me, so I'll see what I feel like in a year. I do love my Fit though, and I've only had it for 2 days
If you are looking to get a hybrid to save money then dont get a hybrid. Most likely it will have a huge markup on it, it will be hard to get, and youll probably only get 8-10 mpg more.... so lets say a fit sport AT is $16,520 a hybrid will most likely be $18ish + 2k markup (what most dealerships in CA are selling Civic Hybrids for). Do you understand how long it will take for you to earn your savings back in gas?
I dont believe in hybrids
I dont believe in hybrids
Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 98
From: Owasso, OK.
i just did some quick calculations, they may be wrong, but lets hope not 
i live in oklahoma so gas is cheaper here. currently 87 octane is 2.82/gal. i drive apprx 120 miles on my average week.
at 33 mpg it would cost me $10.25 to fill up each week.
at 43 mpg it would cost me $7.87 to fill up, a savings of $2.38.
it would take 840 weeks to save $2000, or 100,800 miles(this is the part that may be wrong).
of course, gas prices keep increasing and the more they increase the more you save. so i looked at 4mpg and the savings increased exactly 1 dollar more per week to $3.38. this would take about 520 weeks to save 2000, or 71,040 miles.
i live in oklahoma so gas is cheaper here. currently 87 octane is 2.82/gal. i drive apprx 120 miles on my average week.at 33 mpg it would cost me $10.25 to fill up each week.
at 43 mpg it would cost me $7.87 to fill up, a savings of $2.38.
it would take 840 weeks to save $2000, or 100,800 miles(this is the part that may be wrong).
of course, gas prices keep increasing and the more they increase the more you save. so i looked at 4mpg and the savings increased exactly 1 dollar more per week to $3.38. this would take about 520 weeks to save 2000, or 71,040 miles.
Originally Posted by scooterboi
**************************
As I said, the Fit Hybrid goes on sale in Japan in January. Plenty of time to see what that's going to look like.
As I said, the Fit Hybrid goes on sale in Japan in January. Plenty of time to see what that's going to look like.
Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 428
From: Vancouver, Canada
Just imagine - if you can't find a gas Fit right now, how much harder would it be to find a hybrid Fit (without markup)?
You would be waiting a long time. Probably just in time to trade in the current car too (or end of a lease)
You would be waiting a long time. Probably just in time to trade in the current car too (or end of a lease)
Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 485
From: Colorado
The fit Hybrid was a potential vehicle, but that idea has been shelved by Honda in favor of a dedicated Hybrid to be released in 08 as an 09 model. Cost of ownership on a Hybrid is through the roof compared to a normal vehicle. Unless you drive a ton and keep the vehicle for 7-10 years it is highly unlikely you will ever recoup the cost difference. 
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post