This Forum has already proved immensely helpful to me. Thanks to all who contribute, and for this existing.

My sister and her husband moved and sold me their Fit at a price that was too good to pass. It's an automatic, silver 2009 Sport VSA. 65k miles. The first owner was my brother-in-law's father, who took great care of it. My brother-in-law owned it for 2+ years. He's a slob and the entire vehicle needs cleaning and some cosmetic repairs, like dents and scrapes, a new armrest, side skirt, p.side mirror, etc. No CEL in its history, and the plugs and valves have never been checked. Regular oil changes, and tranny fluid changed once. I'm having it cleaned inside/out and the airbag recall taken care of this coming week. I'll ask the dealership if they'll reset the inflated MPG estimator, but I have little faith in that being free.

Reading about spark plugs blowing out has me nervous. Adjusting valves looks like a ridiculously engineered PITA. Whenever I think about my 1999 Jeep Cherokee that just went over 200k with zero engine work and is still going strong, I struggle deep inside with the notion that valve adjustments are a routine maintenance, and if not maintained, may contribute to catastrophic engine failure. This is my first Honda, and the newest car I've ever owned, so maybe this has somehow become routine.

I am seriously struggling with the cost/benefit of keeping this vehicle. The maintenance appears to me to be frequent and involved. A Youtube video of the valve adjustment said they should be checked every 30,000 miles!!! I can do some of the work, but I've never adjusted valves and am loathe to pay someone to do it. I also have a dirt driveway and a carport; not the ideal place to open an engine to the elements.

On the other hand, it's obviously a great little car in many ways. I love the gas mileage, the room, the visibility, and all the things you love about your Fit. It would be my daily 40-mile round-trip-commuter in all but blizzards and motorcycle weather.

If I am not willing to do the engine maintenance myself, do you think this car is worth keeping? I don't need this car if it's expensive to own. I'm looking for a realistic assessment of this vehicle as one to own that gives me few headaches and is easy on the wallet. My gut tells me to sell it and buy a newer, high mileage Toyota. Apologies if those are curse words around here.

Has anyone sussed out the sparkplug/valve issue and narrowed it down to certain VINs? The forums I have read suggest not. Are newer fits blowing out plugs, too?

Here's what I have planned if I keep it:

New rubber all around, Yokohama Avid Ascents. I live South Dakota winters most of the year. When I have to commute through terrible weather, I will always have my 4x4 Jeep. Durability is priority here.
Valve adjustments and plugs (local shop 1st time)
Coolant flush
Fix cosmetic body work
Interior fixed up and detailed
Headlights reconditioned. Easy LED upgrade?

What else do I need to look at? At the dealership I will get the recommended maintenance log, but if there's anything else I should consider, I would love to hear it. I'm not a mechanic.

Any other major failures with this year that I need to consider aside from the plugs/valve consideration?

Thanks!

 

You're majorly over thinking things in my opinion.

I own a 2012 Fit (with 5MT instead of the auto) with 105k miles.

Here's the maintenance I've done:
-Four engine air filters
-Five cabin air filters
-Front suspension end links at 100k miles
-One spark plug ejected itself at 70k miles (no damage to the head, replacing plugs/coil packs and you should be fine on this)
-Changed MTF twice
-Changed brake fluid three times
-Changed the battery three times

That's it.

This spring I'm replacing the coil packs/spark plugs, doing a valve adjustment, replacing the shocks/springs & calling the car good for another seven years and 100k+ miles.

 

Like Mike said you are overthinking it.

Lol, not at all Toyota's are very good cars they are just boring to drive. The Fit engine is one of the most reliable Honda has IMO. I understand your hesitation though I felt the same way about buying a VW. I was thinking I should just buy an old Civic with 150k miles on it.

My Fit had 93k miles and not a single plug issue. I never checked them or adjusted the valves (I should have but luckily didn't have an issue). Seems to be just luck of the draw and reading forums sometimes makes the issue look worse then it is. Yes the plugs should be checked, its easy to do and good peace of mind. The valves generally show signs of wear and needing adjustment the engine doesn't just blow up. It's not a difficult DIY and there is info out on how to do it.

Best bet is upgrade the hologen to Sylvania Ultra stars.

The GE FIt is one of the best generations to own and I think you will find it reliable and easy to maintain. Have you seen the 500,000 mile Fit thread? Maybe it will make you feel better lol.

Here it is:

https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/2nd-...ld-thread.html

 

Have you seen the 500,000 mile Fit thread? Maybe it will make you feel better lol. I read the whole thing. It's amazing, and it helped. Thank you.

You're majorly over thinking things in my opinion. Yep. A curse more often than a blessing.


Thanks gents. You've helped clear up some concerns.

 

aaannnnd a failed effort to quote things. It's a day for learning.