I bought this car to replace a rapidly deteriorating 2000 Volvo xc70. For the years I owned it, I was averaging close to $2000 annually in repairs, with that number rising steadily.

I loved driving that thing, but I got tired of visiting the mechanic every 3 or 4 months and ultimately having a reliable machine meant more to me than a comfortable one.

I wanted another wagon, but insisted on getting a manual this time. Autos tend to frustrate me, and I just prefer the engagement from a manual. I struggled to find anything used that fit my criteria of reliable manual wagon in my price range, so I looked at new cars. If the Hyundai Accent came in wagon, I would have bought one. The Venue was too ugly though. I also considered a VW Golf or a Corolla, but the Fit did everything I wanted for least money, so I bought the very last new 6 speed Fit that will ever be sold in Alaska.

Overall I'm pretty happy. I miss the lazy gas pedal, the organic steering feel, comfortable ride, and the unique 5 cylinder noise, but I do not miss getting 19 mpg with premium gas. I'm getting 46 mpg with regular, and I enjoy how the car handles too.

The only thing I don't like is how high it revs in 6th gear. At 65 mph, it's turning 3100 rpm, which is what my Volvo would do in 3rd gear, 2200 in Drive. I wonder how much better gas mileage I could get if I had a taller 6th? I guess the silver lining is that once I build up speed, I rarely need to downshift out of 6th.

​​I'm just glad most of my driving is between 30 and 45 mph, because 6th gear is perfect for cruising at those speeds. I also tend to skip 5th since 5th and 6th are almost the same ratio. I mostly skip 4th and 5th now, and use 3rd to accelerate and then skip directly to 6th and just maintain speed.

It's a fun car to drive, and does everything I need, and saves me a lot of money on fuel and repairs, I hope to get many years of satisfaction out if it. I have some concern about carbon buildup in the engine, or possibly rust, but I'll have to see how it goes.