Hello,

I'm retired USAF/retired 2nd career, and a full time RV traveler. I have owned many cars and motorcycles in the past - and modified about 1/2 of them.

I currently have a 2005 Subaru WRX wagon turbo manual transmission with Cobb up and down pipes, ecu programmed, and Cobb sway bars, and tow that behind a diesel pusher motorhome.

My left ankle is detoriating due to a long ago motorcycle crash, and the clutch use is causing pain.

So, long story short, I am strongly considering trading the WRX for a Honda Fit Sport automatic, adding tow bar brackets and light wiring, and using that as our new "toad".

I test drove a Fit and liked it - but if I do the trade will miss the AWD and the horsepower/acceleration and passing speed of the WRX.

Currently near Burlington WA, USA.

Dan, age 56

 

While I think you might miss the extra horsepower and acceleration of the WXR turbo the Fit is fun to drive (as your test drive shows) and is very light so it would be a good candidate for towing behind your motorhome.

If you can appreciate the Fit for its reliability, cargo space and decent gas mileage it would be a good choice but if you are expecting it to perform like your AWD WXR Turbo you will be a bit disappointed. The Fit can struggle on steep mountain grades.

 

Well I think you have already identified the relevant issues. The Fit is fun to drive, because it is much lighter than a WRX and doesn't have another set of axles and transfer boxes to turn. It is not fast, because its power/weight ratio isn't great. It does not have AWD. It will relieve you of the need to use a clutch pedal. It is a lot of car for not very much money. It will be reliable and there aren't any special issues involved in towing it. It has probably slightly more room than your WRX wagon.

You seem to understand the tradeoffs I would say, both + and -

 

Thanks guys,

I've been reading the threads for a couple of weeks. If I do make the purchase I'll buy the Zeta hood deflector, Honda center console, and the Weathertech mats. Maybe later a CAI. I think PRM is the one most recommended? I'll do the CAI if it raises both low end and high end, and is fairly quiet.

I'm pretty sure I'll buy a Fit, question is whether soon, or after the 2013 model changes are announced and/or at the dealerships.

Dan

 

Welcome to the forum, AC7880! The Weathertech digital mats are great.

 

I closed a deal with Klein Honda in Everett WA yesterday on a 2012 Sport Fit automatic in Polished Metal metalic color (metalic grey color). Car will be in around or before 7 July - already due in when I closed the deal - not a new order.

I negotiated dealer invoice at $18,321 versus MSRP 18,700, and agreed to pay the $150 document fees after a lot of back forth. Turned down all accesories, warranties, paint sealants, windshield sealants, clear 3M bras etc.

It took hours to work out the trade in on our 2005 Subaru WRX wagon. Low mileage at 71,400, but some paint blemishes, and a split in the drivers seat leading edge on a seam. Plus the tow bar brackets which could be good or bad for the dealership in selling it. First offer was $7500, last that we agreed on was $9750.

I am a South Dakota resident, so will tax (excise versus sales tax) title and tag there and will pay 3% excise tax on the difference between sales price and trade in. I did my own financing with USAA for 1.79% 36 month.

Have already ordered Blue Ox tow bar bracket, lighting kit, Headlight Armor applique for fogs and headlights. When I install the tow bar, I'll install some protection in the lower grille to protect the AC condensor.

Also ordered from College Honda (online) center console, weather tech mats, wheel locks, and hood deflector.

Later I will do a window tint at around 50% tint level. I don't want too dark of a tint.

Thanks for all the posts I read in advance while doing research.

 

Congrats!!!! and welcome

I sold my 600hp 2011 Mustang and picked up my 2012 Fit A/T

I've got just over 6K and love it more each day