Hi folks,

I'm looking to upgrade from my late-90s DX Civic (!!) and am looking at a few different Fit models, as well as the Toyota Matrix. I was surprised at the seat configuration when I test-drove a 2011 Fit. How have you dealt with the strange lumbar support & head "restraint"? Is the prior gen any better?

For anyone who is also familiar with the Matrix, do you find that more comfortable? In a test drive (that may really be too short to compare) I did find it quite comfortable.

Finally - some people complain about the acceleration power of the Fit. I found it okay on a (short) test drive over some hilly terrain. It seemed to handle fast curves really well. Thoughts on this?

Thanks!!

 

Good question, and welcome to the forum.
a few weeks ago,I was almost got a matrix myself 1st gen pre 09(03 XRS 1.8)

Some pros and cons i considered about each

Matrix pros
-more rear leg room
-more cargo capacity
-xrs with 180hp 6spd man
-softer, and more quiet
-more road presence on highway
-awd model (if you need awd consider the CRV or Forester)
Matrix cons
-it seats like a van
-it handles like a van
-interior is miles away from the fit

Fit pros
-handles better
-better fuel economy
-better looking inside imo
-magic seats
-cvt available

Fit cons
-drivers door arm rest is so awkward its basically non existent
-drivers seat not suited for taller drivers.
-louder
-pushed around by wind on highway

That being said the base models are similar in pep and they are both dead reliable and practical. Congratulation on your upgrade, either way you go you will have made a great decision,they are both great cars

 

Some pics of the matrix xrs i drove 250mi to see as well as the fit I ended up buying, also 250mi away
both one owner cars,
03 xrs 230k mi $3.2k
09 fit 180k mi $4k

 

Wow, good find on the blue Fit.

What made you comfortable buying such high mileage? I know Hondas and Toyotas will run forever, but I'm not sure I'd buy over 100k. That being said, the only blue Fit Sport I've found in my state is at 124k.

 

Well as the saying goes, if you cant afford two, you cant afford it. It was within the budget and runs like a top. exterior definitely shows its well traveled, but the interior is in great shape; hold the carpet balding.

what firmly pushed me to buy at 180k is I actually drove to California to see another fit with 100k listed at $4.4k. (see attached pic) The owner said it was in great shape just normal wear and tear but when i got there that was FAR from the truth.

the hood was lifted to be more "sporty",there was a hole in the condenser, fender was falling of, on coil overs that were scraping, driving strait the wheel was at 3 o clock. ect...

mileage is superficial. Its all about how the car was driven