I am strongly considering buying my first Fit. I can only afford a used one. The local choices are an '08 Sport with 90k miles and a '12 with 120k miles. Can any of you give a recommendation on what to get. The prices are similar so the variable are basically the model and mileage. Thanks!

 

Have you run both cars through Kelly Blue Book's online service (free) to see which is the better deal? My personal preference would be to get the 2012 even though it has more mileage. It's another "generation" up, in the Fit series. And if you don't have reliable access to the previous owner's maintenance, you know that both cars are close to the same stage of needing upkeep. The 90K and the 120K in my mind would need to be gone over and checked for various things, i.e., serpentine belt, brakes, fluid changes, etc. If the KKB value is close, it's personal preference I guess. But if you did have the previous owner's upkeep records to look at, that would be a huge plus. Knowing that the oil has been changed on a regular basis and upkeep has been done would make that car worth more in my eyes, especially if I was going to keep the car for years. Good luck.

 

Hard to compare because KBB assumes older car has more mileage and newer one less, but my choices are reversed -- the older one has less mileage and the newer one more mileage. They're both from an official Honda dealer. Thanks for the info!

 

When in KBB, go for the value of the car. They will ask you for the mileage on each and the condition, accessories, etc., for your zip code. They will give you a quite reliable estimate on the value and options like, whether you wanted just the trade in value, the value to a regular buyer, etc. It's quite detailed with the info you plug in there about each but the mileage is specified or asked for when they determine the value of the car.

 

Ok, trade-in value for the 2012 is about $600 more than the 2008. I will go check them out in person. Thanks!

 

Oh, you haven't looked at either yet. That will answer a lot of questions right there. Good luck and have fun. Don't be afraid to ask for maintenance records and a FAX report! That speaks volumes and now that you are armed with "value knowledge", you will know what you are willing to offer, etc.

 

I ended up buying the '08 as it was in much better overall condition than the '12. Just taking it for a short drive I could tell it was much easier to drive than my Corolla. Thanks!

 

Congrats! Have fun.