I have a 2010 base Fit AT, I'm thinking about a new(er) car. It has 212K miles and only a AC compressor to be annoyed about. Otherwise just brakes, tires and oil. Oh, and the HVAC cabin fan. On deck is the sway bar linkage and an OEM VTEC Solenoid Valve.

What I like: Reliable, more or less problem free operation for 130K or so miles that I've had it. Good interior space, good on the highway.
What I don't like: Lot of road noise, kind of wimpy, carpet and front seat upholstery wore through a long time ago, gas mileage mediocre (could be me), no cruise control etc.

Should I buy a Gen 3? I think I should be able to get a 2017-18 with 40-60K miles for $8000-$10000. Anything to worry about?
What about:
-Long term reliability. I'll probably keep it for 6 or 8 years and probably well over 100K miles. Wasn't this one made in Mexico?
-Better gas millage?
-Better interior durability (seat, carpet)
-Better road noise?

Anything else?

 

These are the known problem areas in the GK5: fuel injector/rail assembly, early starter failure +/- power switch failure in pushbutton start models, VTC actuator, and dashboard fuel display failure.

Injectors and rails are the worst. Easily $1.5 - 2 K, they have to be installed in quad-matched sets (can't buy just one).

Starters are next. Much more common for the starter and/or the start switch to fail in pushbutton start models.

Fuel display winks out: This is becoming more and more common. Water intrudes on cheap solder joints according to one poster here and the right-side round binnacle winks out. Not good, this is where your gas gauge is. Honda not good about repair out of warranty.

VTC actuator: Makes a horrible grinding noise at cold startup, but otherwise doesn't need repair.

Worth it? I don't think so. I'm seriously thinking of going back to the GE8 if my GK5 ever dies.

In addition, the 2018 and onward models have a propensity for door leaks, search this subforum for details. Looks like they don't have this one worked out yet.

 

I own both currently. 2010 and 2018 Sports. But I prefer driving the 3rd gen daily. The 2nd gens are a tad outdated.

 

I sold a 2010 Sport and bought a 2016 EX. Happy I did so. Better mileage (36 vs. 30). I don't pair my phone but I like having two thumb drive inputs instead of one (one for podcasts, the other for music- I like having both). May be quieter but I didn't compare them. Neither is particularly quiet.

I like having remote keyless entry. I thought it was silly and then I got it and now I wish my house had it too. Nice to not have to take a key out and deal with pushing buttons or locks.

Carpets/mats suck in both models. They wear through easily. Get cheapo mats so that when they wear through you just toss them.

Slightly more leg room in the back seat in the 3rd gen. But the hatch has less space.

Automatic headlights I guess are a nice feature in the new car.

Biggest complaint with my 2016 vs. 2010- no place to rest my right arm. In the prior car the compartment between the seats was a good place for my arm. In the new car it's too low.

More than enough cup holders in either car.

The new car doesn't have two glove compartments nor a 'secret' hiding place in the back.

Passive TPMS in the new car works well for me as I have a real spare so I rotate five tires. But some have said they've had problems with it.

 

Check out the new Civic Hatch. Might be more what you want.

 

Long term reliability is my key point. I'd like a car that needs nearly nothing for 100,000 miles other than wear items and maybe a battery. Or something superficial (ie cheap).

Seems like the newer generation might not be that.

 

Of the issues bargainguy posted, I've only experienced the VTC actuator issue after 91k. Would I buy it again? Probably not. Someone mentioned the Civic HB and if it was around when I was looking I would have paid a few $$$ more for a better suspension and more HP/Turbo.

 

I also owned a 2010-first fit.
Eventually ended up in a 2016 EX.

To be honest, there just were a lot of things about the 2010 I liked. I liked the interior, dashboard layout, more unique. I liked the dual glove boxes. I liked the hidden storage compartment under the rear seats.
Also the 2010 seemed a little tighter, a little more fun to drive.

IMO, the 2016-3rd Gen, is an inevitable evolution. But it's also a more homogenized product.
I don't regret it. EX has a sunroof I love.
But I think I have a much greater fondness for the Gen 2.
If you don't care so much about "infotainment" system upgrades, and are just talking about a vehicle to own and drive? All things being equal, I'd probably go with the Gen 2.

 

Maybe a low mileage 2013 would be the way to go.

Or keep the 2010 until it dies. I have some OEM trans fluid and an OEM trans filter on deck as well.

 

Since my topic is related and I am a new member, I thought I would reply instead of starting a new thread: I'm interested in buying a used 2nd gen or 3rd gen Honda Fit (2011-2013) or (2016-2018).in the near future and will be hauling an electric bike and a lab retriever occasionally, and I am 6' 1" 33-34 inseam 180 lbs. I'll test drive both versions, but curious what people have to say regarding these two generations.

 

My 2017 is at 98k miles at this point. LX 6spd, still no issues. Regular oil and filter changes, air filter changes at 20k intervals, and just put new plugs in it cause i was bored and didn't want to wait until 105k.

The issues mentioned in above replies do seem to pop up in threads from time to time, but i've not experienced any of them yet.

 

If you ever thought about going to a Civic, the turbo uses premium gas. Honda says it runs on regular, but you really need to run premium. Higher gas costs & if the turbo has problems, expensive to fix. A 2020 Civic LX (base model) can be had for around 20K. 2.0 engine, no turbo, 158 HP & MPG is almost the same as the turbo. Regular gas. CVT or 6 speed stick. Not saying to go out & buy a Civic, but it is an option.

 

Civic turbos ..... aren't those the ones with the serious oil dilution issue where gas gets into the oil diluting it?

 

Yes. Honda is supposed to have fixed the issues now. It was the 1.5 turbo engine. Had a wild hair thought. Get the engine from the Civic R, 2.0 w/ turbo, 306 HP, and stick it in a Fit.........

 

I had a 2009 Sport 5MT for 125,000 miles. The only thing I didn't care for was the highway manners--high revs, twitchy. I installed lowering springs and slightly wider tires which helped a bit with handling. I flogged it on road trips, usually 10 mph over speed limit.
I have a 2020 EX CVT now. Pretty impressed with the CVT overall. Car has nice upgrades with keyless entry, sunroof, updated interior and infotainment. Haven't taken any highway trips yet, but it seems a bit quieter thanks to the CVT. Still a lightweight car that can get pushed around.

Answers to your questions:
-Long term reliability. I'll probably keep it for 6 or 8 years and probably well over 100K miles. Wasn't this one made in Mexico? A: Should be good for well over 100K
-Better gas millage? A: Yes, slightly
-Better interior durability (seat, carpet) A: Similar
-Better road noise? A: No

 

According to the experts, the 2nd Gen is the best chassis for sporty driving and the 3rd is the most civilized and has all the modern tech...though it is still not that civilized and that tech is of dubious value.

I like the looks of the 3rd Gen best. They stiffened them up and did some minor chassis tuning for 2018 as complaints (from professional testors) were numb steering and feeling less sporty and composed than the 2nd Gen. IIRC they also made efforts to reduce road noise, though it is still a common complaint.

In practical terms, the current model is the sensible choice...but I'd go 2018 and up.