Hi,

Prospective Fit owner here. I have a bunch of questions and would appreciate some insight.

With my budget, I’m limited to 2007-2009 models (I’m poor, lol)

Which of those three years do you like the best?

I read somewhere that the magic seats didn’t appear until the 2008 model year. Is this true? If so, this would rule out 2007 for me.

Is refresh mode only available in gen 1? Is there a way to get it back in a newer model with an aftermarket seat?

I saw a really cool post where someone put a Civic SI seat in their Fit. Has anyone in Ontario, Canada done this? Does it void your insurance?

I’ve heard leaks are one of the most common problems, and that they are the worst in gen 1 models. Can anyone speak to this?

I’ve also read driving these on the highway can be sketchy when it’s windy. How sketchy?

If I ever swapped a K series engine in (after becoming less poor of course), how much would it diminish fuel economy?

Do safety recalls ever expire, and do you have to be the original owner? I don’t want to be killed by the infamous Takata airbags.

Generally, I hear that Fits are very reliable, but one guy on YouTube mentioned he went through three iginition coils in eighteen months. Is this common, or was he just unlucky?

Finally, a little about myself: I live in Ontario, Canada and I need a new car. The Fit appeals to me because of the fuel economy, reliability, relative ease of repair, and the way it’s engineered to provide an impressive amount of space.

Also, it’s pretty easy to find them in manual which I’m hoping will reduce competition on the marketplace, lol

 

I drive mine on the highway all the time; it was one of the main purposes I bought the car for. It'll cruise along at 75 MPH or in your case 120 KMPH all day long. I don't notice the wind unless it's extremely windy, and if it's actually THAT windy, I'd be feeling it in any vehicle I think. The Fit is kind of shaped like an egg and is probably more aerodynamic than most SUVs and probably all minivans.

 

By law, you do not have to be the original owner to get a recall repaired. I’d be surprised if an 07-09 hadn’t already been done.
As to your other concerns, I get it. I’m in the same boat, trying to find something in my budget that isn’t a POS. But we’re talking 10-15 year old cars. There will always be some issues. Good luck with the search.

 

I've read comments elsewhere that in general whether air bags on any car more than 10 years old will work properly, if at all, is somewhat hit or miss. Like the tires on your car they deteriorate with time.

 

I'll try to answer what I can here.

Which of those three years do you like the best?
Mine is a 2004 but the 2nd gen should be nicer and more modern inside and out. I'd go for the newest possible.
I read somewhere that the magic seats didn’t appear until the 2008 model year. Is this true? If so, this would rule out 2007 for me.
Not true, my 2004 has them. Only the front seat don't fold down flat into relax mode but this seems to be a EU market thing.
I’ve heard leaks are one of the most common problems, and that they are the worst in gen 1 models. Can anyone speak to this?
Yes it leaked/leaks. There are a few known spots (weld seams above the hatch etc) that can be re-sealed pretty easily. Make sure nothing is too rusty becasue of it though.
I’ve also read driving these on the highway can be sketchy when it’s windy. How sketchy?
Not sketchy at all. It's a light car so might be a bit more sensitive than a heavy, flat coupe, but nbd at all.
If I ever swapped a K series engine in (after becoming less poor of course), how much would it diminish fuel economy?
Probably quite a bit! I managed to get around 5.3l/100km on a long trip once and I doubt you'd get anywhere close with a K-series. But also the swap is going to cost a lot so that'll be the least of your problems probably
Do safety recalls ever expire, and do you have to be the original owner? I don’t want to be killed by the infamous Takata airbags.
No they don't expire. I took mine in when I got it, probably the first time it's seen the dealership in a decade. You can check if the recall was already done online, and if not, schedule it.
Generally, I hear that Fits are very reliable, but one guy on YouTube mentioned he went through three iginition coils in eighteen months. Is this common, or was he just unlucky?
I'm sure they can fail as all parts do, he was probably just unlucky.

Overall it's a great little car and I'm happy even with my $600 beater, keeping in mind it's a 20 year old econobox. IMO its biggest weakness is noise at highway speeds (120-130km/h) so if you'll be on the highway a lot make sure to test drive it.

 

Thanks for the response. Do you ever have trouble merging due to lack of power?

Thanks!

​​​​​​​That’s good to know, thanks.

Thanks for taking the time to share all that. I’m super jealous you got yours for $600. Old, rusted fits tend to start at $3,000-$4,000 here, lol