There is a first and second gen in my neighborhood. I was pretty biased on a second gen, I think the 10 cup holders is sick and a newer car is rarely a downside. This car will be a daily for me while I'm driving 50+ miles everyday so I'm focusing mostly on reliability and a manual. Here are the options. Both cars are super similar in condtion. I have been looking for a couple months and I did want a sport which neither of these are but the little hatch wing can come later if it must.

1st gen
104k miles
Dailyed by the current owner
has had small maintenence like tires brakes etc
6k

2nd gen
150k
Being sold by a car flipper
Seems to have a short throw kit on it
Has a double din
No maintenence history
6.2k

Which is the better purchase?

 

I’d probably buy the car with known maintenance than unknown.

also 104k miles on a first gen fit is really quite low

 

Maintenance history is definitely a big plus, but if both cars are local you should definitely test drive and examine each car closely to see which one you prefer.
It might also be worth having the cars checked over by a mechanic, especially if you're concerned about the lack of maintenance on the 2nd gen.

 

What Mike said, and it sounds like the 2nd gen was owned by a younger, maybe more aggressive driver.

 

Hey there! I've been in a similar situation. Honestly, the 1st gen with lower miles and maintenance history sounds like the safer bet. But test drives could change everything, ya know?