Getting nicks from driving I expect to happen, but where does one get 3m paint protection film? Is it something you apply yourself or would a body shop or dealer need to do it?

 

3m film could be bought on ebay and self applied,but as for me I'd go with an authourized installer.the cost for hood bumper and mirrors is 400-500$ i believe

 

My 2007 Black Sport Fit is incredible.....have driven it from GA to NM and several times from Atlanta to Lexington....awesome gas mileage...~40mpg, interstate with cruise on. I have had NO paint problems or any other problems in the year I have owned it. I would definitely recommend the car for safety, quality, and overall handling.....not to mention, people LOVE the look of it!!

 

me too is suffering from paint problem as well... but it dont stop me from driving my car... think of it this way every car got there pros and cons

 

at 37k miles on my fit, all i can say is BUY IT.

i live in chicago, that will wreak havoc on any car's paint job... my paint is holding up alright, except for the fact that for 3 months after i bought the car the highway i drove everyday was being completely resurfaced.... i got quite a bit of rock damage, though i noticed that the primer layer is pretty thick... even rocks that dented the hood didn't get through the primer... therefor rust won't be much of a problem... the only paint problems i have encountered are the bumper chip [edit: the chip is on the bumper, not the fender, since the bumper is plastic, there's no chance of rust here so it isn't an emergency for me] (though i'm pretty sure that's only something that plagues the first run of fits...) and the bottom of the door sills, mine got pretty scratched up from my shoes rubbing on it every time i got in and out... i would recommend picking up a cover for your door sills, but thats no big deal and would happen in any car...

all in all, the paint on it is fine, you also have to remember some general things about car paint, some pigments will fade much faster than others... typically, red and white are some of the worst and silver and blues are the best...

i got a nighthawk black one and anyone who has owned a black car can attest to the fact that black is impossible to care for... but seeing the little flecks of blue in the black paint when the car is freshly washed on a bright sunny day makes it totally worth it.

 

Thanks everyone. I test drove one today and loved it! It seemed as zippy or more than my Protege, and heck knows it's twice as safe. I'm getting a vivid blue Sport, the dealer was willing to go to $115 over invoice after I asked him to match a few other dealers quotes.

Can't wait to join as a real owner!

 

Do you guys know if they fixed the front bumper corner paint peeling problem on the 08's yet? I'm seriously thinking about buying a fit (too bad they got rid of the white color) but I'm really paranoid about this paint peeling problem. Anyone know if Honda did something to fix the problem?

 

I love my Fit ... except for the paint. I think people are a little blinded by their love for the car when they brush aside the fact that the paint is thin and weak. If you just do light city driving, you'll never notice it. Your first long highway trip, you'll notice the first few paint chips when you arrive at your destination. When you get back home, you'll notice even more. I've been good about washing the bugs off my bumper after trips, but that action always reveals the disheartening chips that the bugs and dirt hide.

It really has made me think twice about getting another Fit. I know it's impossible for a car's paint to never chip, but I've never owned a car that chips as easily as the Fit.

If you're fine with touching up your bumper, then I think you'll be happy with the car as a whole. Or if you don't plan on taking it on long trips, I'd say you'll be fine. If you're as anal as me about your paint, then it will likely make you nuts.

 

Totally agree with the above comment. The bumper takes the most damage and you'll see white specks or even the clearcoat being pushed by little rocks.

If you are keen on washing your car and understand that the paint will show battle scars overtime than you have nothing to worry about. The best you can do is to keep the car clean and know where the chips are. Inspect everytime you wash and eventually you'll get over that worst feeling of having a new car with chips.

Lastly, don't look at the photos that people post here and think they are perfect. The pictures can hide a lot of imperfections and naturally when you see some nice ones here on the forum you'd tell yourself that their cars are perfect. I don't speak for everyone but I feel like that all the time!