I just wanted to post about my life, until now.

I wanted a VW Rabbit as my first car. It had good mpg, good hp, cool name, right price range. I then did some research and saw the mpg on the FIT, and heard some neg stuff on Mexican made VW and passats. So the fit became my new target, and I lurked on the forum.

My dad then gave me his 94 Ford Ranger and I broke it after 4 months. Some old guy pulled out in front of me, and I posted about it a while ago. Insurance did not cover, still trying to get the mini torque, ect, ect. This sucked cause I was going to sell the truck to my buddy and get a sweet VBP 08. So, I lost out on that, but I had some cash for a downpayment. So, I call up Honda, and they said i had no credit, need a cosigner. So did USAA (insurance company) and NFCU (credit union). My parents and grandpa would not cosign.

Then, my girlfriend got laid off, and I was not making enough money to support us both. (MI is not a great state to make money in) So, we move to Rochester, NY to her mom's place. (rent free!) I planned on buying a clunker cash to trade in for scraps later for a FIT, but I realized that if I bought cash, I still would have no credit.

So, I was still screwed, but I looked for a place that would give me a loan (and like 2342342%) and was still really hard to find. Then, for some reason, my girlfriend's mother said she would cosign, which was awesome! I did not even ask! but I had a dilemma. the 09 later or the 08 now?
Here was my thought process:

1. 08 is awesome, but has some minor problems
a) 109hp
b) crappy fabric
but
a) VBP is dead sexy
b) 1000 bucks cheaper.
c) been around for several years as the jazz

2. however 09:
a) white is back
b) more hp, same or better mpg
c) slightly bigger
d) better fabric
e) has hideyholes
f) will be available in the fall more readily than an 08
g) I got used to the front (it isn't that bad! and its "safer")
h) extra window in A frame
i) bigger wheels
j) navi option
(k ) I can throw a party in it with the 10 cup holders!)
but
a) 1000 bucks more
b) dont like the back
c) only in Japan for one year

so this is what I did.








Bought a used 03 jetta!
waiting and buying a 09 has more pros for me!
Plus, I can sell it in the Fall to my girlfriend (she deserves something better than a dying 00 chevy mini van)
So, I am picking up the Jetta tomorrow.

I hope someone that is debating the 09 or not can read this and see if helps them.

I am welcome to all comments.

 

The 2008s have the window in the a pillar as well.

 

thats kinda funny an 03 jetta.

i hope it goes to your girl friend pssh, otherwise i would think different of you

 

You do realize they are trying to price it in the same range, but it could be anywhere from $1000-$3000 more expensive. Also, it's only 1 cubic inch larger... you're not talking about a lot of extra room. Also, why not just get a T1R carbon intake system and you'll get about the same horsepower lol

 

ugh
sorry man the 09's are gross looking.
but a fit is a fit eh?

 

Good move. The 2009 should be a better car overall. More HP, more TQ, bigger interior, less bumpy ride, bigger wheels and IVTEC vs VTEC.

 

and ugly.
and not the good i-vtec
not the VTAK!
"better gas mileage" vtec
so ghey vtec
haha 30+ is good for me,
i want some damn VTAK now!

oh, thanks for the rep man!
your -3 really ****ed me over!
haha

 

I'd probably go with the '08 if you can get your hands on it.
The demand for the Fit keeps rising and with the new model, I'd only expect that to continue, meaning fewer at the dealership and probably higher costs to get one.
You can basically take the higher hp of the new model off your list because the new ACE frame of the '09 is significantly heavier and will probably negate the extra horsepower, meaning very similar performance to the '08
Seriously, do you really need 10 cupholders?
The built in Nav will probably cost another $1,000, whereas you can get a portable for $500 or less and transfer it between cars.

I had to make the same decision and the only real advantages I saw to the '09 was the rumor there would be a sunroof available and the bigger wheels for a smoother ride. But, if I'm going to be paying $1K-3K more for an '09, I could always just add a sunroof and bigger wheels to an '08 for about the same cost (maybe a little more).

 

Disagree. The 09 is only 20 something pounds heavier so the extra 9 HP and 20 something pounds of torque will have a performance advantage. Not to mention the IVTEC is more advanced and wil get better MPG. The interior is going to have better quality materials and will be bigger. The ride will be smoother with the bigger wheels and wheel base. Not to mention NAV Stability control and traction control options. Wait for the 09 or you will regret it.

 

Just wait a while after the 09 comes out and most probably a ton of first gen fits will be out there for a little bit cheaper. The 09 is ok, but i like the 08 better, even though it might be a little bit better.