I needed a new car and I really did not want to wait for the '09s, not to mention I am a big fan of the current design.

Honda has already said the MPG will be about the same. I would not expect a significant difference in performance with a +9 hp gain.

Comfort should be better on the new model I would think, I know there has been some talk of softening up the ride a bit. I personally don't care about armrest/footrest/iPod etc, but since you do and comfort is a factor I would wait for the '09. You can always buy a used '07 later if that is what you really want.

 

id get the 09 i want nav

 

I would say get the 07'. My reasoning behind this is simple. Firstly, the 07-08' Fit has been around quite a while in Japan and elsewhere, but only in the USDM for two model years. Now it's changing after demand has risen and more and more people are liking them. The new model will more than likely see a five or so year production run. It will be more of a run of the mill Honda that everyone else has and get's used to. Just like when Honda brought back the Civic hatchback with the SI a few years ago, people will be kicking themselves that they didn't get the 07-08' Fits while they had the chance.

Secondly, putting owner bias aside; the new Fit isn't aesthetically pleasing. It looks like a Subaru WRX wagon, Mazda 5, and Nissan Versa had a bastard child. I fully agree with the new, more plush interior, but the dead pedal and armrest can be added, and the 07-08' already has an Aux input that can handle any mp3 player on the market including an iPOD.

I think it really boils down to whether or not you really think 5,000 dollars is worth a different seat fabric, new dash fascia, and being able to control your iPOD through the OEM head unit. Also keep in mind that the car will be 200lbs heavier, and that extra 10HP isn't going to make a difference at all. The EPA MPG ratings will more than likely be exactly the same or even lower with the heavier car putting out more power. Oh and the high revs are still going to be there with a drive-by-wire throttle system. That's inherent in how most of those systems operate.

I would get the 07', and drop 1,500 dollars into it to get that extra 10HP with performance upgrades, center arm rest, dead pedal, an after market NAV, and a head unit that works with an iPOD.

 

Here's another factor you may want to consider:
If you choose the '07, you'll have a less common car a few years down the road. Some might call it a "classic," though the word is overused. My guess is that in three or four years, we'll be seeing many, many of the new-generation Fits on the highways, so that the older models will seem special. Personally, I like the looks of the first-gen Fit quite a bit more than the '09 with its extended nose.

Maybe you said it and I missed it, but is the TW '07 a Sport? Many prefer the look of the sport model to the base, so that could also be a factor in your decision.

 

Not in my opinion, depending on any financing issues. The $12.5 on a 12k mi Fit supposedly in 'new' condition is a gift. However, if financing has a decided disadvantage, say 9% vs 1.9%, it may override the smaller residual value difference. ( the 07 will lose considerably less value in total dollars and % of cost than will the 09.)
However, I don't expect that to be true and the cost of the 07 is too good to pass up ASSUMING THE 07 IS IN GOOD CONDITION WITH NO ISSUES.
Good luck.

 

go with the 07 and call it a day

 

A threesome to make bastard child? hahaha! If yaris was the mother it would be like South Park when cartman is trying to find out who his dad is.

I heard the 09 was only 20-28lbs heavier... can you please share where you got this 200lb info from?

 

The 200 lbs is BS. The new model is about 22 lbs heavier.

It should be a little quicker, not because of the 9 hp so much as because the iVTEC valvetrain should give it a bit of a broader powerband.

The new one doesn't look so bad. I actually really like the JDM version actually and the USDM one only looks funky from the side view. Now, I don't like the steering wheel and the way they did the gauges in the new car, but overall we all know its going to have some improvements and that is a good thing. I like that they kept the weight pretty close to the same.

As long as they don't soften the suspension up TOO much that it compromises handling I think it will be a winner.

I expect the new one will be very similar to what we are all used to, just a little more refined, smooth riding and with a few extra creature comforts and more even power delivery from the engine. That's my prediction.

I also predict that Honda will be able to sell every one they build and the dealer price gouging is going to start all over again once the '09s begin to trickle in.

 

Sorry about that. Typo, typo, typo...I meant to say 20lbs and hit the zero twice my bad

 

I'd say it all comes down to looks and $.
If you prefer the '07, don't wait for the '09. I'm in the "Prefer the first gen club", but only because of the USDM long nose. If it were coming over unmolested from it's JDM form, then the look wouldn't matter to me at all. I like the first gen (both North American and Rest-Of-World versions) and the JDM second gen equally.
But the long nose kills it for me, and I think it will be even more pronounced in person.
Check out the 2009 Fit stickied thread for pics of JDM goodness.

BTW, you should see the luxury and sport versions for the JDM market on Honda's Japanese site. (Thanks for the links whoever posted them last month).

If you like the looks of the '09, and don't mind paying the extra cash to get it, then go for that.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

by the time you make up your mind, the 07 probably SOLD already