Alright, need some feedback on my decision...
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Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 153
From: Maitland, FL
Alright, need some feedback on my decision...
Alright here is the break down.
2007 White Fit - 12K Miles - $12.5K
2009 White Fit - 0 Miles -$17Kish.
Advatanges to the 2007 - I already know I like the way it looks, I like the way it drives, it's 5 grand cheaper right now. No TPMS which means I can swap wheels a heck of a lot easier.
Advantages to the 2009 - Nicer new interior, I-VTEC engine, No modifications needed for my satisfaction (Armrest, Dead Pedal, iPod Connection), Potentially fantastic looking.
I think the 2009 has potential, some cars just don't photograph well. Most 07/08 owners who have seen it will be on some form of mental biased built from denial that a newer model is out, and a passion for their own car. I haven't read much about the styling other from people on this site whom have seen it. I DID see a EU version about a month back, and it was decent, but the US version will be even more different.
Which ever I choose will be getting a set of 15" RPF1's and General's which happen to be the lightest combination possible, this will ensure driving pleasure and better city mpg. In this case the 07 would be much easier, as it doesn't have TPMS. I also can't verify that the Sport package on the 09 will fit 15" wheels, Honda hasn't said if it has bigger brakes, just that it gets bigger wheels.
Car comfort is important, we will have this car for the long haul. Lots of 07 owners say the new seats are much more comfortable, which is important. I also didn't want to have to modify the car, so with an 09 coming with the armrest, dead pedal, and iPod connection is a major plus.
One other major deciding point is the performance of the car. This isn't my weekend racer (I have an S2000). But I like the car to perform well. I know it's going to be underpowered either way, but that isn't my definition of performance. I don't think Honda will adjust much on the handling aspect on the new Fit, perhaps give it a rear sway bar and some stickier rubber, but after the success of the first gen they would be dumb to change it. Is I-VTEC going to make a major difference, that is the question. If it is tuned for fuel economy, we could see a nice jump in MPG, which is the nail in the coffin for the 07. Is Honda going to adjust gearing so it gets better economy on the highway, the one major downfall of the first gen in reviews, it's revving to high at highway speeds.
So after all that, is the risk of waiting for the 09 worth it? Is it going to be worth 5 grand more? Thoughts? Advice?
Thanks...
2007 White Fit - 12K Miles - $12.5K
2009 White Fit - 0 Miles -$17Kish.
Advatanges to the 2007 - I already know I like the way it looks, I like the way it drives, it's 5 grand cheaper right now. No TPMS which means I can swap wheels a heck of a lot easier.
Advantages to the 2009 - Nicer new interior, I-VTEC engine, No modifications needed for my satisfaction (Armrest, Dead Pedal, iPod Connection), Potentially fantastic looking.
I think the 2009 has potential, some cars just don't photograph well. Most 07/08 owners who have seen it will be on some form of mental biased built from denial that a newer model is out, and a passion for their own car. I haven't read much about the styling other from people on this site whom have seen it. I DID see a EU version about a month back, and it was decent, but the US version will be even more different.
Which ever I choose will be getting a set of 15" RPF1's and General's which happen to be the lightest combination possible, this will ensure driving pleasure and better city mpg. In this case the 07 would be much easier, as it doesn't have TPMS. I also can't verify that the Sport package on the 09 will fit 15" wheels, Honda hasn't said if it has bigger brakes, just that it gets bigger wheels.
Car comfort is important, we will have this car for the long haul. Lots of 07 owners say the new seats are much more comfortable, which is important. I also didn't want to have to modify the car, so with an 09 coming with the armrest, dead pedal, and iPod connection is a major plus.
One other major deciding point is the performance of the car. This isn't my weekend racer (I have an S2000). But I like the car to perform well. I know it's going to be underpowered either way, but that isn't my definition of performance. I don't think Honda will adjust much on the handling aspect on the new Fit, perhaps give it a rear sway bar and some stickier rubber, but after the success of the first gen they would be dumb to change it. Is I-VTEC going to make a major difference, that is the question. If it is tuned for fuel economy, we could see a nice jump in MPG, which is the nail in the coffin for the 07. Is Honda going to adjust gearing so it gets better economy on the highway, the one major downfall of the first gen in reviews, it's revving to high at highway speeds.
So after all that, is the risk of waiting for the 09 worth it? Is it going to be worth 5 grand more? Thoughts? Advice?
Thanks...
Last edited by WiggumS2K; Jun 23, 2008 at 07:51 AM.
Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 170
From: McDonough, GA
I personally don't think it's worth the extra $5,000, but then again, I'm a cheapskate.
An '07 with 12,000 miles for $12,500 sounds like a pretty good deal from what the used Fit market has been looking like lately. In early May I paid $13,500 for an '07 Sport AT, and all the used Fits I've seen advertised since were higher than that, so your $12,500 really sounds good. If you go for the '07, I would advise getting a Carfax report. I was all set to drive about 200 miles to look at one that was advertised for about $12,000. I decided to buy the Carfax service, ran the VIN, and found out the car had been totaled. Even if it comes up clean, inspect it thoroughly for evidence of body repair. Carfax will only show what gets reported by police and/or body shops, so it isn't infallible.
An '07 with 12,000 miles for $12,500 sounds like a pretty good deal from what the used Fit market has been looking like lately. In early May I paid $13,500 for an '07 Sport AT, and all the used Fits I've seen advertised since were higher than that, so your $12,500 really sounds good. If you go for the '07, I would advise getting a Carfax report. I was all set to drive about 200 miles to look at one that was advertised for about $12,000. I decided to buy the Carfax service, ran the VIN, and found out the car had been totaled. Even if it comes up clean, inspect it thoroughly for evidence of body repair. Carfax will only show what gets reported by police and/or body shops, so it isn't infallible.
Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 106
From: Woodbridge, VA
I think you should get the 2009...
And give me the seller's phone # for the 2007 Fit!
Seriously, that is a great deal. I've been watching several local craig's lists and autotrader searches for used Fits. The only one that was about that price (it was 11,500) had been in a wreck. I don't buy wrecked cars simply because I lack the expertise to evaluate them for true structural damage.
I'd be buying that 2007 Fit today if I were there!
And give me the seller's phone # for the 2007 Fit!
Seriously, that is a great deal. I've been watching several local craig's lists and autotrader searches for used Fits. The only one that was about that price (it was 11,500) had been in a wreck. I don't buy wrecked cars simply because I lack the expertise to evaluate them for true structural damage.
I'd be buying that 2007 Fit today if I were there!
i'd take the white 07 if is still nice and clean. still got warranty like a
new car too and you save $5k to hop it up.
make sure you look very thoroughly so that you know the car has not
been in an accident. look under the car too. check if any of the
fasterners have been removed at one time. the heads may show
scratches from the socket. could mean it was previously modded.
new car too and you save $5k to hop it up.
make sure you look very thoroughly so that you know the car has not
been in an accident. look under the car too. check if any of the
fasterners have been removed at one time. the heads may show
scratches from the socket. could mean it was previously modded.
it's a hard choice
see you are in the situation where you can keep your s2k and also have a Fit
i wasn't so lucky i had to sell my ap1 for a Fit (baby)
i consider 12k miles pretty 'new'
it's cheaper and i love the car....not as much as my old ap1 but it's good
but if you want to wait and be one of the first to review the new 09 Fits then go for it. it's more powerful and with some mods it should run all over the older Fits.
but the thing i don't like about brand new cars is that you must like to wait because the good mods don't come out for newer cars for at least a year or so.
07-08 Fit mods are now abundant with a great selection.
-Ricky
see you are in the situation where you can keep your s2k and also have a Fit
i wasn't so lucky i had to sell my ap1 for a Fit (baby)
i consider 12k miles pretty 'new'
it's cheaper and i love the car....not as much as my old ap1 but it's good
but if you want to wait and be one of the first to review the new 09 Fits then go for it. it's more powerful and with some mods it should run all over the older Fits.
but the thing i don't like about brand new cars is that you must like to wait because the good mods don't come out for newer cars for at least a year or so.
07-08 Fit mods are now abundant with a great selection.
-Ricky
If the 07 TW is in great working order that is a sweet deal. Of course if you have the money to put up as a new car purchase you will get to enjoy the new more hp, more stability in the car chassie, a little longer and wider body. I would like to test drive a 09 just to check it out. I may be bias but I do like the looks of the 07, 08's over the 09 but like above it could be much nicer looking in person and I love the way those headlights extend almost to the pillars!
My 07 just turned a year old in May and it is running better than it did a year ago.
Cat
My 07 just turned a year old in May and it is running better than it did a year ago.
Cat
New Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 13
From: Iowa
Wiggum --
The 07 vs 09 decision is one that only you can make. The same goes for the price difference between a used '07 and a new 09.
The issue -- to my mind -- the the difference between a new car and a used one. Some people are easy on their cars; others are not. Has the car been damaged? Has it been maintained well? Who drove it? How did they drive it? Where did they drive it? Why are they selling it?
What are your expectations for the car? What if the paint is swirled and scratched in a place or two? What if the carpet and or seats are a little stained and the dash has a scratch or two? Are these the sort of things that you can live with, or are they going to annoy you as long as you own the car?
Anything with a high MPG rating today is going to sell fast and sell high...
Pretty soon the 07 will be a two year old model, which will have some effect on resale value if it comes to that. The 09's might have some effect on the availability of aftermarket parts for the 1st gen Fits down the road.
I've owned new, and I've owned used; the only times I've been disappointed with a used car purchase is when the car had apparently been used hard/abused by the owner. That is the sort of thing that you don't notice right away; you may not notice it until a couple of years down the road. Car dealers are good at covering this kind of stuff up.
I'd recommend that if you decide to go with the used car -- even tho the car is only a couple of years old -- that you take it to a mechanic who knows Honda and knows Fits and have them check it over. It'll cost you a few $$$, but since I started doing that before buying a used car, I've yet to be disappointed with a car I've purchased.
-- Bill
The 07 vs 09 decision is one that only you can make. The same goes for the price difference between a used '07 and a new 09.
The issue -- to my mind -- the the difference between a new car and a used one. Some people are easy on their cars; others are not. Has the car been damaged? Has it been maintained well? Who drove it? How did they drive it? Where did they drive it? Why are they selling it?
What are your expectations for the car? What if the paint is swirled and scratched in a place or two? What if the carpet and or seats are a little stained and the dash has a scratch or two? Are these the sort of things that you can live with, or are they going to annoy you as long as you own the car?
Anything with a high MPG rating today is going to sell fast and sell high...
Pretty soon the 07 will be a two year old model, which will have some effect on resale value if it comes to that. The 09's might have some effect on the availability of aftermarket parts for the 1st gen Fits down the road.
I've owned new, and I've owned used; the only times I've been disappointed with a used car purchase is when the car had apparently been used hard/abused by the owner. That is the sort of thing that you don't notice right away; you may not notice it until a couple of years down the road. Car dealers are good at covering this kind of stuff up.
I'd recommend that if you decide to go with the used car -- even tho the car is only a couple of years old -- that you take it to a mechanic who knows Honda and knows Fits and have them check it over. It'll cost you a few $$$, but since I started doing that before buying a used car, I've yet to be disappointed with a car I've purchased.
-- Bill
Last edited by wm_brant; Jun 23, 2008 at 10:08 PM.
New Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5
From: san diego, CA
If $$$ isn't really an issue....get the '09....more power, more room....not getting a 7yr old model..etc.
If you just want the most bang for the buck and it's an issue of $$$, get the '07. You save money and you got a barely used car that will most likely be bulletproof.
If you just want the most bang for the buck and it's an issue of $$$, get the '07. You save money and you got a barely used car that will most likely be bulletproof.
My vote is for the 07, but that's only because I prefer the old body style (and white was my first choice).
If I were buying new, I'd rather have a non-white 08 than the 09.
Again, YMMV, so make the decision that *you* want.
-Mike
If I were buying new, I'd rather have a non-white 08 than the 09.
Again, YMMV, so make the decision that *you* want.
-Mike
Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,398
From: CT
I'd say base it on which one you like better. Really I think the differences between the two are going to be rather slim. Dead pedal and arm rest? You can get both put into the '07 without damaging stock parts. Power? There's 9 flywheel HP difference and a 200lb weight difference, the engine performance should be about the same unless there is extensive gearing changes. The i-vtec is for fuel economy, we don't have any EPA figures yet but based on the JDM Fit it should get around the same MPG while upping the HP a bit. However, like the performance aspect we really don't know until people can start getting their hands on the USDM-spec ones. Suspension is supposed to be a bit softer on the '09s, but handling isn't supposed to have changed too much. It's rather hard to say which is the better buy right now simply because there's really no information that many people are looking for on the USDM cars. One compelling arguement against the new Fit would be this:
The nose and hood just look way too off for my taste and many of the 2007/8 owners. It's not that we're biased to our cars already, many of us think a lot of the things that are coming out in the new one are nice, but from an asthetic P.O.V. it just doesn't sit right with many of us here.
The nose and hood just look way too off for my taste and many of the 2007/8 owners. It's not that we're biased to our cars already, many of us think a lot of the things that are coming out in the new one are nice, but from an asthetic P.O.V. it just doesn't sit right with many of us here.
^^^ Honda (if they handled the photography) did a really bad job w/ that profile shot in terms of what they chose to highlight and how they set up their lights. The other shots in that series look pretty good IMO, but the profile shot is truly horrid. 
In some angles, I prefer the USDM front end vs. the JDM one.
-Mike
In some angles, I prefer the USDM front end vs. the JDM one.-Mike
Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 403
From: Alabama
I've gone thru a similar dilemma. For me it was a decision between a new '08 Fit or wait for the redesigned '09 version. There are lots of things I love about the new '09 version, mostly the interior upgrades, GPS option, improved ride, available in TW, etc. But like others on here, I'm not in love with the front of it.
I just purchased a new '08 Fit Sport/Auto because when it came down to it, I loved the body style on it. Once I drove it, I knew I wanted this one. It felt right. I also knew the '08 models were going to get scarce the closer it gets to the release date of the '09, and I wanted a new car, not a used. I think the new version is going to be nice but not as unique as the '07- '08 versions which is what I like.
Also, I'm not sure the overall differences between the old and the new are that great other than obvious cosmetic changes. So then it becomes a personal preference and what moves you. If you're keeping this car long term as a daily driver, then an '09 might be the best option, rather than a used '07. Yeah, the '07 might be cheaper, but you don't know how its been handled, etc. JMO. Good luck in your decision!
I just purchased a new '08 Fit Sport/Auto because when it came down to it, I loved the body style on it. Once I drove it, I knew I wanted this one. It felt right. I also knew the '08 models were going to get scarce the closer it gets to the release date of the '09, and I wanted a new car, not a used. I think the new version is going to be nice but not as unique as the '07- '08 versions which is what I like.
Also, I'm not sure the overall differences between the old and the new are that great other than obvious cosmetic changes. So then it becomes a personal preference and what moves you. If you're keeping this car long term as a daily driver, then an '09 might be the best option, rather than a used '07. Yeah, the '07 might be cheaper, but you don't know how its been handled, etc. JMO. Good luck in your decision!
