I've been on wait lists for the 2008 and both my local dealers emailed today stating that new Fit's have arrived. Even though the 2008 is coming to a close, both local dealers won't budge or throw in something extra. That seems, to myself, kind of shady but I do understand. The Fit is HOT and it's one of the few bright spots in a real bummer of a industry.

What should I do? Grab a 2008 now or wait for the 2009? Is there enough of an improvement over the 08 to justify the wait for the 09? I can wait for either, but I really do want to make the right choice. I tend to drive my vehicles for 8 - 10 years.

Thoughts?

 

In my OPINION, everything is better about the 2009 Fit. Some may argue that they prefer the body style/interior of the '08. I plan on waiting for a 2009.

 

You know I was in the exact same position with which model year to buy. It seems like 2009 is decently improved in terms of addressing much of the gripes people have with the current version. The only real debate is on the exterior looks from what I have seen and how much more if at all the price will be. For me I am waiting to see check out the 2009 model when it hits show rooms.

I would also say to check out carsdirect.com to price out the car there vs. what the dealer is offering.

 

BM Strong wrote:
What should I do? Grab a 2008 now or wait for the 2009? Is there enough of an improvement over the 08 to justify the wait for the 09? I can wait for either, but I really do want to make the right choice. I tend to drive my vehicles for 8 - 10 years.
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There is no RIGHT choice...nor is there a really bad choice here. You do not mention whether you need a car or not right now. I have an 08 Sport 5-speed, and I got it at a few hundred under MRSP. But here now, you cannot get it even close to that. I suggest pushing the salesman to try to get something you are happy with price wise on the '08. If that does not work...just walk. You may have to pay more for the '09, but at least you will have made that decision. Look at the Prius right now...I believe it is a 6-8 month wait to get one.....the Fit could go in that direction.

 

08 08 08 08 08

 

I have a 2008 but I agree that the 2009 should be better in a lot of ways. I don't care for the styling nearly as much, but that is purely subjective. A lot of things, like the ride quality etc have supposedly been improved.

I am not usually a fan of buying a car in it's first model year, but they have been making the '09 in Japan for a year now already and this is Honda we are talking about sooo... I say go for the 2009. Why not?

 

The 09 has more rear knee room, more peak hp, same mpg rating, and despite so-called price lists now the 09 will likely cost 200-300 more. By the 09's come out the demand will be greater and unless you have a contracted price you'll pay more. I vote for the 08 unless rear knee room is critical. A bird-in-hand ....

 

I am in the same boat, and here is my choice:


Wait for the 2009's, and test drive one then. I have already test driven a 2008, and loved it. The only thing I COULD use is a bit more legroom (I am 6'3", and I felt a bit close to the pedals...) and the telescoping wheel of the 09 might make a comfort difference too...


But anyway, I am waiting for the 2009s. I STILL may buy a 2008 instead (if I do not like my 2009 test drive), and perhaps the 2008s will have gone down in price due to the new 09s out there...

 

dont get me wrong i love my fit. get the o9 it will be more fun. you get to do all the new stuff first theres gunna be a lot more for your money included and the resale value will be higher cuz its the current model.

 

Good news is that you can't go wrong. We love our '08 and I'm sure the '09 will be an even better car.

 

When the 09's hit I bet you have a very hard time finding an 08. The extra knee room is in the rear not in driver's seat.

 

Can't say for sure since they're not here yet, but I'd wait for the 09 because:

1) telecsoping steering wheel (really wish the current one had this)
2) USB port for stereo (ditto)
3) performace should be very close, maybe slightly better ( +9 hp and only +~20 lbs extra weight)
4) gas mileage supposed to be the same or very close
5) Price should be close to current model, maybe +$200 or so (guessing)
6) I seem to remember added controls on the wheel for stereo (not positive on this though.....)

The extra size is + or - depending on who you talk to. I'm 6'1" and have no problems in the back seat but YMMV.

Either way, it's a great choice - but the wait will be longer for 09's especially with everybody running to smaller cars now.....

 

I like that the larger front seats are built around a bigger/ more supportive frame.

 

quick, open your mouth, bite, chew, and swallow! It is the only way to get out of a pickle!!!!

 

08 hands down...

 

08 Ftw!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

if you have an extra car, just wait.

 

I was doing the same thing.
So I bought the 08. I need a Fit now and waiting another 6 months and spending $140 a week on gas for my F250 was killing me.
Now I can sit back and take it all in. when the 09's arrive I can look at my leisure. If I like what I see I will buy one maybe next fall.

 

Have you heard of the term "Shop around"? Wait for the 09, check it out next to the 08s, and see which one you like better and get the one you like better, simple as that.

 

LOL you and I are the same, I am 6'3" as well and love the current one but want to see if the new one is better. My biggest problem with the current model is the driver seat being small, my thighs have no support because the base of the seat is so short so I can't get comfortable. It's definitely made for normal asian instead of my big asian.