Doesn't this depend on the various locations in the U.S.? So far, I've seen the ETA to be every month from August through January. I sense we have to go by our respective dealers' projections....

 

Pre-ordered my 2009 FIT today from John Eagle Honda in Dallas. Just the Base Model with manual transmission (GE8729EW BASE MT). Expected delivery is before the end of October. $500 non-refundable desposit required, which I did not want to quibble with since I will be buying... Also, dealers do not know the exact pricing yet, but was able to lock in the purchase at MSRP whenever that is officially determined by Honda.

One cannot select the options or color wanted and thereby have the car built to your specifations. However, you can see what FIT's they have coming in and then select based upon that (you can see and select from their incoming inventory which includes FIT color, manual or automatic transmission, and base vs sport). You can see date of production via the Dealer's computer screen, and then you add about 6 weeks for actual delivery date.

As others have mentioned, most of first models to arrive in late Sept and October will be the Sport rather than the Base, and the 80:20 ratio cited appears accurate. Roughly, John Eagle had 20 Fits on order of which 16 were Sport model and 4 were Base model (and appeared 40% of the Sport models included the NAV option). I got the only Base model that had manual transmission, the other 3 were automatic.

All dealers will get one 2009 Honda FIT in an initial shipment in early September to display to prospective customers. FWIW, John Eagle sold their last 2008 Honda Fit yesterday, so only the 2009 model is available now, thus there is not likely to be a 2008 Fit clearance sale from most, if not all, dealers.

 

Ya ditto with my local dealer on everything. I didn't know they're getting a demo in early September though...that's exciting! I'm anxious so see them up close and personal...(sexy music in the background)...
Fitfreak.net will have to brace itself for the barrage of pictures of the '09 when they get here!

 

I hear mid-September, October 1, late-October....I hate not knowing more, when I have a pre-approved loan that expires on the 14th of Sept.

Maybe my dealer didn't have all the facts when he said it was "shipping" on Aug 26.

 

I did see several being manufactured and shipped in late August as I recollect, but this is shipping from Asia, so add about 6 weeks for ocean transit and you will likely get your vehicle in early October. We likely will see others post and get a more accurate shipping/ocean transit time, but I am estimating 6 weeks per my discussion.

 

My manufacture date [bk sport at] is Aug 22nd and my dealer said not to look for it until 1st week in Oct.

 

Too bad you aren't in Houston...they had one just like that with a build date of Aug 3rd. I would have jumped on it, but a black car in Texas is just insane.

 

I just love black cars, btw it was 96 here today.

 

I posted a similar comment on the "2009 Fit" thread (bottom of pg. 70), but here it is again...

I pre-ordered mine about a month ago now and they've told me twice that it will be built mid-Aug and to allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. So, BEST case scenario is 2nd or 3rd week of Sept. But most likely end of Sept. or early Oct. The only crappy part is I'll be out of town for a month starting Sept. 22, so I'll likely have to wait tilll i get back. I told this to the dealership and they said they could work something out. I'm assuming I'll just have to buy it before i leave whether it's there or not. I live in utah and obviously the western states will receive them 2-4 days before the eastern states. We'll see i guess. They said they'd contact me as soon as it was built, so I'm hoping to hear from them next week or the week after! I'll post when they do.

 

Anyone try pre-ordering in California?

 

Fantom, make sure you check out Goodson Honda as they have a free lifetime, unlimited mileage warranty on the powertrain for all their cars including the Fit. They'll even throw in a few free oil changes if you ask them. Don't just settle for a 10 year, 100,000 mile warranty. What's the catch? Not much of one really; you just pay a $100.00 deductable if the powertrain needs work. As much as I drive my Fit I'll be at 200K in a few years and a new transmission or engine for $100.00 sounds great to me!

Soccerdude

 

Goodson is a great dealership. I've reserved a 09 Silver Base Manual Fit. My build date is 8/18. It should arrive a couple weeks later. If all goes well I guess I'll have mine first. I believe it when I'm driving home though. I'll keep yall posted.