Hey guys,

This is my first post, and let me start off by saying I think the insight you guys give on all topics is top notch, and it is greatly appreciated. With that being said, I am on the market to buy a Fit... I do have a couple of questions/concerns. My wife and I just found out that we are expecting our first child. Am I crazy to be looking at potentially buying a Fit because of safety concerns? I have done a ton of research, and I know the Fit is safe, but would any of you guys even be thinking of buying a Fit if you were expecting a little one?

By the way, I currently drive a 2008 Honda Element SC. I like the Element a lot, but there is just something about the Fit that catches my eye. My Element only has 4,000 miles, so still not sure how bad the dealership will bend me over when I try to trade it in. Anyway, the safety concerns is going to be the only thing that might not make me purchase a fit in the next few weeks/months.

Anyway, any input by you guys would be greatly appreciated!

Greg

 

I would recomend it. IT will save u gas and insurance which u could use the money seeing u have a little one on the way. But if u like the element keep that it has low miles and its nice. But i would get the fit if i was having a kid

 

Congratulations on the new little one! Honestly, even with the safety features, I don't think I would trade in the bigger car for a Fit. Babies come with a lot of gear, and the space in the Element will be more comfortable. How does your wife feel about the possible trade? And yes, you will get bent over for trading in your Element, no doubt. If you can't keep both, I'd keep the Element for now, and lust after a Fit of your own for later. It'll only get better over time.

JMO and I'm sure many will disagree. When my kids were small, we bought an Olds 98 which was a TANK and HUGE and I loved it beyond love. It was like a ballroom inside. I loved the space and I could muscle out any car on the road - I was ALWAYS the biggest. Well, except for the F-150's....

 

my input? you're going to be a new dad and new dads will need a lot
of misc cash here and there to take care of his kids and wife at times.

so, if you have that cash (meaning, you dont have to loan anything),
do the change from your element to the FitSport. if not, dont do it
cause you're going to be a dad now. it's not about just you.

 

There should be no safety concerns. 5-star front and side safety ratings as well as front, side and curtain airbags. No worries.

 

Run the numbers and you will see at almost NEVER makes sense to trade in your current car for a more fuel efficient one. Taking into account the depreciation on your brand new car, you would be insane, IMHO. Take the advice of kenchan - it's not about you - save your money for all the miscellaneous expenses that will come up with having kids.

Mark

 

yeah i had an s2000 and sold it for the Fit
it's very safe, all around much cheaper than s2k

baby sits fine back there and wife is comfortable/happy

-Ricky

 

I purchased my Fit last year specifically because I knew in a couple years my wife and I were going to start trying to have kids. I wanted something that would be fun to drive, not guzzle fuel, not be a mini van or SUV, and be reliable well after 100,000 miles. The Fit was perfect IMO.
Oh, and now we are expecting (a little ahead of schedule), she's due in January!!

 

I'd keep the Element. It's a rugged car, and kids can deal out lots of abuse to the insides of cars. Like somebody else pointed out, kids also require a lot of junk that you have to haul around. You will probably appreciate the extra space as well as not having to bend over so much to fiddle with a car seat.

Most cars are pretty similar, safety-wise. Getting hit at high speed is going to hurt whether you're driving an Element or a Fit. My advice? Don't drive drunk, don't use the cell phone while driving, don't fiddle with the kid in the back seat while driving, drive defensively, and use a good car seat. Buckle everyone up. Pull over if you have to make a call or attend to some child care issues. You always want your maximum attention on the road. People get used to driving in their super-cushioned air-conditioned sound-insulated vehicles that the road doesn't seem very dangerous anymore. They start to drive aggressively and allow their attention to wander. Don't be one of those drivers.

Nobody's going to pay top-dollar for a gas guzzler at this point in time, so trading in your Element will probably get you screwed. A neighbor of mine just bought a brand new SUV and can't get rid of his old one, even though it's reasonably new and in good shape.

If you're lucky, an improved Fit will be waiting for you once it's time for a new car. I bought one during the first model year and it's definitely given me some headaches!

 

Thanks for your input everyone... I think I will keep the Element. I really do like my Element, I just like the way the Fit looks and drives a little more I actually am averaging around 28 mpg with my Element, and I am very pleased with this considering how big the vehicle is. Anyway, thanks again guys, I really do appreciate it!

Greg

 

Congratulations! I love to hear about new little ones. Please post photos when your little darlin' arrives (and I don't mean a new Fit!)!

Hi to all the expecting Mamas!

 

i bought my fit three months ago and i just had my second one and they both fit perfect in the rear and still got enough room for my wife to sit in the middle of the car seats when baby is crying. i love my fit!!!!! also theres enough foom in front seat when infant seat behined passenger seat so theres enough room in this car for fun filled day with the family with out a dought also gas is great on it