I think the 09's might be a tad faster. from what i remember reading about the HKS fit in Car And Driver.

 

The '09 is only 22 pounds heavier than '08.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=122688

 

I'm still undecided what I'm going to do. I will probably go with an '09 because I want a new car with no miles really. If I'm going to pay slightly more for a brand new one I'm going to.

Now just to find a dealer in SoCal to give my business to.

 

I think you can actually find a better deal on a new one. Check out my post on why used fits cost more than new ones.

 

You may pay more for an 09, but you'll get back more at the time you sell it.

 

with the fit, u can put all the seats down and **** like crazy in the back

 

and 684 pounds uglyer

 

Actually using a popular power to weight ratio calculator, the new model is faster (in theory, in reality who knows?) and I figured the new one at 50 lbs heavier and not the 22 lbs Edmund's claims.

https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/2nd-...it-theory.html



.

 

would bikes fit in the back if you folded down the seats? or is that asking too much from a sub compact lol

 

Yes, with the front tires detatched. Someone has a thread wth pics.

 

I have fit two bikes in my gd3(2008). I didn't even need to pull the front wheel off, but my front passenger had legs, so I had to.

I think both cars are a great choice. Here's my pros cons list:
07-08 Pros
-Lighter, shorter wheelbases... (maybe better handling)
-Cheaper now
-Looks (Debatable)
-Easier to work on?
-More aftermarket options

Cons.
-Not new anymore, so tough to find with almost no mileage
-Shorter wheelbase makes for choppier ride.
-Stereo lacks USB (maybe important to you?)

09 Pros
-Bigger, Roomier
-More power, a little faster (iVTEC yeah!!!)
-More Cargo room with seats folded (actually quite a bit if you look at the numbers)
-Headrests on rear seats sit flush, so no need to remove them when folding (i wish mine had that)
-Subtle improvements over the last one.

09 Cons
-Bigger, Heavier
-Looks?
-More expensive.
-Smaller gas tank (10 vs 10.8 US gal)

Engineering wise, the 09 has been improved in almost every way. People argue back and forth about it's looks though. I think the front overhang on the 09 looks a little odd, but maybe a JDM conversion could fix that. The looks wouldn't stop me from getting one. Just consider it a butterface. haha

Good Luck on whatever you choose.

 

What do you mean by 2 bikes will fit with the front 2 tires detached??

edit: nevermind
blonde moment even though i'm not blonde...

 

You forgot to add in your list.

GD3 = has refresh mode(I found this very useful for people like to sleep like me)

GE8 = No refresh mode.

 

He means you will need to remove the front wheels of each bike to fit two bicycles in the back.

Shown in the picture below:

 

I looked at an 08 and an 09 yesterday and for some reason I think I like the 09 better. It felt better on the inside for me. The 08 was 16k and it had 20k miles and a new 09 was 17580. I didn't talk price yet just wanted to check some out.

 

Get the '09 dude, I'm not saying it is better but money wise you'll be better off with the '09. Its new and will be in warranty for a while, I'm guessing the resale value will be higher. The style is fresh, has more room inside, will have the aftermarket like the '08 and below. Buying an '09 will be wiser IMO. I just like the features of my '08 compare to the '09 especially the '08 has the refresh mode.

 

if you are gonna be happy w/ 40mpg and going slow but zippy. get the fit. if you want speed and power. look else where

 

what's refresh mode?

I do not desire speed or power. I'm all about functionality and MPG at this point in my life.

 

refresh mode is when you recline the front seats so they meet up with the rear cushions, then you can recline the rear seat backs a notch so its like an extended lounge chair.

http://www.thetorquereport.com/2008_...images_009.jpg

 

That's exactly what I'm talking about.