From clunker to Fit
 

Since Mr. Obama wants to give me $4500 for my 1996 4 X 4 chevy blazer that gets 16 mpg, has 220,000 miles on it and a Kelly Blue Book value of less than a grand I guess I'm in the market for a Fit. Why not buy a brand new car for a few grand less than a used one would cost?

I like the sport model but just want to know what others like and dislike.

What options should I look for and look out for?

i would recommend the sport for sure. for only $1600 more, you're getting quite a bit of stuff. it's a great car. for options, i would just look into floor mats, cargo tray, maybe some window visors. the car comes pretty well equipped.

nice.

I'd suggest the sport without the navi, unless you think a navi system w/out bluetooth and VSA is worth $1800 more than the regular sport

sport has things like, cruise control, mp3 playing, armrest, body kit, spoiler, larger alloy wheels and an extra rear sturt bar

yeah, get the Sport. Much nicer than the base Fit.

Wow, maybe I should buy a crappy old SUV from Craigslist for sub $1000 and use it to buy a motorcycle :P

I'm trading in my '96 Jeep that gets 14mpg for a Fit, too <3
I'm opting for the Sport and after a long time decided I'll get it without the Nav option because it's a little too costly for that type/quality of Nav, I think.

I don't think you can get a motorcycle from this program. :P And the car would have to be registered under your name (and insured) for the past year to be eligible to trade.

The county I live in does the same program but you only get 3,000 and today I traded my 1991 Honda Accord for the Fit! It looked like my Accord would not qualify for the government program becuase it was not that big of a gas guzzler.

Congratulations on getting the Fit!

For people interested in the details, here is the official CARS (Car Allowance Rebate System) site:
CARS.gov - Car Allowance Rebate System - Home - Formerly Referred to as &ldquo;Cash for Clunkers&rdquo;

A blog from Consumer Reports on the CARS bill:
President Obama signs cash for clunkers bill: Consumer Reports Cars Blog

And by golly, guess who made the short list from Consumer Reports of recommended cars to buy...Oh yes, the FIT (base model automatic):
Cash for clunkers: Recommended cars that qualify for a voucher: Consumer Reports Cars Blog

It's not just on there, it's the lowest priced vehicle on there, and having one of the higher mpg ratings without being a hybrid.

We. Are. Good.

Good idea..... work the system:p:popc::rotfl::D

wat? i get to pay for your car via taxes. wth's going on here??! :D:rotfl: take the money and get a Fit! put it to good use since you already got the money. :p

Was this the AirCheck Texas program? I was thinking of doing this too since the geniuses in Washington decided that only cars with poor gas mileage (i.e. American cars) can be clunkers.

I don't know about the purchase of a motorcycle, but I'm pretty sure you will be required to show proof of ownership and insurance on the vehicle you are "trading in" for the previous year. Buying a POS from Craigslist would probably be a BAD idea.

watever happened to joe the plumber? does he drive a Honda Fit by now? lol

Main page for AirCheck Texas.
Is your car or truck 10 years old or older? Or has it failed an emissions test? - Texas Commission on Environmental Quality - www.tceq.state.tx.us

General requirements:
Your vehicle must meet these conditions: • Failed an emissions test,
• Registered in your participating county area for the 12 consecutive months preceding application, and
• Passed a Texas motor-vehicle safety and emissions inspection within 15 months of your application and driven under its own power to the automobile dealership. OR • At least 10 years old and gasoline powered,
• Driven under its own power to the automobile dealership,
• Registered in your participating county area for the 12 consecutive months preceding application, and
• Passed a DPS motor-vehicle safety inspection (if more than 24 years old) or safety and emissions inspection (if 24 years old or less) within 15 months of application

Not to mention 31mpg was ridiculously conservative on Honda's part. I'm getting 38 mpg regularly combined city/highway on my 5sp Sport 2009 Fit (and as high as 41.7 mpg). And Im calculating that myself, so yes it is an accurate mpg!

I believe the correct term is President Obama. ;) We hope you buy a Fit and join the club.

Just like what others suggested. Get the Sport without the Navi.