Help FitFreakers... 1stGen/2ndGen
 

Hi -

My girlfriend really wants a Fit (and I am seeing how awesome they are in helping her research). Anyhow, we found someone selling a 2008 with 81,000 miles for $6000 which seems like a great deal. But I am a little bit leery of going back a generation.

Is the cargo difference that significant? We will be using it to drive across country and it would be nice to be able to sleep in back in a pinch.
Will she end up regretting not just waiting on the 2009?

Thanks!

Elliott

Ok - just read all the posts about the cargo space!

I guess what I'm wondering is, in your opinion is the difference between the two enough to not just snatch up a 1st Gen at a really good price? Or is it just personal preference?

It is all personal preference.

I drive a 2012 (GE/2nd gen.), used to drive an '08 (GD/1G). My lady drives a '08 Sport, and prefers it to my car.

Space wise...the GD is actually a bit better in my opinion. The seats fold just a smidge flatter.

That is a great price by the way, however I'd look into investing a few hundred to a thousand in the near future, just to get everything in tip-top shape (new fluids/filters, valve adjustment, serpentine belt, coil packs/spark plugs, check brakes, etc.)

IF you're going to be sleeping in the car AT ALL with all of your items (if any) in the vehicle located in the hatch... Then the GD3 wins hands down due to "refresh mode". Couple that with some Clazzio seat covers and you will almost literally have a couch or lazy boy in your back seat.

In terms of ease of maintenance both are easy to maintain if you want to do your own maintenance though the GD3 is a little bit simpler. For example, it easier to access spark plugs, struts/shocks, wiper inserts/blades and factory tire sizes... Where as the GE8 you may have to remove the wiper blade arms AND cowl trim on the windshield to access the front struts and possibly the spark plugs (If your arms aren't small or flexible enough).

On the flip side, there are more little storage places in the GE8 compared to the GD3. Under the driver's rear seat is a hidden storage tray, there's an upper and lower glove box (even an trick little Honda Accessory storage "board" that folds multiple ways), along with 10 cup holders to the GD3's 5.


So really its almost a case of practical to OWN vs practical to USE in the case of using a first or second gen Fit in my honest opinion... without factoring in trim levels (Sport vs Base).

And of course, we'd all recommend doing all the fluids in the vehicle if it doesn't have a thorough history. Engine oil, transmission fluid replacement (Do NOT flush), brake fluid replacement (every 3 years), and coolant (5 years/60k miles)... The cabin and engine air filters are a go by sight item while spark plugs are supposed to be done every 6 to 7 years or about 100k miles (Denso or NGKs are recommended for these engines).

Valve adjustment is a play by generally a play by ear item as per Honda... BUT I personally do mine every 30k to 45k miles.

I agree with mike. It comes down to preference. I prefer the 2007-2008 Fits which is why I own one and would never trade it for a 2009-2013 or 2015+. It's a Honda. If you're nice to it and treat it right, you can probably get another 81000+ miles out of it. There's a "high mileage Fits" thread around here somewhere.