Going from GTI to Fit for my highway commute.
Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4,329
From: Cleveland, GA
It ls obvious that you’ve thought this through carefully and you’re going to stick to the Fit. I’d go with the ‘16 GK5 then and if possible, look for the VIN that doesn’t start with “H”. Those cars were produced in Mexico and a few had issues (tho not as bad as the ‘15s If you can spring for a ‘17, I don’t think it matters whether the car was made in Japan or Mexico. Reliability of the ‘17s from Mexico seems fine.
Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 172
From: O Canada
I believe more people are willing to buy a used high mileage Honda vs. a used high mileage VW, strictly from the point of view of reliability & cost of repairs. As such the depreciation hit on a VW (as % of new cost) should be higher than the depreciation % on a Honda.
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New Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 9
From: Canada
I think where I am starting to come down on this is here:
The GTI is under its CPO warranty until the end of the year. I have no major expected maintenance costs (tires/brakes are all recent) and warranty should cover any major repairs that could come up so any immediate savings from a Fit would come from fuel only. That's about $100/month which is not nothing, but on its own it is not life changing and not worth the hassle of swapping vehicles and giving up the GTI. I'm thinking to keep the GTI until I'm a couple months away from the end of the warranty period and see what's available for my budget at that time. Maybe I can look for a 17 GK by that point.
My rather frugal friend who owns a GD is in agreement with this line of thinking
The GTI is under its CPO warranty until the end of the year. I have no major expected maintenance costs (tires/brakes are all recent) and warranty should cover any major repairs that could come up so any immediate savings from a Fit would come from fuel only. That's about $100/month which is not nothing, but on its own it is not life changing and not worth the hassle of swapping vehicles and giving up the GTI. I'm thinking to keep the GTI until I'm a couple months away from the end of the warranty period and see what's available for my budget at that time. Maybe I can look for a 17 GK by that point.
My rather frugal friend who owns a GD is in agreement with this line of thinking
Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 145
From: New England, USA
It ls obvious that you’ve thought this through carefully and you’re going to stick to the Fit. I’d go with the ‘16 GK5 then and if possible, look for the VIN that doesn’t start with “H”. Those cars were produced in Mexico and a few had issues (tho not as bad as the ‘15s If you can spring for a ‘17, I don’t think it matters whether the car was made in Japan or Mexico. Reliability of the ‘17s from Mexico seems fine.
Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4,329
From: Cleveland, GA
And J is...Japan. It's one of the few that are easy to decipher.
I think where I am starting to come down on this is here:
The GTI is under its CPO warranty until the end of the year. I have no major expected maintenance costs (tires/brakes are all recent) and warranty should cover any major repairs that could come up so any immediate savings from a Fit would come from fuel only. That's about $100/month which is not nothing, but on its own it is not life changing and not worth the hassle of swapping vehicles and giving up the GTI. I'm thinking to keep the GTI until I'm a couple months away from the end of the warranty period and see what's available for my budget at that time. Maybe I can look for a 17 GK by that point.
My rather frugal friend who owns a GD is in agreement with this line of thinking
The GTI is under its CPO warranty until the end of the year. I have no major expected maintenance costs (tires/brakes are all recent) and warranty should cover any major repairs that could come up so any immediate savings from a Fit would come from fuel only. That's about $100/month which is not nothing, but on its own it is not life changing and not worth the hassle of swapping vehicles and giving up the GTI. I'm thinking to keep the GTI until I'm a couple months away from the end of the warranty period and see what's available for my budget at that time. Maybe I can look for a 17 GK by that point.
My rather frugal friend who owns a GD is in agreement with this line of thinking
something like that. at this point the GK sucks imho. GE is the one to get.
I test drove a GK when my ex & I were in the market for her.
Its fine. The GE is fine. The GD is fine. They're all fine. None of them are special IMO.
As I said earlier, just get the newest/cleanest thing you can find, I'd buy the GK if I were in your precise mindset. But I wouldn't buy any of them as me
Its fine. The GE is fine. The GD is fine. They're all fine. None of them are special IMO.
As I said earlier, just get the newest/cleanest thing you can find, I'd buy the GK if I were in your precise mindset. But I wouldn't buy any of them as me
Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4,329
From: Cleveland, GA
This is probably the only car forum where it's own members talk down on their rides.
To give some perspective for someone considering a Fit...most of us would rather do a "shoey" (google that one) than to have to drive a Yaris or Versa. We both love and hate our Fits I would say.
To give some perspective for someone considering a Fit...most of us would rather do a "shoey" (google that one) than to have to drive a Yaris or Versa. We both love and hate our Fits I would say.
Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 83
From: MKEWI
As the title says, I'm looking to make the transition from a GTI to a Fit for my 58km each way (116km round trip) commute. The reason is that I do about 33K km/year, and it's killing me seeing the poor GTI go through the grind of my commute plus shuttling the kids and myself around on weekends. Every new scratch/chip/dent kills a small piece of my soul. Secondly, my commute is a bit pricey because it involves spending a good chunk of time on a pricey toll highway (the 407 for anybody in the GTA). I figure trading the GTI for a Fit will save me $1200/year on gas alone, plus reduced running costs (tires, brakes, oil, repairs), so this will noticeably decrease the overall cost of commuting for me.
What I'm hoping for from you Fit experts/enthusiasts is to help me decide if the Fit is something one can live with for this daily grind after having the GTI for 2 years. My recent car history is 03 WRX Wagon 5MT, 03 Jetta TDI 5MT, 13 GTI 6MT so I'm all on board with small cars with manual transmissions. I'm also interested on any input comparing the newest generation (15+) to the previous (09-14). I understand that with the newest generation the crash test rating has improved, and that going from 5MT to 6MT has reduced the highway engine buzz a little. Is there anything else in there that could help sway the decision one way or the other? A gently used EX 6MT goes for around $17K here while I can get 09-14s for around $6-$12K.
Thanks for any advice!
What I'm hoping for from you Fit experts/enthusiasts is to help me decide if the Fit is something one can live with for this daily grind after having the GTI for 2 years. My recent car history is 03 WRX Wagon 5MT, 03 Jetta TDI 5MT, 13 GTI 6MT so I'm all on board with small cars with manual transmissions. I'm also interested on any input comparing the newest generation (15+) to the previous (09-14). I understand that with the newest generation the crash test rating has improved, and that going from 5MT to 6MT has reduced the highway engine buzz a little. Is there anything else in there that could help sway the decision one way or the other? A gently used EX 6MT goes for around $17K here while I can get 09-14s for around $6-$12K.
Thanks for any advice!
Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 83
From: MKEWI
Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 172
From: O Canada
I think where I am starting to come down on this is here:
The GTI is under its CPO warranty until the end of the year. I have no major expected maintenance costs (tires/brakes are all recent) and warranty should cover any major repairs that could come up so any immediate savings from a Fit would come from fuel only. That's about $100/month which is not nothing, but on its own it is not life changing and not worth the hassle of swapping vehicles and giving up the GTI. I'm thinking to keep the GTI until I'm a couple months away from the end of the warranty period and see what's available for my budget at that time. Maybe I can look for a 17 GK by that point.
My rather frugal friend who owns a GD is in agreement with this line of thinking
The GTI is under its CPO warranty until the end of the year. I have no major expected maintenance costs (tires/brakes are all recent) and warranty should cover any major repairs that could come up so any immediate savings from a Fit would come from fuel only. That's about $100/month which is not nothing, but on its own it is not life changing and not worth the hassle of swapping vehicles and giving up the GTI. I'm thinking to keep the GTI until I'm a couple months away from the end of the warranty period and see what's available for my budget at that time. Maybe I can look for a 17 GK by that point.
My rather frugal friend who owns a GD is in agreement with this line of thinking
And what about insurance? I'd be surprised if a Fit isn't lower than a GTI.
Also you likely need oil changes more often with a GTI, not that it's a big cost difference.
I drove my Fit 16,000 km of mixed city/hwy on synthetic oil and sent a sample to Blackstone labs after an oil change (at 20% life on the dash). The test results were great and received a recommendation to try up to 20,000 km next time. This matched perfectly with the Fit's oil monitor. I still change the oil around 15%, when the light comes on, but it's great to know that it would be safe until 0%. And to think the some people still change their oil at 5,000 km (3,000 miles).
If you're willing to drive out to Guelph, you can take my Fit for a test drive on the highway to see what people have been complaining about. PM me if interested.
For me it was a huge transition, switching from an automatic '98 Chrysler Intrepid to the '13 Fit MT & learning to shift gears. But I quickly adjusted and driving on the highway doesn't bother me...you just need music.
Obviously high cross winds affect the Fit a lot more than it did the Intrepid, but that's normal and to be expected with any taller profile car. The Intrepid was a perfect highway machine, but that's about it.
I think the Fit has made me a better driver and I love driving it. Even with its gutless 1.5 L engine, it's pretty fun to rev high. Obviously it doesn't sound great when stock, but you definitely hear the engine screaming for its dear life.
I like it, but it's definitely not for everyone.I even take the longer way home everyday just because I enjoy it...and my commute is only 15 km short way driving fast in the morning, 20 km longer way back home, when I take my time and get awesome mpg
The Fit is perfect for so many things, from reliability & low cost, to cargo versatility; you can rev it high for the impression/delusion that you're fast & furious, while still being perfectly legal and never worried about cops, but if you drive it civilized it sips gas.
Last edited by Andrei_ierdnA; Mar 8, 2018 at 09:13 PM.
Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 317
From: Toronto
I owned my 15 Fit with the 6MT since new. 130k kms on it now. Car never left me stranded. Warranty gave me new injectors 1st year due to check engine light and had other misc warranty items done at the dealer.
Noisy engine, noisy everything. Shocks were pretty much done at 80k kms.
Power delivery with 91 octane ->>> amazing given the small displacement.
Fuel economy 7L/100kms combined for me; very happy about that given hard driving.
Prepare for 3800 rpm at 120kms/hr if that's what's you're planning on hwy407.
I actually recommend the CVT: much lower rpm's on the hwy and better fuel economy hands down.
Noisy engine, noisy everything. Shocks were pretty much done at 80k kms.
Power delivery with 91 octane ->>> amazing given the small displacement.
Fuel economy 7L/100kms combined for me; very happy about that given hard driving.
Prepare for 3800 rpm at 120kms/hr if that's what's you're planning on hwy407.
I actually recommend the CVT: much lower rpm's on the hwy and better fuel economy hands down.
Thread Starter
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New Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 9
From: Canada
If selling privately (to make the most money from it) and the warranty is transferable, I believe you'd be much better off to sell it now. That warranty should help sell it faster and get more $$$.
And what about insurance? I'd be surprised if a Fit isn't lower than a GTI.
Also you likely need oil changes more often with a GTI, not that it's a big cost difference.
I drove my Fit 16,000 km of mixed city/hwy on synthetic oil and sent a sample to Blackstone labs after an oil change (at 20% life on the dash). The test results were great and received a recommendation to try up to 20,000 km next time. This matched perfectly with the Fit's oil monitor. I still change the oil around 15%, when the light comes on, but it's great to know that it would be safe until 0%. And to think the some people still change their oil at 5,000 km (3,000 miles).
If you're willing to drive out to Guelph, you can take my Fit for a test drive on the highway to see what people have been complaining about. PM me if interested.
For me it was a huge transition, switching from an automatic '98 Chrysler Intrepid to the '13 Fit MT & learning to shift gears. But I quickly adjusted and driving on the highway doesn't bother me...you just need music.
Obviously high cross winds affect the Fit a lot more than it did the Intrepid, but that's normal and to be expected with any taller profile car. The Intrepid was a perfect highway machine, but that's about it.
I think the Fit has made me a better driver and I love driving it. Even with its gutless 1.5 L engine, it's pretty fun to rev high. Obviously it doesn't sound great when stock, but you definitely hear the engine screaming for its dear life. I like it, but it's definitely not for everyone.
I even take the longer way home everyday just because I enjoy it...and my commute is only 15 km short way driving fast in the morning, 20 km longer way back home, when I take my time and get awesome mpg
The Fit is perfect for so many things, from reliability & low cost, to cargo versatility; you can rev it high for the impression/delusion that you're fast & furious, while still being perfectly legal and never worried about cops, but if you drive it civilized it sips gas.
And what about insurance? I'd be surprised if a Fit isn't lower than a GTI.
Also you likely need oil changes more often with a GTI, not that it's a big cost difference.
I drove my Fit 16,000 km of mixed city/hwy on synthetic oil and sent a sample to Blackstone labs after an oil change (at 20% life on the dash). The test results were great and received a recommendation to try up to 20,000 km next time. This matched perfectly with the Fit's oil monitor. I still change the oil around 15%, when the light comes on, but it's great to know that it would be safe until 0%. And to think the some people still change their oil at 5,000 km (3,000 miles).
If you're willing to drive out to Guelph, you can take my Fit for a test drive on the highway to see what people have been complaining about. PM me if interested.
For me it was a huge transition, switching from an automatic '98 Chrysler Intrepid to the '13 Fit MT & learning to shift gears. But I quickly adjusted and driving on the highway doesn't bother me...you just need music.
Obviously high cross winds affect the Fit a lot more than it did the Intrepid, but that's normal and to be expected with any taller profile car. The Intrepid was a perfect highway machine, but that's about it.
I think the Fit has made me a better driver and I love driving it. Even with its gutless 1.5 L engine, it's pretty fun to rev high. Obviously it doesn't sound great when stock, but you definitely hear the engine screaming for its dear life.
I like it, but it's definitely not for everyone.I even take the longer way home everyday just because I enjoy it...and my commute is only 15 km short way driving fast in the morning, 20 km longer way back home, when I take my time and get awesome mpg
The Fit is perfect for so many things, from reliability & low cost, to cargo versatility; you can rev it high for the impression/delusion that you're fast & furious, while still being perfectly legal and never worried about cops, but if you drive it civilized it sips gas.
Regarding taking it to the dealership, I know their trade-in values are pretty poor, but you also have to consider the benefit of not having to pay tax on the trade-in value. If a dealer gives me $14.5K for it, that is as good as selling it privately for $16385 since I would be saving $1885 in tax on the purchase price of the "new" vehicle if I do the trade-in. Plus it just avoids the hassle of having to deal with test-pilots on my GTI. Not saying that I have ruled out the private sale, only that there are additional considerations.
Thanks very much for the offer of the test drive. I'm a couple hours from you (east GTA) so will probably search for something more local, but I appreciate the generosity!
As far as making the transition, I don't *think* it would be as drastic a change as coming from a large automatic transmission boat. The GTI and Fit are at least similar in that they are small hatchbacks with manual transmissions (I've only ever owned MTs). But the GTI is obviously better in pretty much all aspects of the driving experience. It is stable and quiet on the highway, although a bit harsh over bumps when the 18s are installed for summer (17s for winter are a bit better).
I'm a pretty pedestrian driver on the highway - 113km/hr in the right lane mostly so I think I would be okay with the Fit that way. But I love to drive the GTI hard at lower speeds and though corners. I would definitely miss that race car cornering and power out of the turns.
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New Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 9
From: Canada
Something interesting I just discovered. According to Car and Driver's instrumented tests, a 2015 Honda Fit manual has a noise reading measurment of 69 dB at 70 mph cruising. The 2015 GTI came out at 71!. In fact all their sound measurments (Idling, WOT, cruising) were higher on the GTI!
Here is the link to the test sheet for the 2015 Fit if anybody is interested:
https://s3.amazonaws.com/amv-prod-ca...-honda-fit.pdf
Here is the link to the test sheet for the 2015 Fit if anybody is interested:
https://s3.amazonaws.com/amv-prod-ca...-honda-fit.pdf
Last edited by McGuillicuddy; Mar 9, 2018 at 10:59 AM.
that cant be right. unless the 16 GTI autobahn uses different sound damping vs the 15 GTI they tested.
it is a night/day difference in noise level between my 16 GK and my 16 GTI. GK is extremely noisy vs my GTI on hwy. i do have soundactor turned down to 50% on my GTI though..and running continental DWS06 and bridgestone S04's in summer.. i never like those junk hankook tires my GTI came with. wtf was VW thinking putting shitty tires on this rocket.
it is a night/day difference in noise level between my 16 GK and my 16 GTI. GK is extremely noisy vs my GTI on hwy. i do have soundactor turned down to 50% on my GTI though..and running continental DWS06 and bridgestone S04's in summer.. i never like those junk hankook tires my GTI came with. wtf was VW thinking putting shitty tires on this rocket.