We test drove the rabbit before the fit. 4 door, auto, top of the line regular rabbit. If it wasnt for the extra cost, there would be no reason for me not to have gotten it. The sound from the engine is just magical. I love the rabbit. You get a sunroof too. Just my .02. 2 very different cars though.

 

VW, here check out this list of common failures in the first year for the new GTI... (I wanted to order a 4-dr GTI)

VWvortex Forums: So, I have compiled a list of common engine issues and remedies for the GTI

I waded through the VW forums last week. For the 2.5L motor (Rabbit), I saw things like charcoal canister problems, motors that die while driving, motors that won't start. I'm not bashing, as I really love vdub styling and power and creature comforts... but there's that pesky reliability factor. I went and sat in a GTI a couple days ago down at the dealer... they are nice!

The Fit... we complain about what, paint at the edge of the bumpers, lower mpg on the a/t, and weak a/c?

 

I'm sure the new Rabbit is a good car. Our Jetta TDI has had about 2K in major service up until now (almost 160K miles). I'll be very happy if the Fit has the same service record.

Like others have said the new Rabbit and Fit are 2 different kinds of cars. The Rabbit is heavier and feels more solid. The Fit gets better fuel economy and feels sportier. The Fit doesn't have a timing belt to have to deal with.

IMO- The Fit looks better.

Only a little more than 900 miles on the Fit and my only complaint is how the rpm hangs momentarily when you let off the gas. Makes it a little different to get used to especially when I have 3 other cars with standards that act much differently.

 

I'm on this site because I'm trying to get outta of my VW and into something else. The Dubs are more driver cars (heavier steering, sportier engines and such), but man, they're money pits. If you like the rabbit, go forth, just get rid of it before 60K miles or you'll be sorry. TRUST ME! I heard that from lots of folks, and sure enough, I'm spending hundreds each month on something new. The latest? The paint is bubbling. I only have 58K miles on it. Why the hell is my paint already bubbling? It's German-designed and made in Brazil, thats why.

 

Yep, i completely agree with dumping the VW before it hits 6Ok. I had a 1998 GTI before buying my Fit and I got rid of it at the ridiculously low miles of 54k. I had all kinds of issues, common things like starter going out (but happening at 37k!) and wierd things like "valve sensors" going out in it. I love the VW styling but they won't see me return as a customer until they get their maintenance issues under control.

So far I'm happy with my Fit Sport AT. I do 100% city driving and I'm getting 25 - 26mpg in hilly Seattle, so not too bad. I hope I can get it to 28 - 30mpg. Had the car since mid July and I'm around 750 miles so we'll see.