Learn Me: Used Honda Fits

My first Learn Me thread. I'm looking to replace my ZJ that is literally falling apart and get something nicer that I can actually take distances in case I want to have more than one passenger in the summer, or want to go someplace in the winter. Got searching Fits and started finding them for around $3-4K with around 100K miles. Specifically looking at 5-speed models

Example 1

Example 2

What's the word on these? Are these really that cheap now? What is there to look for on these? Common mechanical issues? Rust spots? How are they going to manage in a Central New York winter?

They're really that cheap, apparently. We've had ours for 8 years and 140k miles and had to replace the A/C compressor and the blower motor in that time. No major mechanical issues, no rust issues (ours has been in New England since new) and magical interior space. The first gen apparently had an issue with leaking window seals and ours (an 09) has a sticky handle on the hatch, which is also common. They're great cars and unstoppable with proper snow tires. One thing to look out for - the early base model second gens like ours didn't come with cruise control or remote locks. The locks can be fixed by buying a fob off eBay, but cruise cannot be retrofitted easily that I can find.

They're alright. Lots of space inside.

They eat coils. Very common issue. They're also VERY slow. Unless I'd need something that small for parallel parking I'd go up a size.

Blaise wrote: They're alright. Lots of space inside. They eat coils. Very common issue. They're also VERY slow. Unless I'd need something that small for parallel parking I'd go up a size.

My vehicles that I've owned has included a pushrod 2.2L/3-speed Cavalier, an 85hp 3-speed Subaru Loyale and a 1.6L Miata. I'm used to slow, I can handle slow. I just want something that is fairly new, fairly reliable and not going to nickel and dime me to death

I want to know more about the set situation (says the guy who tore his seats apart and added foam and sewed up tears... and made it at least even with what it was before I started)

It's a small Honda so if you don't like buzzing down the highway at over 3000 rpm it might not be the best choice. Like any other car it's going to handle winter about as good as you spend on snow tires until it runs out of ground clearance.

tuna55 wrote: I want to know more about the set situation (says the guy who tore his seats apart and added foam and sewed up tears... and made it at least even with what it was before I started)

The seats are pretty flat but generally ok. I'm comfortable in them for about 4 hours before they start driving me a little crazy. I'd look at swapping in civic si seats or something if I drove it more.

My wife and I shopped for one and wound up with a '12 Sport, automatic. It's a great little car. We've had it for about a year and a half I think. Servicing it has been easy, no major repairs needed. Gets great mileage, and is incredibly flexible as far as interior storage. Seats are not comfortable but not an issue for short trips. Some people complain of excess NVH, but it's really not that bad for me personally. If you drive a Miata, it's nothing.

We initially looked at 1st gens but the more we looked, the more we realized the 2nd gen was very similar with improvements...usually little things, like the rear headrests' lowest position is nearly parallel to the seat so do not impede visibility while not in use and they don't need to be removed to fold down the seats. We took a lot of time searching for the right one and as such were able to save a bit more money and get a "high" mileage 2012. I imagine this car is just like it was when brand new and shows no sign of wear or age other than cosmetic.

We turned down a few first gen and early second gen cars due to leaking hatches/seals. A determined seller can sometimes hide it, but there can usually be telltale signs in the spare tire well, a place commonly overlooked. Additionally, some of the second gen cars can have an issue with the HVAC controls but I don't think it's that difficult of a fix for a DIYer with a soldering iron.

As for it being slow...yeah. It is definitely quick enough for traffic though. If I paddle-downshift to fourth in order to pass on the highway, I never have an issue. Leave it in fifth and it can be a struggle.

That being said, that car gets better mileage trying as hard as it can than my P71 does being lazy.

I've noticed that Fits are actually a bit more expensive than other used cars in their class, but if you spend some time with one you can see why there's a premium. Test drive a few. The first gen cars are definitely a great value right now.

Yeah, considering that the Loyale did 3500rpm at 55mph and my Miata does about 3300rpm at 65mph, with a very loud exhaust. So the whole "buzzy at highway speeds" is a way of life for me.

As the former owner of a GD and GE Fit, I'll tell you they handle great, get amazing mileage as long as you don't increase tire width (lost 5mpg stepping up to 205's), the GD chassis had the cheapest carpet ever. It was worn out in a year and I maintain my interior really well.

I did my first OneLap in one... much more comfortable than a Miata for that .

Definitely get one with cruise... electronic cruise with a fly-by-wire throttle body means you can drive most "moderate grade" highways with your hands on the wheel and feet on the floor (even with a manual).
It's tall, so it gets sucked around some by wind/trucks... but the trade off is the feel of gutsy old hondas slicing through asleep traffic around town while getting 30+mpg.

Crazy folding seats were awesome, and easy to bolt in/out.

Only had mine three years, but the second owner still has it going strong still at over 100kmi, iirc

Two other things I'll add- there is no dead pedal for your foot, which really sucks.

But "magic mode" makes up for it. A bottle of "sham-paggen", a favorite female, and "magic mode".

In reply to Trackmouse:

They must have been having some serious build quality issues on the days yours were made...Mine lost exactly 0 mpg going to 205's and definitely has a dead pedal, as seen in this generic Fit interior photo:

In reply to Trackmouse:

I owned a '99 Chevy Cavalier. Even the worst Honda interior will look and feel like a bloody Rolls Royce in comparison