Looking to buy a Fit

[stryker16]

Hey Everyone

I am looking to purchase a Honda Fit after looking at a few 'subcompacts' and deciding the Fit stood out. I really like the "magic seat" and how much cargo space you can squeeze out of them.

What I am wondering, to those of you who have purchased one, is which one to buy. I visited a dealership the other day who had a manual 2010 Fit Sport but I left because I couldn't see paying $17K for a 2010 when you can get one brand new for $17,900 MSRP. (Or get the base and get one for $16,100)

Am I wrong in thinking this? Should I wait until the 2013's start coming out and try to find a 2012 cheap? I have no manual Fits around me other than this 2010 model and I am wondering if I am fighting a losing battle.

Also how does everyone like their automatics? I am more of a manual guy but they don't make hardly any in this model....

I'd love to just buy an 08-09 model with low miles from a private party but again those are rare around here, and then I would have to sell my truck on my own rather than trade it in.

Just looking for some advice as the small price difference between the '10 and '12 is confusing me and I am wondering if I am missing something.

[Daox]

Buy a used Fit, sell the truck yourself and get a better price. Its a little more hassle but worth it IMO.

[pete c]

get an auto ......if you spend most of your time parked in traffic jams. otherwise get the stick.

driven "normally" autos do quite well, but, hypermiling sticks can beat EPA figures considerably. Autos, not so much. You just can't take advantage of EOCing.

Also, honda makes such a damn nice shifting manual tranny.

[Flakbadger]

I was looking at Fits before I decided on my Yaris (for mostly financial reasons. The Yaris is several thousand dollars cheaper and I'm a broke-ass college student).

In looking at dozens (possibly hundreds) of cars online and a few in person, I found that Hondas and Toyotas don't depreciate much. The price difference you're not seeing is part of that. Also many people don't want a manual transmission, so used cars with them don't sell as fast. MY car sat on the lot for close to 8 months while four other automatic Yaris's (Yarii?) sold for more money.

Were I to buy a Fit, I would insist on the manual transmission. It's my understanding that the non-paddle-shift automatic has a better final drive gear than the manual, but the manual doesn't require extra power to shift (hurting MPG) and gives you much greater control over your vehicle.

IDK I'm a bit biased, I wouldn't even consider an auto trans. I feel like I'm not doing enough when driving one (what am I forgetting? What am I forgetting?).

Anyway good luck!

[ncnealncn]

I am new to this site, and trying to get good gas mileage. Here are a few things that I found.

I read several posts here about manual transmissions. They all seem to get better mileage than their automatic counterparts. It is much harder to find a manual trans. I saw about 100 times as many automatics. I watched websites until I found a used car with manual transmission that I was looking for. I drove over 100 miles to buy it from the dealer that listed it. I am glad I waited for the manual trans. I am getting much higher MPG than EPA rating. My car is completely stock. I am still amazed at the mileage I am getting.

I bought two cars in the last few months due to two accidents that were not our fault. I found out quickly that some makes and model cars that are only a few years old hold their value. I was quite surprised at the prices of used cars. We bought a new Subaru Forester because the used ones were as much as new ones. We bought a five year old Toyota Yaris Manual which is my economy car. I drive at least twice as much as my wife. She works from home most days. Next year the used 2012s will be the same price as they are now.

[jousai7]

Get a New fit. I'm on my second fit. I had an 09 and now a 2011. Fits dont depreciate in value at all. Youll always get a better investment buying a new over used in this category. That being said, manual is the way to go. Wait for it if you can! I really couldnt stand driving the auto and I commute the DC area. I really dont have much trouble with the stop and go traffic. Once you learn to maintain a constant speed instead of stopping it becomes a non issue. I cant get below 36mp and I averaged 40-42 with highs up in the 48-52 range. I LOVE my fit. 10 cup holders, all that room in the back, and its fun as hell to drive as a small car. I love carving on/off ramps and corners to maintain speed.

[niky]

The older, lighter cars are more fuel efficient. Also, given how sweet Honda Fit shifters are, they are veeeery easy to use in traffic.

[gasstingy]

If you enjoy a stick, make sure to buy one. If you don't enjoy it, don't buy it. As the used are almost the price of new, buy the new one. The insurance adjusters don't care that you have to pay more than NADA book for a used one, they give based on NADA. So if you were to have a claim, you are better off in a vehicle you don't have to pay more than NADA to buy.

Several years ago, I tried to buy a 2 year old pickup truck. I was amazed at the high mileage on the ones on a new car dealers lot and that they wanted way over NADA retail for it. They actually had it a good bit over a low mileage vehicle according to NADA. I bought new. If you have to pay for a new vehicle, drive a new vehicle off the lot.

Keep in mind though, it's your money, spend it how you see Fit!