Learn Me: 1st Gen Honda Fit.

I'm going to look at an '07 Honda Fit Sport stock shift tomorrow, 135k miles, anything in particular I should look out for?

Only think I've heard is weak/wonky clutches.

At 135k, I'd want to know if it was on the original clutch.

Other than that, I'm curious, too. This will be my next DD, although the 5sp Sports are tough to find--I'll probably have to settle for an auto.

No known common issues with the first gens. Check the usual stuff; fluids, maint. schedule, etc. They hold their value so well that my only other suggestion would be a leftover 2012.

I have an 07 Fit Sport 5 speed as a DD and the only issues I have had are replacing headlight bulbs. Other than that, it has been nothing but fluids and filters. If anything, I would recommend installing a rear sway bar. They improve the handling quite a bit even for just a boring DD.

Only issue is that they are usually overpriced as most late model Hondas are.

We bought a new one instead.

But if you get a good deal on one (with that mileage I'd say anything under 6k) you wont be disappointed.

PHeller: I'd love to buy a new one, but I don't finance cars anymore and I just don't have $15k right now. Guy's asking $6950.

92dxman: What is the issue with the headlight bulbs? Hard to install? Is there a particular sway bar you recommend? While I'm at it, any strut recommendations?

Gamby: What's the issue with clutches? Is it a clutch damper thing like the first gen TSX's? I've never been bothered by them, but I don't quite get why Honda insists on putting them in EVERYTHING.

Shoot. At that price, yeah, go for it.

There's a second gen Fit now? I gotta pay closer attention or risk losing my membership card!

The easiest way to get to the headlight bulbs is pull off the front wheel and fold back the fender liner, then it is a piece of cake! I've got 104k on mine and it is trouble free with the exception of a alternator that the voltage regulator went nuts at about 85k.

Oh and the 07 doesn't have the stupid tpms like my 08 does

Installed snow tires on winter wheels without tpms on our 2012 Fit. Surprisingly, no light.

I think the sensors send a signal when pressure is low. No signal, the car assumes your tire pressure is correct. No sensors, no problem.

PHeller wrote: Installed snow tires on winter wheels without tpms on our 2012 Fit. Surprisingly, no light. I think the sensors send a signal when pressure is low. No signal, the car assumes your tire pressure is correct. No sensors, no problem.

My wife's 2010 throws the light within minutes of driving after swapping over to the winter tire setup. I do the black electrical tape trick to make that a non-issue.

We have an '08 Fit that we bought in 2009 when it had 11k miles on it. It now has 59k miles, and was my wife's DD until a few weeks ago. Ours is a base 5spd. The car has needed absolutely nothing beyond routine maintenance. It has a lot going for it. Incredible fuel mileage, my wife averaged 34-36mpg and I can get 40+ out of it. It's incredibly roomy for it's size, the amount of stuff it can haul (especially with the back seat down) is incredible. Handling is super slick. Very quick and accurate steering, the 5spd is better than a lot of sports cars. There are a few things I don't care for. The a/c does keep you cool, but it has to work harder than it seems it should (common complaint I've heard on 1st gens). The seatbelt likes to pull somewhat tight...I don't mind it snug, but this is a bit too tight for me. The "wonky" clutch. Nothing wrong with it per se, it's just not the easiest car to get going from a start. Oh, and 107hp isn't tire shredding. But those are truly minor complaints, just nitpicking. On the whole, the Fit is a fantastic car.

To me, the price seems a bit high. Yes, the Fit holds its' value really well. But I'm contemplating selling ours simply because it's now an extra car. As I wrote in another post, I really like the car and now that I've been driving it alot the past few weeks I like it even more. But I'm really happy with my old Volvo as a DD and don't know I want to switch. I was asking $8500 for mine, and it's got less than half the miles. Granted, ours has a gouge in the front bumper cover, but it's still in good shape overall.

I'm surprised you guys think that's a steep asking price. I've been looking all over Ohio for several weeks and the only sub-$6k manual transmission cars were one that had been crashed into by a cop cruiser, one that had 326k miles (!), and one that idled rough and sold before I got to look at it.

Thanks for all the feedback guys!

In reply to ShadowSix:

I see KBB has it at $6000 at the high end and Clearbook at $4500. Most people won't budge much from what KBB says. I know how hard it is to try and find good cars for decent prices in Ohio. I would try to get for no more than $6000. Oh, and if you need some extra cash, how's that Se-r of yours?

Wow, $4500? I haven't seen any Fit within a couple hundred miles with an asking of $4500 that didn't have SERIOUS problems. Am I missing something? I am looking on craigslist and Autotrader, is there somewhere else I ought to be looking? Have I picked the wrong time of year? WTF?

Anyway, the SE-R is not quite checking the practicality box like I hoped; two doors, small trunk, no fold down seat, mediocre city MPG. I knew it wasn't really the car for me at the time, but it has very little rust for an Ohio B13 SE-R, I've always wanted one, and it's a hoot to drive. It needs a water pump right now, so the plan is to fix that and put it on sale when tax rebate season hits and use the money to fill the Honda Fit sized hole in my savings account. Sadly, the motorcycle is going on the chopping block in the spring for the same reason.

I'd make it into an autox/trackday car, but I don't have the time/space/money at the moment.

In reply to ShadowSix:

Some people on here told me about Clearbook. It's way lower than KBB. KBB seems to be the highest. But yeah, you won't get a Fit for $4500. Anywhoo, it would be best to sell the B13 to a fellow Ohio Grm'er Message me if you want to sell it before then with some info.

One of the headlight bulbs on mine just burned out and had to be replaced. The install involves taking the wheel off and some of the plastic in the wheel wall. I'll get shot for this but I took it somewhere to get it done. I lived in an apartment at the time and didn't have the time nor space to do it myself. I believe the rear sway bar I have is from Progress and the model number is 62.1060. I found one on ebay going for under $200. After some research, it looks like the only strut option is the KYB GR-2. Can anybody chime in if Konis are available for a Fit?

Am I missing something?

No. Like I said, for that price, grab it while the grabbin's good. When I looked at used ones (2 years ago?) There wasn't anything for less than $11k, and those were turds. That plus the higher interest rate made buying new a slam-dunk.

I'd say your looking at it by now. If not, I saw the ad. His price is close to what he paid retail. Take a printoff of KBB showing $6000 tops private party and offer that. He listed this on Nov 3rd and still has it. Score it!!

In reply to Klayfish:

I'd be interested whenever you guys are considering selling. My girlfriend needs a reliable car, or I could use something a lot more fuel efficient. Would you consider a partial trade for a 2006 P71?

so the Honda tax still lives?

mad_machine wrote: so the Honda tax still lives?

Alive and well! This is why you don't see me running out and buying a new KIA...or a used Honda

Well, the guy was sick yesterday, so I didn't get to check the car out, hopefully next Tuesday or Wednesday.

Resale on these things is definitely high. Higher than the resale (as a fraction of original sticker price) on the larger Hondas, I think the Yaris is holding it's value fairly well also.

However, after working as an independent mechanic for a couple years I am really only impressed with three manufacturers: Honda, Subaru, and Toyota. These are the cars that seemed well-thought-out and well-built out of quality components.

As for the B-Spec class I'm looking in now, Subaru makes nothing in this class anymore (LOL, Justy), the 5-Door Hatch Yaris w/5-speed is insanely rare, and the Scion offerings (at least the ones in my price range) feel cheap and unrefined. I'll pay the Honda tax in this case.

Fletch1: Good plan, I think I'll take your advice when I go take a look. Thanks!

In reply to ShadowSix:

Yeah, I saw the ad and I love that blue color. I would think having the KBB printoff and offering top PP value would help along with the fact that the ad will be 1 1/2 months old by the time you look at it. If you feel it's worth a little extra and there hard to find, I wouldn't be affraid of meeting him in the middle as well.