Project Panda - My 2010 Taffeta White Honda Fit Sport Build

kenchan

the MT on these cars are super easy. clutch is very light, i drive mine in bumper to bumper every day and no issue.

the MT is by far more fun to drive than the AT... doesnt even feel like the same car. i have both AT (one exactly like waizzz's) and a '12 MT both sports. some prefer the AT. i only drive MT cars.

i paid cash on both 19k otd each.

Waiz

Awesome, sounds like you are definitely on the right path.

Couple of things I would consider. Try to buy it instead of leasing it, I think once you own the car it will really grow on you and the great combination of practicality and fun to drive factor combined with great MPG's and ridiculous amount of storage space is hard to beat. If you can get it pre-owned that would even be better since the Fit has been known to be pretty bulletproof in terms of overall reliability.

I drive a 2010, not much real difference between the 2009-2010 GE8's vs the 2012-2013 GE8's except that the availability of aftermarket aero parts is less with the 2012-2013.

Colorwise, I would stick with white or a shade of silver. Keep away from the red since it is notoriously difficult to take care of.

Transmission wise, the AT in the Fit is very responsive and the steering wheel mounted shift paddles in the Sport models are surprisingly quick shifting.

Power-wise, I have always thought that it was more than enough considering how small the car is. Adding a set of lightweight wheels and a good set of tires will go a long way with this car and the handling is where it really shines.

Winter-weather wise, I know of tons of members from the Fit forum who use their car year round and just run a set of winter wheels and tires without issue at all.

A couple of other things to consider from my research of other vehicles:

The Nissan Note is a great car as well and very similar in overall package to the Fit but you will have a harder time finding one used so you will end up having to settle for buying one New. My other serious option was the Juke but I was trying to hold out for the Juke NISMO which would have been alot more than I paid for my car.

My suggestion is to go out and test drive the car and see if you like it.

ElVee

Thanks for the response, that helps a ton as I learn more about this segment. And yup, I plan to get my butt in several cars (all auto for now) and just see how I like them.

I'll still probably lease. I am just 1 year into the Z and still paying it off. I'm not sure I need to actually own 2 brand new cars, especially since this second one isn't going to be in a garage and will be in messy weather. I kinda like the umbrella of the lease for now. If I really like it, hopefully I'll be set up to just lease-to-buy down the road. But otherwise, it's just a cost thing for now.

Added: It's really weird looking into this segment; just not something I ever thought I'd be into. But now that I'm opening up room for a DD...kinda makes sense!

kenchan

My fit has everything I need to get around town. I park in parking garages everyday don't worry about dings or getting keyed. Hell this is wat beaters are for. worry free parking, worry free driving.

While my modded G and Z are at home safe and sound.

speedfreek

Exactly why I got a Fit. I was in search for white, silver or even the dark grey color. I was able to find a very low mile pre-owned one at a Honda dealer in GA. Just not have 22k miles on a 2010 model. It had the same mileage as my Z originally.

It has been a great daily. I have needed to use the extra cargo space a few times now. MPG's are good. 87 octane makes it even better. Only gripes I have so far is that the gas tank could be bigger for road trips but that would add additional weight. The other is the cruise control on AT wants to shift down all the time. Put it in sport mode and then just use the paddles to downshift if needed to make it up a hill.

I've said it before but this thread with both Waizz and Kenchan is what got me seriously looking at the Fit for a daily.

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Waiz

I think if you plan on leasing then you should definitely stick to something Japanese which will hold it's value better by the time you decide to buy it down the road. Current offer is $139 a month for the base with $1,999 down. I would expect to pay closer to $200 for the Sport version (just guessing)

Current offers: http://automobiles.honda.com/current-offers.aspx

Another thing to think about is the fact that if you plan on keeping your Z for a long time then having another car will really help to preserve your Z and will allow you to keep it longer than if you were driving it every day. You will want to consider insurance in your estiamtes too. The Fit will actually reduce your insurance cost if you call your insurance and reduce your annual mileage for your Z and if you qualify for a multi-car discount.

For me at least, if you take into account how much I save in gas every month and the savings that I received from my insurance combined with not having to pay my brother a portion of his lease in order to use his car so I can carpool to work then I actually come out ahead every month.

If you don't plan on modding the car you might also want to look into a Subaru Impreza which is what my brother drives. They are really good for driving year round and if you plan on leasing they offer very reasonable rates with little money down (not to throw a wrench into your ideas )

I could not agree more, I actually look forward to driving the Z when I can nowadays.

For me especially since I surf everyday the Fit comes in very handy because I can throw my soaked wetsuit and gear in the trunk and not worrry about it getting the trunk wet like I do with the Z. The beaches I go to also have a bunch of crazy hills and where that would normally mean I would worry about scraping my Z's front bumper or sideskirts I don't have to worry about it in the Fit.



I'm so glad to hear you are still enjoying your car David! I would definitely agree with your gripe about the gas tank, can get a little annoying at times but I just plan my trips accordingly.

My biggest problem with my Fit is resiting the temptation to keep modifying it The fact that I have a good friend who works at a Honda dealership doesn't help either lol

speedfreek

Luckily my Z is keeping me busy still. So I haven't had a chance to modify anything else on the Fit other than adding the tint. If I do end up modifying it I will only have you and this thread to blame!

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Waiz

Waiz

Yesterday was my 1 year anniversary since I purchased my Fit and I ordered some things on Friday to commemorate.

They should be installed in the next two weeks so standby for updates!

In the meanwhile here is are pics of how she looks today (I took one and my friend took the other)

kenchan

nice and clean.

which reminds me... i really need to wash my fits.... but rain all week.

Waiz

Prior to me washing my Fit on Saturday it was the dirtiest I have ever had the car in the year that I have owned it

I even had to (again) polish my headlights but now she's all clean again

kenchan

hahahaha. dang, uv must be killer out there. ive not had to polish my 09's headlamps once yet.
and parked 24/7 since taking ownership.

Waiz

Lucky you!

I think living so close to the ocean doesn't help either!

#firstworldproblems

kenchan

that could be, minerals in the fog (night time) + uv

Waiz

Salt water mist in the morning combined with hot sun in the afternoon causes it. Not a big deal anyway since that is why I have my PC and army of polishes