How is your honda fit?
- Thread starter cathy
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my 07 fit (bought in fall, 06)has been trouble-free for almost 7 yrs now. M/T 5spd, on 2nd set of tires (Hankook 4S), 2nd set of brake pads (and fresh new rotors to go along with it). Running on PYB or QState Green 5W20 all year long, following OCI via OLM.
My only pet-peeve is that with my current tires, it tends to get choppy during high speed (like, waay past legal limit)...
mileage has been consistent: summer time (20% A/C on, 80% city, 20% highway, on 87 octane gas, I averaged around 36mpg; 43mpg on highway.
My best record ever kept (300lbs load, A/C on, 60mph on the stretch of smooth I-5) got 48mpg.
I have no disappointment so far.
Q.
My only pet-peeve is that with my current tires, it tends to get choppy during high speed (like, waay past legal limit)...
mileage has been consistent: summer time (20% A/C on, 80% city, 20% highway, on 87 octane gas, I averaged around 36mpg; 43mpg on highway.
My best record ever kept (300lbs load, A/C on, 60mph on the stretch of smooth I-5) got 48mpg.
I have no disappointment so far.
Q.
Originally Posted By: cathy
Have you had any (common) problems? how is automatic transmission? What kind of transmission oil does this take?
The Fit is probably Honda's very most reliable vehicle. There are no serious known-weak spots, including the transmission. But if you're buying one used, all the usual caveats still apply.
If the transmission is an automatic, it takes Honda's own DW-1 fluid. If it's a manual, it takes Honda's own MTF.
Have you had any (common) problems? how is automatic transmission? What kind of transmission oil does this take?
The Fit is probably Honda's very most reliable vehicle. There are no serious known-weak spots, including the transmission. But if you're buying one used, all the usual caveats still apply.
If the transmission is an automatic, it takes Honda's own DW-1 fluid. If it's a manual, it takes Honda's own MTF.
We absolutely love ours -- 2009 Fit Sport with manual transmission. Great gas mileage: average tank gets 36 mpg with combined city/hwy driving. We can fit 3 large dogs in the back. We love the back seats that flip up, down and completely out of the way. When folded down, the entire back area is flat, which is a plus.
The tires that came with the car sucked and were replaced at around 40k.
We haven't had anything break down or need to be replaced other than consumables: oil, filters, brake pads, tires. I think bleeding the brake fluid was the most expensive thing we've had done so far.
We'd definitely buy another one!
The tires that came with the car sucked and were replaced at around 40k.
We haven't had anything break down or need to be replaced other than consumables: oil, filters, brake pads, tires. I think bleeding the brake fluid was the most expensive thing we've had done so far.
We'd definitely buy another one!
2009 Honda Fit 5MT
I've replaced my right rear wheel hub/bearing at about 62K miles, but that is not the car's fault. I oversteered at a left turn exit ramp and the right rear wheel caught a pothole that appeared to be about 3 or more inches deep while going side ways.
Other than the above, everything has been routine maintenance: Replaced tires at 50K, brakes at 60K (used new rotors and kept old set to be turned).
I've replaced my right rear wheel hub/bearing at about 62K miles, but that is not the car's fault. I oversteered at a left turn exit ramp and the right rear wheel caught a pothole that appeared to be about 3 or more inches deep while going side ways.
Other than the above, everything has been routine maintenance: Replaced tires at 50K, brakes at 60K (used new rotors and kept old set to be turned).
Good utility but way overpriced. Noisey engine, only fair gas mileage for a 1.5L wheezebox(34 average). Steering accuracy is only fair on my sample. Sloppy front suspension. Seats are comfortable for a 6'2 235lb. guy. Very High wind noise - high road noise and strut "PING" from front suspension. Good shifter and Clutch on the MT.
I recently in Florida had the pleasure to drive a new rental mid trim 2013 Kia Forte and that car was better in every way and much better than a honda civic. As perfect a compact car as Ive driven.
(I am a former Mechanical Engineer (advanced automotive component prototyping) , Master Mechanic and race tuner and engine builder and have owned over 65 cars in my 40 years of driving and wrenching - just your general automotive fanatic until ive learned to hate the buggers!)
I recently in Florida had the pleasure to drive a new rental mid trim 2013 Kia Forte and that car was better in every way and much better than a honda civic. As perfect a compact car as Ive driven.
(I am a former Mechanical Engineer (advanced automotive component prototyping) , Master Mechanic and race tuner and engine builder and have owned over 65 cars in my 40 years of driving and wrenching - just your general automotive fanatic until ive learned to hate the buggers!)
My wife likes hers. It gets about 30-32 mpg in mixed driving. No problems to date. Ours has needed periodic brake cleanings and adjustments to quiet the brakes. The automatic also needed some fluid changes to shift right. Z-1 and the Fit's automatic was a horrible combination. It shifts much better on Valvoline Maxlife ATF.
We'd get another one if anything happened to hers. The vehicle itself is very user-friendly and versatile.
We'd get another one if anything happened to hers. The vehicle itself is very user-friendly and versatile.
Originally Posted By: cathy
you have to buy DW-1 fluid from dealer at dealer prices?
Yes, but that is the name of the game now. Last time I bought some DW-1 I paid around $8 a quart at a dealer in Olympia. Castrol Multi Import, which is probably the closest substitute (for Hondas that spec Z-1 or Dexron III) was $6.99 at O'Reilly's at the time, and Honda's DW-1 is superior to the Castrol. We are talking about maybe $4 extra every 30,000 miles, insignificant really.
My Fit has been great; 2009 GE9 LX manual transmission, Mexican domestic market model. Made and assembled in Sao Paolo, Brazil, with a Japanese made power plant. Currently has 52,000 Km.
Problems: front pads wore out at 35,000 Km (due to driving practices here). The rotors had tapers worn into them, so I replaced them at the same time.
Rear pads (this market gets disc rears while U.S. & Canada get drum rears) and the cheap Pirellis it came with from the factory are due to be replaced in the next week or so.
The manual transmission gets notchy about every 25,000 Km. I change it with Honda's MTF ($10/quart at the Oaxaca dealership). I would use Amsoil or Redline, but they aren't available here yet.
Paint is thin and interior is cheap, but they are probably better on the Japanese made U.S. models.
It is the easiest to drive, most practical, most efficient car I have owned (out of 28). My wife says it is the only car she has ever driven where all the controls and maneuvers came natural the first time she drove it.
Gets 18-22 US mpg in urban use, 28-34 US mpg extra urban. It has achieved 40 US mpg on trips. The on board mpg readout lies, says it is getting 13-15% better than it actually is. The figures I typed here are calculated mathematically, not using the Km/L readout.
you have to buy DW-1 fluid from dealer at dealer prices?
Yes, but that is the name of the game now. Last time I bought some DW-1 I paid around $8 a quart at a dealer in Olympia. Castrol Multi Import, which is probably the closest substitute (for Hondas that spec Z-1 or Dexron III) was $6.99 at O'Reilly's at the time, and Honda's DW-1 is superior to the Castrol. We are talking about maybe $4 extra every 30,000 miles, insignificant really.
My Fit has been great; 2009 GE9 LX manual transmission, Mexican domestic market model. Made and assembled in Sao Paolo, Brazil, with a Japanese made power plant. Currently has 52,000 Km.
Problems: front pads wore out at 35,000 Km (due to driving practices here). The rotors had tapers worn into them, so I replaced them at the same time.
Rear pads (this market gets disc rears while U.S. & Canada get drum rears) and the cheap Pirellis it came with from the factory are due to be replaced in the next week or so.
The manual transmission gets notchy about every 25,000 Km. I change it with Honda's MTF ($10/quart at the Oaxaca dealership). I would use Amsoil or Redline, but they aren't available here yet.
Paint is thin and interior is cheap, but they are probably better on the Japanese made U.S. models.
It is the easiest to drive, most practical, most efficient car I have owned (out of 28). My wife says it is the only car she has ever driven where all the controls and maneuvers came natural the first time she drove it.
Gets 18-22 US mpg in urban use, 28-34 US mpg extra urban. It has achieved 40 US mpg on trips. The on board mpg readout lies, says it is getting 13-15% better than it actually is. The figures I typed here are calculated mathematically, not using the Km/L readout.
Last edited:
Hey Cardenio327,
Is your fit built in Mexico? or Thailand?
Ours (or at least mine) is built in Jpn so things might be just a tad different....
*curious*
Q.
Is your fit built in Mexico? or Thailand?
Ours (or at least mine) is built in Jpn so things might be just a tad different....
*curious*
Q.
Originally Posted By: Quest
Hey Cardenio327,
Is your fit built in Mexico? or Thailand?
Ours (or at least mine) is built in Jpn so things might be just a tad different....
*curious*
Q.
He said it was built in Brazil....
Hey Cardenio327,
Is your fit built in Mexico? or Thailand?
Ours (or at least mine) is built in Jpn so things might be just a tad different....
*curious*
Q.
He said it was built in Brazil....
Originally Posted By: zloveraz
Originally Posted By: Quest
Hey Cardenio327,
Is your fit built in Mexico? or Thailand?
Ours (or at least mine) is built in Jpn so things might be just a tad different....
*curious*
Q.
He said it was built in Brazil....
Ahh...si!
Q.
Originally Posted By: Quest
Hey Cardenio327,
Is your fit built in Mexico? or Thailand?
Ours (or at least mine) is built in Jpn so things might be just a tad different....
*curious*
Q.
He said it was built in Brazil....
Ahh...si!
Q.
The Honda Fit is truly dirt cheap for what you get.
Friend's 2009 has 75k+ trouble-free miles. Just routine service every 10k per the Maint minder. 1 set of brakes (new OE), couple transmission fluid changes with DW-1, a few engine/cabin filters, 1 brake flush and two sets of tires.
Friend's 2009 has 75k+ trouble-free miles. Just routine service every 10k per the Maint minder. 1 set of brakes (new OE), couple transmission fluid changes with DW-1, a few engine/cabin filters, 1 brake flush and two sets of tires.
Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
Good utility but way overpriced. Noisey engine, only fair gas mileage for a 1.5L wheezebox(34 average). Steering accuracy is only fair on my sample. Sloppy front suspension. Seats are comfortable for a 6'2 235lb. guy. Very High wind noise - high road noise and strut "PING" from front suspension. Good shifter and Clutch on the MT.
I recently in Florida had the pleasure to drive a new rental mid trim 2013 Kia Forte and that car was better in every way and much better than a honda civic. As perfect a compact car as Ive driven.
(I am a former Mechanical Engineer (advanced automotive component prototyping) , Master Mechanic and race tuner and engine builder and have owned over 65 cars in my 40 years of driving and wrenching - just your general automotive fanatic until ive learned to hate the buggers!)
I respect the gentlemen's opinion BUT "While the Forte has good fuel economy ratings and its performance is typical of small cars, the Forte's poor reliability score may deter some shoppers"
LINK: http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Kia_Forte/
Good utility but way overpriced. Noisey engine, only fair gas mileage for a 1.5L wheezebox(34 average). Steering accuracy is only fair on my sample. Sloppy front suspension. Seats are comfortable for a 6'2 235lb. guy. Very High wind noise - high road noise and strut "PING" from front suspension. Good shifter and Clutch on the MT.
I recently in Florida had the pleasure to drive a new rental mid trim 2013 Kia Forte and that car was better in every way and much better than a honda civic. As perfect a compact car as Ive driven.
(I am a former Mechanical Engineer (advanced automotive component prototyping) , Master Mechanic and race tuner and engine builder and have owned over 65 cars in my 40 years of driving and wrenching - just your general automotive fanatic until ive learned to hate the buggers!)
I respect the gentlemen's opinion BUT "While the Forte has good fuel economy ratings and its performance is typical of small cars, the Forte's poor reliability score may deter some shoppers"
LINK: http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Kia_Forte/
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: Quest
Hey Cardenio327,
Is your fit built in Mexico? or Thailand?
Ours (or at least mine) is built in Jpn so things might be just a tad different....
*curious*
Q.
Quest,
It was made in Brazil. We have a friend with a Honda City (Fit/Jazz with a trunk tacked onto the back) made in Thailand.
As to differences, very few:
Same engine. South American market cars get smaller engines, but Mexican models get the L15A7, identical to the U.S./Canada models.
We get Nissin solid disc rear brakes, ATE ventilated disc fronts. We get 15" aluminum wheels, ABS/EBD, A/C, floor mats and package shelf at no extra cost.
We only get 2 airbags, you guys get 6 (I think). We do not get TPMS (thank God).
We get a smaller selection of colors available (mine is taffeta white). Other colors available in 2009 were black, red, silver, grey and forest green. Neither shade of blue here.
Mine is a 5 speed manual, the available automatic is conventional, not CVT.
We paid $13,137 U.S. out the door (new, not used). The only extra cost was the license plates, about $600.
A 2014 Fit LX M/T is $16,769 out the door, a 2013 City LX M/T is 17,843 out the door, tariff, new car tax and value added tax (sales tax) already paid, today's prices (Mexico has a new car price transparency law to prevent gouging, accurate prices are available at all times for all new cars).
Hey Cardenio327,
Is your fit built in Mexico? or Thailand?
Ours (or at least mine) is built in Jpn so things might be just a tad different....
*curious*
Q.
Quest,
It was made in Brazil. We have a friend with a Honda City (Fit/Jazz with a trunk tacked onto the back) made in Thailand.
As to differences, very few:
Same engine. South American market cars get smaller engines, but Mexican models get the L15A7, identical to the U.S./Canada models.
We get Nissin solid disc rear brakes, ATE ventilated disc fronts. We get 15" aluminum wheels, ABS/EBD, A/C, floor mats and package shelf at no extra cost.
We only get 2 airbags, you guys get 6 (I think). We do not get TPMS (thank God).
We get a smaller selection of colors available (mine is taffeta white). Other colors available in 2009 were black, red, silver, grey and forest green. Neither shade of blue here.
Mine is a 5 speed manual, the available automatic is conventional, not CVT.
We paid $13,137 U.S. out the door (new, not used). The only extra cost was the license plates, about $600.
A 2014 Fit LX M/T is $16,769 out the door, a 2013 City LX M/T is 17,843 out the door, tariff, new car tax and value added tax (sales tax) already paid, today's prices (Mexico has a new car price transparency law to prevent gouging, accurate prices are available at all times for all new cars).
The consensus seems to be that the Fit is a pretty good car...reliable, reasonably fuel-efficient (although the new Accord gets better mpg), lots of room and versatility, etc. The car is getting a little long in the tooth though...wonder when the next full redesign is due?
Originally Posted By: cathy
Have you had any (common) problems? how is automatic transmission? What kind of transmission oil does this take?
My wife loves her 2012 auto but I think the manual/sport model is the one the seek out.
I am just getting to know my 2013.
The auto trans is fine but I have read that it needs more frequent fluid changes than the minder will admit.
Have you had any (common) problems? how is automatic transmission? What kind of transmission oil does this take?
My wife loves her 2012 auto but I think the manual/sport model is the one the seek out.
I am just getting to know my 2013.
The auto trans is fine but I have read that it needs more frequent fluid changes than the minder will admit.
80k on my wife's 2009 and it has been excellent. Haven't even touched the brakes yet. Oil does get pretty chewed up over the 8-10k oil changes I've been doing, but it's a Honda so really nothing to worry about. Heck the Dunlop tires even lasted 60k! The sum total of other maintenance is an air filter and manual trans fluid, and recall work for the lost motion springs at the dealer.
Oh yeah, 38mpg lifetime!
I will be doing a valve adjustment and spark plugs very soon though.
Oh yeah, 38mpg lifetime!
I will be doing a valve adjustment and spark plugs very soon though.
Funny to see this thread come up.. Sometimes I still debate trading in my car for a Fit Sport and actually getting a car with some usable cargo space.
Originally Posted By: cathy
you have to buy DW-1 fluid from dealer at dealer prices?
Amazon sells Honda ATF and MTF.
you have to buy DW-1 fluid from dealer at dealer prices?
Amazon sells Honda ATF and MTF.
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