I got over 31,000 miles on my original Dunlop Tires before changing them. It went past the warranty, and was getting close to the tread wear indicators. I noticed that the handling characteristics changed, and that it was more prone to skid or hop if I cornered a bit too quickly with the old tires.

My car is the base model with the 14" Rims: P175 65 14 Tires. I replaced them with Kelly Springfield tires, and noticed an improvement. Kelly Springfield and Dunlop are owned by Goodyear. KS was the least expensive brand, and they last a long time when properly maintained. My car corners better with these tires.

As for acceleration, I have the 5 speed, and it responds better than ones with an automatic. When I got the car brand new, the salesman at Norm Reeves Honda in Cerritos California said that my car was the 1st stick model he drove on the lot. He noticed a difference between the automatics and sticks. I rode in a Fit with an automatic; it still responds well, from what I've noticed. I notice the 07 & 08 Fits in traffic, and many of them have great pickup.

I took a road trip to the High Sierra with my Fit; I had a Thule roof rack and cartop carrier mounted on the roof. I drove 90 mph on US Highway 395 in the Owens Valley without a problem. The car also took the 6% grades in 4th gear going 60 mph. The car handles smoothly on mountain roads and in windy valleys. I can feel the diffference of the aerodynamics between my Fit and my old Toyota Pickup truck, when driving on highway 395 in the desert.

 

I just bought my 2008 Fit Sport M/T about a month ago and I absolutely love it! I can't believe how much I love it. I would recommend this car to the ends of the earth at this point. The guy I bought it from didn't get great mileage, but he definitely drove differently - he admitted he had a bit of a lead foot. I drive a bit more slowly (no jackrabbit starts unless I'm trying to get outta someone's way), and I am reasonable on the highway. He used to get high 20s/low 30s, but I got 39 on my first tank. I am pretty sure I will be able to get low 40s if I do all highway on my next tank (finger crossed). Seriously consider buying this car! I agree with some others in this thread too - I tend to like the 07/08 body style better. That said, they are all really cool!

 

Welcome, Erin! If you set it on cruise at 62mph, you should get 42-45 on the highway; it helps to pump the tires up a bit also (I run mine around 50psi). I too love my car; I've had it for over 4 years now.
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Barry, '08 BBP Fit Sport M/T

 

Hi Barry,
Thanks for the tip! I hope you're right because that would be fantastic mileage! I am heading on a little roadtrip this weekend and will give it a shot. I have heard that running tires too high can actually cause problems, though (like more friction and even popping tires, etc. when it is hot out). Have you heard that? I just don't want to cause problems like that - especially now that it is getting warmer out.

 

^^^^ Actually, over-inflating a few pounds REDUCES the chance of tire failure, as a "hard" tire will not build up as much heat (they don't flex as much).


Many years ago, auto manufacturers often recommended increasing tire PSI 3 to 5 lbs for long trips.

 

It shouldn't cause a problem, as long as you stay below the "max sidewall pressure" listed on the tire. I've run the 50psi tires up and down the San Joaquin Valley in Central California in summer, when temperatures were in the 90's, with no trouble. I was sweating like crazy, though! :-)
--
Barry

 

Thanks for the tips on the tire pressures! I will do that and see how it goes!