I'm considering buying my first car and probably aiming for a used 2007-2008 Fit. What should I be aware of with high mileage Fits around 280,000 km (175k miles)? These seem to come at a good discount compared to the same model years with 150,000 - 175,000 km. Are they best avoided? Note that I'm in Canada, if that makes a difference based on the harsh winters.

Based on prowling these forums, it seems valve adjustment, spark plug / coil pack replacements might be expected.

How long are these models known to last?

Thanks for any advice! You just might turn me into a real fit freak

 

The GD3 series like your looking at are relatively simple cars. Other than the maintenance you mentioned they don't have much to go wrong. The engine should eb good for over 200K its got a timing chain so no belt worries. But keep in mid that at 175 K miles its a Worn car. You may hit things like struts, wheel bearings, Heater blower, typical old car gotcha's.

 

Thanks for the reply, dwtaylorpdx.

Simple and reliable and inexpensive are key factors for me right now.

Would it be possible to screen for those issues you mentioned before buying? The cost of the high mileage (eg. 280k km / 175k miles) is sometimes half of lower mileage (eg. 150k km / 94k miles) cars. Does it make economic sense? How much would reliability be affected?

What is the typical maximum lifetime of these vehicles?

 

Max life is so variable its anybody's guess.. There are a lot of these cars with 175K+ on them, I've also seen 1 that the owner managed to destroy by 80K.

Right now I'm fighting a intermittent short in a circuit that disables a bunch of things in the car when it pops the fuse. This would likely cost me a bunch of coin if I just took it to the dealer, luckily I know how to trace the wiring and dig the problem and its my 3rd car so if its out of commission I'm not screwed.

"A cheap car is the most expensive one you'll ever buy"..

 

That's what I'm concerned about! Even on a simple car with a good reputation, it seems getting a reliable used car is hit or miss. I'm not sure if a lower mileage one would necessarily be better. I don't want hassles right now.

And, my sympathies for the intermittent issue...

 

Bought mine with 183,000 miles and haven't had a problem other then replacing the primary o2. I do all my work on my cars and honestly, these cars are very easy to work on and very reliable. I bought mine from maine so it's seen some winter weather also but I don't see any rust yet. I wash mine after every snow storm. Love my fit

 

Thanks, that's reassuring. I try to keep in mind that online comments will be biased towards problem cases. What is the mileage on your car now?

 

I've had it for only couple months (maybe 6 months?). I have 199,xxx miles now. I drive it everyday. I drove it 800 miles down to visit my family and 800 miles back with no problems. I wouldnt hesitate to take it anywhere. As soon as it gets warmer, I plan to do a valve adjustment and send the injectors off to get them cleaned professionally. I plan to keep it for a long time and im a guy that doesn't keep cars often. If you look around, you might find some good deals. Bought mine for $2400usd and 1 owner.

 

What is the price the car is listed at? I bought my 08 2years ago at around 180k km it's up past 260k km now. I put shocks in it when I got it as well as lowering springs. IV replaced the belt and plugs. It's got a bit of rust I am going to take care of this spring and could use a new clutch and windshield.

 

I've seen ones with 260k-300k+ km get listed for $2000 to $3000 CAD. Ones with half of that mileage seem to range from $4000 to $7000 CAD, which seems quite overpriced considering 2009-2010 models with lower mileage start becoming available around $7000 CAD.

I'm inclined to avoid any modifications as I'm primarily looking for reliability and economy right now.

Btw, is there any significant difference between GD and GE in reliability, economy, performance?

 

Depending on how the previous owner or you how you take care of the car. Just sure to do mantainace on the car and you'll be fine. Life of the engine can last long, depends on you taking care of it. Seen a video on YouTube with a guy with well over 235,000 plus miles and he just replaced his motor mounts to innovative racing motor mounts. His motor still was going strong. Everything depends on how you care for the car.

 

My GD3 w/5MT and 147K was recently totaled by a red light runner, otherwise I'd still be driving it every day.

In addition to what dwtaylorpdx said, I'd ask if the spark plugs and coilpacks were ever replaced, because if they haven't been, you'll want to replace those pronto. Figure about $250 for everything from rockauto if you do it yourself, much more if you have someone else do it.

Also ask if the valve lash was ever adjusted too, because again, you'll want that done too. A bent feeler gauge comes in handy, a few bucks, and you may or may not have to replace a gasket. Mechanic price for that is all over the place. You can do it yourself, but you'll need to pull away a bunch more stuff than you will with the coilpacks and plugs, so not everyone will be comfortable doing that on their own.

 

fifit, I've owned my '07 GD3 5AT since April 28, 2006. So far, it's continued to be a good addition to our family fleet of Hondas. We also have a 2000 Odyssey, 1983 Interceptor and 2006 Civic.

Other than normal wear items, I've had to replace 2 coilpacks. 1 radiator fan, and 1 A/C compressor, I feel that this car has been very reliable for a 10 year old with 299,478 miles on it.
I try not to abuse my rides, but I don't exactly treat this Fit like a baby. I paddle shift this car daily with 4K rpm, or greater shift points. If the need arises, I will occasionally shift at 7,000 to 7,200 rpm (as I have reset the rev limit to 7,500 rpm, via Hondata FlashPro). I did Autox this car one season, and had no issues other than wearing out tires and brakes at an alarmingly expensive rate.
I do try to somewhat follow Honda's recommended maintenance schedule as a guideline. I change the oil at least once a year, using Amsoil lube. I've changed the ATF 3X so far. The valve lash has been adjusted twice. 4 sets of Denso IK22 plugs. Replaced the brake fluid once.
I presently average about 34.5+ mpg. I can get an occasional 36-37mpg tank average when the driving conditions are in my favor. It burns maybe a quart of oil every 10K or so.
I live in Central California, so I don't have any experience with rust issues. That may be a concern if the Fit you are buying has been subjected to a lot of road salt.
Hopefully, if you find a GD3 that has been taken care of as well, or better than mine, you will know that it will "last" at least 299,478 miles!

 

If you are 16, and it's your first car, and you can get it at an good price, then go for it.

 

You live in Canada? I'd say, whatch for rust, rust, and then check again for rust!

All the parts the guys are talking about can be changed for under 500$. Once the rust sets in inside the doors and inside the fenders, you are pretty much screwed and body work is so crazy expensive that it'll quickly not be worth it on a 6000$ car

 

I would never buy a high mileage car because there are plenty of issues that can arise with the engine. The has to be right if it is has high miles.

 

My S2000 has 140k miles.
My wife's Fit 125k.
My grandfather's Odyssey 220k.

So...

 

After totaling my first '08 GD3, I bought my second GD3 with 175k miles. I'm at 211k miles right now and it still drives flawlessly but I'm about to get my 3rd GD3 just because I found one at a dealership near me with 63k miles and talked the dealer down to 4400 for it, so I couldn't pass it up haha. These cars will last forever, plus used engines are so cheap.

 

+1 on the cheap engines, I've seen a complete engine+tranny for < 400 buck at local yards more than once.. Both had about 75K on them..

 

As already stated, high mileage cars will have wear items (shocks etc.), that may come up soon. Best thing with these Fits. ..... change fluids Often. Since these are very simple cars just stay on top of the fluid changes, oil, ATF, brake and coolant. Whatever vehicle you're looking at. .. test drive it harder than you would normally drive it. Be nosey and ask questions ....oh. ..... and have fun