Hi, looking for used Fit Sport, as I know in 2012 it was "facelifted", also road noise was reduced, if here any members who had both and felt the difference? I'm looking at 2009 with 30k miles and 2012 with 96k miles. 2009 is $1000 more.

 

I own a 2012, and the amount of road noise is noticeable ... If that is a particular concern for you.

 

You're buying 60k miles for $1000, generally seems like a better idea ... Although a lot depends on maintenance

 

Thanks for reply's, would be nice to have quiter ride if it is different. I don't really care about new style rims, bumper and some interior upgrades. Both cars are far away, also you have to test drive it on a same road to tell the difference. 09 is one owner, car clean Carfax, $8300. 2012 also one owner but front bumper was painted $7300.

 

Sounds like a no-brainer to me if, and only if, the 2009 Fit checks out in person as well. Lots of cars look amazing, or sound amazing, due to a well-thought-out listing, but the car will look like crap when you actually see it.

 

^^^ This. I went to see an 09 Sport that was listed as excellent condition. Turned out to be covered in scrapes and scratches inside and out, one fog light lens was smashed... Some people will say anything to get you to come see it.

 

Same as our experience when we chose between a used '09 and used '13 of about the same mileage. The (manual tranny) ''09 pulled badly to the left under acceleration and the paint and interior were worn. The (automatic tranny) '13 was in excellent shape and had a flawless Carfax diary of Dealer servicings. I think we paid another $1K for the '13 and after nearly three years of ownership, it's been a fine choice.

 

If these cars are in the rust belt, that is a huge consideration. 3 less winters means a lot easier to work on it. But if this is outside of the rust belt, then personally, I would negotiate a little harder on the cheaper one, to see if i could widen the gap.

 

Good point flashbuck. Btw, op I happened to come across a suspension walkaround of a 2009. It showed a car without front fender liners. I can hardly believe a car would be sold without them but if true that's probably your noise reducing change. Both cars are pretty loud though, it's something you can improve but honestly mostly something to accept upfront.

If it helps, rest assured the car is far quieter than my 96 del sol. Next to no sound deadening on that one, just about as loud with the windows up or down hehehe... I drove that car on some long trips too, conversations with a passenger were generally.... Short.

 

Ok guys, thanks for replying, just came back from test drive 30k miles one, interior looked like it had 100k, driver side door panel is broken where you rest your arm, it felt like nothing was under it, headliner had marks all over it, original arm rest was so dirty that it is easier to replace it rather than clean. Body was ok but my X5 with 215k miles has less scratches and damage. So it was one senior owner with clean Carfax, dealer serviced, listed as puff condition. Over the phone the price was 8k non negotiable, after the test drive it was $7500 and I didn't even asked for it. Idk how people trash interior in 30k.

 

7500 is pretty dang nice for a 30k car.. just be sure to torque those spark plugs to 20 ft.lbs. and be prepared to replace the front struts. KYB makes some good ones that run 90 bucks a piece. If you do it yourself, its cheap. if not, tack on a couple hundred bucks for services. Up to you if you want to negotiate based on that information. They're just common issues.
I paid 12k for that mileage, but the body and interior were perf. Still, I'd rather have your deal. Do keep in mind, this car is a jack of all trades, master of none. Thus far, provided you keep it maintained, those are the only two worries that aren't noise or plastic clip related.