well with the new "thread bailout program" we have to redo the 'which tranny thing' until we get a deficit of drama.

some of you may remember the very unfortunate incident in the last 'which tranny thread'

















just kidding

seriously though

pros MT
prolly a second faster in the quarter mile
if you like MT the fit shifter and clutch are particularly excellent, and a joyful extra connection to the car
cheaper to buy

debatable
auto drivers think their mpg is better, MT drivers think their MPG is better.
However if you look at the GD3 poll, those MT's get better MPG.
(forgetabout EPA #'s....how many things does the government do right?????????)

Pros for auto
easier to drive in traffic
lower RPM at cruise
better resale (meaning you'll get the extra $$ you paid back +/- a bit)
better selection of cars on the lot
if you like auto, the fit has a very good one and paddle shifters can be fun

 

I chose the AT to battle the notorious L.A. traffic. Plus I already have two MT Integras.

 

For this to be a unique thread you should post your situation--driving habits, highway city, etc.

 

Manual tranny 4L

 

I've test driven both a couple of times each and I can't decide between the two... the main thing that holds me back from getting the MT is that I keep wanting to shift into 6th! 3 of my current cars are 6MT and it would be nice to not have to think about whether if a 6th gear exists...

That said, the 5AT on the Fit is actually very good for a car in this price range. I was very impressed with the torque converter lockup threshold even in full auto mode.

 

The 09 AT gets better mileage

 

was forced to get an auto but i wanted a manual, ohhh well its all good i guess

 

I can't decide which I want either. Have driven both now, but can't say one is better than the other. I just have to decide which I want to live with for 5+ years. I didn't notice much more increase in acceleration, since they aren't sports cars made to go fast. The difference in fuel economy is zero basically, since some say AT gets better, some say MT gets better. Depends on how you drive. I didn't get much of a feeling of "more fun" out of the MT either... so I guess for me it comes down to whether I want to spend $800 to not have to change gears and push the clutch.

 

I asked alot of people and they all say MT is the best. My current car is a AT and I wanted to try manual so I guess I'm getting MT.

 

Not necessarily.
I believe that the MT will get better mileage anywhere below 55 mph, if driven properly.

 

The 09 AT base gets the best mileage

 

Sounds like you've made the decision to go manual and I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I'm a manual type person all the way but since I share the fit with the wife, I got the auto. The paddle shifters actually work pretty good and it's enough to keep me happy.

On paper the '09 auto is capable of better gas milage if you do more highway driving than city or if you always use the paddle shifters and short shift. The gearing of the auto is taller and the final drive is taller which means a more relaxed cruise on the highway.

Specs here
2009 Honda Fit - Specifications - Official Honda Web site

 

If you've never owned a car with a manual transmission... I think you should get one or else you will forever have this debate in your head. Later on in life and when it's time to get a new car... you'll know exactly what you like and why you like it.

 

The base model does not have paddle shifters. And it is the base model a/t on paper that has the best mileage. It also has to do with the tires. The weight of the car. Etc.

I still find it odd that the base automatic weighs more than the base stick, and yet gets better mileage, I guess that is the gearing responsible.

All this goes against everything I was taught about manuals and automatics, but I'm fine with it! I'll really happy with my base automatic.

One extra mile per gallon city with a 10.6 gallon gas tank gives me 10.6 extra miles out of a tank. That's about three trips to the store!!!

Plus I saved by getting the base, both in the cost (of the vehicle), and in insurance (for the vehicle). What I saved will pay for gas for years!!! (because I don't drive much)

 

mt for sure. i like controlling the car. the fit is my b!tch, not the other way around!

 

I'd buy a beater that you can learn on rather than embarrass yourself during a test drive or beat on a new Fit. Also, it's been my experience that a lot of people that try driving don't like it.

People on this board are enthusiasts so they will most often say get a Manual for no other reason than that it is the "true enthusiast choice" but that's not the opinion of the majority in this country. Honda expects less than 30% of '09 Fits to be Manual as number to show what Americans actually buy.

If it were me, I'd buy a beater & have someone teach me & then if you don't like it you'll likely not be out any $.