I am getting ready to replace my 93 Del Sol with a Honda Fit Base AT (avoiding the Sport due to lower mpg & reportedly harsh ride - will upgrade the base with 15" alloys & better tires + progressive Rear Sway Bar still costing less than Sport).

Had my mind all made up to purchase a used 2009. However in doing research, I'm finding that in my area (Seattle / Bellingham WA). Used Fits cost more than new here. Factory invoice on Fit Base AT (incuding shipping) $16,650. I can find no use base models & the cheapest used Sport is $16,690 with 17K miles. Most are 18-20K. I realize these are asking prices, but even according to NADA the average retail for a used 2009 Fit is greater than the cost of new.

Since the 2011 all have VDS & traction control standard, it seems stupid to even consider a used one. So at this point, I am anticipating going to the dealer to order a new Fit Base in Celestial Blue. Am I missing something here?

 

With gas prices the way they are, people are fiendish for fuel efficient cars. And since Japan is struggling to catch up with demand after the crisis over there, used prices are highly inflated. This is one of those rare times where it makes sense to buy new over used. Financing new is cheaper anyways, I'm not sure if that 0.9% financing offer is still going on, though.

 

I believe the 0.9% financing was only up to 5/2. Glad I jumped for my fit week right after the earthquake.

 

That is pretty well it... makes no sense to purchase used. It was the same back in March when I purchased my new Sport. Dealer had a used one but there was not enough difference between new / used to sway me to used.

Be prepared for a wait on your order with the current Fit supply situation.
2 months ago my local dealer had 31 in stock, today they have ZERO.

 

If you are looking at used ones from a Honda Dealer, they are going to "certify" it, thus adding to its price. The prices are crazy stupid here in AZ as well. All the dealerships currently are getting MSRP for the Fits and will not negoiate on the price as supply and demand are in the dealerships favor.

 

I think you answered your own question. I can not see any disadvantage to a new car over a used one, especially when it costs less.

 

Yup, used Honda Fits (and most cars) are overpriced IMO. I only wanted to spend around $15,000 on a car. For that price, i had a choice between a 2009 Fit Sport with 40k miles or a new 2011 Fit Base. I opted for the new Base with the added bonus of 0.9% financing.

 

When I was looking last year, I also wanted to buy used, since I have never purchased a new car. I limited my search to GE models. I found a used Sport for 16,000 with an enormous woofer/speaker set up in back which took up half the cargo space & another used one with very low miles, but it was nearly the same price as new, so I opted for a new 2010 for $18K & took advantage of the low interest Honda financing.

 

Thanks for all the feedback. I spent most of the day trying to track down a 2011 Base model. None to be found within 200 miles. Dealers are saying that due to earthquake disruptions in Japan, they have no idea when they will get any. Looks like even the Sports are going to go to zero fast!

Found one 09 Base Fit w 32K at a Nissan dealer for $17,995.
Found one 09 Sport Nav w 27K for 16,500 - not a bad price compared to everything else out there, but it is PURPLE - me thinks that is why it is priced less than anything else. Not sure it is a good deal as it might be hard to sell Purple Haze 7-10 yrs from now. What do you think, is that color a born loser?

Also considering a Nissan Versa SL which are almost as rare as the Base Fit, but at generally priced about $2.5K less. I drove one from a one owner/private party SL that was on Craigslist 2 months for ago by original owner that was selling for $12K but wasn't ready to buy then.

Still prefer the Fit & going to keep looking, but the seem to be going to zero fast, but looks like bad timing all around for me.

 

That color is actually pretty cool. Its almost black. Here it is if you haven't seen it.

 

The color is blackberry pearl, the color of mine. It was not my first choice, but I was able to buy a used one back in mid 09 for a substantial discount...back when used ones were cheaper...

However, after 90k miles on the rock strewn AZ highways, and several winters, my paint looks nothing like that...

 

I am paying $3000 more than that for a base model.....
Timing is everything.
I wish I knew what I know now but 2 weeks ago I didn't even know I need to buy a new car.

 

The problem with the logic above is you have assumed you will be able to get the new car also at invoice. As mentioned before, we are in abnormal pricing times now due to supply and other issues...

If you can wait for 9months to purchase, that will give you a better bargaining position. Or look to non-japanese cars for the present...

 

Just to be clear, the negotiated sticker price for a 2011 base Fit with manual transmission was $14,800. My OTD price (which includes 6.25% tax, fees, all weather mats, and security system) was $16,400. I added the mats and security system after i signed the purchase agreement, which was my mistake. I should have done that at the initial negotiation, but i didn't think i wanted them at the time and changed my mind afterwards. I don't think i got a "great" deal, but i think it was at least average. The 0.9% financing was what really sealed the deal for me.

 

Local dealer has no new Fits in stock. Looks like it may be end of June or July before they get any.

They do have one used Fit:

-2009 Fit Sport Automatic
-40,416 miles
-$15,932

 

Blackberry Pearl is one of the most awesome Fit colors!

 

OK, I found what is apparently the last Base Fit in WA. Since multiple dealers told me they didn't know when the would get more Fits / could be six months or more, I basically lost my head & bought if for more than MSPR - ashamed to say how much more, but did get it knocked down a grand.

I planned on purchasing alloys & different tires from the start. Nothing fancy nor expensive, but just wanted lighter wheels & read so many rotten reviews of the OEM Dunlop A31 A/S tires. I am used to Hondas - have had 8 Civics from 85 to 97 (most were 92s - 97). So I understand they don't win award for their smooth, quiet ride. I have almost always upgraded the OEM tires & been happy for it (the one exception was some very stiff BFG Radial T/As which I took back).

I just got back from Discount Tires with my new shoes. I got MB Seven X 15 x 6 wheels w +55 offset. They weigh 1.2 lbs less than stock. I got 195/60 x15 Hankook 727 T rated tires (OEMs were 174/65 x15 R rated). The Hankooks are the highest rated Standard Touring Tires on both Tire Rack & Consumer Reports. I expected better smoother ride, less noise & better handling with some minor mpg loss (1-2 mpg?).

Before I was out of the parking lot I realized the new set up was noiser & stiffer. I can definitely feel the irregularities more on what are pretty smooth blacktop roads - overall there is just a lot more road feel. On the highway up to 70 mph there is no suggestion of a balancing problem, Not what I expected & not real happy about it.

I immediately check the tire pressure - right on at 33. The noise is basically a soft but noticable whiring sound, perhaps due to the fact there is about a 1/2" more rubber on the road than before. Also I realize that the sidewalls of a T rated tire are going to be a bit stiffer than an R rated tire.

So, where did I go wrong with this set up? I am half tempted to go get the Dunlops put back on!!! Any suggestions from the experts here short of spending 50% more for rims & tires? Might a going with the same tire in 185/60 size make much difference? HELP!

 

LoL

I'll sell you my 09 Fit base for 10k 126k miles and old school maintenance no accidents.

 

bit offtopic, but i contacted a dealer and doesnt look like things will get back to normal anytime very soon. At least in my area

 

It's weird, but my local dealer has more Fits in stock now than last May when I bought my car. They have 6 --all Automatic Sport, one of which is a Navi model. It would be harder to find a base or manual model & Celestial Blue is a harder color to find, too. they almost never have any used Fits.