I am looking to get rid of my Mini Cooper S, I need to be able to carry the wife and all 3 kids occasionally.
I'm going to go test drive one tonight or tomorrow evening and see how bad I get beat up on a trade. I'll only get a manual tranny, sport model, not too concerned about the rest.

-Any year better than others?
-A good used 2010 just as good as a new 2011?
-Any changes I should wait for a 2012 to get?
-Any particular option I should really consider getting?

Thanks!

 

If you're looking at the sport version, there's not much difference between the 2010 and 2011. Stability control and floor mats got added, along with a few color changes. If you don't care about the stability control, then there's not much difference between a new 2011 and a used 2010.

2012 should see the all electric fit in the US. No real idea of when we'll see a major update of the line.

As for options, hands down get the center console armrest. I'd also consider getting a tint job done on it, since you're in the south (the fit's ac is a touch underpowered and the huge glass acts as a greenhouse).

That said, I dunno if 3 kids will fit in the back seat. If you're regularly driving with 5 in the vehicle, its time to get a minivan.

 

There's rumor of a 6-speed for 2012. I'll kick myself if I missed out on that. 3 kids in back seems like a squeeze, but I suppose if they're already used to it, it's not the worst back seat to sit in. Rear seats recline, btw. Didn't figure that out until recently. What other cars are in contention? Have you checked out the Mazda5? It's a little more mini-van looking, but has more seating, sliding doors, and is available in a 5-speed.

 

Three kids on short trips would be fine, but not for long trips. Ford is bringing its c-max mini minivan to the USA this fall...it will have a turbo option. They have been in Europe for 5 or 6 years. They look nice.A Mazda 5 would also be good for a family. You may want to wait, there are some good looking cars coming out this fall!

 

We own a 2006 Mazda5 now, my wife drives it, its our primary hauler we bought new in 06 right before our 3rd kid was born. We will not be taking trips in the fit, its just that occasionally with 2 kids in sports and one in scouts there will be times where being able to squeeze everyone in will be beneficial.
So console armrest and tiny, got it. Don't care about stability control, not to be a dick but I couldn't imagine that I'd need it here in Texas with only 120 hp.

Any idea when the 2012 will have specs available or be out at the dealer?

 

Fallish. I wouldn't expect much of a change, given the 2011 already saw a minor refresh.

To state the obvious, you should bring the whole family plus car seats to be sure everyone will fit. But yeah, if its around town, kids should do ok in the back.

And right now is the worst time to try to buy the fit. Because of the tsunami, dealers haven't gotten new fit shipments for a while, so waiting till fall might be a good idea anyway.

 

More than likely this fall. The hybrid fits will also debut in America. The fiesta will have improvements and include a turbo model. I would wait 3 or 4 months to see what all your options are...If you can.

A fit is a great choice, but Honda will be seeing real competition in 2012.

 

In our area, used 2010s cost almost as much as new 2011s, so it was an easy choice to go with the new one, esp. since we were able to take advantage of the 0.9% financing offer, vs, 3-4 on a used car loan.

Make sure you get a "heatshield" that's actually made to fit the huge windshield. I thought I could get away with the universal one from my old car, but it only covered about 60% of the Fit's windshield. The made-to-fit one is more unwieldy, but worth it.

 

Yeah I just purchased a 11 sport M/T last weekend and the price diff. between a used 09/10 vs a new one was a only a few hundred dollars. So I opted for the 11. So far I'm loving it.

 

They are all good... its a Honda after all.

You may pay as much or very close to new prices on a used Fit
at which point it makes no sense to purchase used.

Purchasing a car is like purchasing a computer. It will be obsolete
in a few months or less anyway.

Supply is short right now given the effects of the tsunami in Japan.
The dealer I purchased from as ZERO in stock right now and does not
expect more inventory until later in the summer... and those ones may
be spoken for when they come in.

There are no options... only accessories.

Consider...

-wheel locks as a deterrent for the dreaded wheel migration
-body side moldings to absorb car door bumps
-tinting is a must what with all the glass area
-fix to protect the AC condensor (some do the home made fix
while others purchase the billet grille)
-locking gas cap (the one for the Element fits)

 

2012 Fit, best guess:
2012 Honda Fit Could See Improved Fuel Economy, 6-Speed Manual Transmission | AutoGuide.com News

I think they come out at the end of September. I'm not sure when the actual stats are leaked, but I would guess sometime in early August?

 

Stability control isn't about engine power, it's about keeping the car going in the right direction if you have to swerve and swerve back- it keeps the car from sliding sideways.

 

First, you should do well trading in the Mini. There is a good demand so when you determine the WHOLESALE value of your car use the appropriate catagory on autotrader or one of tyhe NADA, Blackbook, etc to get it. be sure to properly and accurately describe your Minis condition. Remember when you determine wholesale value of your Mini deal with difference between your Mini wholesale and wholesale plus profit on your buying vehicle. Profit over $1000 , not including tax, tags, etc is too much, under a thousand good. Right now with low vehicle sales you should do well.
The Mini is one of the vehicles you could do better selling yourself for retail less 10% instead of trading.
And last why are you trading the Mini for a Fit that gets no better mpg and fun to drive though reliability and room are good reasons.
PS go for the Sport, too many extra refinements to get with the Sport. Even the paddle-shifted auto is good if you have a need , like for wife to drive. Its both full auto and paddle-shifted.
good luck.

 

I would stay away from a used fit because resale is so high (could sell mine for what I paid a year+ ago). Just go for a nice new one.

 

Cancelled.

Ford C-Max Minivan Canceled; U.S C-Max To Be Hybrid-Only

 

The reason I need a fit over the mini is the mini only can seat 4 people, I need to be able to occasionally carry 5. We have 3 young kids that can fit easily in the backseat of the Fit, only 2 can fit in the Mini.
Cost savings is also a big issue.
I'm only getting about 27-28 on the highway in my Cooper S, hopefully I'll see mileage in the low 30's with a Fit, and I have to use Premium gas in the Mini which in Texas is somewhere over $.45 a gallon more than regular fuel.
Insurance will also be lower with the Fit.
Based on my driving/gas expense and insurance rates I'll save over $100 a month. I still have 3 years on my Mini note as well so I'll be going to a lower monthly car payment for a fit.
I've found a really slick 2007 with nice rims for $12,5k I'm going to look at this weekend, 4 years on that is a cheap car payment.
I'll be able to carry 5 people, plus haul groceries, and save at a minimum $200-225 a month over the Mini I'm in now.

 

Practicality is the Fit's best weapon! Just realize that moving from a Mini to a Fit is going to be an adjustment if you are any kind of driving enthusiast. Heck, even your Mazda5 (which is a GREAT car BTW) has independent rear suspension. Not to rain on your Fit quest, but just want you to know what you are getting into.

There is a reason the Mini is more expensive per month, it is a better drivers car. But if you can deal with the difference, the Fit can be very rewarding.

Cheers!

 

Likely not until the Fall. It is likely however that any changes between the current fit and the 2012 will be more significant than the 2010 &2011 as honda usually does their Minor Model Change (MMC) 3 years into production.

The 2011 wasn't a refresh, just some current options added as standard (VSA being the only non minor item and that is to meet upcoming regulations). The MMC will likely happen for 2012 and have changes to the front/rear bumpers, maybe some new wheels) the 6MT if they decide to bring it to the US, and maybe a few other mechanical upgrades.

~SB

 

2011 is the 3rd year after the intro of the GE. Don't forget, GE came out as model year 2008 in Japan.

I'd say a Hybrid/EV version qualifies as MMC.

 

If i were you i will wait for the 2012 Fit