Newbie here, just ready to purchase my first Fit. I'm looking at both a 2007 and a 2009. I can buy the '07 base model with 48K miles for 12,000 and I can buy the '09 sport (with navigation) with 33K miles for about 15,500. In today's market I think they are both good deals, with the '09 probably being the better deal. By the way they are both certified.

I'm pretty cash strapped right now, so the '07 is probably the way for me to go. However, from an aesthetic point of view I like the '09 sport much better. I realize that to some extent buying a Fit is an image thing, so I should probably buy the one I feel better driving, but my practical side is holding me back right now.

My question is... other than the obvious style differences, were there any changes made in the 2nd generation that would make it a wiser choice for me long term. I tend to keep my cars a long time, so my choice will be with me for a while...

Thank you in advance for your responses!

 

If you keep your cars for a long time, the wiser choice is the better deal and it sounds like the 09 is the better deal.

fuel economy is supposed to be higher on the 09's and it's a safer ride I believe as far as safety ratings. Plus the Sport has more features and because it's newer, it'll last you longer.
In this market, both of them are good deals.

~SB

 

You'll spend more, getting the car you really want, down the road, if you end up trying to be practical today.

It sounds like you can afford the 2nd gen at a stretch, if so then it might be worthwhile doing that, vs. settling and end up switching in a year or two.

 

I own a 2nd gen Sport and my mother has a 1st gen Sport. I've driven her car many times and here are my thoughts...

1st gen:
- better handling
- good view of surrounding traffic
- weaker engine (especially with 5 passengers)
- better seats, but the fabric is a dust/pet hair magnet
- steering wheel is more comfortable
- stock all-season tires is useless in the snow
- convenient seat slider control on top side driver and passenger seat

2nd gen:
- roomier
- feels like a tank compared to 1st gen
- stiffer ride
- not as nimble
- two glove box compartments
- sturdy hard cargo cover instead of retractable cover
- better audio system
- more cup holders

I would go for the 2nd gen because it feels bigger, stronger and safer...and it looks better.

 

My practical side has never gotten me in financial trouble! Its when the inner child wants to play with a Nav screen that the outer adult has problems.

If I was tight financially I would go with the 07 and buy the kid a Tom Tom to play with! That is what I would do, not a recommendation.

JIm 0311

 

You can buy and install a turbo or supercharger kit in the GD3 or buy and install a bunch of eye candy you can stick on the GE models.

 

Seeing as you posted this in the 2nd generation sub forum, I'm sure a large majority of the votes are going to be for the 09.

 

2nd gen 2nd gen 2nd gen hehe

 

I really prefer how the second gen looks, but that's subjective. Seems there is still a much wider aftermarket for the 1st gen though.

 

I really prefer how the second gen looks, but that's completely subjective. Seems there is still a much wider aftermarket for the 1st gen though.

 

ah there's two threads..

 

I voted 2nd Generation, but mostly because in your case the 2nd Generation deal seems so much better. If both deals were equally "good" for each product, my vote might be different.

I own a 2nd Generation and I like it...so with either choice I don't think you can go wrong.

What I like about the 1st Generation? I think it's smaller and has more of the European or Asian "city" car utility to it...the 2nd Generation has been as is typical..bulked up...you either like that...or not...

The first Generation also has "refresh mode" possible as a seat configuration. Not a "big" deal, but something I wished still existed in the Generation 2.

For the overall comfort, stability? If The Fit was going to be my only car...or primary daily driver? I think you have to lean towards the Gen 2. But it was original that got me looking at Fits to start with....and I really like them. So maybe I'm a little rare, in so much as if I could get a "brand" new 1st Generation Fit today? I'd probably want one...

 

I had an '07 before I traded it for my '11. My main reasons for trading it in were financial, I got a great APR and was able to trade mine in no penalty. I ADORED my '07 because it was super fun to drive, reminded me of my old CRX. The new one definitely feels more like a regular car (meaning not as fun to me).

I do have to say they fixed ALL of my complaints I had with the '07. So I would say to test drive both and see which one you like the feel of better.

-Di

 

My wife test drove a new GE model in 2009 and said it didn't feel as fast or sporty as the GD3 we had bought in 2006... She bought a Forester instead she it felt about the same as the GE but that it looked like it ought to feel that way.

 

No Contest. GE.

 

I have owner both and to be honest, I loved them, but, I think the GE is what the Civic should have looked like before they went all triangular on it!
The GE feels better to drive and is quieter and more accomplished all round.

 

If al, you want is a daily driver, get a GE. if you want to mod the car at all get the GD. Own a GD and have driven numerous GEs, wouldn't part with mine for the world.

 

The GD and the GE are both good looking cars.What ever you pick to buy you will love it.

 

me i prefer 07,08 but i was used to driving cars with some unique styling and those years had more lines than the newer ones (trans ams, 1980 malibu etc.)

 

ive had both. get the 2nd gen.