Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum (though I've been lurking for some time). Recently graduated from college, and I'm saving for a down payment on a Fit, which will be my first car purchase. I just need help deciding whether to go with this 2009 Fit or this 2010 Fit (the 2009 is priced $1000 lower on another site; of course I'll confirm the price with the dealer). I would prefer the Manual transmission, but it isn't a deal breaker. I'm trying to get the best deal, considering mileage, age of the vehicle, and what ever differences there are between the 2009 and 2010 Fits. Thanks.

 

The '10 definitely seems like the better option based on your desire for manual and the mileage.

That said, I'd buy one private seller and save more money yet.

 

No major differences until 2011, 2012 afaik.

If you like to drive M/T, get the M/T, don't be that guy.

"I wish I would have bought the manual..."

 

Well like he stated in the OP either tranny is fing with him. If that is the case, there would be one more variable I'd like to see before giving my .02. What is the cars responsibility? Commuting to/from work 10mi r/t or a decent amount of freeway commutes/road trips?

 

get the manual one for sure

 

I say it depends, I choose an auto because I drive in high traffic areas and with the FIT the manuals tend to have shorter gearing. That being said... some days I DO wish for a manual instead of an auto.

 

Thanks for the suggestions so far. I'm buying the car primarily for commuting/long distance trips to see friends and pick up my sister from college. I live and work in the suburbs of a medium-sized city, so I'll mostly be driving on the interstate. I also commute by bicycle, so I don't plan on having much city driving; I'll just take the bike.

I'm almost set on getting a Fit, it is just a matter of when and how much I will need to finance. I'm just trying to decide whether the 2010, with lower mileage and a manual, is, practically speaking, worth the price difference compared to the 2009. I've also begun looking at private sellers since the prices seem much more reasonable than dealerships.

 

We have an orange 2010 automatic (my wife's car) and a red 2009 manual (my car). I commute in Atlanta in stop and go traffic, and the manual doesn't bother me at all. It's a really easy car to drive.

A 20k mile difference is nothing to a Fit. I'd just look at both, drive both, and pick which one you like more. The manual will get better gas mileage in all scenarios, I average just under 40mpg in my manual, and my wife is lucky to see 32mpg. It's partially because she takes a lot of small trips, but even on long trips, putting the manual into neutral and coasting down long hills or mountains makes a big difference in gas mileage.

 

Pick whichever one you like more obviously, but its agreed the M/T gets better fuel milage, is more responsive, very engaging, and requires less maintenance. In traffic it will creep along at 3mph in first and you can throw it in top gear at 30mph and it will still accelerate. Even when you beat on the car a bit the M/T has no problem averaging 33 or more in mixed driving from my experience. If you buy eco tires it gets over 40mpg on the freeway.

Clutches have come a long way in ease of use even in the last 10 years.

The 2011 base gave you traction control and cruise control standard. There is no differences between 2009 and 2010 besides a valve spring recall on 2009s. So make sure that was done before you buy.