I bought my Fit to replace my 2004 4Runner which I gave to my fiance (now wife) to replace her failing Mustang. I needed a commuter car that was going to be good on gas since my commute distance would go up after we got married. The GK5 checked a lot of boxes, not all, but the higher priority ones. They were good on gas, cheap to maintain and insure and be under $20k. It would have been nice to have more HP and a more comfortable suspension, but that's the compromise I made.

Just wanted to say hello and show some mods I've done to make my commuter car more enjoyable. Like many of you, I can't leave well enough alone. I try not to spend too much money on a car since it's literally a depreciating asset, but if I'm going to spend so much time in it, I like to personalize it a bit. I figure any money I save on gas and upgrades get tacked into my retirement and brokerage accounts so I meet my early retirement goal of 56.

Homebrew cargo cover (The ridges are aluminum curtain rods for support underneath two layers of foamboard all wrapped in felt). The emblem is just sitting there, I haven't decided if I want to permanently mount it there. It was the emblem on the rear hatch.







Center console pad bought on ebay. It gives enough height to be useful and just a bit more storage. The partitions can be removed. It's mounted by two straps wrapped around the center console cover.





I'm happy with the Fit. It's been getting a combined 38-42 MPG on my commute. Much better than the 17 MPG on my 4Runner.

I have to say the most annoying thing is that my driver's window rattles when it's cracked a few inches. I've taken it into the dealership and they were able to duplicate it, but not fix it. Supposedly they are aware of the issue. The tech called Honda and they tried a few things but nothing helped. Now it's rattling with the window closed. I haven't had time to take it back in to see if they can fix the rattling with the window closed.

 

That homebrew cargo cover is sweet ... I really want to make me one of those when a get a chance in the next month or so. The center console armrest is nice too. Do you have to take the top armrest off to get inside the console or will the whole thing swing up?

 

I kind of refuse to pay nearly $200 for the Honda cargo cover. I probably spent less than $30 in materials doing it myself. I'm still deciding if I want to make it tilt up with the hatchback or not...

Yes the center console will still flip up with that armrest in place.

Also forgot that I did the Wheelskins Euro Perforated steering wheel cover. I did a gray and black. It was kind of a PITA to do, and I'm not 100% satisfied with my wrapping job but it's there and I don't feel like redoing it anytime soon. It's 100% better than the plastic steering wheel and gives it a little more girth



Next mod will probably be the leather wrapped shifter knob.

 

Those are all really nice mods, and the steering wheel wrap job actually looks very good.

 

 

Nice mods. The centre console upgrade with cross hatching seems a little flashy to the subdued Fit interior. I do like your cargo cover and wrapped steering wheel. I'll probably make my own leather steering wheel cover, though not perforated.

 

I was thinking of rubbing a dye on it to grey out the white stitching so it wouldn't stand out so much. I would have preferred all black, but it was the white or red stitching.

 

I think the white stitching as a touch of flare and brightens up an otherwise dark interior.

 

OEM Leather shift knob:

 

HKS Silent Hi-Power:





Intro-Tech Automotive Ultimate Reflector Car Sun Shade


Tilting DIY hatchback cover: Used paracord and heatshrink, but used the OEM hatchback clips

 

Nice mod. I never thought of paracord. I'll get my son to weave a couple of colours together. The heat shrink is a great idea, and come in many colours. Is the tilt very useful?

 

The tilt is very convenient for getting stuff at the back of the trunk with the cover in place.

I just used stuff I had laying around so the paracord and heatshrink came in handy. I had paperclips for a little while, but I wanted a cleaner look and the OEM clips were not too expensive.

 

Are the center console armrest covers still available 2Rismo2? Cannot locate on EBay.

 

They should still be available:http://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-Armrest-Arm-Rest-Interior-Center-Console-Storage-Box-Leatherette-White-/261145530731?hash=item3ccd7c916b&rmvSB=true&ul_ref =http%253A%252F%252Frover.ebay.com%252Frover%252F1 %252F711-53200-19255-0%252F1%253Ftype%253D3%2526campId%253D5336118842%2 526toolId%253D10001%2526customId%253Dieqw88m0u2000 b2b00004%2526mpre%253Dhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww .ebay.com%25252Fitm%25252FUniversal-Armrest-Arm-Rest-Interior-Center-Console-Storage-Box-Leatherette-White-%25252F261145530731%25253Fhash%25253Ditem3ccd7c916 b%2526srcrot%253D711-53200-19255-0%2526rvr_id%253D898476367502

The seller is finedayshop if the link doesn't work

 

Link works fine, thanks. I'm glad to see the armrest installed in your pic since the listed compatible vehicles don't seem updated beyond 2013 and do not include Fits. Do I assume correctly that the original equipment 'armrest' compartment remains accessible following installation of the strap-on cushion/compartment enhancment? Thanks.

 

Yes, the stock armrest works independently. They don't affect the functionality of each other. It adds roughly 2 3/4" in height. I've thought alight adding about another half inch by building up the base, but it works pretty well as is.

I measured the unit and the stock armrest and took a roll of the dice. It also clears the gap between the two seats without rubbing.

 

Thanks for the feedback 2Rismo2. I would add one caveat for other members who may go this route. You gave me the URL:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-Armrest-Arm-Rest-Interior-Center-Console-Storage-Box-Leatherette-White-/261145530731?hash=item3ccd7c916b&rmvSB=true&ul_ref=http%253A%252F%252Frover.ebay.com%252Frover%252F1%252F711-53200-19255-0%252F1%253Ftype%253D3%2526campId%253D5336118842%2526toolId%253D10001%2526customId%253Dieqw88m0u2000b2b00004%2526mpre%253Dhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.ebay.com%25252Fitm%25252FUniversal-Armrest-Arm-Rest-Interior-Center-Console-Storage-Box-Leatherette-White-%25252F261145530731%25253Fhash%25253Ditem3ccd7c916b%2526srcrot%253D711-53200-19255-0%2526rvr_id%253D898476367502&rmvSB=true
...which did lead to an apparently identical armrest box. However, my Holmsian spouse of 43 years (all internet purchases go through her just as all internet rumors go through Snopes...bless her pea-picken' heart) noticed mention that the item attached to your url does not fit a Fit. The following leads to the "New Universal Fit" Armrest etc. that also (I assume exactly) resembles the one you have installed.

New Universal Fit Center Armrest Console Leatherette Storage Box | eBay

I any case, thanks, I have grown weary of reaching for an armrest that ain't there, and in a few weeks, navigator and I will be driving from the Atlanta area to North Dakota!

 

Lol, I just got married and I've been told happy wife, happy life. They should be identical, same dimensions listed but get the one that keeps the peace

 

Congratulations to both of you, and indeed, I have never encountered a situation wherein the stated maxim did not hit the nail squarely on the head!

 

Installed Progressive Rear Sway bar a few days ago:

https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/3rd-...ml#post1333540