Upgrading a Base to Sport?
#1
Upgrading a Base to Sport?
Has anyone seriously looked at this? I'm in the market for a Fit. I require the 5MT and I would really like the sport, but man the sport 5MTs seem to be rare. There do seem to be a few base 5MTs around and I'm starting to wonder if I should consider them and just upgrade what I can by myself:
Exterior Body Molding - this doesn't seem upgradable, but I don't really care about it.
Weels - Man I hate hubcaps, but it looks like the 15" alloys are available off of ebay or elsewhere
Stereo - I could add the Aux plug as described here, that would probably satisfy me
Wireless entry/security - Looks like that is available from Honda
Fog lights - Also available from Honda, but I don't know if I care enough to buy them
Cruise Control - Aftermarket solutions, but I don't really care about it too much.
Are there any other differences I'm forgetting? If I got everything then it would definitely be cheaper just to buy the Sport model. But given that I can't find a Sport, and that I'm only truly interested in about 2/3 of the upgrades, maybe this would be a workable solution? And maybe even save some bucks?
Exterior Body Molding - this doesn't seem upgradable, but I don't really care about it.
Weels - Man I hate hubcaps, but it looks like the 15" alloys are available off of ebay or elsewhere
Stereo - I could add the Aux plug as described here, that would probably satisfy me
Wireless entry/security - Looks like that is available from Honda
Fog lights - Also available from Honda, but I don't know if I care enough to buy them
Cruise Control - Aftermarket solutions, but I don't really care about it too much.
Are there any other differences I'm forgetting? If I got everything then it would definitely be cheaper just to buy the Sport model. But given that I can't find a Sport, and that I'm only truly interested in about 2/3 of the upgrades, maybe this would be a workable solution? And maybe even save some bucks?
#3
I was editing in the cruise control even as you were typing.
I've listened to both the stock and the upgraded stereo and neither impressed me too terribly. I'm not too picky and would probably be happy with the stock (assuming I could AUX in my mp3 player/cell phone)
Is there any difference in interior trim between the base and the sport? Any difference in fabric quality? Or is it just different color selections?
Thanks - J
I've listened to both the stock and the upgraded stereo and neither impressed me too terribly. I'm not too picky and would probably be happy with the stock (assuming I could AUX in my mp3 player/cell phone)
Is there any difference in interior trim between the base and the sport? Any difference in fabric quality? Or is it just different color selections?
Thanks - J
#5
The only differences in the two models are those things you mentioned. The engine, interior, electrical, everything else is the same. I opted for the base MT because the only things I really cared for on the sport were the wheels and the Aux, similar to you. The wheels are readily found here or on ebay, but the Aux is much harder to come by. Not so easily taken care of through Honda, you basically have to get a knowledgeable stereo guy to add it for you (unless you are able to do it yourself, there are instructions in the DIY forum here). If the sport MT is really that hard to come by, I don't think you'd be disappointed in the base. Once I got my wheels, I was fully satisfied. And I opted for an aftermarket alarm, roughly the same price as Honda's but better. I think you'll be happy with the base if that's your quickest option.
#6
I was editing in the cruise control even as you were typing.
I've listened to both the stock and the upgraded stereo and neither impressed me too terribly. I'm not too picky and would probably be happy with the stock (assuming I could AUX in my mp3 player/cell phone)
Is there any difference in interior trim between the base and the sport? Any difference in fabric quality? Or is it just different color selections?
Thanks - J
I've listened to both the stock and the upgraded stereo and neither impressed me too terribly. I'm not too picky and would probably be happy with the stock (assuming I could AUX in my mp3 player/cell phone)
Is there any difference in interior trim between the base and the sport? Any difference in fabric quality? Or is it just different color selections?
Thanks - J
Regardless, enjoy your Fit and drive safely
Chris
#7
Chris
#8
1)The sport has a leather wrapped steering wheel.
2) The shift knobs on M/Ts are slightly different between base and sport.
3) Only A/T Sports get the paddle shifters.
I guess that's 3 things
#11
The only differences in the two models are those things you mentioned. The engine, interior, electrical, everything else is the same. I opted for the base MT because the only things I really cared for on the sport were the wheels and the Aux, similar to you. The wheels are readily found here or on ebay, but the Aux is much harder to come by. Not so easily taken care of through Honda, you basically have to get a knowledgeable stereo guy to add it for you (unless you are able to do it yourself, there are instructions in the DIY forum here). If the sport MT is really that hard to come by, I don't think you'd be disappointed in the base. Once I got my wheels, I was fully satisfied. And I opted for an aftermarket alarm, roughly the same price as Honda's but better. I think you'll be happy with the base if that's your quickest option.
#12
I meant that Honda doesn't offer the spoiler and groundmolding as an upgrade to the base fit. I'm not referring to aftermarket stuff (not really my area anyway).
#13
The body kit isn't really my cup o' tea either, although I do like the spoiler. You can add it later, Honda just doesn't really give you that option at purchase, but it is available if you want it.
And I'm sure the paddle shifters are very nice CB19, but I guess us unoriginal, just like everybody else, MT lovers have a different view of enjoyable driving. Down here in the states the MTs are the rarity, but for me it's a personal driving preference, not a point to be different. And I guess somewhere in this world maybe the Fit is still uncommon, but I would imagine by now, almost a year in the N.American market and much longer everywhere else, it's gonna be hard to be so different than everyone else, but if you think so, then super cool for you.
And I'm sure the paddle shifters are very nice CB19, but I guess us unoriginal, just like everybody else, MT lovers have a different view of enjoyable driving. Down here in the states the MTs are the rarity, but for me it's a personal driving preference, not a point to be different. And I guess somewhere in this world maybe the Fit is still uncommon, but I would imagine by now, almost a year in the N.American market and much longer everywhere else, it's gonna be hard to be so different than everyone else, but if you think so, then super cool for you.
#14
All things being equal, I would probably prefer the auto w/ paddle shifters just so my fiance could comfortably drive my car. But I'm not real interested in paying extra for auto (+sport for the paddles), and apparently the MT gets slightly better gas milage which is the other reason I'm interested in the fit...so...5MT it is.
Hatchgeek - do you have any pics of your car? I'm curious to see what the base model looks like with good wheels.
Hatchgeek - do you have any pics of your car? I'm curious to see what the base model looks like with good wheels.
#16
Very nice. Simple, but classy. I can live with that look!
#18
#19
Chris
Last edited by CB19; 04-05-2007 at 04:20 AM.
#20
A slushbox is a slushbox is a slushbox...
Since jay_cee_in_da_house lists gas mileage as one of his criteria, I doubt he'd be happy with an AT. In many conditions it's simple to drive an MT for high mileage (and contrary to popular belief, it does not involve Prius-on-weed acceleration) because of the one state that paddle shifters don't give you.
Since jay_cee_in_da_house lists gas mileage as one of his criteria, I doubt he'd be happy with an AT. In many conditions it's simple to drive an MT for high mileage (and contrary to popular belief, it does not involve Prius-on-weed acceleration) because of the one state that paddle shifters don't give you.