Hi, folks.

Saw this forum recommended on Edmunds.com and have been impressed by the amount of information and friendliness of the community! Hope that continues as you read this.

I'm thinking about buying a 2012 Fit Sport, automatic transmission without navigation.

Just wondering if the problem with rocks or road debris creating holes in the AC compressor (or condenser, whichever is correct, sorry in advance) is still an issue with the 2012s? If it is, that will probably deter me from buying the Fit, as I am not mechanically inclined and can't do maintenance or modifications myself. I also don't feel like going through the hassle of someday having to get the AC system repaired, even if my insurance company will apparently reimburse most of the cost under my collision policy. (But I do think it's great that Fit drivers who are mechanically inclined can find a fix for this problem in Fit Freak's forums!)

Also, Consumer Reports and reviewers at KBB.com have noted that the headlights on Fits in previous model years (the 2011 is the most recent model reviewed, as far as I can tell) have provided insufficient illumination. Anyone know if that's still the case with the 2012s?

I would be coming from a 2006 CR-V EX, with which I have had no problems. I'm thinking about the '11 CR-V EX, too, but that's substantially more money.

Many thanks if you have any thoughts you'd like to share!

 

All you have to do is look at some comparison pictures between 2012 and prior model year Fits to know that the answer, despite the bumper style change is... no, it's not "fixed."

Because the only reason is simply due to the size (and location) of the opening in the front bumper.

As far as modifications go... it can be fairly simple but time consuming to put a "guard" for the AC.

a) you can just open up the top part and do everything by reaching down. as shown here: https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/2nd-...sh-grille.html, it's a bit tedious trying to do the whole thing through the hole in the upper grille.

b) you can pop off the bumper and make adding the grille easier. It literally makes the grille part easier, but its offset by the fact you have to pop off the bumper, which can take some time. I was fortunate enough to be able to do this when I was swapping out my headlights.

I went on an 11k mile road trip over the summer and my A/C survived.

Being "mechanically inclined" is really more of a willingness to try. We're not opening up and re-tuning the engine here (not that I would know how).

 

Thanks much, Goobers, for the response and the info.

Not only am I not a mechanic, but I live in an apartment building (as opposed to a private home with a driveway and a garage) and have no tools. So I'd rather not have a vehicle I'd have to modify from the get-go.

Glad your AC survived that 11,000-mile trip!

I get the impression you're happy with your Fit?

 

well, if you go with the first method, all you really need is a flat tip screw driver (or even a butter knife) to open up the upper grille cover, the mesh and some zipties.

And yes, I'm very happy with my Fit.

 

Oh, OK, good to know it wouldn't require any tools. Thanks.

Cool that you're happy with the Fit!

 

I saw one comment on here that someone had a 2012 and saw no problem with the headlights; also, others have said it is just a matter of re-aiming them.

 

The headlights on the 2010 aren't great on low but the high beams are fine, if that's any help.

 

Thanks, afreespirit and Brain Champagne!

 

Wife and I have a 2007 Fit Base M/T. We have 87,000 miles on with no issues to speak of. I'm 6'4" inches tall and I fit in the Fit. I do regret not up grading at the time as cruise control was not included in the base model. We do a lot of 350 mile each way trips between UT and ID and the c/c would be nice. The mpg is great, the most my wife has got was 50 mpg, however 40-43 is typical on trips even at 75-80 mph. I'd buy another if I was in the market.