New Car Purchase - 2008 Prius

[TangoJuliet]

Does anybody know how the Fit rates on maintenance and safety (crash ratings)

 

[Dunbar]

Any new Honda should just require oil changes, filters, brakes and tires for the first 5-6 years. I would personally go with a Corolla if you do that much highway driving (smoother and quieter than the fit.)

 

[desy]

I put 10G in a mutual fund 9 yrs ago today that fund is 32G
That is the opportunity cost of money If I had sunk the xtra 10G on top of the vehicle I bought, I'd have a depreciating asset instead of an appreciating one.
And no the gas cost is an annual thing where it takes the full life of the vehicle to be appreciated 7G invested should easily double in 10 yrs to 14G if invested decently. I can buy a lot of gas with that Xtra 22G I made.
A dollar save is actually 2 dollars earned once you take tax into consideration.

 

[TheSlamma]

My wife has a 07 Fit, she did a road trip to her nephews graduation just recently, over 800 miles and averaged 38mpg. (Auto)

We really like the car minus the kinda cheap interior. have a small rattle under the dash already that I think I'll be taking it into the dealership for.

 

[Arkaign]

Originally posted by: Don Vito Corleone

Originally posted by: f1r3s1d3
Get a Focus Coupe. Obvo your current Ford has been good to you

I am not one to be finicky about the way a car looks, but the new Focus is just awful-looking IMO, to the point that I couldn't drive one (actually the car isn't THAT bad overall, but to me it's visually dominated by the dumb chrome fake air outlets above the front wheels, which look ridiculous). Even in an economy car, some things are just beyond the pale (another example would be the early Toyota Echos with the black cladding on the sides - yechh!!!).

I hear ya, the styling is odd to say the least. Do note, however, that the '08 S model (lightest, cheapest, same drivetrain as the SE and SES), has no side chrome garbage and looks a lot cleaner. They're doing some minor visual tweaks for '09, and the top of the list was dropping that side chrome weirdness

 

[TangoJuliet]

would you recommend buying one used if the price was good? I did a search on cars.com and found a 07 locally. There wasn't a price listed but if it was for sale at around 10k do you think it would be a good deal? It has 24,000 miles on it. I mean if its only a couple hundred off the current MSRP for the 08s then it doesn't make sense as I can get one for $16k

 

[Lotheron]

I too am looking at the Focus as an option. The middle SE model starts about the same as the fit sport with 35MPG highway. There are also financing and cash rebates going on right now for the 08 models.

 

[TangoJuliet]

Originally posted by: Lotheron
I too am looking at the Focus as an option. The middle SE model starts about the same as the fit sport with 35MPG highway. There are also financing and cash rebates going on right now for the 08 models.

Hmmm I just did a quick look at the Focus you are talking about and they are offering some nice rebates on the car.

Configured the SE (auto) with SYNC and Sirius radio and it came out to about $16,175 which is about the price I was looking at on the FIT. The only thing and which someone brought up is those chrome intakes above the wheels - I just noticed that and theyre ugly.

Thanks for bringing it up though - I think I am going to test drive them both and see which one I like the best. Right now I am still leaning on the FIT because of the many different configurations for storage. Last month I had to rent a truck to move a TV and I wouldnt have had to if I owned the FIT as it would not fit in my current car or the Focus for that matter.

 

[alpineranger]

Second that. Used a fit for two moves. Nothing else has the same combination of practicality and economy. In terms of street price the focus will be cheaper, but you lose out on the back end (resale value) and you might as well start looking used. Have you considered the yaris? It can be had in a base configuration for 11-12k, gets even better fuel economy than the fit, and resale should be good. I personally would not take any yaris over the fit but it's worth a look.

 

[xboxist]

Recently bought a Fit (I have my own thread around here somewhere), and while it's still coming overseas from Japan, they did let me take a Fit off of their lot to test out for a day to make sure I wanted one. I'm very happy with the car and have no regrets (so far) about signing on that dotted line. It's a very... useful car, if that make sense. Even if you only find yourself needing to move a large item a couple of times a year, you'll be thankful for having this car. The customization of the seats is very handy and something I can't stress enough. You can stand a Llama up inside of it. Practical? Not at all. Weirdly impressive? Sure!

But seriously, what made me decide "no-go" on the Focus was their dismal resale value, and the general look of the car. Admittedly, my first impression upon looking at the Fit was one of general dislike, but now I really dig the style. And the whole Fit package (driving it, feel, style) is just more fun to me than a Focus.

Also, for what it's worth, the Ford lot was absolutely packed to the gills with salesman who were just standing around in packs, waiting for someone like myself to drive in. I think a Ford must be a hard sell these days or something. At Honda, I had to wait 15 minutes to talk to a rep. While that was somewhat annoying, it somehow instilled a sense of confidence into me that a Honda would be a good choice. They were soooo busy that day.

 

[Arkaign]

The Fit and Focus are both great little bargains for fuel-conscious customers who want something that isn't utterly dull to drive. Focus sales are up 88% this model year.

 

[Mide]

Originally posted by: xboxist
Recently bought a Fit (I have my own thread around here somewhere), and while it's still coming overseas from Japan, they did let me take a Fit off of their lot to test out for a day to make sure I wanted one. I'm very happy with the car and have no regrets (so far) about signing on that dotted line. It's a very... useful car, if that make sense. Even if you only find yourself needing to move a large item a couple of times a year, you'll be thankful for having this car. The customization of the seats is very handy and something I can't stress enough. You can stand a Llama up inside of it. Practical? Not at all. Weirdly impressive? Sure!

But seriously, what made me decide "no-go" on the Focus was their dismal resale value, and the general look of the car. Admittedly, my first impression upon looking at the Fit was one of general dislike, but now I really dig the style. And the whole Fit package (driving it, feel, style) is just more fun to me than a Focus.

Also, for what it's worth, the Ford lot was absolutely packed to the gills with salesman who were just standing around in packs, waiting for someone like myself to drive in. I think a Ford must be a hard sell these days or something. At Honda, I had to wait 15 minutes to talk to a rep. While that was somewhat annoying, it somehow instilled a sense of confidence into me that a Honda would be a good choice. They were soooo busy that day.

Did you order the old model or can we already pre-order the 2009s?

 

[Mojoed]

Originally posted by: Mide

Originally posted by: xboxist
Recently bought a Fit (I have my own thread around here somewhere), and while it's still coming overseas from Japan, they did let me take a Fit off of their lot to test out for a day to make sure I wanted one. I'm very happy with the car and have no regrets (so far) about signing on that dotted line. It's a very... useful car, if that make sense. Even if you only find yourself needing to move a large item a couple of times a year, you'll be thankful for having this car. The customization of the seats is very handy and something I can't stress enough. You can stand a Llama up inside of it. Practical? Not at all. Weirdly impressive? Sure!

But seriously, what made me decide "no-go" on the Focus was their dismal resale value, and the general look of the car. Admittedly, my first impression upon looking at the Fit was one of general dislike, but now I really dig the style. And the whole Fit package (driving it, feel, style) is just more fun to me than a Focus.

Also, for what it's worth, the Ford lot was absolutely packed to the gills with salesman who were just standing around in packs, waiting for someone like myself to drive in. I think a Ford must be a hard sell these days or something. At Honda, I had to wait 15 minutes to talk to a rep. While that was somewhat annoying, it somehow instilled a sense of confidence into me that a Honda would be a good choice. They were soooo busy that day.

Did you order the old model or can we already pre-order the 2009s?

I don't think the 2009 Fit will be available until late summer. I think that's the car I'm going to get... Perhaps I'll hold out for the Fit Hybrid, though.

 

[TangoJuliet]

Originally posted by: Mojoed

Originally posted by: Mide

Originally posted by: xboxist
Recently bought a Fit (I have my own thread around here somewhere), and while it's still coming overseas from Japan, they did let me take a Fit off of their lot to test out for a day to make sure I wanted one. I'm very happy with the car and have no regrets (so far) about signing on that dotted line. It's a very... useful car, if that make sense. Even if you only find yourself needing to move a large item a couple of times a year, you'll be thankful for having this car. The customization of the seats is very handy and something I can't stress enough. You can stand a Llama up inside of it. Practical? Not at all. Weirdly impressive? Sure!

But seriously, what made me decide "no-go" on the Focus was their dismal resale value, and the general look of the car. Admittedly, my first impression upon looking at the Fit was one of general dislike, but now I really dig the style. And the whole Fit package (driving it, feel, style) is just more fun to me than a Focus.

Also, for what it's worth, the Ford lot was absolutely packed to the gills with salesman who were just standing around in packs, waiting for someone like myself to drive in. I think a Ford must be a hard sell these days or something. At Honda, I had to wait 15 minutes to talk to a rep. While that was somewhat annoying, it somehow instilled a sense of confidence into me that a Honda would be a good choice. They were soooo busy that day.

Did you order the old model or can we already pre-order the 2009s?

I don't think the 2009 Fit will be available until late summer. I think that's the car I'm going to get... Perhaps I'll hold out for the Fit Hybrid, though.

I just googled Hybrid Fit and there are rumors that the 09 model will adopt the Insight's drivetrain. Is there any truth to that?

 

[xboxist]

Originally posted by: Mide

Originally posted by: xboxist
Recently bought a Fit (I have my own thread around here somewhere), and while it's still coming overseas from Japan, they did let me take a Fit off of their lot to test out for a day to make sure I wanted one. I'm very happy with the car and have no regrets (so far) about signing on that dotted line. It's a very... useful car, if that make sense. Even if you only find yourself needing to move a large item a couple of times a year, you'll be thankful for having this car. The customization of the seats is very handy and something I can't stress enough. You can stand a Llama up inside of it. Practical? Not at all. Weirdly impressive? Sure!

But seriously, what made me decide "no-go" on the Focus was their dismal resale value, and the general look of the car. Admittedly, my first impression upon looking at the Fit was one of general dislike, but now I really dig the style. And the whole Fit package (driving it, feel, style) is just more fun to me than a Focus.

Also, for what it's worth, the Ford lot was absolutely packed to the gills with salesman who were just standing around in packs, waiting for someone like myself to drive in. I think a Ford must be a hard sell these days or something. At Honda, I had to wait 15 minutes to talk to a rep. While that was somewhat annoying, it somehow instilled a sense of confidence into me that a Honda would be a good choice. They were soooo busy that day.

Did you order the old model or can we already pre-order the 2009s?

I didn't order it, but they had none in stock. So I'm getting one from their next batch of 13 that is currently coming overseas. And the '09 won't be available to order until September, I believe.

 

[Uhtrinity]

Originally posted by: alkohoLiK

Originally posted by: Mojoed

Originally posted by: Mide

Originally posted by: xboxist
Recently bought a Fit (I have my own thread around here somewhere), and while it's still coming overseas from Japan, they did let me take a Fit off of their lot to test out for a day to make sure I wanted one. I'm very happy with the car and have no regrets (so far) about signing on that dotted line. It's a very... useful car, if that make sense. Even if you only find yourself needing to move a large item a couple of times a year, you'll be thankful for having this car. The customization of the seats is very handy and something I can't stress enough. You can stand a Llama up inside of it. Practical? Not at all. Weirdly impressive? Sure!

But seriously, what made me decide "no-go" on the Focus was their dismal resale value, and the general look of the car. Admittedly, my first impression upon looking at the Fit was one of general dislike, but now I really dig the style. And the whole Fit package (driving it, feel, style) is just more fun to me than a Focus.

Also, for what it's worth, the Ford lot was absolutely packed to the gills with salesman who were just standing around in packs, waiting for someone like myself to drive in. I think a Ford must be a hard sell these days or something. At Honda, I had to wait 15 minutes to talk to a rep. While that was somewhat annoying, it somehow instilled a sense of confidence into me that a Honda would be a good choice. They were soooo busy that day.

Did you order the old model or can we already pre-order the 2009s?

I don't think the 2009 Fit will be available until late summer. I think that's the car I'm going to get... Perhaps I'll hold out for the Fit Hybrid, though.

I just googled Hybrid Fit and there are rumors that the 09 model will adopt the Insight's drivetrain. Is there any truth to that?

Those rumors started in 2005 / 2006. There will be a fit hybrid version, and it might be called the Jazz. I also doubt it will be exactly like the Insight as they have simplified the electronics and downsized the battery packs to make everything cheaper.

Detroit lags Honda in hybrid race

 

[sniperruff]

Originally posted by: Uhtrinity


Those rumors started in 2005 / 2006. There will be a fit hybrid version, and it might be called the Jazz. I also doubt it will be exactly like the Insight as they have simplified the electronics and downsized the battery packs to make everything cheaper.

Detroit lags Honda in hybrid race

IIRC Jazz is Fit's name overseas in Asia.

 

[WhipperSnapper]

Originally posted by: TheSlamma
My wife has a 07 Fit, she did a road trip to her nephews graduation just recently, over 800 miles and averaged 38mpg. (Auto).

That's it? I got about 36 mpg in my 2002 Saturn SL2 on a long road trip just a couple months ago. What happened to the small cars that could get 40+ on the highway?

 

[zerocool84]

Originally posted by: WhipperSnapper

Originally posted by: TheSlamma
My wife has a 07 Fit, she did a road trip to her nephews graduation just recently, over 800 miles and averaged 38mpg. (Auto).

That's it? I got about 36 mpg in my 2002 Saturn SL2 on a long road trip just a couple months ago. What happened to the small cars that could get 40+ on the highway?

Weight/Safety happened

 

[Dunbar]

Actually the Fit does about the same MPG as the Civic. Its weight is within 100lbs. of the Civic. I got like 34mpg in mixed driving in a Chevy Cavalier rental I had a couple years ago (2.2L torquey motor too.) I think mid-30's is about the best you are going to do without going hybrid or diesel (or cruising under ~65mph).

 

[TangoJuliet]

I am definately leaning heavy now on the Fit. I may be able to get more car for my money by going with a Focus but the resale value of the Fit vs. Focus is what is going to do it for me.

I also love the different seating/storage configs of the car and think that it will definately come in handy at some point in time. Now all that is left to do is drive the car and see if I like it in person.

I am also going to hold off the purchase to atleast September so I can see if that hybrid model gets released and what the price point it will be. I got most of my down payment money wrapped up in a 3 month CD which expires in Sept anyways.

Also, does Honda ever have any sales/low APR events?

 

[Thump553]

My wife has a Prius, I just test drove a Fit earlier this morning. The Fit is a good small car (like Mazda3, Saturn Astra, Toyota Yaris, etc) but it is nowhere near the Prius. Of course, at roughly 10k less, maybe this shouldn't be expected.

 

[TangoJuliet]

Originally posted by: Thump553
My wife has a Prius, I just test drove a Fit earlier this morning. The Fit is a good small car (like Mazda3, Saturn Astra, Toyota Yaris, etc) but it is nowhere near the Prius. Of course, at roughly 10k less, maybe this shouldn't be expected.

I hear ya. I just cannot justify spending the extra $10k right now especially if we are going to be moving closer in the next 2-3 years.

At current gas prices I would save around $700/year in gas over the Prius. At $5/gal it would be around $900 and at $6/gal it would be around $1200.

Even if gas got up to $6/gal ($200 barr.) it would take 5 years just to recoup the extra money.

 

[TangoJuliet]

Originally posted by: alkohoLiK

Also, does Honda ever have any sales/low APR events?

 

[BassBomb]

Originally posted by: alkohoLiK

Originally posted by: alkohoLiK

Also, does Honda ever have any sales/low APR events?

Yes occasioanlly 0.9 (at least in Canada).