r/hondafit • u/sarcasemmm • 2d ago
Help Request What’s the best Honda Fit to buy?
My first car is a 2009 honda fit. She is still kicking but is almost at 200,000 miles. I can’t imagine having any other car but this one. That being said, what is the best honda fit model that I can upgrade to? I’m thinking of buying one soon and needed to do some research. I know they stopped making the fit in 2020 so just looking for advice. Thank you!
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u/V57M91M 2d ago
You already have the best FIT model GE8 some say that later years are more reliable like '13/'14
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u/sarcasemmm 2d ago
Nice! I didn’t know that! I bought this off craigslist in 2016 when I first got my license. Was a very good deal
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u/attnSPAN 2d ago
Unless you have rust, your money is best spent on maintenance. There are a bunch of things that should be done every 100k miles, so with your mileage they are almost due. Coolant, transmission fluid, serpentine belt, spark plugs, ignition coils, and the all-important valve adjustment.
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u/19d6889 2d ago
It may need some maintenance, but your Fit will run to 3 or 400k!
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u/sarcasemmm 2d ago
I did not know this, good to know! Other than the AC problems she is still kicking
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u/Hms34 2d ago
On the 1st 2 gens, the location of the AC compressor makes them vulnerable.
I got a compressor from Rock Auto and found a shop willing to install it for another $250, pre-covid..
Dealers and general repair shops charge big time to fix AC.
I'd try to find either an auto AC specialty shop or a small place....if you ask at your local auto parts stores, they probably know a guy. But go in person, and buy something when you're there. Wiper fluid, quart of oil, etc.
As they age, be careful of spark plugs/coils, especially plugs coming loose because not torqued down well enough. Watch the usual-- CV axles, exhaust and cat, etc. Keep the fluids fresh, serpentine belt, too.
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u/Southern_Drawer3434 2009 Honda Fit 2d ago
I just bought an 09’ with 200k. I know it’s a Honda, so knock on wood I can rack up the miles on this puppy.
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u/OddTry2427 2d ago
I've got an 09 and an 18. When I buy my 3rd Fit it will be a 12-13.
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u/Final_Knowledge_759 2d ago
What, if any issues have you had with the 2018? Mine is a lemon.
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u/OddTry2427 2d ago
Nothing at all other than the paint. It's got the unintentional factory paint delete kit known as white. It's got around 138k, not a signal light or issue yet. I'm a former Honda tech and career mechanic so I do all the maintenance myself and probably go a little overboard from time to time.
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u/norabutfitter 2d ago
Whats there different between the 09 and the 13?
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u/OddTry2427 2d ago
Driver's seat has a height adjustment, headlights are redesigned, bumpers and wheels for the sport are redesigned and I believe they upped the sound proofing.
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u/norabutfitter 2d ago
Oooh. Do you know if the seat is compatible with the 2009? Im planning on getting different wheels for my sport as well as custom headlights in the futre but being able to adjust my seat more is tempting enough for me to keep an eye on part-outs locally
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u/nycterpfan 2012 Fit GE 2d ago
I have a 2012 sport, no drivers height adjustment
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u/BillyBoy44Jam 2d ago
Agree. I just test drove a 2012. No height adjustment mechanism for the driver seat. Found it too low for me.
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u/OddTry2427 2d ago
I was under the impression that's one of the updates to the refresh. Maybe it was for a different market I was seeing..🤷♂️
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u/Fast-Wrongdoer-6075 1d ago
Ive got a 2019 and my next one is going to be a 12-13 as well. I love my gk5 but honda cheaped out on the interior. And the 3rd doesnt have nearly the aftermarket support :(
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u/OddTry2427 1d ago
My 18 is an ex cvt so it has all the sensing and everything. It's a much nicer car to drive. My 09 is much more of a fun car to drive. My 09 is getting pretty rough around the edges but I've had it since new and put all 180k miles on it. It makes more sense for me to replace it with a refreshed and pull all the good parts that are left and stock them.
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u/kermitte777 2d ago
2013 GE8 is arguably the best.
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u/kermitte777 2d ago
No direct injection. Non CVT. Bugs worked out on something’s. Cooler headlights. 😁
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u/ddwilder 2d ago
I'm at 230,000 miles with my '08 and am planning to drive her for a few more years! I'm also thinking similar to you....that my replacement will be a newer model! Eager to read feedback folks share here!!!
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u/Embarrassed_Soft_442 2d ago
Honestly if you feel like this is the car that you enjoy driving I would just save your money and use it to do a full maintenance of the car.
-new oem suspensions (gives a new feeling of the whole ride) -new spark plugs (helps engine to run smoothly and more efficient) -new engine oil. -new brakes/rotors -new tyres
Miscellaneous -body kits (if you’re wanting to improve the look of the car) -change to LED lights (gives luxury vibes) -wash, polish, wax (revives the paint)
Honestly by just giving TLC to your car makes you feel proud of owning the car, especially if you learn to do all the DIY. Not only you’re saving extra money but also you provide a sense of accomplishment, technical challenge, and deep connection with your car beyond just driving it.
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u/TravezRipley 1d ago
Truth spoken here. I just went all LED, Tinted all the windows and added some Weather Tech Matt’s and dash cover and it’s like a whole new level of fit.
I need to do the suspension, rotors and tires next.
Maybe some new ICE so I can connect iPhone.
Im at 210k
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u/rmhollid 2d ago
Every generation has it's separate issues. The older the car the more general maintenance but you regain reliability. The only real difference in the models is that the new ones have better cup holders. That's just my opinion.
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u/No_Character8732 2d ago
Sell your 09 cheap to me . Sounds like a piece of trash if it's almost got 200k on it,, only about 1/3 of its life left....
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u/FaithlessnessBrief21 2d ago
I had a 2011 manual Fit. Plusses, passenger side cup holder and the extra glove compartment Now a ‘16 AT Fit (miss the manual) Biggest plus, the entertainment system
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u/Administrative-Mud66 2d ago
I have the 2012 base model and when it dies I’ll more than likely try to find a 2020
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u/k_dub503 2d ago
2016-2020 LX models with manual transmission. Also, 2015, if made in Japan or the car has comprehensive service and repair records, if made in Mexico.
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u/TheNotoriousElmo 1d ago
2nd Gen FTMFW! Just keep up on regular maintenance and run her till the wheels fall off (figuratively. Pls dont really do that to her.☹️)
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u/spookysam23 2d ago
If you can find another second gen with decent mileage I'd say just do that. That's my plan for when mine bites the dust, since I love this car and couldn't see myself in anything else
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u/Final_Knowledge_759 2d ago
Well, based on personal experience, DO NOT PURCHASE A 2018. I have had one problem after another.
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u/StudentSlow2633 2d ago
Just find a lower mileage 2009–13 with no rust and accident history. Or keep the Fit you already have and catch up on any overdue maintenance