Honda Fit Prices Paid and Buying Experiences

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Comments

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Mike, just a quick question...

    Why did you still go ahead and buy the car if you really felt you were being ripped off in such a fashion?

    Just curious...
  • daroo888daroo888 Member Posts: 8
    Anyone know when they'll arrive on dealer lots? specifically in Los Angeles?

    Hoping to get some leverage for a better deal on left over 07s.
  • kart83kart83 Member Posts: 5
    I am getting a quote of 15,000 (incl dest. charge) + taxes and registration.

    This is for Honda Fit 07 Base model automatic transmission.

    It is for San Jose, CA.
  • papperclippypapperclippy Member Posts: 4
    I am thinking about buying a Honda Fit this week. Does anybody know if there will be better finance options once the 08's come out? Also, should I wait for the 08's to come out and buy the newer model? I looked at the pamphlet for the 08 and don't really see any changes.
  • meltronmeltron Member Posts: 5
    According to the official Honda website, it indicates tinted windows are standard for the Honda Fit Sport model. Does anyone know what the tint number is for this?
  • meltronmeltron Member Posts: 5
    I am trying to figure this out too (to wait or not). Really the only differences that I could see between 07 and 08 is 07 gets better mpg(based on a sport man. tran model)..

    07' = 33 city/38 highway
    08' = 28 city/34 highway/31 combined

    Also, the 08 comes with a tire pressure monitoring system. I can't remember if the digital odometer is in the 07 model or not. I think the TPMS is a good thing to have, but you could always go to an auto store and buy special valve caps that will indicate if your PSI is too low or not.
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    A reporter would like to talk with a consumer who have purchased a Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit or Nissan Versa and why they purchased their small vehicle. Please respond to ctalati@edmunds.com no later than August 22, 2007 with your daytime contact information and what car you own.

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
    Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
    2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
    Review your vehicle

  • nascartrashnascartrash Member Posts: 33
    the stock tint level on a 07 fit is hardly noitceable. I cant imagine that there would be a difference between the sport vs base tint levels I have the sport and I gess you could say its better then clear glass.
    p.s. mileage report with 10k on LiL ZippY (sport auto) she gets 30 to 33 mpg combined.
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    EPA MPG is calculated differently for all cars in 2008...usually lower.
  • chojnackrj24chojnackrj24 Member Posts: 3
    You will see a significant in all 2008 production vehicles. No more 40 mpg for honda civic ext. EPA has put very tight standards on vehicles for the future and started in 08. So dont be wondering when all 2008 vehicles seem like they have crappy MPG, most vehicles will drop.
  • johndintexasjohndintexas Member Posts: 18
    The tint that comes standard is basically only to block UVA rays. It doesn't cool the car at all, and doesn't block any viewing from outside. So I got my windows tinted after-market, and went to where the Honda dealership recommended, which cost $200.
  • animal7220animal7220 Member Posts: 1
    I was able to purchase a black Fit Sport 5M with wheel locks, pin stripes, and mud guards.

    My OTD: $17124 (but I should get some of that back because I decided to trade in my old tags after I paid for new one's. I'll take the new one to the DMV for a refund)

    I got mine at Brandon Honda in Tampa, Fl. I would recommend the dealership. They were very nice. However, I had to make three or four dealerships compete for my business. It was nothing short of a miracle for me to even bring the prices down a few hundred dollars since the supply and demand is in the favor of the dealership. I hope everyone has a great time finding their fit - pun very much intended :p
    Other Fit owners I've talked to love them, and all of my friends love mine.
  • sandman46sandman46 Member Posts: 1,798
    Hollywood Toyota in South Florida had at least four that I could see while waiting for my oil change. Two were the Sports which looked way nicer with the standard alloys. Seems like a reallly small car compared to my Civic. I got to sit in the Accord and the CRV and they both had alot of room...seemed like they were about even on interior space. The CRV had the nicer alloys, EX model, and a nicer cloth. Seats were downright comfortable also, which is a major plus with my spinal problems. The Accord had leather power seats which were even better, as I could manipulate the seat into a very comfortable position. Two good choices but the smaller size and the excellent mpg's of my Civic just confirmed as to why I did buy it.
    Still plan to get the wife to look closely at the new Accord in the next few years though.

    The Sandman :)
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    Of course the Fit has a lot more cargo space than a Civic, plus the upright seating and higher ceiling, so for us it's easier for my wife to reach around to the back seats to take care of the toddler. To me the Fit has more of the space of a CRV, the MPG of the Civic, small on the outside to give me a lot of extra space in my garage, and the price was good too.

    But I have a bias against sedans in general because of their lack of versatility. I look at the Fit as a small CRV.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    "Leftover" 2007's??

    Don't think so unless things are different where you live!
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Don't look for any special finance rates on Fits.

    There would be no reason for Honda to do this since we can't keep them in stock!
  • daroo888daroo888 Member Posts: 8
    Currently in NY, but going to buy in southern California next week. Haven't been to the dealers yet but inventory check online indicated several dealerships with 10-20 2007 fits (mostly sport autos) on the lot. And there are >20 dealerships around this area.

    Where are you located btw?
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    People check my inventory all of the time and spot cars that have already been sold. It's possible, I suppose that there could be stores sitting on that many cars?

    No reason to give these away since they sell so quickly.
  • mbuntingmbunting Member Posts: 158
    Anyone happen to have any information on the real-world trade in value on an 07' Fit Sport (A/T) w/ 7,000 miles.

    I'm in the Military and looking two possibly trade-in 2 vehicles for an new 08' "something" (not sure what as of yet)...would love to keep the Fit...but thought the 2 for 1 scenario might work well...and then possibly get an 08' Fit?

    It's either that (trade 2 for 1) or just sell the other vehicle I have (Nissan Armada) and keep the 07' Fit...Again, I'm in the Military and have to get down to one vehicle due to an upcoming move overseas where we can only bring one vehicle. Fun stuff...

    Thanks for any feedback!
  • absconfusedabsconfused Member Posts: 73
    I see that you have a problem, but do not really understand it very well since you say you might get an 08 fit after the trade...if that's the case then I would just keep the 07 fit and sell the Nissan privately. There is a big market for private sale vehicles, do not underestimate what you could get for the Armada, do your research and sell it. You will have money in your pocket and you will not take a loss on a 07 Fit. I cannot imagine not taking a huge loss on a low mile trade Fit...it's like selling a house six months after you move in...you lose money when you sell that fast!

    Anyhow sounds like you are under pressure and spinning in circles so good luck! :)
  • jfritschjfritsch Member Posts: 958
    If your armada is newer and expensive these are hard to move private party. You can try advertising it in the paper for around nada retail or the loan amount or best offer and see what happens.

    Probably you will have to sell it to a dealer. Spend a day shopping it to 5 or 6 dealers around town. (preferably some nissan) Tell the used car manager you must sell this car today as you are being shipped out, and need his best shot on this auto. You will sell it to him right now if he beats other offers. No matter what the offer, you are dissappointed, leave your card with cell # and repeat with the other 6 dealers. After this is all done and possible call backs take the best offer out of 6.

    If little enthusiasm at least try to bump one of them enough to pay off the loan, or as close to kbb.com or nada.com wholesale as possible. On a desirable vehicle you will get competing bids on the phone. On the Armada I don't know as it depends on the market for these vehicles which I think is rather poor. Your area may be different so the only way to know is to find out and get the bids.

    If you are underwater still with the best bid with a loan on the armada you may have to come up with some cash. You need to call the bank for the procedure here, where your check (made out to the bank) for the difference goes.

    Its easier if the car is paid off. I really don't know what 2 trades on one vehicle gets you, when you already have a brand new model of the one you want (which you probably already paid a bit of a premium for when the Fit just came out)

    Good luck
    --jjf

    Anyone happen to have any information on the real-world trade in value on an 07' Fit Sport (A/T) w/ 7,000 miles.

    I'm in the Military and looking two possibly trade-in 2 vehicles for an new 08' "something" (not sure what as of yet)...would love to keep the Fit...but thought the 2 for 1 scenario might work well...and then possibly get an 08' Fit?

    It's either that (trade 2 for 1) or just sell the other vehicle I have (Nissan Armada) and keep the 07' Fit...Again, I'm in the Military and have to get down to one vehicle due to an upcoming move overseas where we can only bring one vehicle. Fun stuff...

    Thanks for any feedback!
  • mbuntingmbunting Member Posts: 158
    Thanks for the info/words of advice everyone...

    I'm trying to sell the Armada now via private party...and will try that for a few weeks or a month or two and see where that gets me. I have already had a couple folks interested and we will see how that goes.

    If I can sell the Armada - I'll definitely do that and keep the 07' Fit. I *like* the car, while my wife *loves* it. So, I have no real problem keeping it. When I bought the Fit (almost 1 year ago today0 I paid MSRP (like many) but got a few freebies thrown in (floor mats, 3 oil changes, etc.)...I know...nothing major there, so, basically, I paid MSRP :)

    If thr Armada does not sell, that's when I am going to have to explore the trade-in option more viably for sure. I definitely owe more than what it's worth, and I do know that I'll have to come up with the cash difference, which won't be a problem..I just want to of course try and minimize the damage:)

    jfritsch - thanks for the suggestion! I will explore this if the Armada does not sell.

    As long as we get rid of 1 car things will be okay...at first I thought I preferred getting rid of the Fit or both cars and getting a new one, but now I would prefer to get rid of the Armada and it's negative equity once and for all!

    many thanks everyone! I will keep you informed...
  • mbuntingmbunting Member Posts: 158
    Just a quick update...ended up striking a deal to sell the Fit for $15k privately. Not too shabby I guess. My wife is sad to see it go, but she agrees that in our current situation, it's the right thing to do. I told her we will get her another Fit (or somethign else) down the road.

    Now, to keep the Armada or sell it off as well :)
  • absconfusedabsconfused Member Posts: 73
    Congratulations! I am glad it worked out for you. Selling privately is the way to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Nice work!
  • origamifreakorigamifreak Member Posts: 4
    I am the very happy owner of a manual 5 speed 91 Civic DX hatch, which has about 150K on it, going fine, still averaging 37 mpg.

    I am investigating manual fit sports because I know eventually, someday, my trusty Civic will no longer serve.

    I have been quoted a price on a new 07 manual sport of $16,270, which includes locking wheels, all-weather mats, cargo cover and cargo tray. This price does not include the taxes, fees, etc. etc. In NY state (with an 8% sales tax in my county) the out-the-door price would be just shy of $18,000.

    This car is ON THE LOT, and I could take it home tomorrow. I just drove it this evening. I haven't put any deposit on it. It started with 14 miles and by the time I brought it back it had about 29 (they let me drive it alone because the salesman was swamped and juggling about 3 customers simultaneously - for different cars).

    I have read that the 08 Fit will have worse gas mileage because of new emission standards, and I must say I would hate to swap my current car for one that doesn't at least match its mileage (37mpg).

    My car fund CD will mature February after next. If I close it before then, I will lose about $400 in interest.

    So, whaddya think? Should I go for it? Or not?

    :confuse: Should I jump at this 07 manual sport for the mileage? Or keep driving the Civic and take my chances that the new model(s) will have decent mileage?
  • sandman46sandman46 Member Posts: 1,798
    Could you finance the purchase from monies you already have? Maybe a lower interest credit union loan? I'd definitely look into financing options, as cashing in your CD isn't the smartest thing to if it hasn't matured yet.
    If that doesn't work out, might be best to hold onto what you've got and squirrel some extra $ away for any unexpected repairs. This way the car would last until all your $ ducks are in a row and there'd be no negative financial ramifications.
    Just a thought from the fiscal side of the brain.

    The Sandman :)
  • origamifreakorigamifreak Member Posts: 4
    Thanks for the thoughts.

    Sure, I could look into financing, but I've earned more than $400 in interest since I started the CD, and the purpose of it is for a car, so I'm not *that* worried about the penalty. It is just one of the factors to consider. Even with losing the $400 I have more than enough in there to pay cash OTD plus extra left over.

    My biggest two issues are:

    1) Is it stupid to hold onto a 16-year-old car, even if it's running fine, getting great mileage, and I'm totally happy with it? Fits aren't *that* easy to get ahold of, and if something catastrophic happened, I'd probably be renting for at least 2 weeks until I could get what I want (manual sport), possibly more than a month. Around here the best deal is about $180 per week for a rental.

    2) Is the mileage on an 07 manual fit likely to be significantly better than that on an 08, given those pesky new emission standards? If I waited and ended up with an 08, would I regret it at the gas pump?
  • sandman46sandman46 Member Posts: 1,798
    Your mileage is going to be what it is because of your driving style, not because the EPA has changed their figures for 2008. Just because a car says it gets 29/37 in '07 and 31/39 for '08 doesn't mean everyone who drives it will get the same exact mileage. Maybe I'm confused about your question though. The EPA uses extreme conditions when it tests cars for mileage figures, nothing close to the reality that most drivers drive in.
    So get the car if you feel your's will not make it over the next few months and forget about the mileage figure. I'll bet you'll be happy with the new Fit regardless of the mileage figures. Glad to know that losing the $400.00 by cashing in the CD early is of no consequence for you. Life sounds good down your way!
    Enjoy your new car.

    The Sandman :)
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    There is no change in emission standards for 2008. What happened is that the EPA changed how it measures fuel economy, using a more conservative scheme, starting with 2008 MY cars. All car models saw a drop in EPA fuel economy estimates from 2007 to 2008, roughly 10%. But the Fit itself didn't change.
  • origamifreakorigamifreak Member Posts: 4
    Hehe. Believe me, it's not like losing the $400 wouldn't sting, it's just that it might be an acceptable loss in light of other things.

    It sounds like I'd get pretty good mileage, then, no matter what, especially if my 16-year-old car is still averaging 37mph (and that includes Upstate winters, thank you very much) :shades: I'm still on the original clutch, too, after 150K.

    Sounds like I'll be OK driving Old Trusty for a few more years, then. I'll just set the CD to roll over to a much shorter term when it matures, just in case I'm still not ready to send Trusty to the glue factory by then. (Heck, given how reliable this thing is, I might end up having enough for a second home in that "car" CD, by the time I need it!) ;)

    Gotta love Hondas.

    Thanks again for your comments and advice!
  • jfritschjfritsch Member Posts: 958
    Read my message 9919 on the honda pilot forum and give the civic a shot. I wouldn't consider a fit vs a civic unless I absolutely needed a hatch. (and who absolutely needs that?)
    Proper purchasing could save you 300-1000 over the average deal, so that 400 could be a wash rather than a sting.

    39vs 36 mpg or whatever could also be a wash, with the variation in cars. (+-10%)

    Don't try to milk the old car. Things tend to go wrong all at once real fast. (1000-3000 worth of stuff and you go craps, plus you are driving a 15 year old heap instead of a new civic in the interim) Worrying about 400 is not the way to go when the thing goes craps and you are selling it to the junkyard for $60-$300 instead of $2800? to some kid in the paper running nice.

    Sell the civic in the paper (check nada and kbb retail ) and put it in for nada retail if really clean and see what the calls are like. Also try cars.com etc for online ads. The kiddies in many areas go nuts over hi mile hondas.
    (they like you think they are going to get 250000 miles out of it trouble free, or are going to replace the engine anyway. They have an excuse as they are kiddies)

    Good luck
    --jjf

    Hehe. Believe me, it's not like losing the $400 wouldn't sting, it's just that it might be an acceptable loss in light of other things.

    It sounds like I'd get pretty good mileage, then, no matter what, especially if my 16-year-old car is still averaging 37mph (and that includes Upstate winters, thank you very much) I'm still on the original clutch, too, after 150K.

    Sounds like I'll be OK driving Old Trusty for a few more years, then. I'll just set the CD to roll over to a much shorter term when it matures, just in case I'm still not ready to send Trusty to the glue factory by then. (Heck, given how reliable this thing is, I might end up having enough for a second home in that "car" CD, by the time I need it!)

    Gotta love Hondas.

    Thanks again for your comments and advice!
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    How about safety. Does the 16 year old car have antilock brakes, airbags and all of the safety equipment?
  • jneuhaus20jneuhaus20 Member Posts: 1
    Hey everyone,

    Since this is the forum about buying experiences, I felt the need to share my 'near-buying' experience.

    Once I decided on the fit, the '07 Sport AT to be exact, I went to my local dealer, Randy Kuehl Honda in Cedar Rapids, IA. The fit is very popular, and I have my heart set on blue. They had a blue on their list of incoming cars for a few weeks. Awesome! Too bad a few minutes later when we started getting deposit papers ready and found out that someone sold the car, but had not taken the time to cross it off the list.

    It was sad, but not that big a deal. We decided to see what we could do to get one in. I was hoping for a dealer trade or switching one of their cars on order so that I could get it sooner rather than the 3-4 months it takes to order one from scratch. I filled out the deposit papers, put $1k down, and anxiously awaited news.

    Three weeks later, I called to see what was up, as I wanted to be informed of what was going on, and it seemed like a long time to figure out where the car was coming from. "Bad news," said my sales guy, "it'll be here next week!" That's great!

    At the end of the week it was due to arrive, I called to get some news, as they were not setting a good precedent of calling me back. Nothing yet. That weekend was Labor Day, so I waited until Thursday to give them some time into this last week for it to show up.

    When I called, I got bad news again, but this time it was for real. My guy and the sales manager had me on speakerphone to relay what had happened together. The new list for September had my name written on it for a blue '08 Fit, since I was supposedly next in line. No one told me, but apparently the vehicle came in on Tuesday, and they found out that the car had actually already been sold to someone before me...

    I understand the car is popular, but no one checked to make sure I really was next in line and not 2nd or 3rd. No one did much research when that sheet arrived either, as it should have been pretty obvious if someone was ahead of me.

    My excitement quickly clouded over into anger and frustration. My sales guy was very apologetic, and said maybe we could talk to the sales manager to try and get this worked out. I said I was probably going to take my money back and give it to someone else. I came in to the store a few minutes later for my money.

    I got there, we made some small talk, and when the sales manager was ready, my wife and I went in to talk to him. Keep in mind that he was the one telling me most of the bad news via speaker.

    We sit down, he says 'How can I help you today?" in a regular business tone of voice. I tell him I would to try and straighten this mess out, because I felt very betrayed and downtrodden.

    With no apology in words or tone of voice, he tells me the best he can do is a dealer trade, which would take a month or so, or order one new. He was even brazen enough to suggest that these things happen. I went from :( to :mad: very quickly. Not only did he not care about what had happened, or want to keep our business, but he spoke to me as if I was some idiot with too much money who just didn't understand how buying a car works.

    I may not know everything, but I do know a lot about common decency and customer service. At that point, I decided I would rather buy my Fit elsewhere than even take one from them for free. I said I wanted my deposit back, which they had already cashed, but since the office manager was gone for the day, they had to wait to write it out.

    Things happen, but I was so upset at the way I was treated. I truly felt like a 'sale' and nothing more. Since the Fit sells so well, my business was replaceable, as was I. They didn't even care about my opinion of them.

    For all I know, there could have been someone on the lot with $17k in cash Tuesday morning they thought needed the car more.

    If you live in the Eastern Iowa area, don't shop at Randy Kuehl Honda. They only care about money. They don't even care about your money if they can find someone else behind you.
  • absconfusedabsconfused Member Posts: 73
  • absconfusedabsconfused Member Posts: 73
    Sorry I hit the button too soon on my last email. You have not lost much by not getting a FIT. I do not want to upset any Fit owners out there so please do not bash me but I think the FIT is just OK...I do not love it. I love the utility of it....I use it very much for hauling my stuff and I am completely spoiled by the easy in/out of the side and hatch door with the back folded down and stick all sorts of stuff back there...But I am really missing my map lights and the car does struggle up hills and my gas mileage, and I am not speaking for anyone else's so again please don't holler at me and accuse me of being a heavy pedal driver b/c I am not and I do not want to hear it, is only around 25-26 mpg with mixed road/highway ll mile commute. My car is really cute with fantastic black wheels that I added to the red sport and I love the spacious feel from the high ceilings and the windshield that Honda seems to be pusing forward to make it feel more roomy etc but the drive is just OK...I know it is entry level etc, yada, yada but I am sure they will be putting a bigger engine in the next model and I have to agree with various critics that the engine type is not that great b/c the car is small and fairly light (200 pounds less than some comparable cars) and still the mpg is not there...The civic, much larger and heavier does at least as well if not better in actual mileage....

    So relax, be happy and your car will come to you but you do not want to be desperate. Just leave the state for heaven's sake. Come to Atlanta, I know a nice salesperson at a friendly dealership with a sales manager that would never treat you the way you were treated!!!

    good luck!
    sue
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    Does your 11 mile commute have a lot of hills? And "heavy pedal driving" is hard to compare among people. My wife doesn't think she's a "heavy pedal" driver, but she gets consistently 5mpg less when driving the Fit as compared to me.

    I do agree with your point that the Fit isn't 100% perfect, and I do miss some of the creature comforts of other cars.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    You have been more than patient and you have every right to be ticked off. Sorry to hear of your experience.
  • daroo888daroo888 Member Posts: 8
    2007 silver sport auto Fit with all weather mat and cargo tray for $17,300 out the door including all tax (8.25%), registration, destination from Riverside Honda in Socal. Cash deal, no tradeins.

    Got deal done over phone, in/out of dealership under 2 hours. Great buying experience.
  • origamifreakorigamifreak Member Posts: 4
    Wow, all really good points. I haven't tried to milk a car before, so that is interesting to hear about things going downhill fast. The previous poster mentioned the lack of airbags, antilock brakes, etc. in the current car and I have wondered about that.

    I really really do want a hatch; this is the only car in the household, so there are no trucks or minivans or anything else to do occasional hauling; I have the seats folded down in the current car about 50% of the time, and the hatch is one of my favorite features of it.

    Basically what I want is a 4-door thing similar to my current vehicle, and the Fit is it, as far as I can tell.

    Thanks again for the comments!
  • homespunhomespun Member Posts: 2
    About two weeks ago, I put down a small downpayment on a Fit Sport 5-speed in vivid blue. The dealer(in NY State) told me that they "should" be able to get one before the beginning of November. We are selling our old car to a relative who would like it by early November. I have asked the dealer to order the car, but he said it takes 3 months to build & ship. Any advice? The dealer assures me that there "should" be no problem getting the Fit by Nov 1.

    Any advice?
  • feddupfeddup Member Posts: 11
    Sounds about right. I've researched my car choice to death and decided this last Wednesday to negotiate a deal and place a deposit somewhere. Supposedly only one in ten fits are being made in manual transmission so that might induce an added wait. I ordered in Blackberry Pearl which might also incur an added wait. They GUESSSED that it would be six weeks but from their demeanor I think they have no clue. If you want something unique and special than some waiting might well be required!
  • fgeneyfgeney Member Posts: 15
    I got my Fit in late July after a two month wait from time of order, from the Honda Barn in North Reading, Mass. I live in Boston and was exasperated/disgusted by Herb Chambers and Cambridge Honda (contact me if you want to know the sordid details of my sleazy experiences at those dealers). I was very pleased wit the hassle- and gimmick-free experience at Honda Barn. Straight shooters who didn't go below the belt with the usual car dealer tactics.

    I ordered a black Fit Sport manual with the 16" alloy wheels, floor mats, cargo cover, and iPod link, and paid $17,600 for everything, including installation costs. I feel lucky to have gotten it for hundreds less than what the other guys were offering for the same specs. The Honda Barn guys were happy to hear that they outshined Herb Chambers, who's sort of the Microsoft of car dealers here in Southern New England.

    I love my new Fit (but hoping my mileage improves... still only 26-28 mpg at 870 miles and I don't rev high). It's a blast to drive around town and I get a lot of compliments. All the more reason that I'm heart broken: it got broken into two weeks ago and badly injured... :sick: Read more here.
  • feddupfeddup Member Posts: 11
    I negotiated with three dealerships in the Kansas City area and finally made a deal and placed a deposit on a blackberry pearl MT Sport Fit for $16,105 (MSRP 15,270 + destination 635 + "transfer fee" 200). I wasn't happy about the price but there are so few fits in the area that no one's dealing much. I had to dicker to get this price. Anyway once this price had been agreed to the transaction (so far) went smoothly.
  • jewelmelinkajewelmelinka Member Posts: 1
    Now that you've been driving over 6 months... how do you feel about your Fit purchase? How has the mileage been? How has Earnhardt treated you since the sale? Would you buy from them again if you knew then what you know now? Do you feel you got a fair deal?

    I live in Phoenix and I am interested in the Fit. I would like to do my purchase over the internet. I don't have patience for listening to the standard sales pitch. Was there someone at Earnhardt that you had an especially good experience with? Can you also finance over the internet?
  • unfitunfit Member Posts: 12
    I set out looking to get into a Fit and had very good luck in the used car market.

    Particularly now that the '08s are hitting the lots, good buys can be had on used '07s. I wound up with a sport MT with 5500 miles for $14,400.
    Henessy Lexus in Atlanta had a sport AT with 6000 miles on ebay with a $15,300 buy it now feature that included pick up at the airport. It didn't get sold, but I am sure they would deal with you over the phone and still pick you up at the airport. Here is the listing:

    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=016&sspagename=STRK%- - - - 3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=260158129040&rd=1

    Also, there is a sport AT with cargo cover and cargo tray at a Chrysler dealer in Huntsville,Al with $7300 miles. It has been listed at $14,900 on AutoTrader for a while now.

    http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=226092789&dealer_id=615019&car_year- =2007&marketZipError=false&awsp=false&search_type=used&num_records=25&keywordsfy- c=&make=HONDA&model=FIT&transmission=&distance=100&address=30161&make2=&default_- sort=priceDESC&advanced=&certified=&max_mileage=&max_price=&sort_type=priceDESC&- min_price=&body_code=0&end_year=2008&keywordsrep=&color=&start_year=1981&drive=&- search_lang=&page_location=findacar%253A%253Aispsearchform&engine=&fuel=&doors=&- style_flag=1&cardist=94

    My Fit was my first used car purchase. I saved some money, saved some hassle, and wound up with a great car that had most of the original warranty in force. If you are so inclined, I made less of an environmental impact as well by not causing a new car to be manufactured.
    Good luck. I hope you get into a Fit soon!
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    You do have to be careful when buying used, especially a car like the Fit, which could have been bought by some kid who thrashed it around in the high RPMs, hard braking, etc. and now can't afford the payments, so they sell. Yes, you have the warranty for a couple of more years, but if you're planning on keeping it for the long haul, I'd rather spend the extra couple of thousand up-front for new then in future repairs...unless you know the previous driver.

    Just something to think about. If you were buying a used mid-priced 4dr sedan or used minivan I wouldn't be as worried about kid thrasing as much as on a Fit or Civic.
  • recadanrecadan Member Posts: 10
    I agree with the abover poster. There is a reason why people dump their cars after 1 or 2 years.
  • jfritschjfritsch Member Posts: 958
    One guy needed to trade after he was shipped overseas. Another had a child on the way and needed a bigger vehicle. A new vehicle could have tons of problems after warranty and a used version could be dogged by the teenager from hell for the first 10000 miles and do well past 124000 miles.

    There's a reason why honda dealerships have 8-20 service bays in the back just like the rest.

    You can get a heavily optioned 07 Ford Focus hatch brand new for 12000-13000. About 5000 off an (inflated) msrp. There is a quality difference from the Fit but it beats 17000 by a long shot and they're only roller skates in any event.

    If the Civic still sold with a hatch the Fit would be finished. (at least at current prices) I guess we know the civic won't be coming with a hatch anytime soon.

    Good luck
    --jjf

    I agree with the abover poster. There is a reason why people dump their cars after 1 or 2 years.
  • bobw3bobw3 Member Posts: 2,989
    If the Civic still sold with a hatch the Fit would be finished. (at least at current prices) I guess we know the civic won't be coming with a hatch anytime soon.

    I'm not sure what this means? If the 4dr Civic had a hatch I'd still buy the Fit, unless the 4dr Civic hatch had 21CuFt behind the 2nd row, high ceiling and magic seats.

    And my comments about buying used were based on if you didn't know the previous owner. If you know the previous owner than that's a different situation.
  • compactconvertcompactconvert Member Posts: 8
    The price I paid was MSRP: $16,705 + TTL

    I added no accessories b/c the sport comes with many already, and I plan to get anything else online for much cheaper.

    I did a ton of research and test driving before deciding on the Fit. So, when I knew I was ready to buy I used the phone as suggested by John from Texas on this thread. I could have gotten quotes online, but I wanted to know right away exactly what was on the lot b/c I was determined to go home with my Fit in the color I wanted this week. Since I live in a metropolitan area, I called 10 different dealers around town. At first I couldn't believe the prices I was getting! Initially dealers were offering anywhere from $1500-$2000 over MSRP. Two dealers seemed to think they were special for offering only $1000 over MSRP. Several said, "There is no way we're selling this car at MSRP." One even added, "Our owner's brother didn't even buy the car at MSRP." When they wouldn't go for MSRP, that made the conversation easy--I said thanks but no thanks and hung up. Finally I got a dealer to agree to MSRP and they had my #1 color choice on the lot with only 11 miles on it. They sent the offer in email and I scheduled a time to go in.

    At the dealership I used a spreadsheet from carbuyingtips.com and tried to get them to go below MSRP. I was only asking for about $250 less, which was approx. 5% profit for them over invoice minus factory holdback. That's when the fun began. My salesperson (who was very nice) had to run the numbers by another salesman who came back and said they couldn't go below MSRP. This other salesman was gruff and not pleasant at all. After more haggling, I couldn't get him to budge. The guy said something like, "I was out of the office yesterday and they shouldn't have offered this price to you. We never sell at MSRP, yadda yadda." They wouldn't even throw in the floormats. If I didn't need the car this week, I probably would have walked away.

    I'm bummed I couldn't get them to go below MSRP because I think the Fit is over-priced right now for what it is. That being said, it is still a hot car and dealers will get as much as folks are willing to pay for it. I matched the Edmunds TMV price for my area code, so I guess I did ok in the end. (Also, I made sure that the financing was fair and had Honda compete with the bank I was pre-approved for which led to a pretty good APR).
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