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Does anyone else have these mats, and if so, what's your experience with the install?
I think the actual fit on all four is not half bad, no real problems. I have a manual sport, that could make a difference.
I did one hook on the front passenger side and decided that
should be sufficient. I dont like the way the hooks link into
the holes and wonder how well they will wear. I will perhaps
also install only one hook on the drivers front mat, thats probably the only one that needs attaching, because it tends to move around and twist a bit otherwise. I think I will let gravity alone hold down the rear mats.
The placement of the roof ribbing in the NA model is different than the other market's models - there's more of them for additional structural intgrity - hence no room for the sunroof.
I'm planning on leaving it to gravity to keep the rear mats in place, as well.
I took another look at the mats. I THEN took a look at the instructions. It appears when the helpful dealer took the mats from me, to drop into the car while I finished the paperwork, put the mats in the wrong places! The small mats go up front, while the larger mats go in the back!
I understand why they would have assumed this, because I've never seen floor mats in this sort of configuration, but one would think they'd have taken a second look, when they didn't match up well - ya know?
Has anyone tried adding an aux input jack to the Base model
stereo? The radio has an Aux button on the dial, but there
is no input jack below the 12V power outlet as there is on the
Sport. I asked my Honda saleperson about it yesterday, she
checked with the parts department, and they said there was
nothing available for the Base. I'm hoping that the wiring
is all there, just that the jack is missing.
My current FM transmitter that I use with my mp3 player has more static than it did in my old car... maybe I need a better transmitter, but I'd prefer to use the Aux in if it
is possible.
Honda music link is available for the Base, correct? Well, that plugs into an input behind the stereo, the same input that a CD Changer would plug into.
Alternately, you can buy an Aux input jack (1/8") that plugs in to that same port behind the stereo.
This is just conjecture, but I think it's logical to assume it's possible.
Those aux in's are about 100 bucks a piece from what I have found online.
Maybe someone can confirm this.
I'm not trying to BUMP or anything, it's just I am a music fan and these stereos sound really empty to me (even the sport's seems lacking.)
Possibilities?
The speakers seem to be a special shape have the door molded around them a bit. So it might be hard to put aftermarket ones in as well.
- A drill or dremel to make a small hole.
- One 1/8 inch stereo plug
- One cable(stereo RCA, 1/8 inch jack, or DIN - whatever's on the rear of the radio) about 2-3 ft long.
- One package of heat-shrink tubing
- Soldering iron.
If you're like most of us and have a soldering iron and dremel/drill already, that's $6-$10 in parts. A $90 savings.
Pretty straightforward one hour project. Place the jack wherever in the car you want it to go.(slight dissassembly of the center stack might be required unless you can get into it via the side)
***
Aftermarket speakers
The ones there are hidden behind a plastic grille. Trust me - they are standard round speakers and replacing them with some Kenwood 5 or 6 inchers will be a world of difference. The head unit is plenty good as it is. Stereos are pretty much stereos when we're talking about under 500W or so. The speakers are 95% of the difference in sound. Now, getting that grille off may reuire removing the entire side panel. I'm sure it's pretty easy after that.
So far the best that I have seen is:
Rear bumper applique- 39.20$
Floormats- 66.98$
All weather mats- 77.28$
all of which is at Bernardi auto parts
http://www.bernardiparts.com
Mudguards- 62.40$ at http://www.collegehillshonda.com/fit/home.htm
Anyone else found any good deals on accessories (regular or aftermarket)?
Ask a Target employee if you can't find them. They're there to help...theorhetically.
I want to "hotwire" the stereo so it will work with the key out. I've always had this in my cars. I've never run the battery down from stereo usage.
How can this be done? Are there any negative side-effects for the Fit?
Cost is $14.99. I haven't seen this yet but am going by Target today to see if it fits the Fit.
It is? Here are two pictures from the 2007 US market Fit and the 2002 European market Jazz...it appears the roof structure is very similar, if not the same.
I would be surprised if the rack didn't work.
I would expect them to fit, as well, since there have been no reports of changes made beyond the hood line, by those that have been retrofitting the Japanese parts.
I just finished mine...How did it go for you? Isn't it a pain? If you haven't started on the back hook yet, here is a tip. The precut circle is WAY out of place! It's better if you don't use the precut at all, and just cut the template and start from there. Maybe it was just my car, but better check before you start. And can you tell me how it went for you when you put in the base clip? Because I had a heck of a time trying to put it in the right direction..."Swivel" my butt; more like trying to dislocate my fingers!
Sorry, I'll stop ranting now
I would have plugged in the front ones anyway though, just because the previous mats in my previous car moved around too much. Another of my personal opinion. The front ones are easy to do.
What would it take to ADD the spoiler and/or underbody kit to a base model? Why? Well, I'm just considering it after a little buyer's remorse has set in after getting the base model. I really didn't think I wanted the sport trim (it didn't seem to fit my age and nature) but now I'm realizing that the base model is lacking some flare. That may be partially due to the fact that I got a black one. It also may be more about the wheels than the trim.
From reading this thread, it seems that adding either the spoiler or underbody kit would require drilling some holes, which doesn't seem like it would be a good thing for warranty purposes if there's any leaking or rust in those areas.
Also, is it even possilble to buy the parts? I guess it must be, since autobody shops will need them for repairs. I did see one after-market Honda Jazz rear spoiler on e-bay, but I'm not sure if it'll work with the U.S. fit or how well the color would match.
I also wonder if other third-party trim will be showing up in the U.S. Maybe there's something else besides the normal Honda Sport trim that will give my car just the right look.
Thanks,
Mike
Here are my thoughts so far:
Cruise Control: When I was shopping for my car, I looked at the Scion Xa (no cruise control option, but third-party cruise available), the Toyota Yaris Hatchback (no cruise control option, third-party unknown), and the fit (no cruise unless I got the Sport model). That caused me to think hard about whether or not I really need cruise control and the answers was "no". 90% of my driving is of the type where cruise control does no good. But, that occasional 10% sure would be nice with cruise control.
However, I'm not sure there will ever be an after-market cruise control for the base fit. The drive-by-wire system may prevent it. Also, the buttons would never be on the steering while like they are in the Sport model without replacing the steering wheel.
Remote Entry and Security Alarm: I think I can "easily" add these options for not too much money. H and A accessories has the genuine Honda remote entry and security kits for $228 total (not including shipping). I read the installationg instructions and they don't look too bad (although they explicitly warn that they are not for do-it-yourself'ers). It appears that all the wiring harnesses already exist in the base model. About the worst part is adding the LED to the steering column for the security sytem.
The advantage of doing it myself rather than having bought the sport model is that the remote entry fob will be separate from my key.
I'm not sure I really need this anyway. Remote entry is nice, but I'm getting used to not having it. The only reason I'd do a security system is because I can get a discount on my auto insurance, but it might be only a few bucks per month.
Audio System: I don't need to extra wattage. When you've got a 5-year-old son, you're just glad for the times when things are quiet. :P
The ability to play/navigate MP3 CD's is cool, but I have very few MP3 CD's. Also, I have a portable MP3-capable CD player which I could "connect" to my audio system by getting one of those FM transmitter adpaters that causes your portable audio device to appear on the FM dial. I could do the same with my iPOD.
The aux audio input would have been convenient (to avoid having to get the FM module if I want to add MP3 or iPOD capability). The manual indicates it should be in the base U.S. model, but it's not. I wonder, though, if somebody won't figure out a way to add it since the spot for the jack is there and the aux button is already on the radio.
Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel: Strangely, the Honda accessory catalog says that the leather wrap is only available for the automatic transmission model. H and A Accessories has one and it doesn't give that warning. Why would a leather wrap only work on the automatic transmission model?
Other interior enhancements, not available on the sport model: It'll be interesting to see how many of the things available for the European Jazz will show up in the U.S. for the fit. A center console armrest? A ceiling console? Other little bits of "flare"?
Thanks,
Mike
Wheels: I would like to replace the base wheels. However, I may look into chrome ones rather than alloy. I think chrome looks good on a black car. Then again, that may be because I still have an 80's view on what's "cool". :P
I should be able to find used Civic or del Sol wheels and save some money here. However, I'm confused as to exactly what I need to look for. I know that the stock rims are 14" and I think I'd like to stay with that rather than going to 15" or 16". But what width of wheel should I be looking at to work with the stock tires? 5"? 5.5"? How do I tell? And, in order to look "cool" do I need to get wider tires anyway? If I do, will they work with the wheel wells and steering adjustments on the base model?
Also, what about the "offset" of the wheels? I read on one site that genuine Honda wheels have the right offset, which I take to mean just how much of the width of the wheel is outside the hub and how much is inside. It seems this would be important for proper fit. Do I need to stick with Genuine Honda wheels?
Lastly, what are the chances that there are chrome hubcaps out there that would look good? Can you imagine a Black Fit with baby moon chrome hubcaps? Would that be cool or would it be the worst disaster ever?
Spoiler and Underbody kit: I really didn't think I wanted these features. I still don't think I really do, but I'm looking for ways to make my base model have a little more personality. It appears that I would have two challenges: 1) finding the parts and 2) mounting them (which involves drilling some holes). On the other hand, I expect there will be third-party body enhancements coming out in the U.S. soon. I should probably just wait and see.
Fog Lights: I think maybe I've had fog lights in one car in my life and I think I may have used them once. So, this option is one I can definitely do without. If I wanted them, H and A Accessories has them for $238.
Other bits of external flare: It's hard to tell what will look "cool" and what will look bad without seeing some examples. I've found chrome trim of various type for the Jazz on e-bay. I'd also like to figure out a way to add bits of Orange to my car. I know that pin striping is out of fashion, but I'm wondering if there are other body decorations that would look good.
Thanks,
Mike
Yep - the infamous 20 hole crud you saw on the last generation DX model Civic hatchback. Oddly though, the steel wheel and the alloy weigh the same.
As for the link, the jack is there on the rear of the radio for the Aux - so a little wiring and soldering and presto - instant connector. I suggest running a wire up to the glovebox myself in addition to the position in the center stack(little covered indent next to the aux power plug).
As for body kit... Look up "Mugen Fit Spec D" and enjoy.
I don't know why this would be a problem, but apparently there is a difference with the offset.
Apparently, the previous generation Civic wheels work on the Fit...I haven't tried it out myself yet and I heard the offset is 10 mm difference between the two. If you are looking at staying with 14" Honda wheels, there are 10 and 7 spoke 14" 7th generation Civic wheels.
In the not too distant future, I am considering the purchase of the 10-spoke wheels.
How did you come by this knowledge (that the radio has an aux jack in the back)? Do you see this stuff as part of your job? Did you take your radio out for some reason? Did you refer to a shop manual?
I'm not sure that I really need/want the aux input. It just seemed like an easy way to add a cool feature easily. However, after looking at the dash and radio mounting, I no longer think "easily" applies. I can't see how it all goes together and I'm not too anxious to get all carried away tearing apart my 3-day-old car! :surprise:
In the future, I may take advantage of what you told me. At any rate, I'm sure a webpage will appear somewhere with step-by-step instructions to add the aux jack. People love getting something for nothing and this would be a perfect example of that.
Thanks,
Mike
Did College Hills Honda indicate that the difference in offset would be a problem? I know absolutely nothing about suspension and steering mechanisms, so it seems to me that 10mm (0.4") wouldn't matter. But, I could see where it might throw the whole system out of whack. What do you think from what you've been told?
Thanks,
Mike
The older generation Civic wheels were 55mm offset - trust me on this - I talked to the parts department for an hour to get exact specs hammered down(they actually had to pull a spare Fit wheel and compare).
The car appears to be very easy to customize. Honda, thankfully, isn't in the habit of doing things GM style and making everything custom on every car.
I'd appreciate any advice you might have.
Thanks.
Here, you have it on the rear wing:
This shows how it sneaks in-between the rear hatch opening and hatch door, when open:
Here's the wire, temporarily routed through the 3rd brake light hole. I have since gone back and tidy'd this up a bit, and slit the boot for a watertight fit.
The interior panels are easy to pop in and out of place. I will take some more pictures after work, to better show you the final outcome.