Makabe, let me know what you determine. It looks like we are on the same wavelengths with regards to aesthetics and wanted features.
It's funny, when i decided to buy a new car, for some reason I was thinking that I'd simply be able to get the options that I wanted, one of the bonuses over buying used.
The Fit/Jazz was designed to use 14 inch wheels as standard equipment. In Japan, all but the most basic models come with 14 inch alloys. And a tighter turning radius due to a more agressive steering(can turn the wheels another 5-10 degrees), btw.
The suspension? Made for 14 inch alloys. Not that 15 inchers are much different, given the thinner profile, but 16 inchers that I've seen on a couple around town are asking for a harsh ride. The higher the profile of the tire, the softer the ride, though the less well it handles turning agressively.
Putting 195/80/13s on a 4000lb car(old classic european models for the 50s and 60s) results in a soft but wobbly ride in high winds so it can be taken to extremes. The Fit, though, weighs virtually nothing in automotive terms, so it could probably get by with *12* inch tires and still be safe. 14 inchers on a car this small is already way beyond what it can utilize.
The horn sounds and a combination of headlights, parking lights, [etc] flash if someone attempts to break into your vehicle or remove the radio. This alarm continues for 2 minutes, then it stops. To reset an alarming system before the 2 minutes have elapsed, unlock the driver's door with the key or the remote transmitter.
The security system automatically sets 15 seconds after you lock the doors, hood, and the tailgate. For the system to activate, you must lock the doors and the tailgate from the outside with the key, driver's lock tab, door lock master switch, or remote transmitter. The security system indicator on the instrument panel starts blinking immediately to show you the system is setting itsself.
Once the security system is set, opening any door, the tailgate, or the hood without using the key or the remote transmitter, will cause it to alarm. It also alarms if the radio is removed from the dashboard or the wiring is cut.
The alarm will also be activated if the passenger inside the locked vehicle turns the ignition switch on.
[The system will not activate if any door or hood is not closed. etc.]
The advantage of a "valet", well really just a key without the remote transmitter, is I do not have to worry about damaging the remote transmitter during a hike in the rain, a wash in the river, etc. A non-remote key (not provided with the sport) would resolve that worry. Since security system will deactivate with driver's door open, you really do not need remote key.
I spent a lot of time today at a honda dealer underneath the Fit and Fit Sport looking at bolt locations. From what I could tell, the base Fit has holes (with plugs) everywhere that the skirts and lower spoilers would attach. The only place where there are holes that don't have corresponding plugs is in the rear fender but that is just plastic. (First picture is of a hanger on the skirt on a Fit Sport and 2nd picture is the inner front fender showing plugged holes on the base Fit)
About the spoiler on the hatch, it is attached by two bolts that are accessible from the open hatch thru holes that have rubber plugs in them and openings on the spoiler. Removing that spoiler would leave two small holes in the top of the hatch over the rear window--I think small rubber plugs with a silicone caulk seal would take care of the holes cheaply.
My dealer was telling me that even the regular key (I have the base model) has the microchip inside for the immobilizer and that can get damaged when wet...to the point that the car simply won't start.
He said the parts department can make a "simple key" for about $10, but then I wonder how the car will start since (from what I have heard) the fuel is cut off to the engine without the microchip telling the car to start.
Wow! Thanks, that is great news if the base model has the holes anyway there must be a factory plug to fill them. You didn't happen to get any pics of the holes on the side of the base model did you? Those are the ones I am worried about.
I guess the "simple" key would get you in the car door, and they'd expect you to leave a "smart" key in the car, for the purposes of actually driving it. The problem with that is you're essentially handing the keys to anyone who breaks into your car, giving your insurance company reason to deny your theft claim.
AT Base: Better turning radius. AT Sport: Worse turning radius.
Now, the sport steering is probably "tuned" for 15" wheels, right? If I were to put 14 inch wheels on the Sport vehicle, I probably would -not- get those extra degrees, right? I mean, the wheels aren't the restrictive element, it would have to be the tuning of the steering, right?
I'm pretty sure there are holes/plugs in the locations where the skirts clips go, but I did not document it completely on the side, but here is the side front-most and side back-most holes/plugs.
Here is a picture how those same type of holes are plugged on the front of the Base Fit
From what I could see, there are only 4 additional holes in the Sport. Two in the rear hatch above the back window and two in the rear bumper (one on each side--see the dimple in picture below that would correspond to the hole in the Sport's bumper).
The "sport" steering and suspension is unchanged for the original 14 inch setup. It is a slightly better stereo with a MP3 link, cruise control, alloys, and a body kit. That's it. Not even a stiffer swaybar, slightly better brakes, or even a change to the computer chip(s) under the hood.
It's all the tires. Putting 16 inchers on makes it a tiny bit worse, as you'd expect. The Japan version has a different steering setup and turns much farther than the U.S. version. Probably, there's a limiter somewhere in the electronic steering. The sport version is only looks and does nothing at all to compensate for the bigger tires.
I found a picture of a red Mugen Honda Fit at FitFreak.net . I really like this kit but With the USA fit being slightly different than the Asia and Europe FIT & JAZZ does anyone know if those Mugen body panels will work on the US FIT?
Great pics, thanks. If you look at the shop manual though it seems like there are 8 holes along the side of the cars where the side molding is attached. Maybe the pictue is misleading.
The fit report (no pun intended), states you have to replace everything from the windshield, forward, as the hood, fenders, headlights and bumper have all been modified for the NA version.
I'm not sure how the shop manual jibes with the US model. I don't remember whether there are 2, 3 or 4 of the hangars on each side (see post 30--1st picture), but the hangar is attached to the car by one covered screw (bolt), then the skirt is attached to the hangar by two screws. Somebody with a Sport please crawl underneath and verify the number of hangars please.
One would of course have to get the hole plugs to plug up the holes left by the skirt/spoiler removal--seems like a cheap part to get if Honda stocks them. Considering that the foam gaskets for the tailights in my 91 civic wagon cost $15 each, Honda probably charges about $5 for each plug :-)
I see. I am unfamiliar with the mechanics of a car, and was assuming that something besides the wheels or tires themselves would be stopping you from turning too far.
What I'm going to do is keep driving my '91 civic wagon until the prices on the Fit calm down a little. When I get a Fit, I'm going to get the Sport in Vivid Blue and take off the skirts, spoilers, and 15" wheels--plug the holes (probably with silicone-caulked rubber plugs in the hatch and factory plugs everywhere else), get 14" wheels from College hills Honda and Michelin Harmony tires from Costco. Then eBay the skirts/spoilers/wheels/tires. The cost difference between the Base and the Sport is only $1300. You can't add cruise control, ipod compatible stereo, keyless entry, alarm and alloys for that much so you might as well get the Sport. Now, my assumption is that I'll be able to plug the holes and buy new wheels/tires for essentially what I make on selling the skirts/spoilers/15" wheels/tires. Maybe a bad assumption but I don't think it is--especially if I remove the 15" wheels/tires when new. The fog lights are a bonus.
If I'm missing something, please let me know. My wife likes to describe me as follows: Often wrong, never in doubt.
Makabe, Thank you so much for taking the time to get those pictures, they've really helped me to see under my as yet undelivered Fit. I've been worried about scraping the front spoiler, given the number of speed bumps around here - some of them are downright vicious!! Wondering if you could just remove it, and leave the side skirts? Might look odd?? Or just "different"? Also, what would be the advantage to changing to 14" wheels & tires?
Also, what would be the advantage to changing to 14" wheels & tires?
The short answer: ride quality. You also get a slight bonus to turning radius, and, if you're me, aesthetics.
Plekto does a much better job of explaining it in the "Honda Fit Accessories" thread, if you care to take a look.
Makabe, I should probably just keep driving my '93 Legacy, too. Let me know what else you discover about this process. I'm going to be talking to the guy that does our family's body work to see about some other options of filling the rear spoiler holes.
14" wheels are a trade off. My impression is they offer slightly better gas mileage, and slightly worse handling. Also the replacement tires are less expensive than the 195/55r15's that come stock. I drove the base fit and I thought the handling was fine--I don't do anything too extreme anyway so the 15" wheels with 195/55 tires seems like overkill to me.
> better stereo with a MP3 link, cruise control, alloys, and a body kit. That's it
And security system/keyless entry, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and fog lights (in case anyone is wondering). Also, the paddle shifters, if you get automatic.
And to clarify... the stereo has an aux input and plays MP3 CDs (also, the extra tweeters and more power).
Plekto has it out for anything over a 14" wheel! :surprise: I'll tell you what - go Auto X a 14" wheeled Fit against a 16" HFP'ed Fit and tell me which hangs through the corners better. :P
You guys and this 14" stuff - :confuse: Why not just go 10's and get your tires at Tractor supply Also I'm 100 percent positive that Honda will revoke your corrision coverage when you yank off screwed in body parts... :surprise:
I found an online supplier of an armrest for the Fit and placed an order. The armrest is made in Europe of leather, and adjusts forwards and back. It even has a storage compartment and built in cup holder! Its at QualityAutoInteriors.com
Such low profile tires that it looks like the rubber was painted on the edge of the wheels.
I know 17's are not available from the factory, but I bet there will be plenty of Fits with tires that size or larger.
I don't really care between the 14's and 15's, though I do prefer alloys. Hubcaps can be a pain. Whatever happend to styled steel wheels (I think the Element has them). Just make the steel wheel look nice on its own and skip the hubcaps. Honda used to have a lot of really nice steel wheels years ago.
Still hoping to get either a sport without plastic add ons or a base with cruise.
I was checking the wheels at tirerack and they have Borbet Type CA for $79 each. Since I live in an area that has salt, ice and snow on the roads in the winter, if I had a base Fit I would purchase a set of snows and put them on the steel wheels and use the alloys with the OEM tires.
In 15" I wonder how the Kosei RT Sport would look on a Storm Silver Fit?
Now that I have the Fit, I'm more confused than ever about adding a Roady or other satellite add-on. I know it has an aux jack that is easily reachable, but it isn't a dual RCA jack, is it? Do I need a PIE adaptor for it or ??? I didn't get very far with my reading this morning.
Also, is there an aftermarket auto dimming, outside temp, and map/reading light combination available? Not a big deal, but I sort-of miss those things (the lights mostly, but if I'm going to be doing something like that, I'll go all the way).
US Sport Alarm LED: Finally remembered to check. It does Flash. Not solid. Does about 1 flash per second for about 15 seconds, presumably while arming. Then hesitates a moment. Then 1 flash every 2 seconds from then on. My previous post, which said solid, was incorrect.
A double-male 3.5mm mini jack is all you need. I'm going for a retractable cable, which makes it easier to take the unit from vehicle to vehicle, without a bunch of cord to tie up.
My unit is the Sirius Starmate Replay (ST2), which also has a boom-box available. I picked it, because it's style rather mimics the Fit's stock radio, image-reversed, and has a blue backlight.
Plekto has it out for anything over a 14" wheel! I'll tell you what - go Auto X a 14" wheeled Fit against a 16" HFP'ed Fit and tell me which hangs through the corners better. *** Actually, once the tires get larger than is required for the car to safely corner, you could put 20 inchers on it and the suspension would be the limiting factor.
14 inchers are already larger than the car needs, and no handling differences so far have been detected other than a microscopic improvement in turning radius. I like the 14s as they save you lots of money on tires AND give you a softer ride.
It is a proven fact as far as handling goes that the shorter the sidewall of the tire is the better it handles up to a point. I am the one with the 16" wheels on my Fit sport and let me say that it is great! I test drove a Base Fit with the 14 inch wheels and to me in the corners the car pushed alot. It almost felt as if the tire was going to roll off the bead. I also drove the sport with the 15" wheels and it felt alot better due to the increased contact patch of the tire. The car with the HFP 16" wheels with Kumho Escta tires feels like I could take it to an autocross course and have fun. I don't plan on doing this but I could if I wanted. 14" wheels are going to make the most difference in your ride quality. The 14" wheel/tire combo with 175/65 R14 tires is going to have more tire sidewall to achieve the same overall hieght as the 15" wheel/tire combo with 195/55 R15 tires on it. The 16" HFP wheels use 205/45 R16 tire which lessens your sidewall less but increases your contact patch even more. The process of changing tire/wheel sizes is a normal process often refered to by tire companies as plus sizing. The Fit base is the starting point. The Fit sport is Plus 1 anf the 16" wheels are plus 2. I will post a picture of the car with the 16" wheels soon.
Just a reminder not to post your email address in messages. You can mark it "public" (means only other registered members can view it) OR if you both have pages on CarSpace email the person from CarSpace Mailbox -> username@carspace.com
I would think that the safety impact of a properly installed sunroof is marginal. It was mentioned on another forum as a possible reason for not offering a sunroof on the Fit and it makes sense to me. Honda seems to be taking America’s concern about the safety of small cars very seriously. Perhaps too much!
Other posts I have read have pretty well dismissed the idea that a sunroof can void a warrantee.
You can get a factory-installed sunroof as a £400 option on the UK Jazz. :shades:
Comments
It's funny, when i decided to buy a new car, for some reason I was thinking that I'd simply be able to get the options that I wanted, one of the bonuses over buying used.
How wrong I was!
The suspension? Made for 14 inch alloys. Not that 15 inchers are much different, given the thinner profile, but 16 inchers that I've seen on a couple around town are asking for a harsh ride. The higher the profile of the tire, the softer the ride, though the less well it handles turning agressively.
Putting 195/80/13s on a 4000lb car(old classic european models for the 50s and 60s) results in a soft but wobbly ride in high winds so it can be taken to extremes. The Fit, though, weighs virtually nothing in automotive terms, so it could probably get by with *12* inch tires and still be safe. 14 inchers on a car this small is already way beyond what it can utilize.
The horn sounds and a combination of headlights, parking lights, [etc] flash if someone attempts to break into your vehicle or remove the radio. This alarm continues for 2 minutes, then it stops. To reset an alarming system before the 2 minutes have elapsed, unlock the driver's door with the key or the remote transmitter.
The security system automatically sets 15 seconds after you lock the doors, hood, and the tailgate. For the system to activate, you must lock the doors and the tailgate from the outside with the key, driver's lock tab, door lock master switch, or remote transmitter. The security system indicator on the instrument panel starts blinking immediately to show you the system is setting itsself.
Once the security system is set, opening any door, the tailgate, or the hood without using the key or the remote transmitter, will cause it to alarm. It also alarms if the radio is removed from the dashboard or the wiring is cut.
The alarm will also be activated if the passenger inside the locked vehicle turns the ignition switch on.
[The system will not activate if any door or hood is not closed. etc.]
About the spoiler on the hatch, it is attached by two bolts that are accessible from the open hatch thru holes that have rubber plugs in them and openings on the spoiler. Removing that spoiler would leave two small holes in the top of the hatch over the rear window--I think small rubber plugs with a silicone caulk seal would take care of the holes cheaply.
He said the parts department can make a "simple key" for about $10, but then I wonder how the car will start since (from what I have heard) the fuel is cut off to the engine without the microchip telling the car to start.
AT Base: Better turning radius.
AT Sport: Worse turning radius.
Now, the sport steering is probably "tuned" for 15" wheels, right? If I were to put 14 inch wheels on the Sport vehicle, I probably would -not- get those extra degrees, right? I mean, the wheels aren't the restrictive element, it would have to be the tuning of the steering, right?
Here is a picture how those same type of holes are plugged on the front of the Base Fit
It's all the tires. Putting 16 inchers on makes it a tiny bit worse, as you'd expect. The Japan version has a different steering setup and turns much farther than the U.S. version. Probably, there's a limiter somewhere in the electronic steering. The sport version is only looks and does nothing at all to compensate for the bigger tires.
One would of course have to get the hole plugs to plug up the holes left by the skirt/spoiler removal--seems like a cheap part to get if Honda stocks them. Considering that the foam gaskets for the tailights in my 91 civic wagon cost $15 each, Honda probably charges about $5 for each plug :-)
A) Buy a base model and install keyless, cruise, and upgrade the radio (if I can)
or
or
C) Keep driving my current car until I find something that I'm really sold on, with options in packages that make a little more sense.
If I'm missing something, please let me know. My wife likes to describe me as follows: Often wrong, never in doubt.
Thank you so much for taking the time to get those pictures, they've really helped me to see under my as yet undelivered Fit.
I've been worried about scraping the front spoiler, given the number of speed bumps around here - some of them are downright vicious!! Wondering if you could just remove it, and leave the side skirts? Might look odd?? Or just "different"?
Also, what would be the advantage to changing to 14" wheels & tires?
The short answer: ride quality. You also get a slight bonus to turning radius, and, if you're me, aesthetics.
Plekto does a much better job of explaining it in the "Honda Fit Accessories" thread, if you care to take a look.
Makabe, I should probably just keep driving my '93 Legacy, too. Let me know what else you discover about this process. I'm going to be talking to the guy that does our family's body work to see about some other options of filling the rear spoiler holes.
Thanks for keeping us informed.
And security system/keyless entry, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and fog lights (in case anyone is wondering). Also, the paddle shifters, if you get automatic.
And to clarify... the stereo has an aux input and plays MP3 CDs (also, the extra tweeters and more power).
I'll tell you what - go Auto X a 14" wheeled Fit against a 16" HFP'ed Fit and tell me which hangs through the corners better. :P
Why not just go 10's and get your tires at Tractor supply
Also I'm 100 percent positive that Honda will revoke your corrision coverage when you yank off screwed in body parts... :surprise:
Way better than the goofy looking 17" (and over) stuff with painted on rubber.
If the dealer removes the skirts and uses factory plugs how can that void the warrenty?
Does anybody have a base with pictures of the plugs on the side.
Do we know for sure that these items are factory installed? If they were port installed, then maybe getting a fit without the stuff would be feasible.
17 inch wheels are not offered as optional or standard for the Fit. No 17" offered, goofy or not, so don't worry.
16" wheels are optional as a HFP "Honda Factory Performance" accessory.
What is painted on rubber? There are tires with color integrated into the rubber compound.
QualityAutoInteriors.com
Such low profile tires that it looks like the rubber was painted on the edge of the wheels.
I know 17's are not available from the factory, but I bet there will be plenty of Fits with tires that size or larger.
I don't really care between the 14's and 15's, though I do prefer alloys. Hubcaps can be a pain. Whatever happend to styled steel wheels (I think the Element has them). Just make the steel wheel look nice on its own and skip the hubcaps. Honda used to have a lot of really nice steel wheels years ago.
Still hoping to get either a sport without plastic add ons or a base with cruise.
Since I live in an area that has salt, ice and snow on the roads in the winter, if I had a base Fit I would purchase a set of snows and put them on the steel wheels and use the alloys with the OEM tires.
In 15" I wonder how the Kosei RT Sport would look on a Storm Silver Fit?
Also, is there an aftermarket auto dimming, outside temp, and map/reading light combination available? Not a big deal, but I sort-of miss those things (the lights mostly, but if I'm going to be doing something like that, I'll go all the way).
Finally remembered to check. It does Flash. Not solid. Does about 1 flash per second for about 15 seconds, presumably while arming. Then hesitates a moment. Then 1 flash every 2 seconds from then on. My previous post, which said solid, was incorrect.
My unit is the Sirius Starmate Replay (ST2), which also has a boom-box available. I picked it, because it's style rather mimics the Fit's stock radio, image-reversed, and has a blue backlight.
I'll tell you what - go Auto X a 14" wheeled Fit against a 16" HFP'ed Fit and tell me which hangs through the corners better.
***
Actually, once the tires get larger than is required for the car to safely corner, you could put 20 inchers on it and the suspension would be the limiting factor.
14 inchers are already larger than the car needs, and no handling differences so far have been detected other than a microscopic improvement in turning radius. I like the 14s as they save you lots of money on tires AND give you a softer ride.
But I found a nice cargo organizer at Target for $14.99.
Looks to be almost the same. No Honda emblem, or course.
I love saving money.
If it exists on my fit, there is no reason it would not exist in N/A Fits
I've heard that a sunroof won't be offered here because of Honda's obsession with safety in NA.
How much head room are you losing? (I'm 6"3'!)
Looks like a manual roof?
I showed the pics to my girlfriend and she's now talking about moving to England and buying a Jazz with sunroof! :shades:
The inside part of the roof is manual but the glass window is electric powered. Of course it operates very well, altough I never use it.
If it compromises safety, then adding an aftermarket is worse of a choice and should void the warranty.
The European Fit seem not to have factory installed roof.
Not sure
I would think that the safety impact of a properly installed sunroof is marginal. It was mentioned on another forum as a possible reason for not offering a sunroof on the Fit and it makes sense to me. Honda seems to be taking America’s concern about the safety of small cars very seriously. Perhaps too much!
Other posts I have read have pretty well dismissed the idea that a sunroof can void a warrantee.
You can get a factory-installed sunroof as a £400 option on the UK Jazz. :shades: