Honda Fit Hits Dealer Lots, EBay; Now the Markups Begin
Honda decided to ship the new 2009 Fit to dealer lots a full one month before it was scheduled to do so. Why? Because they are selling them as fast as they can build them – or faster. The diminutive Honda hatchback is sold out through September, and Honda figured they might as well get a move on delivering Fits ASAP. And so begins the process of trying to buy a Fit. Welcome to "No, we're not doing test drives" and "It's a 2 month wait or longer" or the popular "We're going to need a credit card deposit." For people that want their own fun to drive 28/35 mpg car right now, there's already a 2009 Fit on eBay Motors, a Sport model (that's the higher trim level). Starting bid is at MSRP of $17,580, or you can buy it right now for $1000 over MSRP.
Immensely bored law student. I've also got 3 dogs.
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nudave: I'm afraid I didn't express myself very well. I did not mean to say that the public was demanding that there be a new model, but was referring to the fact that the new model is already back-ordered. In any event, I agree with everything in your post. I would never suggest that Honda is resting on its laurels. Quite the contrary, it is one of the most forward-thinking car companies out there. I have owned several including a 2005 Insight currently. In fact, come to think of it, Honda is the only nameplate I've bought more than one of.
Look. You Fit lovers will not be convinced by me, nor will you be able to convince me (at least not with whats been tossed out) that the Fit makes sense. Look, here is what I will try to explain one last time: There are better choices than the Fit that make me believe this is one of those runaway noone can explain the nothingness. Sort of Obamarama in a car. Examples: Nissan Sentra. Its a real car. 16,300 ,25/33/28 overall mpg. Kia Rio and Rio5 11,00 to 13,000, 24/33/28 mpg. Not comparable as a car you say? Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buy 2007 - Subcompact Car Edmunds.com- "Top 10 Most Fuel Efficient Cars." The Car Book. "Best Bet." Edmunds.com "Editors' Most Wanted Wagon Under $15,000" Greenercars.org, the online home of ACEEE's Green Book® - "Top 12 Greenest Vehicles of 2007". Then... theres the Focus and Corolla... I know none of you like them. The are dull...not sporty. Well, I think its all bullshit about the Fit sportiness as well. But you get a whole lot more car, one that can take to to your kid's college and back without forcing a chiropractors appt. They are both highly rated for comfort. Both around 16K and great, great mpg. 26/35/29 Corolla, 24/33/28 Focus. So go ahead and luv your Fit...but it doesn't make sense to me. Sorry.
Nice little car, but I sure wouldn't pay the markups for it. The new generation fixes why I thought the original was a stinker, but at 18k, I'd *still* take the Mazda3. For anyone who thinks the (last) gen Fit is more fun to drive than the 3: If this wasn't a subjective category I'd call you a liar. Below 40mph, the Fit is good (unless you've got someone in the car OR it's a hill) , but on the highway it's anything but. I'd take the Mazda3 for its competency in both and its far-superior steering. And its better driving position. And its better craftsmanship. The Fit does provide super-nice cargo numbers, but its last iteration only made sense as a city car. The new version- with a smidgeon more horsepower and many of its faults addressed- should be interesting.