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Old 05-04-2006, 12:11 PM   #1
the6148
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Default Out with the old, in with the new.

It has been a long while since I post here. Anyways, I am here to report that my beloved Focus is no longer in my posession.



This Focus has been with me for 5 years and 5 months. I only managed to put 23,000 miles on the dial. Everything in my Focus has held up nicely. I had absolutely no major issue with it. I was going to own it as long as nothing fall out of it. However, one brief moment of distraction, I plowed the car into oncoming traffic. Lucily, it was a low speed accident. I walked away with slightly bruised knee. I am glad to report that both airbags worked. However, those airbags were the main reason why the insurance company deemed it totaled.

In a mad dash to get a new car to (Focus was our only ride), we quickly gathered a few options. Since we needed a car quick, most on our list fell through. In the very last moment, with a stroke of luck, I found my next car through a small dealer.




Originally, I want to step up from our Focus. I would also buy another Focus if the MK2 is here. However, after my wife and I visited the recent autoshow right after the accident, we both feel that the Fit might fit our need. It's as roomy as the Focus, it does not look cheap inside and out, it should reduce our gas bill, and it's cheap. A few days later, I contacted the largest Honda dealer in our area over the phone, they stated that they had 12 Fit in different combo available. When we walked in 2 days later, all but the orange display model were gone. The salesman also told us that most enroute Fits were also pre-sold. We were left with the choice to either take the display model or the red or black currently enroute. Since we don't like any of those colors, we walked away from the dealership without one. Just when we thought we have to pick another car, I contacted another Honda dealer on the following Monday. The salesman promptly told me that he has a white one due to arrive in 3 or 4 days. I placed my order in right away. 4 days later, we took posession of our new ride.

It's a Honda Fit Sport with 5sp Auto Tranny. We brought the car at MSRP. The dealer did not bother to throw in any free stuff. They don't have to either since there were at least 2 people waiting in line for this same car. I don't usually like the idea of paying MSRP for a car. I don't even like Honda. However, for some stupid reason, I did. After a few days with the car, I am pretty happy with it. I do feel that I have traded down. However, I am extremely happy with the extra safety features (6 airbags, ABS, EBD), the not so entry level interior trim, and the good overall fit and finish.

Anyways, I am really sorry that my Focus is no more. I can't believe I actually brought a Honda. Hopefully, the Fit will serve us as well as the Focus.
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Old 05-04-2006, 12:13 PM   #2
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Default Re: Out with the old, in with the new.

good choice on the car tho. looks cool

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Old 05-04-2006, 12:16 PM   #3
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Default Re: Out with the old, in with the new.

Nice car! How are you liking the 5 sp Auto tranny?
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Old 05-04-2006, 12:57 PM   #4
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Default Re: Out with the old, in with the new.

how r u liking the transmission? Heard he has sport-shift paddle shifters, i wanna kno how it shifts!

Great car tho, got some awesome reviews and i would love to trst drive one.


-chris
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Old 05-04-2006, 12:58 PM   #5
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Default Re: Out with the old, in with the new.

Quote:
good choice on the car tho. looks cool

I don't know about that man. The WRX and Mazda 3s GT were on my shopping list. I really want the WRX but I have to wait weeks for one to be built to my spec.

Quote:
Nice car! How are you liking the 5 sp Auto tranny?

Not as smooth as the 4sp in the Focus. It can't decide which gear to stay in sometimes. Sometimes, the car jiggle quite a bit from 1st to 2nd. Then again, the cause could be my current driving style. I have yet to play with the manual-matic mode. I did use the pedal shift to downshift sometimes. The tranny reacts to the command almost instantly with no noticeable delays.
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Old 05-04-2006, 01:05 PM   #6
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Default Re: Out with the old, in with the new.

Quote:
Originally Posted by the6148
I don't know about that man. The WRX and Mazda 3s GT were on my shopping list. I really want the WRX but I have to wait weeks for one to be built to my spec.



Not as smooth as the 4sp in the Focus. It can't decide which gear to stay in sometimes. Sometimes, the car jiggle quite a bit from 1st to 2nd. Then again, the cause could be my current driving style. I have yet to play with the manual-matic mode. I did use the pedal shift to downshift sometimes. The tranny reacts to the command almost instantly with no noticeable delays.


nevertheless, lets just hope it is stronger than the focus's
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Old 05-04-2006, 05:23 PM   #7
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Default Re: Out with the old, in with the new.

I like the styling of the Fit. I think you made a wise choice, especially since gas prices are showing no signs of slowing down.
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Old 05-04-2006, 05:26 PM   #8
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Default Re: Out with the old, in with the new.

fugly........ im sorry you bought that

but.....i hope thats what you enjoy cuz your gonna have to live with it
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Old 05-04-2006, 05:48 PM   #9
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Default Re: Out with the old, in with the new.

those things look real sweet dropped on 17s and kitted out.
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Old 05-04-2006, 06:19 PM   #10
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Default Re: Out with the old, in with the new.

yea i really like the fits. There is tons of aftermarket jdm stuff for them. Just swap the blacked out headlights on instead of those white ones.
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Old 05-04-2006, 06:26 PM   #11
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Default Re: Out with the old, in with the new.

I hope it FITS...
Anyway if you don't mind me asking was it for a good price? AND when is the supercharger going on there?
-bix
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Old 05-04-2006, 06:28 PM   #12
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Default Re: Out with the old, in with the new.

Sweet Car!!!!!
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Old 05-04-2006, 09:49 PM   #13
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Default Re: Out with the old, in with the new.

Quote:
Originally Posted by frocus
yea i really like the fits. There is tons of aftermarket jdm stuff for them. Just swap the blacked out headlights on instead of those white ones.

i kinda like the white, its different from everything else now cetching on to the "tinted" look


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Old 05-04-2006, 10:39 PM   #14
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Default Re: Out with the old, in with the new.

That's a nice fit for you.

It suits you well. =P
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Old 05-04-2006, 10:50 PM   #15
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Default Re: Out with the old, in with the new.

Quote:
Originally Posted by focuspl99
fugly........ im sorry you bought that

but.....I hope thats what you enjoy cuz your gonna have to live with it

x1000

Hope you enjoy.
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Old 05-04-2006, 11:55 PM   #16
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Default Re: Out with the old, in with the new.

I envy you bro, that's my current upgrade-of-choice Take some interior pictures, I wanna check out the autostick since I gotta wait a week before our dealer gets one in

-Brian
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Old 05-05-2006, 12:29 AM   #17
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Default Re: Out with the old, in with the new.

The ads in Phoenix' papers show a 4dr Civic being about $1K less and better mpg than a Fit. I sat in one and that will be the last time. I'm not convinced that's a step up from a Focus, but as long as you like it that's all that matters. We're on our 5th Accord and would buy another...unless that euro focus gets here before too long.
As far as mpg goes, I just turned 25K on my SVT and have averaged more than 33mpg combined, around 26 in town w/ac. What does the Fit get?....about the same. Good luck with it.
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Old 05-05-2006, 12:36 AM   #18
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Default Re: Out with the old, in with the new.

It looks great in white.
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Old 05-05-2006, 12:55 AM   #19
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Default Re: Out with the old, in with the new.

Quote:
Originally Posted by engineear
The ads in Phoenix' papers show a 4dr Civic being about $1K less and better mpg than a Fit.

It would have to be pretty stripped. Hondas sell well here and I usually see them in the $20k sticker price range. Honda REALLY needed the fit to be there cheaper car.

It is going to be $ for a wile just because its new. Prices will become negotiable in a few months.
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Old 05-05-2006, 01:45 AM   #20
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Default Re: Out with the old, in with the new.

Quote:
Originally Posted by rpvitiello
It would have to be pretty stripped. Hondas sell well here and I usually see them in the $20k sticker price range. Honda REALLY needed the fit to be there cheaper car.

It is going to be $ for a wile just because its new. Prices will become negotiable in a few months.

QFT I looked today and the cheapest Civic on the lot was $17K, and that was a 5-speed LX sedan I considered the Civic, but to get a coupe with what I'd want, I'd be better off getting the Si, which then skyrockets my insurance and makes me think I'd be better off getting a used SVT, which leads to my concerns of reliability because of my current Focus, etc etc. So ya I'm all about the Fit for my next car, it meets all my needs and then some

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Old 05-05-2006, 09:55 AM   #21
the6148
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Default Re: Out with the old, in with the new.

Quote:
nevertheless, lets just hope it is stronger than the focus's

No crash rating yet. I don't intend to find out by myself either.

Quote:
those things look real sweet dropped on 17s and kitted out.

No. Its going to remain mostly stock like my Focus. I am too old to be seen in a slammed Honda. However, it does need bigger and wider wheels/tires.

Quote:
That's a nice fit for you.

It suits you well. =P
Do I know you?

Quote:
hope it FITS...
Anyway if you don't mind me asking was it for a good price? AND when is the supercharger going on there?
-bix

I brought it at MSRP, $16,520 + tax/license/fee. The Honda dealer did not tack on any extra to boost the price. All of the accessories (300+ dollars worth) were brought at close to wholesale price from an online store. As for force induction, if it's not available now, I am sure something will come along the way later. Personally, the stock engine should pack enough punch for daily driving.

Quote:
The ads in Phoenix' papers show a 4dr Civic being about $1K less and better mpg than a Fit. I sat in one and that will be the last time. I'm not convinced that's a step up from a Focus, but as long as you like it that's all that matters. We're on our 5th Accord and would buy another...unless that euro focus gets here before too long.
As far as mpg goes, I just turned 25K on my SVT and have averaged more than 33mpg combined, around 26 in town w/ac. What does the Fit get?....about the same. Good luck with it.

No. I do not consider the Fit is an upgrade over the Focus As I stated in my original post, I felt like I traded down with this purchase. Focus is at the same level as Civic, Mazda 3, and etc. Fit is a step down and in par with Scion xA, Nissan Vera, and etc. Perhaps, it's more comparable to Ford's Fiesta in Europe. As for the Civic, my bro-in-law recently brought himself an Si for his daily 100+ miles commute. He got it shortly after it came out (He got lucky, the person who ordered the car was denied credit and no one at the time wants it because of the reddish color either). I really love the performance aspect of the car. The interior material is miles away from any Civic or most comparable cars for that matter. However, I can't get over the exterior and interior styling. Even if I can force myself to like it, I can't find one to buy anyways. As for the sedan, the styling is even worst. Both my wife and I can't get over how it looks much like some of you can't get over the look of the Fit either. Besides, we really need an hatchback. Currently, I only managed to put just over 120 miles on the car. I don't know the real world MPG just yet. However, my old Focus has consistantly done 21 to 22 mpg (2.0L with all city driving). The Fit with an 1.5L engine should be better, right? As I stated, I would buy another Focus if MK2 is available. I am not saying MK1 is bad or anything. Heck, I love my old Focus A LOT. However, life is too short to own almost the same car all the time (yes, I do aware that the current Focus has better engine). Don't you agree?

Quote:
QFT I looked today and the cheapest Civic on the lot was $17K, and that was a 5-speed LX sedan I considered the Civic, but to get a coupe with what I'd want, I'd be better off getting the Si, which then skyrockets my insurance and makes me think I'd be better off getting a used SVT, which leads to my concerns of reliability because of my current Focus, etc etc. So ya I'm all about the Fit for my next car, it meets all my needs and then some

I was told by my dealer that he can't make much off MSRP with a Civic 4 door EX. Even though I can find one easily, the car is still too hot to be sold with huge discount. In the end, the Civic 4 door EX would be thousands more than the Fit. As for insurance, I don't think Fit would save you much more over an Si. It's an expensive car to insure even with lots of safety gadgets.
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Old 05-05-2006, 10:58 AM   #22
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Default Re: Out with the old, in with the new.

Quote:
Originally Posted by the6148
No crash rating yet. I don't intend to find out by myself either.



i was referring to the transmission, since u said it was smoother than the focus's...let hope it is stronger
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Old 05-05-2006, 02:26 PM   #23
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Default Re: Out with the old, in with the new.

Quote:
Originally Posted by the6148
I was told by my dealer that he can't make much off MSRP with a Civic 4 door EX. Even though I can find one easily, the car is still too hot to be sold with huge discount. In the end, the Civic 4 door EX would be thousands more than the Fit. As for insurance, I don't think Fit would save you much more over an Si. It's an expensive car to insure even with lots of safety gadgets.

Well I think once we get the Sport automatic in I'm gonna go test drive it, then maybe give a ring over to my insurance company to see how bad it is, then maybe get an idea about an Si or Mazda3 as well, just for comparisons

-Brian
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Old 05-05-2006, 05:09 PM   #24
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Default Re: Out with the old, in with the new.