The issue that I'm having is trying to decide between the 2 models. The fit doesn't get as good fuel mileage as the civic hybrid but I save approximately $10, 000CAD. The Fit Sport here sells for about 20K and the regular fit LX sells for approximately 18K. Civic Hybrid after the Canadian gov't rebate sells for about 26K. I did the math on the cost vs. payoff calculations and it would take approximately 9 years for my 10k premium that I would have to pay for the hybrid. Not exactly a favorable # but that is assuming that fuel prices stay where they are (which we all know it won't).

Presently my EF sedan and CRX that I drive gets about 28 MPG city and about 40-45 MPG highway. They are both in perfect running condition so its a tough sell as to whether or not buying a new car will really improve my fuel savings (don't forget I have to pay interest on a new honda whereas I pay nothing for my civics now).

Suggestions as to how you guys made your decision on fit vs. hybrid?

Thanks

People have seen 41+ MPG in the Fit on highway driving, but it requires keeping the speed down between 50-65 mph. Also, accelerating slow, keeping shift points low in the rpm band, and not using the a/c as much are possible would be needed to achieve this.

Given the price difference between the Fit and the Civic Hybrid, you would need to drive for years and years for it to make up the price difference with its lower gas consumption (even at today's rising gas prices).

I say go for the fit, but I am biased since that it what I chose.

R.I.P. 300 WHP Single Cam

Couldn't agree more

2007 Honda Fit Sport - best mpg to date: 44.5

I typically get about 450-500kms for every 34 liters or so of fuel but on the highway I'm easily getting 600 kms on 35 liters of fuel. If I remember correctly that is in the high 30's MPG and quite possibly low 40's. My CRX Si gets really good fuel mileage and I drive it moderately with some a/c use too. It easily gets 32-35 mpg in the city with the highway mileage again in the high 30's to low 40's. If I baby the driving on the CRX I can get as much as 700+ kms on about 35 liters of fuel on the highway. My cars in pristine running condition and the crx is showroom new still hence why I'm contemplating on purchasing a hybrid so I can get even better fuel mileage.

I say fit as well b/c a fully loaded one after taxes and everything is like 23k CAD with accessories and most of the bells and whistles. The down side is that I don't exactly have a legit reason to go back into car payment debt for the sake of driving a new car. Bottom line: I want fuel savings without having to pay out of my *ss for gasoline.

Thanks

Car payments are a bitch, and if my turbo civic was not stolen I would not have bought the Fit in the first place.

In your situation I say that you keep what you have, since you wont get too much for either one when you sell them. They are worth more to you keeping them, then selling them. If you are set on a new car though, I still say to go for the Fit.

R.I.P. 300 WHP Single Cam

i completely agree.

i went from 9MPG before the fit, so im actually saving a lot of money now.

awaiting B16a.

Quote, originally posted by eL »

Diesel is $4.50+ around here

Yes, right now any advantage in mileage is lost due to the higher cost. But that will vary with the market, as sometimes diesel is less.
The reliability and maintenance on VW is not so great, though. I have a friend that has had several diesel VWs, but he is constantly working on them. Suspension parts, clutches and even body problems, like broken window lifts and door handles. Their diesel engines are fine.
My wife's '99 Accord has had nothing done to it but oil changes, belts, tires and batteries, all normal replacement items. After all the Hondas we've had, 5 in all, I've never had to replace any suspension part. I'll stick with the Fit, though I will consider upgrading to the CVT if offered. I'll let my wife drive the '07.

awaiting B16a.

It will only make up for the engine. Electronic Gremlins may still thrive in the car

2007 Honda Fit Sport - best mpg to date: 44.5

I personally don't mind the civic hybrid but after reading about all the issues with the CVT and the fact that their electric motors are a pathetic 20HP vs Toyota Prius' 68HP I opted to shy away from hybrid or a car with CVT all together. I think hybrid tech is still a bit new and unrefined from Honda. Toyota for example has done quite well with their hybrids so I think IF I ever changed my mind and saved a pile of cash to pay for an expensive hybrid then MAYBE I would buy one.

20K is my max limit as to what I can buy 1 year from now. Its just tempting to buy a new car b/c the financing on 36 months is like .9%....

I spoke with a Honda service manager that I trust about any service issues with the CVT. He said there are none, other than it requires a scheduled fluid change at 30K. If you have a link, I'd love to read what was written.

My son has a Civic Hybrid, which I drove extensively on a long road trip we took. He would be getting 33 mpg. When I would drive, I would gradually get the mileage up to about 42 - 43. I decided to drive one tank by myself and it delivered 50 mpg, calculated, all interstate miles. Good fuel economy is in throttle and rpm control. Was favorably impressed with the CVT, not so much the Civic's hybrid technology.

By the way, the fuel economy gauge on the hybrid was consistently 2 to 3 mpg lower than my calculated figure.

The thing is to keep in mind is that the guys complaining are far and few compared to the 100s of 1000s if not millions of people driving the honda hybrid around without a hitch.

Its a tough call b/c CVT is something that hasn't really been around in Honda land.... or at least that I know of anyways.

you're talking about electric horsepower. dude, these have MAX power and torque at ANY rpm.

the i don't know about teh civic, but the prius has nearly 300 lbs or torque

He said this on 13Jan08, FYI:

Quote, originally posted by Tokyosmash! »

will have a garage, and you might have to wait 2 or 3 months but there will be a thread made after I get the car[CaymanS].

See my reply in the "OMG gas is $5 a gallon" thread