Honda Car Forum

I need some wheels. Cost is the primary determinant, but I want to
spend my money wisely, and a couple thousand more for a vehicle that
gives me more utility may be money well spent. Second determinant is
fuel economy. I don't haul anything, it is just me going many miles.
I have looked at the Fit and Yaris and they fit for cost and economy.
But I have read some real horror stories about the FIT.

This does not HAVE TO be a determinant, but it would be nice if the
vehicle could pull say a 1000# trailer, little fishing boat. But that
is just a nice to have.

I like the looks of both the Element and the Scion xB.

Of those 4 vehicles, and understanding my determinants, and hopefully
YOU knowing a whole lot more about these vehicles than I do, which
would you buy and why?

"Chris Lamb" <clamb1@new.rr.com> wrote in message
news:452128da.20998374@news-server.new.rr.com...
>I need some wheels. Cost is the primary determinant, but I want to
> spend my money wisely, and a couple thousand more for a vehicle that
> gives me more utility may be money well spent. Second determinant is
> fuel economy. I don't haul anything, it is just me going many miles.
> I have looked at the Fit and Yaris and they fit for cost and economy.
> But I have read some real horror stories about the FIT.

Horror stories? Please tell.

The Fit has been around in Japan and Europe for about 4 years. It's come
top 5 (sector or overall) of most owner surveys it's appeared in. Obviously
I'm a biased Honda owner, but 'horror stories' doesn't imply impartiality
either. I do hear that they're a bit hard to come by in the US at the
moment, and that's about as bad as I've heard.

>
> This does not HAVE TO be a determinant, but it would be nice if the
> vehicle could pull say a 1000# trailer, little fishing boat. But that
> is just a nice to have.
>
> I like the looks of both the Element and the Scion xB.
>
> Of those 4 vehicles, and understanding my determinants, and hopefully
> YOU knowing a whole lot more about these vehicles than I do, which
> would you buy and why?

I'd buy the Fit. They are a lovely little car, IMO. I carry bikes about
and the magic seats work amazingly for 1-2 of them. I wouldn't know about
towing. I do have the tow-bar, but only to fit a 4 bike rack on.

Skippy
E&OE

I went to carprices.com, followed the compare link, put 4 different
vehicles in, then read the many things people had to say about them.
A common thread seemed to be how the quality with Honda has really
gone downhill. That's surprising. I owned quite a few Civic
Hatchbacks and Accords that I always bought new and they were
flawless. But buyers of FITs and Elements reported some bad problems
with transmission failure within 1000 miles, engine failure, reports
that the problem wasn't covered under warranty, and various other
problems.

On Mon, 2 Oct 2006 20:06:35 +0100, "Skippy" <Skippy@spam.com> wrote:

>
>"Chris Lamb" <clamb1@new.rr.com> wrote in message
>news:452128da.20998374@news-server.new.rr.com...
>>I need some wheels. Cost is the primary determinant, but I want to
>> spend my money wisely, and a couple thousand more for a vehicle that
>> gives me more utility may be money well spent. Second determinant is
>> fuel economy. I don't haul anything, it is just me going many miles.
>> I have looked at the Fit and Yaris and they fit for cost and economy.
>> But I have read some real horror stories about the FIT.
>
>Horror stories? Please tell.
>
>The Fit has been around in Japan and Europe for about 4 years. It's come
>top 5 (sector or overall) of most owner surveys it's appeared in. Obviously
>I'm a biased Honda owner, but 'horror stories' doesn't imply impartiality
>either. I do hear that they're a bit hard to come by in the US at the
>moment, and that's about as bad as I've heard.
>
>>
>> This does not HAVE TO be a determinant, but it would be nice if the
>> vehicle could pull say a 1000# trailer, little fishing boat. But that
>> is just a nice to have.
>>
>> I like the looks of both the Element and the Scion xB.
>>
>> Of those 4 vehicles, and understanding my determinants, and hopefully
>> YOU knowing a whole lot more about these vehicles than I do, which
>> would you buy and why?
>
>I'd buy the Fit. They are a lovely little car, IMO. I carry bikes about
>and the magic seats work amazingly for 1-2 of them. I wouldn't know about
>towing. I do have the tow-bar, but only to fit a 4 bike rack on.
>
>Skippy
>E&OE
>
>

On Mon, 02 Oct 2006 14:58:35 GMT, clamb1@new.rr.com (Chris Lamb)
wrote:

>I need some wheels. Cost is the primary determinant, but I want to
>spend my money wisely, and a couple thousand more for a vehicle that
>gives me more utility may be money well spent. Second determinant is
>fuel economy. I don't haul anything, it is just me going many miles.
>I have looked at the Fit and Yaris and they fit for cost and economy.
>But I have read some real horror stories about the FIT.
>
>This does not HAVE TO be a determinant, but it would be nice if the
>vehicle could pull say a 1000# trailer, little fishing boat. But that
>is just a nice to have.
>
>I like the looks of both the Element and the Scion xB.
>
>Of those 4 vehicles, and understanding my determinants, and hopefully
>YOU knowing a whole lot more about these vehicles than I do, which
>would you buy and why?


Well, I have 7200 miles on a FIT with no issues. I got mine new for
around $14k. I get about 40mpg with mostly highway driving. Fit and
finish seem ok for a 14,000 dollar car. It's not a pocket rocket but
doesn't pretend to be either.

If you're looking to tow things you might be better off with an
Element though I don't know what the different towing capacities of
any of the vehicles you mention.

Finally, Honda has taken some grief in enthusiast circles for dumbing
down the design on some of their vehicles. The last generation Civic
switched from a double wishbone suspension to some other setup that
was supposed to be less than optimum. The Accord has gotten bigger,
the Ridgeline looks like an Avalanche, etc. To each their own, I
guess. I think any of the vehicles you mention would probably be
fine.

Santos, as I have done more research I am leaning more toward the FIT.
For the difference in price between it and an Element for instance, I
can RENT a lot of row boats to go fishing, and probably pay for the
rental with the gas savings alone. Don't have a boat, just was
thinking of one, and it doesn't have to be a priority in anyway.

On Tue, 03 Oct 2006 00:20:54 GMT, santos <wrx_zx6r@hotmail.com> wrote:

>On Mon, 02 Oct 2006 14:58:35 GMT, clamb1@new.rr.com (Chris Lamb)
>wrote:
>
>>I need some wheels. Cost is the primary determinant, but I want to
>>spend my money wisely, and a couple thousand more for a vehicle that
>>gives me more utility may be money well spent. Second determinant is
>>fuel economy. I don't haul anything, it is just me going many miles.
>>I have looked at the Fit and Yaris and they fit for cost and economy.
>>But I have read some real horror stories about the FIT.
>>
>>This does not HAVE TO be a determinant, but it would be nice if the
>>vehicle could pull say a 1000# trailer, little fishing boat. But that
>>is just a nice to have.
>>
>>I like the looks of both the Element and the Scion xB.
>>
>>Of those 4 vehicles, and understanding my determinants, and hopefully
>>YOU knowing a whole lot more about these vehicles than I do, which
>>would you buy and why?
>
>
>Well, I have 7200 miles on a FIT with no issues. I got mine new for
>around $14k. I get about 40mpg with mostly highway driving. Fit and
>finish seem ok for a 14,000 dollar car. It's not a pocket rocket but
>doesn't pretend to be either.
>
>If you're looking to tow things you might be better off with an
>Element though I don't know what the different towing capacities of
>any of the vehicles you mention.
>
>Finally, Honda has taken some grief in enthusiast circles for dumbing
>down the design on some of their vehicles. The last generation Civic
>switched from a double wishbone suspension to some other setup that
>was supposed to be less than optimum. The Accord has gotten bigger,
>the Ridgeline looks like an Avalanche, etc. To each their own, I
>guess. I think any of the vehicles you mention would probably be
>fine.

"Chris Lamb" <clamb1@new.rr.com> wrote in message
news:45219414.1340257@news-server.new.rr.com...
>I went to carprices.com, followed the compare link, put 4 different
> vehicles in, then read the many things people had to say about them.
> A common thread seemed to be how the quality with Honda has really
> gone downhill. That's surprising. I owned quite a few Civic
> Hatchbacks and Accords that I always bought new and they were
> flawless. But buyers of FITs and Elements reported some bad problems
> with transmission failure within 1000 miles, engine failure, reports
> that the problem wasn't covered under warranty, and various other
> problems.

I don't know where the US Fits are assembled, but the Japanese built ones
are generally praised on build. Have a look in the showroom and decide.

Given Honda's reputation is built on making engines it would seem VERY odd
for them to be selling duff ones on a 4 year old design and not honouring a
warranty.

As previously posted the UK Consumers association survey reports that the
Jazz is the most reliable car you can buy. Something like no major failures
in 400 over 12 months if I recall.

>
> On Mon, 2 Oct 2006 20:06:35 +0100, "Skippy" <Skippy@spam.com> wrote:
>
>>
>>"Chris Lamb" <clamb1@new.rr.com> wrote in message
>>news:452128da.20998374@news-server.new.rr.com...
>>>I need some wheels. Cost is the primary determinant, but I want to
>>> spend my money wisely, and a couple thousand more for a vehicle that
>>> gives me more utility may be money well spent. Second determinant is
>>> fuel economy. I don't haul anything, it is just me going many miles.
>>> I have looked at the Fit and Yaris and they fit for cost and economy.
>>> But I have read some real horror stories about the FIT.
>>
>>Horror stories? Please tell.
>>
>>The Fit has been around in Japan and Europe for about 4 years. It's come
>>top 5 (sector or overall) of most owner surveys it's appeared in.
>>Obviously
>>I'm a biased Honda owner, but 'horror stories' doesn't imply impartiality
>>either. I do hear that they're a bit hard to come by in the US at the
>>moment, and that's about as bad as I've heard.
>>
>>>
>>> This does not HAVE TO be a determinant, but it would be nice if the
>>> vehicle could pull say a 1000# trailer, little fishing boat. But that
>>> is just a nice to have.
>>>
>>> I like the looks of both the Element and the Scion xB.
>>>
>>> Of those 4 vehicles, and understanding my determinants, and hopefully
>>> YOU knowing a whole lot more about these vehicles than I do, which
>>> would you buy and why?
>>
>>I'd buy the Fit. They are a lovely little car, IMO. I carry bikes about
>>and the magic seats work amazingly for 1-2 of them. I wouldn't know about
>>towing. I do have the tow-bar, but only to fit a 4 bike rack on.
>>
>>Skippy
>>E&OE
>>
>>
>

If a sporty ride is a priority Fit might be better choice.
If saving a few bucks is a priority and you like boats
Fit might not be as fitting. I think Yaris has more boat-like
properties. Or that's an impression I derived from
reading the C&D subcompact comparo. The little parody
on Lexus might be more reliable though.

We drove Yaris(2), Fit(sport), Scions(2), Hyundai - and the Fit stood
out as more solid-feeling when stressed. 45 years ago I raced SCCA (all
RWD), and it's my inclination to push a car pretty hard. The Fit did
great, the Hyundai was flaky, and the several Toyotas were in between.
I'll go further - pushed hard, the Hyundai was so scary at the edge that
I pulled over to check tire pressure. The Fit came loose gently and
predictably, and never felt out of control. The brakes were about the
same but I didn't measure. Overall, the Fit seemed safest in emergencies
and with its superior handling and adequate engine would win most Class
H or so of the early 60s.

"ego" <jung@freud.id> wrote in message
news:Z3QUg.228$gU6.77@tornado.socal.rr.com...
> We drove Yaris(2), Fit(sport), Scions(2), Hyundai - and the Fit stood
> out as more solid-feeling when stressed. 45 years ago I raced SCCA (all
> RWD), and it's my inclination to push a car pretty hard. The Fit did
> great, the Hyundai was flaky, and the several Toyotas were in between.
> I'll go further - pushed hard, the Hyundai was so scary at the edge that
> I pulled over to check tire pressure. The Fit came loose gently and
> predictably, and never felt out of control. The brakes were about the
> same but I didn't measure. Overall, the Fit seemed safest in emergencies
> and with its superior handling and adequate engine would win most Class
> H or so of the early 60s.

Off topic -- but you probably remember the Sunbeam Tiger given your
background.

I'd go with the Element, solely for its safety and four-wheel drive.
You could definitely tow a boat with this one, it's safer than the Fit
(both in side-impact and front-impact), and the AWD system is a
necessary componet where I live...I don't know about your location, but
that's just my opinion.