Buying a 2012 FIT Sport or Insight EX, need help deciding

importriders · 12-12-2011, 03:14 PM

Looking for opinions to help me decide. Maybe I'm overlooking something that could sway my decision one way or the other. Right now I'm split 50/50 between the two cars.

I was originally looking only at a 2012 Fit Sport Auto and got pricing around $17,500 for one. Went to dealer and saw an EX Insight. Anyways, to make a long story short got the Insight EX down to $19,700 which I think is a killer deal but not sure. So now its pretty much a coin toss between the two. One thing to note is that I have yet to drive either car so that may be the deciding factor.

The EX seems like the better value at this price point. It feels like a more substantial car, seems roomier, has more bells and whistles (fake leather seats, bluetooth, heated mirrors), and is a hybrid. The cons I see with the EX are styling (not really a fan of the hybrid wedge look) and lower power than the Fit.

I really like the Fit's exterior styling and also prefer the instrument layout over the Insight. But I'm not sure thats enough to choose it over the Insight.

Again, I have yet to drive either car and until then I'de like to hear others opinions on this situation, especially those who have driven a FIT Auto.

My commute is not long so the MPG savings of the Insight is not a real seller for me. I just feel like I am getting a good deal for the EX and it does feel more "luxurious" than the Fit. But again I have yet to drive the two. Has anyone driven both and if so what are some key difference in how they drive?

I'm assuming most people that bought an Insight probably also looked at the Fit.

firsthonda · 12-12-2011, 04:07 PM

For 2k more, get the Insight. Besides, the Insight also has projector headlights and the Fit doesn't.

Also, forget the EPA Numbers. The Insight gets, real world, at least 10 MPG more per gallon. Check out Fuelly.

Cobb · 12-12-2011, 07:48 PM

Honda has made the fit for years, I'd shop around and see if you can find an older one they will work in the price more.

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Zwolfe · 12-12-2011, 08:24 PM

Go drive them back to back.

**freezin4** · 12-13-2011, 12:12 AM

Both great cars, but I'd get the I2, because I drive a lot.

I don't think you'll go wrong with either. But gas prices are probably only going one way, so the I2 would pay off in the long run if you keep your cars for a long time.

bish79 · 12-13-2011, 06:50 AM

I had a 2010 EX and I still have a 2007 Fit Manual. It seems that you don't prefer a manual like I do so that is probably a non-issue. The Fit is WAY roomier than the Insight. I can carry my dog (Rottweiler) in the back with the seats folded up in the Fit, in the Insight it would have been a disaster. I think power would be about a wash for an auto Fit and an Insight due to the CVT.

I would say it is a trade between MPG and room. With the fit having alot more room (cargo and rear passenger) than the Insight. My Fit manual gets about 35 MPG where I would easily get 45 MPG on a bad day with the Insight.

GRENFROD · 01-03-2012, 11:11 AM

I just made this decision myself.

Originally thought I'd get a '09 or '10 fit. It met my requirements of hatchback with space, and good MPG. But after test driving several I found that the road noise at 55 and above was pretty bad. It a cute, but very toylike car, with almost no sound insulation.

I finally test drove the insight and liked it a great deal more. Its not any sportier driving than the fit, but its an order of magnitude more luxurious (on a relative basis) than the fit. I sacrificed a lot in terms of cargo space, but really only needed enough to occasionally cart my two dogs around.

Drove my 2010 insight EX home last night, so far so good.

Uriel · 01-03-2012, 05:25 PM

Well congrats on the purchase. Nearly 5 months on my Insight and generally very happy with it. Kinda miss driving a manual though.

samwichse · 01-03-2012, 06:02 PM

If it were a choice between a MT Fit sport and a gen II Insight, I would go for the Fit.

If it were a choice between an auto Fit and a gen II Insight, I would have to drive the Insight a bit... but I'd still lean towards the Fit (my wife's usually makes 37-40mpg, the difference between 40 and 50 mpg would be a steep climb to make up the $2000 price premium and the loss in space).

If it were a choice between a US Fit and the Euro/Japanese hybrid Fit, I would get the hybrid in a heartbeat.

Sam

Cobb · 01-03-2012, 06:46 PM

I too second the fit stick otherwise. Even more so if you can get a year or 2 older with a substantial price break. I understand the Insight doesn't have much of a discount from previous to current year model.

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