I am replacing a 2007 Honda Fit Sport 5-speed. It has gone nearly 350k, but it finally has issues not worth fixing. Best car I've ever owned.
Looking at the Civic, Accord, or Fit, and very open to another manual shift.
Let's start with the Civic. Is the sweet spot before things got too technical around 2013-15? Can I risk newer if it has the 2.0 non-turbo and stick shift?
As for the Accord, is it 2010-12? I hear mixed feedback on the slightly newer ones (some electrical issues).
For the Fit, are the newer Mexican built ones ok, or do I look for 2012-13?
Whatever I get will need to be a workhorse.
I have a 2010 Camry, but it's so boring and unresponsive to drive. It will stay, 2 cars needed.
Finally, is a Mazda 3 or 6 suitable? My suspicion- they are good cars, but not for 300k.
Opinions welcomed and appreciated!
Mike in RI
You are on the right track, check out the Toyota Honda models common problems and ones to avoid pages below.
I think the 2011-2012 Civic is the "sweet spot," and the Accord from 2011-2012 was basically flawless except for very uncomfortable seats (same with my parent's Odysseys and the Civic and the FIt Honda can't make good seats).
Mazda cars are pretty good and should be reliable for 150k miles maybe even 200 but no way are you getting 300k that is just unrealistic. If you want a Mazda, I'd stick at 2015+ models.
For newer models, a 2017+ Honda Civic 2.0 Manual would be the way to go. Also, lots of 2016 Honda Fits in my area have vin number "J" which means they were built in Japan, not in Mexico.
Good luck!
Keep in mind the Honda Fit has been discontinued, and that should drop the prices of the used ones.
For the Civic, I do think the 2013-2015 is the sweet spot for the Si models. If you're looking at a normal Civic, then I personally would go with the newer 2.0L manual transmission models. They have been very reliable since launching in 2016 and they are nicer on the inside compared to older Civics.
As for the Honda Fit, the Mexican made ones have not had any problems so far. You can get the Fit cheaper than a Civic, but it won't be as comfortable inside. If you're going to be doing a lot of highway driving, I suggest paying a little more and going for the Civic for that extra comfort.
Mazda 3 and 6 are good, but I agree with you - the Hondas are better for reaching ultra high mileage. Out of all the cars you mentioned, my #1 option would be a 2013-2015 Civic Si. It's pretty fun to drive and it will be very reliable.
Just get another Fit, ‘09-‘10 are great, Japanese made cars, … they switched to China production after, they turned out to be even better. Latest Mexicans are very good, too.
Stay with the Fit, … Honda has a good run with this model, … model changes and all that. fwiw
F.S.
