Yeah yeah... I know. go ahead and flame away (except for you BBK)
For those that ask why...
- Better financial move for us - Paying over $100 less/month
- Better fuel economy and gas prices. I'm expecting 40-50% better economy than the altima.
- Trade was decent - the car had been in an accident and both driver's side doors replaced and was at 30K so it was due for it's 30K service.
- The car was too big for its current uses. We use our Ridgeline for long trips as we usually end up hauling something back. - My son at 3 yrs old (almost) is in a front facing car seat and will now fit in something smaller than a mid-size sedan. I commute 50 miles/day to/from work and with the exception of a monthly trip to Target about 1.25 hours away, it was used for little else.
- Back to a manual Trans. I was reminded today on my first drive to and from work what I had been missing for the last 2.5 years.
- Did I mention paying $100+ less per month? (With insurance difference, fuel economy, etc... I expect to save about $130/month over the altima.
- It's a Honda... look at my sig. The altima was my only non-Honda I've owned.
ok on to the comments. for those that have read other posts, you know I'm not about the HP and straight line acceleration. To be honest, the fit dives nicely into corners and is very tossable from one direction to another. The Altima was a heavy car and even with the SE's suspension, it still felt like a heavy car. It was an adjustment that I had to make with driving style and made the twisties less fun for me. (don't get me wrong, it was fun to step on the gas while exiting a corner and just blast out of a turn but... something was missing)
The windshield in the fit is HUGE. The Cabin feels so much more open than in the altima and it feels like there is a steeper rake to the windshield itself. the whole cabin, while fairly small has an open and airy feeling.
The factory sound system... Light years difference. I was getting to the point in the altima where I had almost forgotten how good my old Integra (aftermarket) stereo was. The factory altima system sucked. And after listening to a variety of music (Dave Matthews, Billy Joel, Beethoven, Madonna, Fergie, Green Day, Toad the Wet Sprocket, and a few others) in the fit Sport stereo, I can absolutely say for a factory sound system... the Altima sucked. The Fit Sport isn't an aftermarket system by any means (I'm sure if I had my integra side to side with it, I'd be unhappy with the Fit's system...) but, the Fit's 6 speaker system is so much better in all ranges of audio (at least the ones mentioned above) and envelops the cabin in audio much better than the stock Altima SE. I may add a subwoofer from my old integra if I get the time (or inclination) to build a box or a rear shelf (- My subs are free-air capable) but if not, I'll be happy for now with the Fit's factory stereo. It has aux input, USB for Flash drives and IPods and MP3/WMA capability in the single Disc Player.
On to the things I'm missing...
The power... The fit has decent torque and power for it's size. It aint the 270hp in the Altima and passing requires much more planning (I pass alot because it's all country roads here with slowpokes/leaf-peepers - and it's legal to pass on a double yellow in VT - certain restrictions apply). The Seats in the Fit have more lateral grip but the altima seats were just more comfortable and had a little better leg support via a longer seat cushion. The Altima was quieter. For a more comfortable cruiser, the altima was much quieter. I can easily hear the L15a7 of the fit roar as it revs so it's not something for long trips - but... that's what we use the Ridgeline for. Trunk space... ... uhh... enough said. The keyless entry was so nice in the Altima and I'm sure I'll miss it. Everything else we are missing is small beans. the glove box was HUGE... Not so much in the Fit. rear view isn't as great with the car seat as it sits higher in the fit and the tether is on the ceiling. Besides this... there's not much else I can really think of but I'm sure there will be more as time goes on.
The thing my wife and I both noticed about trading in the Altima... It was a car that was good to us, good for us, and the right choice at the time... but, we weren't really going to miss it. My wife misses her Civic coupe, and I miss my Integra GS-R (although not the noise level or the god-awful hot/cold leather). We just never got attached to this car. The Civic and Integra had a certain fun factor that the altima never had. My first extended drive of the fit today brought much of that back. Maybe it was the CVT/Manual trans difference but whatever it was... it was definitely missed.
I plan on hanging around here but will probably post less often. Feel free to PM me too. I've moved the V1 over to the Fit and plan on hardwiring it sometime soon with the concealed display because the detector is so far forward, I can't really reach it.
~SB
__________________ 2009 Honda Fit Sport 2007 Frost White Altima 3.5SE: Sedan with Fogs & Wing. - AVG MPG: 26.41 @ 29,246mi Best tank 566Mi. (Traded @ 30K Miles)
Former/Current Cars: '86 Prelude Si. 2.0 | '93 Integra GS | '98 Civic EX | '00 Integra GS-R | '06 Ridgeline RTS | 07 Altima 3.5SE
It could be that the purpose of your life is only to serve as a warning to others.
Last edited by specboy : 08-09-2009 at 02:45 PM.
Reason: Added link to first line of post.
If I had 50 mile commute each way I might consider getting a 4 cylinder car again. My commute is only 20 miles each way, plus I carpool with a neighbor, so it's 80 miles one week, and 120 miles the next, cuz we trade off.
I don't think most people will flame you on here, but I could be wrong. Have fun with your new ride.
Well specboy, we will definitely miss your good insight and lenghty posts (thanks for leaving us with a good one lol). For sure.
It's funny cuz my best friend almost just bought a Fit Sport. Wheels are sweet but what are those drums doing on the rear brakes? lol just playin, anyways he went with the Yaris in the end...admittedly much more boring but quieter and smoother supposedly (i have not gotten the chance to experience it).
But I give the Fit mad props, its critically acclaimed for good reason and "fits" this day and age perfectly. A couple responses to a couple of your comments:
"Did I mention paying $100+ less per month? (With insurance difference, fuel economy, etc... I expect to save about $130/month over the altima." - Thats cash in the pocket. Enough to make any altima owner stop crying about trading it.
"The Altima was a heavy car and even with the SE's suspension, it still felt like a heavy car. It was an adjustment that I had to make with driving style and made the twisties less fun for me. (don't get me wrong, it was fun to step on the gas while exiting a corner and just blast out of a turn but... something was missing)" - Yes I agree with you that the Altima just doesn't have that soul, the fun factor that say an integra or prelude might have. But the Altima leaves all hondas save the nsx, s2000, and new accord (each of which are pricy) in the dust. At least on 90% of America's roads.
"the whole cabin, while fairly small has an open and airy feeling." - Well I did get the chance to be in a Fit for a test drive, and me being 5'7" felt a little cramped so I must disagree but I do admit they used the available space well.
"Back to a manual Trans. I was reminded today on my first drive to and from work what I had been missing for the last 2.5 years." - That comment kind of nullified any remarks I have about your move. Can't argue it. Offer me an accord 3.5 coupe 6mt and i'll sign over my altima title faster than you can blink.
Good luck to ya and enjoy the new Honda. That thing will run forever and hopefully give many miles of driving fun.
I was initially going to disagree with all of your arguments declare your actions to be a foolish move. But upon further inspection, if you have the means and good enough reasons then you might as well go with your heart.
You've had your Altima for what, two years and bought it brand new? One could argue that it would make better sense financially to hold onto the vehicle for as long as possible rather than deal with the such steep depreciation. However, you negate his argument by saying you got a very high trade-in value considering the history of the vehicle.
Some ways I made a similar move, by moving from the 255 hp Nissan Maxima to the 175 hp Nissan Altima. Some of my rationality came under the umbrella of more financial sense. The car was five years old and beginning to show its age, the transmission was shifting harshly and the paint was in average shape. 2.5 was better on gas, handles better, easier to park, more nicely appointed inside, iPod compatible. Also it was new rather than used and possibly abused by the previous owner. I also got reamed on my trade-in value, but that's another story. If I could do it all over again, would I? I would probably say yes, having peace of mind is very important to me.
The rush of exhilaration from a standstill is something car enthusiasts of all types can appreciate. By going down about 150 hp, you're going to feel like you're missing out. However being that the Fit is a much lighter vehicle, the trade-offs in handling and nimbleness may be worth it for you.
Coming from a vehicle with an eight speaker sound system, switching to a six speaker one was a huge jump for me to make. In fact, I spent $2700 upgrading my ultimate sound system to something with more bass, more volume and a greater level of clarity. My work still is not done, I plan to add some sound deadening material to the doors and possibly the rear deck in the not-too-distant future. The Bose system I would say is comparable if not slightly better than what I have now simply because the audio envelops you, instead of being concentrated at more fixed points.
The Altima is my daily driver and I only feel like it's a big vehicle when having to park it. However the Ridgeline is huge, lol. If you have that as your long trips vehicle, I can see why you wouldn't need the Alty.
The bigger windshield brings more light into the cabin and being more steeply raked makes you feel more connected to the outside world. Kind of like the versa with the glass at the corner of the door. Lets a lot more light in.
I don't think the Altima is as refined as many other models, but it has power, styling and durability generally working in favor. I know the 2.5SL can be unforgiving sometimes when you hit bumps. My Max would shave violently if I hit a small pothole, being it had a FSB and RSB.
Also, does your have a sunroof? Saw some shots and it's huge. Almost like the entire roof is glass. In any case I hope you and your family enjoy the new ride.
__________________
Last edited by realmac : 08-08-2009 at 12:05 AM.
Reason: speech dictation sw makes it seem like I don't know the English language
Thanks all for the well wishes... I plan on hanging around for a bit even if it just is to jump on BBK in his next venture - "BBK of Hazzard" where he jumps the car over a river while peeling out. He'll be going back to college soon... money well spent.
a few responses to above...
As for my commute, it's actually 50 round trip... sorry for the confusion. About 14K per year in just commuting to work.
Yeah... back to a Honda. The Fit's nice but compared to the Yaris, it is definitely a harsher ride and noisier. But that's actually a good comparison difference between Honda and Toyota. Honda has always been the sportier ride while Toyota has been the cushier, quieter, smoother ride. Toyota is for people who want to ride, Honda is for people who want to drive. Nissan... is for people who want a little of both.
As for the double Yellow. It's an old law on the books here in VT that if you have a safe distance (there is an actual # of feet that I Can't remember), it is straight, and not on a hill, it is legal to pass on a double yellow. It is taken back to the days when there were more farms in VT (still a lot here) and you often had to pass a tractor on the road.
On my last drive in the Altima, I remembered the click button under the happy pedal and hit it one last time. The power was a rush and brought a slight smile to my face. But it also reminded me that the pedal hadn't seen the floor (or that button) for a really really long time and the power wasn't what I as l looking for. Granted, I went from VAROOM... to the sound from a Jetson's "car". I did notice the difference in power in the fit but not really all that much, which means that I didn't really use the VQ's power... ever. (like I said in another post somewhere, if you don't ever use something, you won't really miss it). What I think I missed was a tossable little car.
oh... I'll have some pics up this weekend on my CD site linked through my Alti pic in my sig. - (No sunroof) but... with the huge windshield... it doesn't need it. (another thing I missed from our Civic/Integra that the Altima didn't have.)
And are now the proud owners of a 2009 Honda Fit Sport (white).
Yeah yeah... I know. go ahead and flame away (except for you BBK)
For those that ask why...
- Better financial move for us - Paying over $100 less/month
- Better fuel economy and gas prices. I'm expecting 40-50% better economy than the altima.
- Trade was decent - the car had been in an accident and both driver's side doors replaced and was at 30K so it was due for it's 30K service.
- The car was too big for its current uses. We use our Ridgeline for long trips as we usually end up hauling something back. - My son at 3 yrs old (almost) is in a front facing car seat and will now fit in something smaller than a mid-size sedan. I commute 50 miles/day to/from work and with the exception of a monthly trip to Target about 1.25 hours away, it was used for little else.
- Back to a manual Trans. I was reminded today on my first drive to and from work what I had been missing for the last 2.5 years.
- Did I mention paying $100+ less per month? (With insurance difference, fuel economy, etc... I expect to save about $130/month over the altima.
- It's a Honda... look at my sig. The altima was my only non-Honda I've owned.
ok on to the comments. for those that have read other posts, you know I'm not about the HP and straight line acceleration. To be honest, the fit dives nicely into corners and is very tossable from one direction to another. The Altima was a heavy car and even with the SE's suspension, it still felt like a heavy car. It was an adjustment that I had to make with driving style and made the twisties less fun for me. (don't get me wrong, it was fun to step on the gas while exiting a corner and just blast out of a turn but... something was missing)
The windshield in the fit is HUGE. The Cabin feels so much more open than in the altima and it feels like there is a steeper rake to the windshield itself. the whole cabin, while fairly small has an open and airy feeling.
The factory sound system... Light years difference. I was getting to the point in the altima where I had almost forgotten how good my old Integra (aftermarket) stereo was. The factory altima system sucked. And after listening to a variety of music (Dave Matthews, Billy Joel, Beethoven, Madonna, Fergie, Green Day, Toad the Wet Sprocket, and a few others) in the fit Sport stereo, I can absolutely say for a factory sound system... the Altima sucked. The Fit Sport isn't an aftermarket system by any means (I'm sure if I had my integra side to side with it, I'd be unhappy with the Fit's system...) but, the Fit's 6 speaker system is so much better in all ranges of audio (at least the ones mentioned above) and envelops the cabin in audio much better than the stock Altima SE. I may add a subwoofer from my old integra if I get the time (or inclination) to build a box or a rear shelf (- My subs are free-air capable) but if not, I'll be happy for now with the Fit's factory stereo. It has aux input, USB for Flash drives and IPods and MP3/WMA capability in the single Disc Player.
On to the things I'm missing...
The power... The fit has decent torque and power for it's size. It aint the 270hp in the Altima and passing requires much more planning (I pass alot because it's all country roads here with slowpokes/leaf-peepers - and it's legal to pass on a double yellow in VT - certain restrictions apply). The Seats in the Fit have more lateral grip but the altima seats were just more comfortable and had a little better leg support via a longer seat cushion. The Altima was quieter. For a more comfortable cruiser, the altima was much quieter. I can easily hear the L15a7 of the fit roar as it revs so it's not something for long trips - but... that's what we use the Ridgeline for. Trunk space... ... uhh... enough said. The keyless entry was so nice in the Altima and I'm sure I'll miss it. Everything else we are missing is small beans. the glove box was HUGE... Not so much in the Fit. rear view isn't as great with the car seat as it sits higher in the fit and the tether is on the ceiling. Besides this... there's not much else I can really think of but I'm sure there will be more as time goes on.
The thing my wife and I both noticed about trading in the Altima... It was a car that was good to us, good for us, and the right choice at the time... but, we weren't really going to miss it. My wife misses her Civic coupe, and I miss my Integra GS-R (although not the noise level or the god-awful hot/cold leather). We just never got attached to this car. The Civic and Integra had a certain fun factor that the altima never had. My first extended drive of the fit today brought much of that back. Maybe it was the CVT/Manual trans difference but whatever it was... it was definitely missed.
I plan on hanging around here but will probably post less often. Feel free to PM me too. I've moved the V1 over to the Fit and plan on hardwiring it sometime soon with the concealed display because the detector is so far forward, I can't really reach it.
~SB
You made your decision...but I'm trying to figure out, based on the cars you've owned and half of the comments you made, why you bought an Altima in the first place. To me it seemed like an illogical decision. You went from 5 blatant sport cars to an Altima...instead of like a GTR or a G37 or something that still fit the "sport" mentality.
You mentioned you were going to save around $130 a month. That's great. But as a personal opinion, your decision to buy the Altima in the first place instead of a car you knew you would like strikes me as...
Very nice. Better to have a car like that when you have longer trips. Congrats man! why didn't you thought about a Hybrid? since you love Honda, maybe a Honda Hybrid?
Nissan is coming up with a full electric as well.
Anyway, I still love my Alti, may to trade in for a long time. My work travel is 18Km up and down. Thats just 11 miles. lol. Thats why even after second year i have one less than 21K s on my clock.
__________________
2008 Nissan Altima SL [Super Black 2.5L - CVT] : LOVIN IT !!!! - RUST on driverside door
2003 KIA Rio RX-V Sport [Peach 1.6L - 5SPD M/T] : Traded-In
1993 Nissan Sentra [Gold 1.6L - 4SPD Auto] : R.I.P
You do what you have to do to cut the bills and you did...Congrats.
__________________
Quote:
...the 2010 Camaro SS is not really what you'd call a sports car, unless you tend to shave with a chain saw, sign your name with a piece of burning timber or make scrambled eggs by dropping a piano on a chicken.
Congrats on the new car and lowering your payments! A lot of people go into buying a new car wanting to lower the payment and it usually doesn't happen. So hearing that, gives me the hint that you looked into your purchase very well before buying. While I've never found the Fit, to be attractive or a good looking car, I can bet that it drives good, great gas mileage and its a Honda (can't go wrong with most hondas if you ask me). Congrats again on the new ride!
My only questions is (and I'll probably get flamed big time), why did you not look at buying the Versa or Cube? Neither of those are attractive as well but seem very comparable to the Fit.
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Have fun with your new ride.
http://www.nissanclub.com/forums/auto-detailing/270854-how-my-car-looks-after-6-years-8-months.html
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