Any bad years for Honda Fits?

[Exhale]

I'll be purchasing a used Honda Fit in the next year or so. Has anyone heard of particular years (or trim types, etc.) to avoid? Thank you for your advice.

[RWD]

In general any year should be fine. Though looking at TrueDelta the 2009-2013 years seem to have a very slight edge in reliability.
http://www.truedelta.com/Honda-Fit/reliability-99

The 2009+ models also have slightly more power than the older Fits (117 hp versus 109 hp). Fuel economy took a very slight hit with the increase in power (27/33 mpg versus 28/34 mpg). It looks like it has more cargo space with the seats folded down (57.3 cu ft versus 41.9 cu ft).

I assume you're not looking at 2015+ Fits. But just for completeness and comparison: they have 130 hp, get 29/37 mpg, and have 52.7 cu ft of cargo space with the seats folded.

[couronne]

I had a 2011 and during the winter it never felt like the heat got hot and during the summer it never felt like the a/c got really cold. It turns out there was an issue that year with the heating/cooling.

[diggingout]

While I believe mine was a dud, I had a 2007 Honda Fit, and the cylinders kept misfiring.  I had to replace at least two of them each year I owned it.  Very frustrating!

[iamlittlehedgehog]

Mine was a 2009 - I totaled it so I can't speak for reliability but if you are purchasing on gas mileage look 2011 or newer. I never averaged more than 32 combined mpg on mine. Doesn't seem to be an issue in the 2011 or newer.

[hops]

I've owned a 2010 for five years and never had a problem; 29/33 is typical for us but we've gotten up to 35 MPG on road trips right after an oil change with properly inflated tires.

[ditheca]

Haven't had any problems with the 2012.  We get 39 mpg on long trips, but only 27-32 in town.  (Automatic transmission, if this is relevant?)

[CanuckExpat]

I'll be purchasing a used Honda Fit in the next year or so. Has anyone heard of particular years (or trim types, etc.) to avoid? Thank you for your advice.

It would help to clarify where you are from. The trim options and generations are different from region to region, and within different countries within a region.
Assuming you are in the US, your choices are
First Gen - 2007 - 2008
Second Gen - 2009 - 2014
Third Gen - 2015 - Present

Within each generation they were only sold in the US as base and Sport (third gen might be different).
The Sport doesn't really add much, except some stuff that makes the aesthetics better, but also slightly more annoying in different ways (though IMO they look better). With the First Gen the sport was the only way to get Cruise control and power doors/windows factory installed.

The second Gen US models lost refresh seating (with the headrest of the front seat removed, the front seat back can be folded down to form a lounge-style sitting area).. Just an FYI if you had your heart set on that nifty feature. It's back in the 2015s:

Mine was a 2009 - I totaled it so I can't speak for reliability but if you are purchasing on gas mileage look 2011 or newer. I never averaged more than 32 combined mpg on mine. Doesn't seem to be an issue in the 2011 or newer.

We've had a 2008 and a 2009 Sport, both automatic. No problem averaging 38 - 40 MPG with either of of them with mainly highway driving.
The engine and the mileage get better with the newer models, and I think the second generation is a bit better built then the first (I noticed less windnoise, but this could be vehicle specific).

If given the choice I'd match them with a manual, not an automatic.
I'm tempted by the 2015 for the simple reason that refresh seating is back. It's a gimmick, but I love the "magic seats".

[Exhale]

Thank you to everyone who replied - very helpful to get insight regarding mileage. Also, thank you RWD for the TrueDelta info. I'll watch the heat systems (thanks couronne!) And, like CanuckExpat, I've heard about the wind noise and hope to avoid that issue (which seems to be present in the First Generation). I live in the PNW and am looking for a small dependable car to get out of town for hiking and car camping (I'm short and could easily sleep in the car). The refresh seating is appealing, but not a deal breaker. Due to carpel tunnel I have to get an automatic. I'll re-post on the Forum once I find the right used car to purchase. Thanks again!