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valueman
03-30-2006, 12:33 PM
Maybe I have missed something in my evaluation of these two vehicles, but as far I can determine the Civic is the overall value winner between the two if purchased as a second car.
Here's why...

2006 Civic DX-G
Std. Features: 140 hp v-tech, front + side + side curtain airbags,ABS,AC,power windows + locks, keyless entry,15" steel rims,floor mats
Passenger Volume: 2574 L
Curb Weight: 1210 kg
Accessories: none required
Base Price: $18,880
Accessories Price: $0
Freight & PDI: $1225
Tax (Ont.): $3,015.75
Total Cost:$23,120.75

2007 Fit LX
Std. Features: 109 hp v-tech, front + side + side curtain airbags,AC,ABS, power windows + locks,14" steel rims
Passenger Volume: 2550 L
Curb Weight: 1108 kg
Accessories:: keyless entry, floor mats
Base Price: $17,180
Accessories Price: $385
Freight & PDI: $1225
Tax (Ont.): $2,818.62
Total Cost: $21,609.42

Difference: $1,511.33

Value Analysis:
$ per unit of Horse Power
Civic* = $165 / unit of horsepower
Fit = $198 / unit of horsepower

$ per Liter of Passenger volume
Civic = $9 / L of passenger volume
Fit* = $8.5 / L of passenger volume

$ per kg
Civic* = $19.1 / kg
Fit* = $19.5 / kg

*Winner

I didn't analyze cargo space since any hatch will typically exceed a sedan in this area. As well cargo is not an important criteria to me as I also own a minivan.
I also didn't analyze fuel consumption since this vehicle would serve as a second car for me and I would put no more than 10,000 Km per year on it and the difference between the two would only amount to about $50 per year

Other "things" to consider:

-Civic is a 2006 model whereas Fit is a 2007 model which will contribute to the Fit's resale value in the future
-Civic design is brand new and reflects modern design trends, the Fit design is 4 years old
-The use of the LED speedometer in the Civic may not be to everyone's liking and may affect resale value

In summary:
In my opinion, the Fit LX should have been base priced at around $16,000 (not $17,180). For the $1,500 difference in overall cost, I believe that the Civic is a better value for use as a second car. On the other hand, if cargo space is a key consideration, than the Fit LX is certainly worth a look.
Of course, a test drive will be the ultimate deciding factor.

Valueman

Pritch
03-30-2006, 05:30 PM
very interesting logic though im not sure the bases of dollar per horsepower is relevant on such a car, nor is dollar per kilogram. Imagine they sold cars by weight??

anyhow yes you could get a civic for a bit more but i dont get the impression that the fit and the civic are setting out to do the same job.

Stay tuned for reviews!