1. Encountering the FIT Home 4WD: Why I Felt Safe Buying Used
There are countless used car dealerships out there. While the cars may look clean and polished, you never truly know their condition until you drive them. That’s why I chose to buy from an authorized Honda dealer. The transparency in warranty and maintenance history gave me peace of mind.
Among the options, I was drawn to the 4WD model. Having driven AWD vehicles before, I know how essential traction is on snowy roads. Though I no longer do winter sports, I still believe that studless tires and 4WD are must-haves in winter. FIT’s 4WD activates only when needed, which helps fuel efficiency too.
2. Honda SENSING Malfunction: A Moment of Shaken Trust
Soon after delivery, the driver assist indicator light fluctuated between green and orange, eventually staying orange. I pointed this out during the one-month checkup.
The cause was a malfunction in the front camera. Honda SENSING relies on data from sensors and cameras to support driving, so a camera issue directly affects safety.
The dealer responded sincerely. The repair was free and completed in about a week. They even provided a brand-new Honda N-ONE (a kei car) as a loaner.
3. Loaner Experience and Insurance Peace of Mind
The N-ONE had only 300 km on it. I had planned a weekend trip to Nagano, but was hesitant to take the highway in a kei car. I chose local roads instead, and on the return trip, tried a short stretch of toll road. I felt some instability typical of light cars. Maybe I’d get used to it, but I decided to avoid highway driving in it.
Insurance-wise, the dealer had coverage on the loaner, but I also confirmed that my own SBI auto insurance’s “Other Vehicle Driving Risk Coverage” applied—this gave me extra peace of mind.
4. Back in the FIT: Stepping into the World of Assisted Driving
After the repair, Honda SENSING worked perfectly. The indicator light stayed green. That weekend, I drove on the highway to a day-trip hot spring.
I tried Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which maintained speed without pressing the accelerator—very convenient. I’d had this feature before, but FIT’s version felt smoother.
Then came Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS). It activates above 60 km/h and gently supports steering to stay in lane. Experiencing this for the first time felt like stepping into the world of autonomous driving.
5. Conclusion: Even Used Cars Can Offer Peace of Mind
Used cars may come with uncertainties, but buying from an authorized dealer reduces those risks. I find used cars easier to drive without worrying about scratches or wear.
Autonomous driving technology is evolving rapidly. Manufacturers are conducting trials, and full-scale adoption may come within a decade. Honda SENSING is considered Level 1 autonomous driving—and I feel I’ve already stepped into that future.
For now, driving remains essential in my life. But someday, I may return my license. Until then, I’ll keep up my strength with cycling and swimming, and continue building a safe and active lifestyle.
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