I have associated it with the high pitched sound that electronic devices make. (TV's, some computers and other things.)
I don't hear it very often now, or notice it. But once or twice I thought the sound was coming from the NAVI unit. Until -- I had the engine idling, in PARK with the headlights on. I got out an opened the hood.
I could tell it is some component under the hood doing it.
I still figure it is an electronic component, but the sound is one of the usual noises that those things make. Like I said, I've gotten so used to it that I ignore it now.
There is the possibility that you could add Dynamat or some other acoustic insulation under the basic rubber insulation under the hood and that would cure the sound you're hearing.
I read your other post about wanting to trade in your new Insight.
Listen to me -- you
WILL lose a lot of money if you trade for another car. I know, I had just bought a 2009 Fit in Dec 2008 and only drove it for 5 months before I got the insight. It wasn't that I hated the Fit, but the Insight was much more of the car that I wanted.
After I got the Insight, I too did not like the light-colored cloth seats. They were already starting to show dirt and stains. There is a very easy solution to that -- get the Clazzio (light grey) seat covers! They are comfortable, beautiful and easy to clean.
It sounds like you are a very picky person (like me). I do know now that no matter what car I get, I will find something I don't like about it. The VW's look great on paper, but don't be fooled. They have nowhere near the long-term quality and reliability that Hondas do. One of my friends at work just traded in his wife's 3 yr old VW for a BMW. He said it was a can of worms that spent so much time in the shop they couldn't take it anymore. Apparently it never went more than 2 months without some new problem developing in it.
Just my advice -- the Insight is a good car, with a few little mods that will make you happy. It can last you for many years.
