2000 5SP MT A/C stock with new Honda HV battery

rsouthern · 01-19-2013, 07:47 PM

All,

Now for sale, my 2000 5 SP Insight with A/C. I'm having a new hybrid battery installed on Tuesday IIMA light is on - code P1447). I'm selling because a 2 seater doesn't work for my family now and I'm ready to move on to a new car.

It has new tires, new indexed plugs (all 3 are "B") and runs great. It's totally stock with the 6 disc changer and factory head, factory floor mats (very good condition), Honda cargo net, no leaks (no wet seat belts), no smells or tears in the seats or carpet, good clutch etc. Not missing any parts and everything works. Some wear on driver's side bolster but not torn, just fuzzy.

It has 141K miles and a LMPG of ~64 MPG. I am the original owner, bought new from Larry Hopkins in 2000 and have the full service history/records. All services done either at Larry Hopkns or by myself (oil changes/filter). Nothing major has ever failed, just normal maintenance stuff. This car has been very reliable.

2 minor door dings and the usual wear and tear on the headlight covers and external stickers. Some small stone chips in the front but I've used factory touch-up paint to cover.

The car has been garaged most of it's life, but been outside and used daily the past 2 years. It's covered during the summer to reduce sun damage.

I'm in the San Jose area. Let me know if you're interested. I'm looking to get around $6500 but will see what interest there is.

-Richard

Edit: the car is silver (Silverstone) and the replacement HV pack is from Honda. It's a reconditioned pack and has a 3 yr/36k mile warranty from Honda. The replacement pack will be installed Jan 22, 2013 and I'm having the valves checked at the same time since it's due. The car has never been crashed and never repainted, the wheels have no curb rash. No wear-through/tears in the carpet, A/C works and is strong. No bulbs burned out on the dash or exterior. No cracks in the windshield.

The clutch is in good shape with no signs of slippage and the dash has no cracks or fading (I have a Covercraft folding window shade ($50) and a Covercraft Noah outdoor car cover ($300) that I'll include in the sale) The black trim under the drivers and passengers windows has started peeling, showing the silver metal underneath and the black section of the hatch by the wiper has started to fade. The steering wheel also has faded but is not cracked. Otherwise it's in very good condition. Pictures are available on request.

Price is $6000 OBO (1/21)

**Rush** · 01-20-2013, 10:07 PM

I think you should make sure that the Honda pack is actually NEW, and not reconditioned as most of them are. Cause if it fails within a year, again like a lot of reconditioned packs have done, $6500 is expensive, unless you are personally guaranteeing the pack for a period of time.

**freezin4** · 01-20-2013, 10:18 PM

Silver, Red, or Citrus? Did I miss what color it is?

rsouthern · 01-23-2013, 10:58 AM

With the battery replaced and the valve job complete the Insight is running great (quiet and smooth) and returning 70+ MPG again. It's amazing how quickly you forget what being able to retain a full charge in the pack is like.

-Richard

atikovi · 01-23-2013, 08:00 PM

Why would you spend that much to replace the battery if you are selling the car? You are asking $6K and the battery cost about $4K right? Lots more people would buy the car for $2K and get the much better aftermarket battery costing $2K and have just $4000 in the car.

rsouthern · 01-23-2013, 11:57 PM

Actually the battery cost me $1600 (dealer split the cost with me since I've been a good customer with them over the past 12 years).

I spent the money to fix it so when I sold the car it would be a completely working car that I know won't have a battery problem after sale (i.e. clear conscience). It should be good for several years at a minimum and with the 3 year warranty on the replacement battery it helps the new buyer have confidence that they won't buy something that will have a problem as soon as they buy it.

I just figured it's the right thing to do. If I had sold it as is, the new owner would need to buy a replacement battery immediately and if that owner isn't a forum member they may not know about the 3rd party batteries and regardless would need to buy the battery ($2K) and then have it installed if they aren't a DIY'er, so that's another $300 if they can find a dealer who will do it. I can tell you that Larry Hopkins in Sunnyvale is having a problem with a customer who bought a battery for their Civic from a 3rd party in LA that was DOA and have been having problems for several months. They don't want to install non factory batteries now. I don't want the buyer to have to deal with that potential problem.

Anyway, when I sell the car, I know it's going to be good for a long time, and if there is a problem, they have a Honda factory warranty backing them up. I don't know if the 3rd battery manufacturers offer that and they probably won't cover labor on the replacement or provide a loaner car during the down time (per warranty repair policy at dealers).

Hope that helps.

-Richard

rsouthern · 01-25-2013, 01:15 AM

Well, it's sold. New owner picked it up tonight. He's now selling his silver 2002 Insight CVT so if anyone in the SF area is in the market, I expect it'll be on Craigslist soon.

I got less than I wanted as we found a few things when looking it over (cracked rear motor mount and worn brakes). I think he got a good deal in the end and the car should be good for many more years of service. It was sad to see it go. I hope he enjoys it and looks after it.

**Rush** · 01-25-2013, 02:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsouthern

It should be good for several years at a minimum and with the 3 year warranty on the replacement battery it helps the new buyer have confidence that they won't buy something that will have a problem as soon as they buy it.

Richard, I suggest you ask the dealer if the 3 year warranty on the replacement battery is 3 years from the date of the install, or where the actual warranty date is.

It's my understanding that even if the pack or any part of the car is replaced under warranty, then as soon the original warranty of the pack expires, or any part of the car that was replaced under the original warranty expires. Except for certain anti smog devices and restraint systems mandated by federal law.

Need4Speed · 01-25-2013, 08:30 AM

For a reference point, what did you actually sell it for $$$?