Bought 2003 Honda Insight A/T 36K for $9K in Ebay - did I overpaid?

[Joeburmeister]

Hi,

I took on a new job which requires me commuting 90 miles each way (highway miles) and my Mercedes S500 was only putting out at best 23MPG. I figured if I am going to spend $25+ a day on gas ($500+ a month) I might well dive in and get me a hybrid that can get me 40-50 MPG.

So in the last few seconds of the auction, I put in a high bid and won the car:

Honda : Insight | eBay

Do you all think I overpaid?

I am going to pick up the car tomorrow - what kind of checks, flaws, maintenance issues, etc., should I be looking to address with the seller before I hand my cash over and drive off the lot?

How can I tell if the battery is the original or a replacement? Do these cars have timing belt/chain, spark plugs, transmission? Do they take synthetic or regular oil? Shocks/Suspension issues? Starter?

Any guidance you all can provide will be greatly appreciated!!

[NorthwestIL]

Cogratualations must be a dealer? Sounds too high --ask again... there are many experts on the Insightin this forum . you need to share problems and seach the solutions offered on this forum.

[gilbertguy]

Hey Joe,

The car is yours now so don't worry about cost, congrats on the new buy! Hope this helps with some of your questions.

What kind of checks, flaws, maintenance issues, etc. The basic car itself is pretty solid with very few issues, any checks you do would be basic to buying any other car. For the hybrid system check to see if the IMA light is on indicating there are codes, also the CEL light can be for battery issues also.

How can I tell if the battery is the original or a replacement? Call Honda and give them the VIN number, they should be able to tell you.
Do these cars have timing belt/chain, spark plugs, transmission? The engine has a chain that should last the life of the car. It uses special indexed Honda spark plugs that run about $25 each. The transmission in your car is a CVT automatic, just want to find out when it had the fluid changed last and if they don't know you should just go ahead and have it drained and refilled.
Do they take synthetic or regular oil? Synthetic 0W-20 oil
Shocks/Suspension issues? McPherson in the front, the rear shock is a standard type but can only be purchased from Honda, there is a thread running right now about a Monroe replacement but it takes a little work on owners part to modify the mount but is way cheaper.
Starter? Normally it used the IMA to spin the motor, there is a conventional starter but it is only used if the IMA battery or system is having issues.

There is a lot of good information on this forum, spend some time going through it and doing some searches it will be well worth your time.

[Willie Williford]

And.....put your location in your signature for any on hands assistance if needed.

Willie