Questions on buying (anyone have a carfax acct?)

The Thin Man · 02-12-2008, 01:06 PM

Hello everyone,

This is my first post and although I don’t own an Insight, I have had quite a bit of experience with them in the past. I drove one for roughly a year off/on as it was a company car that I was allowed to use on a frequent basis.
Needless to say, it has stayed on my mind and I’m now considering purchasing one.

I’ve found one within my area on Craigslist. Check it out: http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/car/564555773.html.

A few things about the car. First off, it’s green! Woo hoo!

Second, although it has ultra low miles, I worry about the email I got from the owner. She told me that it has a “rebuilt” title because, “the car has been involved in a very minor accident in the front only the bumper and headlights were replaced no airbags deployed so the title is rebuilt. i bought it from an insurance company and had it was professionally repaired at a body shop.. the reason the miles are so low is it has been standing for quite a while after the accident.”. So, the title bothers me a little but so does the fact that it has been sitting. Why isn’t it on the road? Also, for a rebuilt title car, that price seems a little high.

Obviously, if I get more serious about the car, I’ll take it to my mechanic to check it out for a pre-inspection. However, at this stage, I just want to get some thoughts. Any comments about the cars past and the sitting it has done? The price?

Another thing, does anyone have any suggestions on issues that are, or have been, typical problem issues in the past for Insights? Maybe a seal routinely comes off or something mechanical fails. Basically, are there any hot spots I should look for when doing a visual on the car?

Lastly, does anyone have a Carfax account? If so, I’d love to see what the results come back with!

Thanks guys and I hope I can officially join the club by owning one of these little bad boys one day!

ibjeff · 02-12-2008, 01:13 PM

rebuilt/salvage title=no warranty on IMA battery from Honda

The Thin Man · 02-12-2008, 01:15 PM

ibjeff - that alone could quite possibly be enough to make me walk. Good point. Thank you.

ibjeff · 02-12-2008, 01:16 PM

Too bad about the rebuilt/salvage title..

....I just looked at the ad and its a beautiful Insight

ibjeff · 02-12-2008, 01:19 PM

I just had my IMA battery replaced free from Honda a couple months ago and I have over 114000miles

I don't know how I would have afforded the battery otherwise. It is very expensive from the dealer.

The Thin Man · 02-12-2008, 01:28 PM

Well, the car only has 34K miles on it, so, technically, the battery should not need replacing for at least another 66K miles, right?
Roughly how much do the batteries cost if you have to purchase them outright? Any ideas?

ibjeff · 02-12-2008, 01:38 PM

My dealer charges about $5000

ibjeff · 02-12-2008, 01:43 PM

There are some really GREAT people on this forum and I am sure they will have some GOOD advice for you. I really love my Insight and will keep it until it just gives up the ghost. There are lots of threads about the battery life, cost, horror stories, and stories with good endings. Do your research and listen to the owners as they respond. This forum saved me with many dealer issues. If you want to know about an Insight, the information is here and with this car knowledge is power!

ibjeff · 02-12-2008, 01:46 PM

If the Insight had a "clean" title, Honda covers the IMA battery for 10 years or 150,000 miles!

The Thin Man · 02-12-2008, 02:00 PM

Hello,

I totally agree about this board. It seems to be packed with great info and people who know the ins and outs of the Insight.
I wonder if there is a way to test the battery. That way, I may have a better idea of if it needs replacing anytime soon.... Hmmmm... Time to use the search option!