I didn't see an introduction section

SeaBass · 07-31-2010, 12:31 AM

I'm the new guy here. I live in Manassas, Va. and Commute to Ft. Meade 5 days a week. (lots of stop and go traffic) My current commuter is a 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8, which cost about $414 a month just in gas.

However, tomorrow around noon time I am picking up my new to me, 2000 Honda Insight, and I can say I'm truely excited. Now I know it's mean, but I used to make fun of you guys, and now the shoes on the other foot LOL.

A bit of info about the car, it's a 2000 Insight, manual trans with 116k approximate miles, and a life time MPG of 56.4. It had a free car fax, and it's 1 time original owner with an "in service" date of May 31st, 2001. (So I still have a good bit of warrenty left) I noticed on the carfax it mentioned that the battery was replaced in 2006, but I don't know if they mean the 12v battery, or the battery cells, I'm going to look into it.

I did the standard checks, looked for leaks, cracks, checked the oil for metal shavings, listend for knocking etc...The only problem I found was a squeaky belt. The A/C works GREAT!

I took the car for a test drive, when I started the car up it showed the battery as fully charged, I drove it about 5 miles and the battery dropped to about 1/3rd it's capacity. However, at one point, the battery charge started to climb back up, and I would say that it made it to a little over half way, to almost 2/3rds. I drove it for several miles on the highway, and it took some getting used to not having the instant acceleration of my Challenger lol. Finally when I got back to the dealership and stopped the car, the battery charge jumped to full capacity. I don't know what this means, but I hope that you guys can help me out.

Overall I would say the car is in tip top shape, no major dents, dings, or scratches on the outside. No rips, tears, stains, or smells on the inside. I am very new to Hybrid cars, but I did lurk your website a lot before I decided to buy this car, and for the deal I'm getting, I think I'm making out pretty well. I'm only paying $6,300 out the door, I'm very satisfied and I don't even own the car yet.

Oh yeah, by the way, the name's C.J., HI!

ac7ss · 07-31-2010, 06:47 AM

Welcome to the crowd! You didn't mention if it was a CVT or MT.

It sounds like a good purchase. I have only had mine for a couple of months. I have a 120mile/day commute so I feel your pain. The Battery level changes sound normal for a MT, a little more than I see on my CVT (Mine has never dropped below the top 4 bars.)

You are right, there is not that much "Giddyup." But I have been hypermiling for years milking my Mazda pickup for my commute.

SeaBass · 07-31-2010, 07:42 AM

it is a manual trans. What difference does either one make?

boogetyboogety · 07-31-2010, 10:02 AM

CVT can mean 10-20 mpg less. No biggie when you're getting 55+mpg (as I do on my CVT, with a/c on Econ and intelligent driving since new), while MTs can achieve mileage in the 70s without breaking a sweat. Do search, there are tons of CVT vs. MT threads here.

Pump your tires to 50#s per tire, keep your mileage gauge in the 75s+, don't drive like Speed Racer (I mean, what's the point), practice hypermiling (again, search), and you'll cut your gas bill by two thirds, easy. Congratulations, and welcome to IC!

**satchel** · 07-31-2010, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeaBass

it is a manual trans. What difference does either one make?

The manual transmission engine achieves lean burn which is capable of much better mpg than the cvt. The air to fuel ratio goes from 14:1 to as much as 26:1 and the fuel consumption display will jump over 30mpg when you drop into lean burn.
You have much to learn grasshopper.

SeaBass · 07-31-2010, 11:38 PM

I will definitely pump up the tires, and use the low viscosity motor oil. I do have a heavy foot, but so would you with a 6.1 liter V-8

, it's fun.

I do have a question, when exactly does the battery charge? I was driving the car and coasting to a stop with the car in gear, and it was showing a charge. My wife however, was coasting to a stop with the car in neutral and I noticed the battery wasn't charging, just want to make sure this is normal? Thank you!

jkbrushaber · 08-01-2010, 01:31 AM

When you lightly press on the brake pedal (in gear) you will allow regenerative braking which recharges the battery. This works down to about 15 mph. If you are in neutral, this doesn't work. When you get below 20 mph, you can engage "autostop". Pressing the clutch pedal and putting into neutral will usually put you into autostop when you are below 20 mph. I encourage you to read the "knowledge base" and "encyclopedia" links on this site, they will tell you ALOT about this unique little car.

SeaBass · 08-01-2010, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkbrushaber

I encourage you to read the "knowledge base" and "encyclopedia" links on this site, they will tell you ALOT about this unique little car.

Do you have links?

jkbrushaber · 08-01-2010, 11:35 AM

On many of the pages here at insight central (definitely on the home page), there is a box on the left side labeled "site navigation". There is a lot of good information to be found there including the knowledge base and encyclopedia.

Jivko57 · 08-01-2010, 01:09 PM

Welcome,
it is a special car, I've had it for 8 months almost now and am still in the learning phase,

I also used to drive with 80-90 mph and burning fuel like crazy in the left lane for 7 years. now am in the right lane with 50-60 mph, but with 60-70 mpg....

so I have my mind set for the next 7 years to be in the right lane and save some green...

good luck