Lost my cherry today

[jharrison]

Bought a 2000 MT (70K) two weeks ago and had to put it in the shop 5 days after i bought it. Had a new EGR valve installed and got it back yesterday. Had it checked out thoroughly while it was there (thanks to Eli and everyone else for all their help) Finally took it out on an extended ride in the country and experienced "lean burn." This car is the freaking deal. I catch myself looking out my window at it parked in the driveway and staring at it and just smiling. When I'm driving it I have a huge grin. Dear god, will car manufacturers ever figure it out? How can they not keep manufacturing a car like this? I cannot think of another car that I would rather have.

[CaptDan]

How can they not keep manufacturing a car like this?

List of possible answers:

1. US drivers don't feel secure unless they cart a couch around behind 'em.

2. Range Rover made aluminum vehicles - and they're British!

3. Honda wanted to frustrate Toyota who, in turn, produced the Prius which Honda eventually tried to replicate.

4. The Gen1 Insight resembles a down sized Citroen Maseratti, which - being of Gallic ancestry - frightened drivers into buying a Ford Focus.

5. None of the above.

I cannot think of another car that I would rather have.

I've had my 2002 MT for three weeks and couldn't agree more. I've owned many automobiles, from luxury models to an MGTD (it's for sale - join the World Of Lucas Electric for only $10K!!!). I can't think of a single car I've ever owned that's been more satisfying to drive. And 62MPG ain't nuthin' to sneeze at, either.

Capt Dan

[gilbertguy]

Welcome to the G1 world, I've had my car for a year and love getting great milage with this car. The guys on this forum are great and have lots of knowledge to help with issues. I've been building my own "How To" file from the threads on this forum and the learnings have been great. Since I bought mine with 242,000 miles on it I've already been using several of the thing's I've learned here.

Enjoy the car and keep trying for higher numbers.

[jerrydelrey]

Welcome to the forum. Yeah the Insight is a great car. So cheap on gas, that when I fill up i forget where the gas tank is!!! I can recall half a dozen times I drove up to the gas station and the hand to turn, because the tank is on the other side. All Hondas and Acuras Ive owned had the tank on the left side. anyways i'm rambling. Welcome again, have fun with your car.

[Blue-Civic-Hybrid]

I don't know whether to say congratulations on popping your cherry or that you now have an Insight... I hope you got her name!

[mikeeech]

Welcome to insight heaven.

Out of curiosity how many people buy these cars since they are cheap to run and how many by them because fo the ethos?

Personally I drive mine for the design, looks and everything it stands for rather than to save money and probably lavish too much money on it - the main dealer does everything on it for me - but nobody really gets it... including the dealer!

I would buy a nissan leaf but it doesn't look unique enough for me.

[CaptDan]

Out of curiosity how many people buy these cars since they are cheap to run and how many by them because fo the ethos?

Initially, my motive was cheap commuter transportation. Doing a 40 mile round trip, 4 days a week in a Dodge Dakota benefits 'Shill OilCo' more than it does my pocketbook.

However, from the first day I saw one, I was intrigued by the Insight G1. I liked the fender skirts, aero/dyn/transpo-pod profile, two seats, and an interior that shouts: "If ya don't like it - get out of the car!" In a bizarre way, it reminded me of my long gone '63 Porsche 356B. Or - maybe a futuristic version of a '48 Hudson. Not sure which. Anyway, I found 'Yuki' - with only 106K on the clock, and dressed to the nines in MonteCarlo Blue.

Personally I drive mine for the design, looks and everything it stands for rather than to save money

A bit of both for me. It's not often you can own an economy car that also features an unusual aesthetic. Despite all the snide comments from dullards ("Looks like a tampon," etc etc) I think this car's a handsome l'll ride. The only downside for me has been the mean, dangerous (California) drivers who enjoy tailgating me (no matter WHAT speed or lane I'm in). I think the Insight tends to provoke evil in certain types of people out there.

Capt Dan

[jharrison]

The world would be a better place if more people drove these cars.

[Balboa]

Originally Posted by jharrison

Bought a 2000 MT (70K) two weeks ago and had to put it in the shop 5 days after i bought it. Had a new EGR valve installed and got it back yesterday. Had it checked out thoroughly while it was there (thanks to Eli and everyone else for all their help) Finally took it out on an extended ride in the country and experienced "lean burn." This car is the freaking deal. I catch myself looking out my window at it parked in the driveway and staring at it and just smiling. When I'm driving it I have a huge grin. Dear god, will car manufacturers ever figure it out? How can they not keep manufacturing a car like this? I cannot think of another car that I would rather have.

I'd rather have a ferrari myself. It's a cut little economical car that's for sure. A lot better than a Geo Metro.

[Eli]

I would love a Ferrari as well, but I would still keep my Insights.