Looking at a 2000 Insight tomorrow!

[igo]

So, I saw an insight pop up the other day at the local honda dealer. I have been thinking about getting one for a while. I have really been into high mpg since around 2005. Never bought an insight because it was out of my price range...anyways.

2000, Silver, 5-speed, 138,000miles...Asking price of $7,995

So I hope I can talk them down to $7,000 or lower because that it a bit high if you ask me. What should I look out for? Should I be concerned with the battery packs going bad?

I actually gave the car a look over today but, the lot was closed. Seems to be in good shape but, s few small things here and there. Tire tread is a bit low, some marks on the back bumper, and Ding on the one door. I was also surprised to see a cassette player in this "futuristic" car...haha

[sunnyboy]

Please consider of history of the vehicle, IMA battery status etc.
When it's all good, then go ahead

[dls1981dustin]

I would think you should be able to do a little better than $7K for a 00 with 140K on it.

[madapple]

I agree,, Dealer don't know anything about these cars and the price is high, I paid $4200 for my 2001 with 160k on it. Try to find one that a person owns, not a stealership.

[igo]

Well, I will do my best to talk him down but, I am totally willing to walk if I can't get it for the wright price.

I totaled my Saturn on Friday so I am certainly of need of a car though!

[gilbertguy]

Is this your first Insight? If so then if you like the car by all means get it. If the IMA is working then that is a bonus but keep in the back of your mind that at some point that battery will fail and you will have to deal with a bad IMA battery pack. As long as you keep an open mind about this and are mentally prepared for that reality then you will LOVE this car.

You might get 2 years out of that pack, 2 months, 2 weeks, no one knows how long especially since you don't know how long it has not been driven. So with that said you will love this car, just have a plan for some day when the pack begins to have issues. I see to many people buy used Insights and then when the battery pack throws an IMA light get upset.

I bought my car with IMA working, 5 months after owning it got my first IMA code. While I wasn't happy I had already done my research and knew that this could happen, few months later had my battery rebuilt and was back up and running. (actually drove my car the entire time with the code so car was never down for maintenance)

Just saying go into the deal with your eyes wide open, even with my IMA issues I this car has been a great buy for me and would do it all over again.

[dls1981dustin]

Originally Posted by gilbertguy

Is this your first Insight? If so then if you like the car by all means get it. If the IMA is working then that is a bonus but keep in the back of your mind that at some point that battery will fail and you will have to deal with a bad IMA battery pack. As long as you keep an open mind about this and are mentally prepared for that reality then you will LOVE this car.

You might get 2 years out of that pack, 2 months, 2 weeks, no one knows how long especially since you don't know how long it has not been driven. So with that said you will love this car, just have a plan for some day when the pack begins to have issues. I see to many people buy used Insights and then when the battery pack throws an IMA light get upset.

I bought my car with IMA working, 5 months after owning it got my first IMA code. While I wasn't happy I had already done my research and knew that this could happen, few months later had my battery rebuilt and was back up and running. (actually drove my car the entire time with the code so car was never down for maintenance)

Just saying go into the deal with your eyes wide open, even with my IMA issues I this car has been a great buy for me and would do it all over again.

Its funny you say this. My 03 Insight threw the IMA light last Jan after about 2 weeks of ownership. While I was not prepared fot this, I was able to get it fixed under the warrenty by Honda.

[gilbertguy]

Originally Posted by dls1981dustin

Its funny you say this. My 03 Insight threw the IMA light last Jan after about 2 weeks of ownership. While I was not prepared fot this, I was able to get it fixed under the warrenty by Honda.

Not your first rodeo then, at least you have been through this before on Honda's dime.

[igo]

update:

The dealer said on the phone that the transmission is messed up and the batteries aren't working. Seemed like they weren't looking to sell it. So I didn't look at it today. No big deal because I found another Insight on craigslist...


So, the one I am checking out tomorrow (private seller)...2002 Red, 5speed, 200,000miles, Battery not working! Asking price $3,500

He was telling me how a lot of insights have messed up 1st and second gears. But, they are fine on this one....He is a total insight nut (I think he owns 3 and is doing an engine swap on one).

So, buying and old 200k insight??? Not for the faint of heart? I am a little worried but, I am pretty mechanical. Think I can handle common problems that pop up on old insights?

[Eli]

I consider 200k miles to be a low mileage Insight.