If I had the choice between a 2nd gen Insight and an Sidekick, I'd probably chose the sidekick also... but if you put a 1st gen Inisight in the mix, I'd chose the 1st gen Insight for sure.
My understanding is that the 2nd gen isn't anywhere in the same league as a 1st gen Insight.
Not sure why the 2nd Gen Insight comes off as an inferior vehicle. I drove a Gen 1 (2002 CVT) for 3 years and traded it in on a 2012 EX. The car is an excellent replacement as far as I'm concerned. Honda's biggest mistake was not to offer a manual transmission option on the Gen 2. I think 60 mpg would have been a piece of cake for any savvy hypermiler. Even so, my "lifetime" average for 50K miles was 51.9 and I'm typically getting 47-49 mpg on the Gen 2. On a recent vacation I averaged 51.9 actual while running up a thousand miles in Western NY and PA. Had a single tank at 54.3 actual at the pump.
The Gen 2 is a bit more comfortable as a ride, road noise is bit less but still typical of an economy car. So far quality is typical of a Honda product. I did some asking around on the forum earlier this year before I got mine and after 5+ months I have to say I wouldn't change the decision. There's no stick shift or lean burn available but with the numbers sold to date the car should be well supported with aftermarket parts for the 6-8 years I'll likely keep it. It'll most assuredly be the last new car I'll ever buy but there will be plenty of choices in the coming years to pick something else out. Maybe one of those I-DCD's.
Many of us are at the point when we are pondering getting rid of our gen I's for something else. There's a lot of decent little cars out there that can be had for around $10k. But would we happy? We ponder and time goes by. Most Insights with failing batteries (like mine) are worth maybe $4-5K and we are hesitant to plop down another $2k+ for a battery when for a little more, i could get something else. So I keep weighing the options and time goes by. A couple of weeks ago, I drove my old Chevy about 100 miles, used 8 gallons of gas and reality sets in. Last month I drove the Insight to Vegas and back (500+) miles and used less gas than that. I think "I must be crazy to want to sell the Insight!" And time goes by...
I drove JimEs hyper mile equipped Insight and loved it. It had a nice feel, better than the plush soft muddy feel of the crz. Maybe one day he can take my car for a spin and post his thoughts?
If I didnt have a monthly bill for the next 5 years Id keep mines. Otherwise the suzuki is paid for and cost effective to drive.
If it was the ride that made you decide to let your insight go that was paid in full, that seems like a bad idea. A lot can be done with tires, psi and springs and shocks. My suzuki has tires 3 times its oem size by yokohama and sport springs. Compltely different vehicle with still the same mpg.
I don't need these "easy fixes" or "only $5 on eBay"............. Dealer certified, complete, all records, no surprises to the buyer. That's how you do business, well, professional business.
ahahahahaha! Dealers are probably the most dishonest sellers of all. I just had one tell me "You need new wiper blades" when the ones I had were only 4 months old! Scumbag.
__________________
OWN: 61mpg Insight (greenercars.org score: 57)
both blue and silver,
and a 45mpg BeetleTDI (score: 47).
With "dealer certified" I meant that they verify to you that my car had all the maintenance and repairs done needed, and it does not have any issues nor need anything right now.
I noticed right away how dealerships work here. First time I walked into one and asked something, they asked my about my phone number. I said "Why"? I don't give that to a car dealer or any stranger, that's why I don't get any soliciting phone calls, and my mail box is pretty much empty.
Looked at a 2011 Insight today, NOS (new old stock), 28 miles, dealer is trying to get me a good price on it (either lease or low financing). Am excited, especially since it has cruise control (I would never buy a hybrid without cruise control). Cross your fingers if you would.
If it was the ride that made you decide to let your insight go that was paid in full, that seems like a bad idea. A lot can be done with tires, psi and springs and shocks. My suzuki has tires 3 times its oem size by yokohama and sport springs. Compltely different vehicle with still the same mpg.
I know I mentioned the ride but it wasn't my primary consideration. I consider losing the "go-kart feel" as an added bonus. Even though I'm only 65 miles outside Detroit the roads here are rough and 75% of the county I live in is unpaved. I still avoid some rough ones but don't drive out of the way to avoid every dirt road I come upon. The interstates and secondary roads are pretty rough and constantly under repair. Add to that the typical flow of traffic speed at near 80 mph on the interstates. Feel a lot more secure with a bit more car under me. Had I lived in another area I might have kept the Gen 1 longer. I figured that at 9-1/2 years after the in-service date I was also looking at Head-Met's dilemma of plopping a $2,000+ battery pack in a $5,000 vehicle. As far as I could tell my battery was original and the only time I got any codes was when the 12V became weak.
I was also being a bit selfish because I felt like something new. I even made them find my color and option choices instead of taking the first thing I looked at. I thought the EX minus Nav was a pretty good package and as I said earlier I'd do it again. I've had no warranty issues in 11,500 miles, as long as I don't count that windshield molding that had to be glued down.
I guess I'm going against the grain of this thread but I don't regret trading in the Gen 1, it was fun while I had it and I passed it along to the next owner while still in decent condition. With any luck I can squeeze 8 years and 150,000 uneventful miles out of the Gen 2 - then I'll be old enough to retire (if they don't keep moving the dates out on me).
The 4-seat Insight is a beautiful car. I saw one at a walmart parking lot, and spent 5 minutes looking at the outside & inside. The only reason I did not buy one is the poor MPG (versus the original insight) and I wanted a beetle instead (same MPG).
Quote:
Originally Posted by RMasters
I would never buy a hybrid without cruise control
How come?
My 2-seat insight has a cruise control but gets worse fuel economy with it turned on. Whenever it comes to a slight incline the cruise control gobbles-up the gas trying to maintain speed.
__________________
OWN: 61mpg Insight (greenercars.org score: 57)
both blue and silver,
and a 45mpg BeetleTDI (score: 47).
If I didnt have the car payment Id keep mines. I dont drive as much and its more of a cost than a savings. Infact it was a liability to me when I had the blow outs earlier this year. No fault to Honda, a hybrid or the car.
When I got a hybrid I bought it based on what Mie DB2K told me when I asked about the batteries. I know from early 2000 on from both toy and honda dealers that they will need a battery replacement in their lifetime and its between 5 and 8 grand. I heard from the toy dealer that once the battery is used up in the prius the turtle icon comes on and its limited to 45 mph til it recharged.
Anyhoo, Mike said it was a part of the car and it can be rebuilt, like the motor. Looking at this site, this one and other info online I felt more at ease owing a car like this knowing I may have some expensive under the trunk as well as the hood that may need service down the road.
I cant speak for the car, but I can say the phev kit alone has paid for itself. Ive been in a few close calls with no damage, driven over and through a lot of snow and ice and saved a hell of a lot of gas in the process.
Having said all of the above my next daily driver is going to be performance oriented. Like a used 300 with a hemi. I really miss my geo how small it was and would consider the smart and iq if its sporty enough, you know, 0-60 in 6-8 seconds with some aftermarket parts. I really miss the Scion crowd and all the sponsored events they have for owners. Id like to pick up a Scion TC that someone is tired of, wants someone to take over the loan, etc.
How come?
My 2-seat insight has a cruise control but gets worse fuel economy with it turned on. Whenever it comes to a slight incline the cruise control gobbles-up the gas trying to maintain speed.
Because cruise control makes, well, cruising more efficient and relaxing.
A cruise control tries to maintain a set speed. So of course they will try to accelerate to maintain the speed, and good ones downshift to reduce speed if you gain any going downhill.
This is when you have to use your skills and cancel it/turn it off to get over an incline and regain speed with minimal effort. Then you can turn it on again. I even cancel when going downhill to use the (free) gained speed to keep on going, as long as I don't exceed the speed limit too much of course.
That's why I dislike Ford's cause most of them do not have a cancel button for the cruise, you have to turn it off and reset it.
Our Dodge get's better fuel mileage (petrol & Ethanol) with cruise. Our E-series van we had got best fuel mileage driven "manually". Even with cruise on a flat road, fuel mileage went down. Don't know why.
In general, like many things, it is about personal preferences. In particular, it all depends on how you operate it. Always trying to get the most out of it.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
Otherwise the suzuki is paid for and cost effective to drive. 
My suzuki has tires 3 times its oem size by yokohama and sport springs. Compltely different vehicle with still the same mpg.
I dont drive as much and its more of a cost than a savings. Infact it was a liability to me when I had the blow outs earlier this year. No fault to Honda, a hybrid or the car. 
