2000 5spd citrus (a good buy)

[fastfret7]

I went and saw this insight today for only $3999, is this a good buy? Here are some things I noticed:

Two different colors of green (from repaint), two accidents reported, transmission grind from 3-2 on the down shit, tear in seat on drivers, one of side skirts held on by zip ties, and maint reqd light was on . A lot of paint scraps and dings.... Is it still worth $3900? The seller said the shifting is a synchro issue and would cost $1000 to fix.. Help ASAP!

2000 Honda Insight Hatchback - $3900 (Washington DC)

[gilbertguy]

Do you know when the IMA condition or when it was replaced last? Overall it sounds pretty good for someone that wants a little bit of a fixer upper.

[samwichse]

A bit rough... 2 years on a Honda refurb battery means the previous owner probably got rid of it for an IMA light (probably reset by the dealer to ensure a quick sale), needs a rear bumper, front bumper doesn't seem to be fully attached. Needs a new bolster or drivers seat. A bit rough just from the pics, so it probably has things like a bad EGR, torn motor mounts, ground straps, etc.

[fastfret7]

Originally Posted by gilbertguy

Do you know when the IMA condition or when it was replaced last? Overall it sounds pretty good for someone that wants a little bit of a fixer upper.

The papers said new battery in 2011. There was a charge of $3334.00 to do the work

[Jivko57]

Hi I would go with a more expensive car, but with less issues,
if there is a zip-tie on the skirt there may be other shortcuts elsewhere.

The IMA battery replaced in 2011 is a good thing , but there is no guarantee that it will not go south in the next year or two . Mine was changed 18 months before I bought the car and was already throwing IMA lights when I got it.

my seat was torn too when I bought it but a $25 seat cover solved my problem .

the grind is bad, some people drive it like this with double clutching , I tried once for a day such a car, but it is no fun and I constantly forgot to double clutch . It felt like tearing the gear box apart....

a new tranny is ~1800 + tax at Majestic and a local shop can put it in for several hundreds more. Or if you are skilled you can put it in yourself and save on the labor costs. There are used ones on ebay for much less.


the car looks somewhat neglected and also two accidents sounds intimidating ...

[Mario]

The maintenance required light does not necessarily mean anything - it comes on after a certain number of miles and can be reset yourself with some button-pressing. It's even in the car's manual.

My car has the 3-2 downshift grind. People say you can double-clutch. That doesn't work for me, but I have another method. All you have to do is push the clutch in, move the shifter out of gear into neutral, push it halfway into 1st, pull it down into second, and let the clutch out. This uses the 1st gear synchro, so it may wear out faster. But I don't think I know of anybody who has work it out like this.

[freezin4]

I guess I am the only one who thinks this would have been a good deal? I brought this car to OP's attention last night, and since this dealership is only 3 miles from my job, I went to check it after work.

Only to be told the car was sold - someone else had placed a deposit.

Sam/Jivko, you guys are speculating about "neglect" and "IMA light reset by dealer" and "bad EGR" ? What makes you assume these things?

This is what the description stated"

"Mechanically well maintained with extensive service records including new IMA battery assembly done a little less than two years ago at a cost of over $3000. Most recent work includes new front brakes, drive belts, new ignition switch, valve cover gasket, both front sway bar links replaced, new windshield wipers and oil and filter change. Just passed state inspection and runs and drives real strong with everything performing as it should. Car comes with all spare keys, factory owners books and original window sticker." Plus it had the proper Bridgestones. I think this car was well-maintained.

The dealer had it on consignment from a friend or relative of one of the salesman. They didn't deal with cars like this. All of their other inventory were high end and classics: two Ferraris, several classic Alfas, Rolls Royce, Porsche etc. (look at their inventory on their website)

Yes the body could use a paint job. Common Citrus fade, and some unmatched paint, but not too hateful. Rear bumper looked perfect except the peeling paint. It didn't need replacement. They all have the 2/3rd gear grind, I've been living with mine for years. I would not consider zip tied skirts as red flags. We discussed this as a prudent procedure right here on IC to save them from falling off. I had a seat upholstery panel replaced on a Corlolla recently for $130: no big deal.

Yes there are perfect cars for more money, but a good running 150,000 mile Citrus with recent battery for this money? I think this 2 owner Citrus car was well worth the $3900 asking price.

[Eli]

I agree with freezin4. It's a good thing someone bought that car, because I might have been tempted.

[atikovi]

Originally Posted by freezin4

I went to check it after work.

Only to be told the car was sold - someone else had placed a deposit.

You'll be hard pressed to find even a halfway decent G1 that still needs some work for $4K let alone a nice one needing nothing. I wouldn't sell my Citrus for that low.