No more 1st Generation Insights for sale in UK

[oldrascal]

This all started with a family decision to cut down on the monthly fuel bill for our 2 car household . The first car (a Golf petrol) to go was replaced in November with a low mileage (19k miles) 2009 Insight bought direct from Honda UK's R&D department. The learning curve was quick and now both my wife and I are enthusiastic about how this interesting car has not only decimated (well halved actually) our fuel bill but has changed driving habits.

Those of you who know how aggressively policed and crowded the UK's roads are will understand that removing the ability to compete with other cars on a performance basis is very soothing - no more testosterone fuelled 'red mist'. Now, I just sit back and relax in the smug knowledge that my running average of 55mpg (Imp Gallons) is saving me a bundle and that I am 'doing my bit' (pious, qui moi? ). But I digress.

The hybrid bug has well and truly bit and I now lust after a 1st Generation car to replace my insanely thirsty Subaru Outback 3.0R. When I first started looking around in October, there were about 6 or so being advertised (in the UK that is).

Now that I am actively ready to buy one, there are none for sale, not one in the whole country. So what's going on? I know that only 250 (?) were imported so there is not a huge market but I am still surprised. Any members about to divest themselves of their toys?

Or do I look at importing from the USA (I don't mind LHD) where there seem to be plenty and what does that entail?

[Mark Elvin]

It goes in fits & starts, sometimes there will be none for months, then two or three will turn up & if you are really really lucky it'll be a low mileage one (like mine)

[oldrascal]

Originally Posted by Mark Elvin

It goes in fits & starts, sometimes there will be none for months, then two or three will turn up & if you are really really lucky it'll be a low mileage one (like mine)

I guess that I will just have to keep scanning eBay Motors, PistonHeads and Auto Trader until one turns up. Your 2003 seems like a real find, low mileage and the right colour .........of course I am not jealous .

[LeftField-UK]

It took me a while to find mine, hold out for a while, warmer weather will bring them out. G1 Insights, dark nights, floods and huge pot holes don't really mix.

[Mark Elvin]

Originally Posted by LeftField-UK

It took me a while to find mine, hold out for a while, warmer weather will bring them out. G1 Insights, dark nights, floods and huge pot holes don't really mix.

Mine gets used in all of these conditions.

[LeftField-UK]

So did mine until I slithered down a icy hill ABS chattering away but with no retardation at all.

[oldrascal]

Originally Posted by LeftField-UK

So did mine until I slithered down a icy hill ABS chattering away but with no retardation at all.

A set of Finland's favourite Nokian winter tyres would sort that out - I have put them on my G2 and the difference is amazing, well worth the expense and makes 4WDs on normal tyres look stupid.

[Mark Elvin]

Originally Posted by LeftField-UK

So did mine until I slithered down a icy hill ABS chattering away but with no retardation at all.

Have to admit I've had no problems in manty, many miles, three Insights & 6 years ownership

[jonnyvtec]

Originally Posted by LeftField-UK

It took me a while to find mine, hold out for a while, warmer weather will bring them out. G1 Insights, dark nights, floods and huge pot holes don't really mix.

I don't think he's after a smashed up one?!


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[theaveng]

I refuse to drive in snow. I'll take the day off and make-up the lost time with 10 hour days.

If I lived in the UK or EU I would not be buying a 68mpg insight.
I would be buying an 80mpg Lupo 3L.
Or the new 75mpg Polo tdi.