Seeking opinion on potential purchase - Page 2

Breadman · 01-30-2013, 07:24 AM

Not perfect,but still nice.scratches in paint. I love this car.. I'm in a bind..it sits in my garage. Has grind in transmission (2nd gear only downshifting from third).needs power window switch. Rear hatch opens with key. This was my daily driver,the ac compressor went. Took it to a ac repairman...replaced the whole system(everything) 1600 dollars.. He guaranteed his work. The compressor pulley bearings went. Took it back, they went again,took it back,the same..by the 5th time...the ima light came on. You need ac in Florida. Bought a new car. Gets a crappy 38mpgs,and I'm stuck with a car payment. I cant afford both.I'VE BEEN TRYING TO DRAG MY FEET ON SELLING IT...My wife says... Sell it. :[ So.. I'm open to offers. I live in New Symrna beach Fla. Just throwing it out there.

thanks.

blitzkraig · 01-30-2013, 09:44 PM

Got a reply from the guy with additional pictures. The car was clearly pretty messed up and some of the repairs attempted so far look questionable to me. On top of that I've bought salvage cars on the internet before and each time, there has been something the seller didn't admit to. So I'm passing on this one. Told the guy he'd be very lucky to get even 5k

seattle_insight_05 · 01-30-2013, 10:52 PM

FWIW I was looking 2 - 3 months ago and I was willing to fly anywhere on the west coast for the right vehicle. Alaska Airlines is about $250 or less 1 way. If you go to WA or OR and buy from a private party you do not pay sales tax, CA will collect it when you get home. I made a reasonable offer on a semi local CVT and was turned down. I was just about ready to buy a ticket to LA for a nice 04 from a private party, when the owner of the 05 I had made an offer on accepted. I test drove the
2000 MT for $5999 at a dealer, It has warped pressure plate and the left tie-rod is loose bent ( major pot Holes here )

2000 MT for $6000, the title and owner sounded very sketchy.
The other 3 seem like possibilities.

**jeff652** · 01-31-2013, 12:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blitzkraig

Hello all, I've recently decided to move on up in the high mpg category by selling my Honda Civic VX and getting a Honda Insight. I've been doing a lot of research on the common problems that come up with this model and keeping an eye on the classifieds to try and get a good deal. This one came up in one of my first searches and has been sitting there for a while.

2006 Honda Insight, ONLY 29Kmi, 5sp

a 2006 MT with 29k miles and a salvage title and a bit of work to get it back into good shape. I restore classic cars for a living, so the body work doesn't turn me off, and I've had enough experience with salvage vehicles to know most of the things to look for underneath the sheet metal on a regular car that's been totaled. I think one thing specific to Insights that I need to find out from the seller is how long the car has been sitting without being driven around resulting in potential battery malfunctions. So I'm posting here to ask what else you guys think I should check into, and even though I think he's asking quite a bit for the car and I have my own idea for what it's worth, what would you pay for this?

Thanks in advance for all opinions! Truly appreciated.

I know you have decided to pass, and I think that is the right decision at that price, but I want the forum to know that I have done business with Dmitriy in the past and he is an honest person. I saw that car about a year ago while it was locked away in his garage. Too bad he isn't finishing it.

-Jeff

**jeff652** · 01-31-2013, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blitzkraig

I don't think this guy seriously expects to get what he's asking. Edmunds listed the car in the worst condition (doesn't go so low to quote for salvage vehicles) as $7k in his area. I was thinking about badgering him to let it go for $5k at most. Otherwise I'm willing to happily drive my Civic VX until a better deal comes along. I was mainly attracted to this car for the low mileage, as it would have less long term wear and tear in the form of suspension, interior, and transmission use. Good point on the warranty info for the battery, I'll have to check into that. Regardless, most of the other Insights I've seen in the area are already outside their battery warranty period.

Thanks for all the responses so far!

Where are you located? I have a very nice 2000 for sale in San Jose, CA

blitzkraig · 01-31-2013, 01:39 AM

Jeff

I didn't mean to imply anything about the seller beyond that he's asking a bit too much for the car. I'm sure Dimitri is most likely a good guy. I'm just very picky, as I restore classic cars to a very high quality, so my expectations are probably higher than most. If you talk to him at all, you may suggest he get the car further along with whatever skills he has, so he can get closer to what he's asking.

In the meantime, I'm getting my VX ready to sell and just keeping an eye on the Insights in the area. Not quite ready to jump on a car yet unless it's a deal that I can't be pass up. I'm in the San Jose area.

AbCaRed00 · 01-31-2013, 09:29 AM

Best luck to you towards achieving ownership! The cars are great mpg winners.
If you're fixing up your VX to sell to get an Insight and still want to get better mileage in the meantime [with possibly some value added on the sale after repairs], perhaps you may check this video where there's a guy on youtube who's modded the VX to squeeze a few more mpg.

65 + MPG Non-Hybrid Honda Civic ( Backyard Mechanic DIY ) - YouTube

**jeff652** · 01-31-2013, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blitzkraig

Jeff

I didn't mean to imply anything about the seller beyond that he's asking a bit too much for the car. I'm sure Dimitri is most likely a good guy. I'm just very picky, as I restore classic cars to a very high quality, so my expectations are probably higher than most. If you talk to him at all, you may suggest he get the car further along with whatever skills he has, so he can get closer to what he's asking.

In the meantime, I'm getting my VX ready to sell and just keeping an eye on the Insights in the area. Not quite ready to jump on a car yet unless it's a deal that I can't be pass up. I'm in the San Jose area.

Sure, no offense taken. I didn't mean to imply anything, was just throwing my experience out there as I felt it worth mentioning.