Hey all, Im a big time commuter (800 miles a week). I travel alone. Ive used old stick shift cars that get 32-40 mpg in the past and Old diesel Mbs for durability. How durable is the insight? I drove a 1985 300sd for almost 400k miles.
I don't know of any Insight even approaching 200K yet so its yet to be "proven" how far can it go (cost effectively).
So far its been _very_ reliable. The only shocker is the IMA battery pack which has a limited life. It's simply a limit of the NiMH batteries. 150K seems a reasonable expected service life for the batteries. Replacement costs as last reported in this group was $2,200 installed. Driving patterns of mostly highway miles don't "cycle" the batteries as much and will likely make this a low mile number.
With proper maintenance its not unreasonable to expect 300K+ reasonable cost miles from most any Honda.
Don't see the connection of chain , but chain is correct
You've really got to spend some time browsing the site and reading some of the posts. Don't get me wrong, its good that your carefully investigating before purchase but you'll likely spend less time finding what you seek with some searching on your part.
Try the forum search feature
Interesting post, considering that I own both an Insight and a diesel Benz!
As you know, thelemite, I don't think any car can beat a diesel Benz for durability. I've only owned my 300TD for 6 months and the car just continually amazes me.
I bought my Insight used about four months ago because I found a great deal on it. For me, it's the ideal car whenever I'm not hauling around my two dogs and it's the perfect choice for a heavy commuter, like you. It won't be as comfortable for you as a Benz, but the Insight makes up for it in so many ways (technological marvel, money saver, right environmental choice, sporty handling, etc.)
Will it be as durable as a Benz? No. But it will be as durable as a Honda, which I'm finding out is a pretty close second for a modern-day car. The maintenance intervals on the Insight are the same as for any other gas car, with the exception of the timing chain, which actually has a longer replacement interval. I don't think Honda recommends replacing it until after 100k miles, which is well beyond the usual 60k for most cars. Plus, don't forget the 80k mile warranty on the hybrid system, which gives you some extra piece of mind.
Also, because the Insight is so lightweight, it tends to to go easier on some components than most cars. For instance, my car now has 62k miles, and the rear brakes shoes still look almost new (I just inspected them today).
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'01 Insight 5-spd, 62k miles <<leanburner
'81 Mercedes 300TD, 168k miles <<beanburner
Hey "thelemite" I believe that "dfiore" has got at least 180K on his Insight now. He could prove to be a good resourse for you about the long term durability of an Insight. I think that he lives in Florida in uses his to work on computers all around his state.
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2000#892 52K owned since 4/00. Longest trip in a day 749 miles. Mobil 1 0W-20, Michelin Harmony 175/65R/14(45psi), 50-80 mpg in a Honda since 5/88 <><
Hey all, Im a big time commuter (800 miles a week). I travel alone. Ive used old stick shift cars that get 32-40 mpg in the past and Old diesel Mbs for durability. How durable is the insight? I drove a 1985 300sd for almost 400k miles.
If your commute involves downtown city driving the Insight is a great car for that, very maneuverable and easily parked.
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2003 Insight CVT #562, "Mouse"
The last Honda I'll ever buy.
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new to board thinking insights the car for me
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