Honda Insight reliability--better info

[mkaresh]

I wanted more up-to-date auto reliability information that included actual repair rates. So in late 2005 I started getting people together to make this possible. TrueDelta now reports absolute repair rates that make the differences between cars much clearer. Results are updated four times a year, so it's possible to track cars closely as they age and to quickly provide results for new models.

We've had excellent participation by Prius owners, so we've been able to provide results for all model years from 2004 on. We'd like to provide similarly good information on the new Insight. Just a matter of getting enough participants.

Participants simply report repairs the month after they occur on a one-page survey. When there are no repairs, they simply report an approximate odometer reading four times a year, at the end of each quarter.

To encourage participation, participants receive full access to all results, not just those for the Insight, for free.

For the details, and to sign up to help out:

Car reliability research

Reliability stats now posted below in the thread.

[mkaresh]

36 2010 Prius owners signed up already, so we're likely to have an initial result in November.

Only 6 Insight owners signed up so far. No result in November unless we get at least a couple dozen more soon. February is more likely.

To help get the Insight included:

Car reliability research

[mkaresh]

Now 10 owners signed up for the Insight vs. 59 for the Prius. We'll have an initial reliability stat for the Prius in November. We'd like to have at least a partial result for the Insight as well, but this will require more participants.

Car reliability research

[louturks]

Come on Insight II owners, if you think you Insight is so good, sign up for it! Prius owners seem to have no problems signing up!

[jimwalker]

I signed up, I think the Insight II is a terrific car :0

[thinkbigt3]

signed up yesterday

[mkaresh]

Thanks, I appreciate it. 26 Insight owners now signed up. With 40 or more a full result in February (then updated every three months) would be almost certain.

Car reliability research

[ford_jj]

I 'll sign up now, great things.

[FNG]

signed up for it just now

[Moviemike]

I signed up the other day, and was wondering if "repair" applies to routine service such as oil changes, tire rotations, or spark plug replacement ....I assume not.

I very much like the mpg questions dealing with one's driving conditions (city, suburban, highway). I took a look at the Insight's mpg list with a focus on the driving conditions of those with the highest mpg. I made the interesting discovery that the top mpg are those who drive primarily (i.e. 90-100%) in either city or highway condition. No top mpg is reported for anyone who primarily drives suburban. Why would that be? Here are my thoughts.

1. The highway driver is a top mpg because higher tire pressures and smooth roads reduce rolling resistance. The least amount of gas is needed to maintain a given speed. The driver uses gravity in downgrades to accelerate and minimal and sensitive use of the gas pedal to obtain and maintain the most minimally practical highway speed in upgrades and all other driving conditions (see Jaynor196's video).

2. The city driver must be making making maximum use of the Insight's EV mode at speeds under 30 mph. Maximum and most effecient use of battery charging opportunities are used (because the battery capacity is relavtively low) to maximize opportunities to use EV mode. There is minimal use of the engine at speeds under about 15 mph (an unexpectedly low mpg driving condition).

3. The suburban driver must stop for traffic lights every 1,2, or 3 miles denying them the benefits of long runs of minimal gasoline use at a constant speed. Speeds vary from 35-50 mph minimizing opportunities for use of EV mode. These driving conditions create frequent opportunity for acceleration from 0-30+ mph, which seems to use (and require-due to traffic conditions) the most gasoline.