This is a good review. And don't be so offended when someone gives something critical of the Insight. You'll start sounding like those goofy people over at the Prius forums that get offended when your critical of the 2010 model.
I merely asked for some clarifications, not condemnations...
Wow!! 72MPG in a car that he/she hates!!!! remarkable
I thought your reply was curteous. All you did was point out your views, and even suggested the op's car may have an alignment or suspension issue which could exaggerate a few of his dislikes about the car.
If your prevoius car was an Audi A4, then the Insight 2 will dissappoint you, except for the gas mileage. I had a V6 Accord prior to the Insight, and basically the Insight doesn't stack up with regards to interior, ride, handling, acceleration. But, I bought the Insight for different reasons and although the car has several areas for improvement, I am satified with it through 6000 miles.
I definately agree with you on the plastic interior, however, I do think it is put together with quality. The materials used could be better.
The A4 FAR exceeds the Insight is most categories, handling, performance, etc.. It also starts at 31K, has more than double HP and torque of the Insight. It is an upscale mid size car. The insight 2 is a sub compact. So, you definately went down a few steps on the car ladder.
The insight is a car with barely 100 HP and tires that are a little larger than a donut. It doesn't weigh that much (even) with the extra weight of the battery. So, ALL cars will perform (acceleration, handlingm etc.) better than it, maybe some exception here and there.
If you leased, you can terminate early and maybe get a car you don't hate.
If your prevoius car was an Audi A4, then the Insight 2 will dissappoint you, except for the gas mileage. I had a V6 Accord prior to the Insight, and basically the Insight doesn't stack up with regards to interior, ride, handling, acceleration. But, I bought the Insight for different reasons and although the car has several areas for improvement, I am satified with it through 6000 miles.
I definately agree with you on the plastic interior, however, I do think it is put together with quality. The materials used could be better.
The A4 FAR exceeds the Insight is most categories, handling, performance, etc.. It also starts at 31K, has more than double HP and torque of the Insight. It is an upscale mid size car. The insight 2 is a sub compact. So, you definately went down a few steps on the car ladder.
The insight is a car with barely 100 HP and tires that are a little larger than a donut. It doesn't weigh that much (even) with the extra weight of the battery. So, ALL cars will perform (acceleration, handlingm etc.) better than it, maybe some exception here and there.
If you leased, you can terminate early and maybe get a car you don't hate.
Just wait till the VW origins take over his A4.
That being said, I have owned and plan on again owning a Corvette Z06, along with my Insight. The Insight, for me, is for driving great distances at minimal cost, I find it has an acceptable level of comfort for its current use. (40 mile commutes)
I had a 2005 E320 which was very comfortable (with exception to NOT having any lumbar support for my lower back), but the maintenance on that car was RIDICULOUS. (and I did my own work. )
I just want to state to the original poster... there is a difference between poor build quality and what you are describing. There is also a difference between poor quality materials and lower cost/weight materials.
Keep in mind the Insight is a $15,000 car (a fit) that you are paying $20k+ for the hybrid technology. THAT said, I would expect an Audi to have much heavier high-end materials because 1: You are paying for them. 2: Weight/fuel savings is not an issue.
I would expect the insight to have thin light materials because it is a hybrid. I have yet to see an economy hybrid built any other way... mainly for light weight-mpg. In terms of the materials on the interior, in all honestly, that should have been perfectly clear by looking at it before buying. Also, you don't get power AND high MPG by buying a hybrid.The test drive should have revealed that.
I did enjoy your review but after reading it is hard for me to believe that you really own an Insight. The only explanation is that you bought a lemon with severe suspension and engine problems. 72 mpg is pure bs unless you count a 1/2 mile trip coasting down a hill. As for the wiper, noise, and high speed stability issues, you should see you service department. When I first got my Insight, I drove 80 mph everyday for my 35 mile hwy commute and the car was very stable and quiet. Since then I drive 70 mph on the same commute and get 10 more mpg and only sacrificing about 5-8 minutes longer drive. I agree that the interior is a bit cheap but all Asian cars use cheap materials in some areas. My wife has a $50k Infiniti and although most of the interior is plush, there are some cheap plastics used as well. Also the rear doors and handles are super light weight and seem flimsy. Nobody has better interiors then the German auto makers. I have owned 3 Audis 1 BMW and a VW and all were extremely well made interiors. As for the rest of the car, that is another issue.
The interior in my base model Tacoma is much nicer to look at and touch than the interior in my Insight. How does this make me feel?
I'm mad at Toyota for wasting MY money on that useless expensive interior. I don't need it and I didn't want to pay for it but I had no choice (as long as I got a Tacoma, sure I could have gone with the Ford ranger without carpet but it was MORE expensive ).
I've said it before and I'll say it again... Thank you Honda for finally making an affordable hybrid and not putting in a bunch of crap that I don't need or want.
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Ok I'll shorten the list :
Current Vehicles:
2010 Insight
2007 Fit Sport MANUAL
2010 Honda NT700V Deauville
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