2010 insight - soon-to-be owner

banyan · 05-14-2010, 02:04 AM

I did a test drive an EX with navi and was quite satisfied with it. one question for those 2010 insight owners in NORCAL, is how the car performs in uphill driving. I live in San Jose CA and was wondering how it will drive up to Santa Cruz or Lake Tahoe? should I be concerned?

CraigCA · 05-14-2010, 09:15 AM

Someone with more knowlege than me will probably jump in here but there is a way to force the battery to charge before climbing a hill so you don't end up in the slow lane.

**Keen4Green** · 05-14-2010, 10:33 AM

I don't know how So Cal mountains compare a drive from SJ to SC or Lake Tahoe but I feel the I2 has plenty of power to handle uphill climbs. If the hill is particularly steep (and not too long) I switch into "S" mode and use the paddle shifters. This boosts my rpm and prevents a long line of cars getting pissed off behind me.

Here is a link I remembered from member Liberalguy that should provide you some info. He talks about his experience driving his I2 to Lake Tahoe. drove it HARD in MOUNTAINS

banyan · 05-14-2010, 01:23 PM

the tahoe trip is quite convincing based on my expectations. Now, between an EX and EX with Nav, is it worth getting the Nav? what negotiated price do I expect for either model?

CraigCA · 05-14-2010, 01:28 PM

I didn't get the Nav because my iPhone does all of that, and the dealer installed hands-free bluetooth phone thingy so I'm covered.

**Keen4Green** · 05-14-2010, 01:29 PM

As for the nav, you'll get lots of opinions. I got the nav but I haven't had any car w/ nav before so it's relative new technology to me. I don't use it for regular work commutes but it is invaluable for unfamiliar road trips and finding gas stations and checking accurate prices along my route. It brings up the phone number and I can call the station (rather than relying on inaccurate pricing on various websites). It's not the most up to date nav unit and it gripes me that it doesn't have traffic info. It all depends on what you'll use it for. You might opt for the regular radio unit and then getting a different nav head unit or stand alone nav, which many do. There are better nav units out there, IMO.

I don't know what the price difference is for EX vs. Ex w/ navi but if you search online car pricing and ask the dealer you can easily find out what they are charging you retail vs. what they pay for it.

**Keen4Green** · 05-14-2010, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CraigCA

I didn't get the Nav because my iPhone does all of that, and the dealer installed hands-free bluetooth phone thingy so I'm covered.

Craig, which iphone nav app do you use?

CraigCA · 05-14-2010, 01:34 PM

I use the built in one. It doesn't speak turn by turn so you have to read the directions, but it's perfectly accurate, and it'll do much more than that. It's a great app.

I was on my way from Studio City and needed gas near downtown. I typed in gas and it told me which exit and how to get there. Love that feature.

**Keen4Green** · 05-14-2010, 01:41 PM

My iphone has no built in nav app. Are you referring to the google-based "Maps" application? I just recently purchased Tom Tom for iPhone for $39.99 and it's the best nav app I've seen for the iphone.

Banyan, if you have an iphone or other device you might look into that as a possibility if you don't want to go for the Honda nav unit.

CraigCA · 05-14-2010, 02:26 PM

Yeah, the maps app. The built in traffic is spot-on.