Yes, after months of deliberating, I'm pretty set on getting a Fit within a few months. If I drove more miles, the Insight would have been my choice.
General consensus is that Toyota's hybrid system is more advanced than the IMA, but I think all that really matters is the high fuel economy that both systems exhibit. Is Toyota's synergy hybrid system better than the IMA for low mileage? My comment was made in general... that hybrids (like all cars) need time to warm up to attain maximum fuel efficiency and that a "lack of exercise" shortens the life of the battery.
Have you visited the PriusChat forum? Their comments lean heavily in favor of the Prius and I don't find the same open-minded discussion about competing cars that I've found here, but they are a very good resource of information. Sometimes they announce local hybrid/Prius meetings, too, if you're interested in attending.
When the time comes, I'd like to hear which car you get and how you like it!
Interesting, alam99! Your reasoning makes a lot of sense. Can't argue with any of it.
Yep, I've been on PriusChat for the past month or so. You're right; the user comments there are very informative and do tend to be biased toward the Prius.
I shall indeed let you know what I end up doing, and I wish you the best of luck with your Fit!
It's different over here (UK) again. The Jazz (fit) is listed to have 379 litres boot space and the insight is 408 litres. Obviously something's configured differently.
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2010 Honda Insight ES 1.3 IMA (UK)
D'oh! Yeah, how the heck did I get to Senior Member status, as if I know beans about hybrids?
Nope, only 35 posts on the Prius forums so far! I've always been more of a Honda guy! Of the cars I've owned, only one (a '97 Saturn SL, which worked perfectly well for me and which I traded in after I paid it off for an '01 Accord) was not a Honda. ('90 Civic hatchback; two '95 Civic hatchbacks; '01 Accord DX VP; '03 CR-V; '06 CR-V)
Hah! That's a neat coincidence. How many miles have you put on it? How has it been mechanically--reliable? Have you had to put a lot of money into it?
Not many miles, only around 60K on it. It's been pretty reliable.... I've replaced the engine belt, tires, brakes, battery, and done routine maintenance on it. It is my first car which I bought new while in college. I've been happy with it and Saturn's no-pressure showroom was a relief after visiting the other dealerships.
Quote:
Mine was a five-speed. That was one reason I traded it for the automatic Accord. The main reason was, I always wanted an Accord!
Mine is an automatic with air and power locks!!!! but manual windows.
Besides the windows, I wished it wasn't so low to the ground and that the exterior isn't as dated. After 13 years, I am looking forward to a new car. Just think, power windows at last!
Hmmm, will you be breaking your tradition and getting a Toyota?... Stay tuned!
aaahhhhh, another saturn owner trading in for an insight ... i put my old '94 saturn SL2 out to pasture for my '11 LX I2 ... the saturn was a great car with a bulletproof motor but it was showing signs of age ... under 30mpg with $4 gas also was killing me ... BUT ... i couldn't be happier with my I2, gas mileage, fit and finish and after a year of driving i still enjoy getting behind the wheel and driving it just for fun
I got used to my Insight to the point where I don't enjoy driving non hybrid vehicles so much. However, since my car was involved in an accident, I'm forced to drive regular vehicles for the next few weeks. I cant wait until I get it back. I really miss the auto stop and the fact that the ICE doesn't run(use gas) all of the time. Regular vehicles seem so wasteful to me now. This is after driving an 8 cylinder Dodge Ram for 15+ years. I'm even seriously considering a PHEV or solar kit to extend EV mode and get even better MPG. This is something you can't do if you get a gas only vehicle. Just something to consider.
__________________ 2010 EX with DDM 4500k HID Low Beams; with relay harness. Honda Splash Guards. Honda Vent Visors. Honda Rear Bumper Applique. Honda All Weather Floor Mats and Cargo Tray. Honda Leather Steering Wheel Cover. Yokohama Avid Touring S 195 60 15 Tires. Insulated doors for road noise with Quick Roof. kjanracings window rattle fix. Oversized Amsoil EAO44 Oil Filter. Honda Accord Low Horn Upgrade.
I got used to my Insight to the point where I don't enjoy driving non hybrid vehicles so much. However, since my car was involved in an accident, I'm forced to drive regular vehicles for the next few weeks. I cant wait until I get it back. I really miss the auto stop and the fact that the ICE doesn't run(use gas) all of the time. Regular vehicles seem so wasteful to me now. This is after driving an 8 cylinder Dodge Ram for 15+ years. I'm even seriously considering a PHEV or solar kit to extend EV mode and get even better MPG. This is something you can't do if you get a gas only vehicle. Just something to consider.
I've been interested to see that a few of the Insight's efficiency savings have made it into non-hybrid models. The new european Civic hatchback (non-hybrid) includes stop-start on the manual transmission versions. It also has an econ button to alter throttle input and make the air-con run more efficiently. The 1.4 petrol version is slower to 60 than the Insight but it's highway mileage is supposedly almost as good (60mpg UK, 50mpg US). http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/honda/civic-2012/? http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/specs/de...v=MHONCCIV0200
There's a 1.6 diesel Civic out later this year. I'd guess that'll get 80-90mpg highway rating. Shame they'll come with a DPF so very likely to be unrealiable for repeated short journeys. There's some really clever stuff going on with that Civic. The front grille vents close to assist warmup, open at low speeds to help cooling and then close again at steady highway speeds to improve aerodynamics.
Bear in mind, these mpg figures are on the Euro cycle so very optimistic compared to EPA.
For reference the insight (with 16 inch alloys and paddle shifters) is rated at 60 (50 US) mpg urban, 61 (51 US) mpg combined, 63 (52 US) highway over here. The version with no paddle shifters and narrower tyres gets slightly better figures. EPA is more realistic for me. The best I've seen on a full tank is 53 (44 US) mpg and my lifetime average is 47 (39 US). IMO it's only possible to achieve the euro figures on longer journeys averaging below 62mph. My 15 minute, 9 mile each way commute only just lets the car warm up really.
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2010 Honda Insight ES 1.3 IMA (UK)
Not many miles, only around 60K on it. It's been pretty reliable.... I've replaced the engine belt, tires, brakes, battery, and done routine maintenance on it. It is my first car which I bought new while in college. I've been happy with it and Saturn's no-pressure showroom was a relief after visiting the other dealerships.
Mine is an automatic with air and power locks!!!! but manual windows.
Besides the windows, I wished it wasn't so low to the ground and that the exterior isn't as dated. After 13 years, I am looking forward to a new car. Just think, power windows at last!
Hmmm, will you be breaking your tradition and getting a Toyota?... Stay tuned!
Nice that your SL has been pretty reliable. All those sound like fairly normal things to have done to a car within 12 years of ownership. Manual windows, huh? Weird with AC and power locks! I can't recall, but I don't think my SL had power anything. That might have been another reason to upgrade to the Accord, which had power everything.
I still see some of my body-style SLs around, but you're right, it is a dated look. Everything about a new car is great! Hope the Fit fits you well!
For what it's worth, I am loving my experience in the hybrid. Being in a gas-only car feels so wasteful to me, but I bite my tongue when the urge to preach sackcloth and ashes rises up inside me.
I think it's a matter of frame of mind. I *like* saving fuel and using less of it. I also like making big road trips, so an electric-only car is off the table for me. I also like being able to have a little fun - or get on the freeway in Dallas without getting killed - and the EX paddle shifters give me that option. I wasn't at all considering an Insight without that option.
Your mileage may vary. I just helped my daughter buy a Toyota Yaris based on three criteria:
1. It's reliable.
2. It's cheap.
3. I had to co-sign, so I wanted her to have something reliable and cheap.
I'd love for her to be in a hybird, too, but her trade-in was worth only $100, soooooo... had to go with the Yaris 2-door basic trim. If she wants more car, she can pay her dues and get her credit score above water in a few years... but I digress.
Personally, I really really enjoy the hybrid experience. It is a much different way of driving, and I love it.
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Yeah, how the heck did I get to Senior Member status, as if I know beans about hybrids? 
