Buying a used 2010 Insight LX, need advice

[elguapo]

HI all,
First time posting. I need some advice. I need to buy a second car (right now we have only my wife's outback) for my commute to work (9 miles city drive) and the occasional trip to the beach (100 miles one way). My budget is around 15,000 and I am looking to save some money in gas by buying a hybrid. I am looking at two 2010 insight LX
1) 50K miles on it but is honda certified and cost $14,500
2) 29k miles on it but is NOT honda certified $14,990 (maybe able to go down to $14,500).

Are these good prices?
Which one is a better deal?
Should I go for an EX model (around $2,000 more)
Thanks for your help, love the forum.

[caedward]

Option #2 seems like an especially good deal - just wondering why the price is way under the $17,250 retail that NADA suggests? I'd run a CarFax just to be on the safe side. Hopefully it's not been in an accident.

[gilbertguy]

Be careful that #2 is not a salvage title, I saw one online not to long ago in LA that was about that price but if you read the discription carefully it was a salvage title. Now with that said you can get some great deals but there is no warranty (including the IMA battery). Also you have to worry about rattles, repair workmenship, ect.

[elguapo]

Thanks for the quick reply
Carfax of #2 shows no accident or salvage. However, the car was a rental and it has been on sale for a year (sitting in the lot).

Carfax of #1 shows no accident or salvage and it has been on sale since october. Carfax shows the battery was recently checked (january) and is honda pre-own certified.

What is the warranty on the batteries for the insight?

thanks

[gilbertguy]

Originally Posted by elguapo

What is the warranty on the batteries for the insight?

thanks

Ah, that's where things get a little fuzzy! Most states it is 10yr/100K miles but some of the really hot states like where I live in AZ it is 8yr/100K miles. If you live in a hot state you will have to ask your local dealer.

If you think about it post your location on your signiture block so others can see where you are at.

As long as both of these cars are well under the warranty and there is no salvage title I wouldn't worry to much about the batteries. For #2 if it has really been sitting for a year that battery might charge and seem okay at first but it is going to be toast pretty soon. Again not a big deal as long as under warranty. Even #1 if it has been sitting for 3 months might have issues within 6 months downt the road but again not a big deal if under battery warranty.

[mrkcohen]

Just my two cents.

I drive a hybrid because I average somewhat north of 30,000 miles/year on the car. If I had a 9 mile commute I would probably pass on a hybrid as the fuel savings compared to a non hybrid compact car would be negligible, while taking on the possibility of expensive battery/IMA repairs in the future.

For $15,000 you could get yourself into a brand new Focus, Yaris or Accent and get 35+ miles/gal in any of them.

Best of luck which ever way you go.....

[runtohel121]

^I probably agree with that. Driving only 9 miles for commute isn't much and the Insight isn't a true hybrid either. Meaning you can't just use electricity during acceleration and low speed driving such as the Prius. But then, it really depends on what you're using and how you control the throttle.

[elguapo]

Thanks again for the replies to my post.
I live in florida (hot weather)
Yes, for just the work commute it will only save me 10 -15 dollars a month compare to other compact cars (civic and ford focus), but I hope to use it more for in city driving (groceries) and weekend trips with the family.
beach = 90 to 125 miles (one way)
major cities (Orlando, tampa and Jax) 90 to 125 miles.
But you are right, maybe a non-hybrid compact will be ok, I just wanted to be able to do more weekend trips without going broke.

Thanks again for your inputs.

Our other car is my wife's 2009 outback (that we love). Too bad that used subarus are expensive, difficult to find with low milage and not good mpg.

[samwichse]

Between the two, I'd take the higher-mileage one that had never been a rental at the same price.

People truly do abuse rentals.

[firsthonda]

I'd get the EX because the LX in 2010 has no cruise or traction control. If you go with the 2011, the LX, IMO is fine.