Insight in Australia

JoelRayCorn · 12-12-2012, 01:01 AM

Hi All!

I have recently purchased a 2012 Honda Insight VTI-L in Australia.

I am very happy with the car, except for one thing.

It seems that I can find almost no accessories such as dashmats for the Insight in Right Hand Drive. I have searched and searched, I've owned the car for a month or so now, and am still yet to locate someone, anyone, in the world, who manufactures right hand drive dashmats for Honda Insight 2012.

Anyone got any advice? Anything would be appreciated.

Joel

procupine14 · 12-12-2012, 11:47 AM

Welcome!

I would say that you may have to wait it out a bit. Unfortunately, it might just be a slow progression from manufacturers since you have a 2012.

I'm just speculating though.

Sorry I can't be more help.

JoelRayCorn · 12-12-2012, 05:13 PM

Thanks for the idea... Unfortunately I think my problem runs deeper than that. There are only 400 or less Insight 2012 in Australia, and all the manufacturers here (or any right hand drive country I look at), have dashmats for Civic, Odessey, Jazz (Fit), etc... but no Insight. Its like it will not even be on their lists. It's not just the 2012 model, because I'm pretty sure that the Insight 2nd Gen has been on sale in Australia since 2009/2010, but there are none of those models either - it's as if the Insight doesn't exist here!!

I hope someone might be able to help.

I have managed to source custom made floor mats from Singapore (they are Right Hand Drive), but that company did not have dashmats.

Cheers,
Joel

egads · 12-13-2012, 12:32 PM

Why not just forget the "dashmats" altogether? I have never quite understood them. Why does a dashboard need a little rug? It looks like a doily on Grandma's favorite chair. Is it glare on the windshield? I have sent several cars to the junkyard with well over 200k with perfect dash plastic. I think it's an idea who's time has passed. For one thing, most modern windshields (the Insight for sure) have heat & UV rejecting glass. Old padded dashboards did crack & split, but that just isn't a problem now.

Cobb · 12-13-2012, 01:30 PM

Id check ebay and then message a left hand driver seller for a right hand drive one. Shouldnt be too hard to make.

Willie Williford · 12-13-2012, 01:44 PM

Have you tried this:
Autostyle Individually Tailored Car Mats
HTH
Willie
I know, they don't make dash mats, but maybe they can redirect you.

gilbertguy · 12-13-2012, 02:40 PM

I think it is just a volume issue, the dash mat companies are not going to invest their time, money and resources into a car that they consider to be low volume. Money talks and unfortunatly they probably don't see a return on their investment for it. Probably have to work with someone local for a custom mat of somekind.

procupine14 · 12-13-2012, 02:45 PM

It's like the Insight is the only (relatively) inexpensive, low volume hybrid in the world.

Willie Williford · 12-13-2012, 04:15 PM

Easiest solution, go to the upholstery shop.
See if they can make one for you.

Willie

JoelRayCorn · 12-13-2012, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by egads

Why not just forget the "dashmats" altogether? I have never quite understood them. Why does a dashboard need a little rug? It looks like a doily on Grandma's favorite chair. Is it glare on the windshield? I have sent several cars to the junkyard with well over 200k with perfect dash plastic. I think it's an idea who's time has passed. For one thing, most modern windshields (the Insight for sure) have heat & UV rejecting glass. Old padded dashboards did crack & split, but that just isn't a problem now.

You have a point, but I am concerned about the weather here in Australia - sometimes it will be 40-45 C (104-113 F) for several days in a row (or even higher) and the sun is a killer - you get burnt in 15 seconds in the sun. I have to leave my car out in the sun all day when I work, so it worries me a little. Cheers... Joel