What are some concerns I should have when buying a used Honda Insight?

stevieeatworld · 01-03-2013, 11:08 AM

Hey guys, First time poster and buyer here! I just had a few questions before i make my jump into Hybrid land! I have always been a fan of Hybrids and more recently The Toyota Prius. But following some research I have come to realize that when it comes down to bang for the $$, The Insight seems like the better all around choice! I just have a few question that I'm hoping some of you might be able to help answer. I have Recently been searching the used lots for something and have actually found something, Just not sure on how to proceed when buying a used Insight

Questions:

1. What are some concerns when buying a used hybrid?
2 What are some key questions I should ask the dealer?
3. Is it even worth it to buy used or should i just try and go new? (trying to save as much money as possible)
Thanks in advance!

and the actual specs of the insight i am looking at are as follows; 2010 Honda Insight w/138,856 KM (86,370 Miles?) for $13,454 CDN

coasterdevils30 · 01-03-2013, 01:41 PM

I just purcahsed a used insight just 2 weeks ago. I see that you live in Canada so I'm not sure of the exact differences but my process was actually really quick. The car was listed for sale at a fairly large Honda dealership and they had the carfax w/ all the records of the vehicle online so I was able to verify it was accident free, the mileage, maintenace records and everything prior to purchase. The biggest issue for me was the warranty/battery. I know in the US, the hybrid system has the 8 yr/80k mile warranty so you'll want to verify all that. Mileage seems a little high on the one you're looking at but I don't really know if that's that big of an issue. Honestly if you're looking at going new instead of used, you may want to look into the Toyota hybrids. The insight isnt all that much cheaper compared to those.

I live in Florida and the '10 LX w/ 9600 miles ended up being USD $14,400 after dealer fee but before all tax/title. It was between this and a new prius C and this was a good $5,000 cheaper which sealed the deal.

antartis · 01-03-2013, 05:13 PM

Most hybrids have more than the average 'per year miles driven' on them. Moer the mileage more the wear and tear on the vehicle. I'd look for something with lower miles or atleast inspect the vehicle (or have a third party inspection done) if considering a high mileage hybrid.

Used vs New depends on a lot of things. Used or New, is resale value important to you? The Prius retains its value much better than the Insight but that is the very same reason you can get a low mileage Insight for a much better price.

In my case, I planned on keeping my hybrid for a long time and resale wasnt very important for me, so I went with a low mileage Insight and also purchased a bumper to bumper warranty for 7yrs/120K. When I was shopping, I also looked at the Prius but the Prii were much more expensive for the same features.

If buying an Insight, remember, you hold the upper hand. Insights (in most areas) dont have a lot of demand and therefore the dealer may be willing to considerably reduce the price just to get it off the lot. If checking online, check the posted date on the advertisement, the more time has passed, the likelier you are to get a better deal.

The 2010 you are looking at has a lot of miles for a 2010 model. Not sure which City you are in but I think you can get a much lower mileage Insight for around the same price. Also not sure if you are looking at an LX or EX or EX w/ Navigation. Also, a certified Insight will cost more than non-certified. And remember, the extended warranty price can be negotiated on as well. Make sure the extended warranty covers the hybrid battery.

Good Luck.

The reason why I bought an Insight -
1. More bang for the buck than the Prius.
2. I like Hondas over Toyota
3. I like the handling of the Insight better than the Prius

**freezin4** · 01-03-2013, 05:34 PM

Conversely, beware of the LOW-MILEAGE hybrid. The battery may not have been exercised as per owner's manual recomendation (at least 30 minutes monthly). So if you are looking at a super low mile Insight, ask about prior owner driving habits, if available.

Consider the Camry Hybrid. Our trouble-free 2007 model has 112k miles now. It's more comfortable than the Prius, but not as versatile with lack of hatch.

You may have already learned that the major advantage of the Toyota Hybrids with their Hybrid Sinergy Drive (HSD) is that they have an all electric mode. This system lends itself better to future PHEV mods! The Honda IMA system is much simpler, and has the advantage of being able to be switched (at least on the Gen 1; Cobb, this is where you will jump in to help me out

from full IMA mode to Gas-only mode in case the battery deteriorates many years from now.

Also, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a fine car. It has a Lithium battery and can do 60 mph in all-electric mode. Wayne Gerdes drove one from San Diego to Geogia coast on two tanks of gas, averaging 60 MPGs.

Either way, good luck.

stevieeatworld · 01-05-2013, 06:08 PM

Hey Guys, thanks for all the advice. I'm now looking at a different insight at a different dealership. It has 68,000 km and is covered under the Honda Warranty that covers it for another 3 years or another 100,000 km. the one issue we had with it was the color (blue) but the more I look at it, the more i don't mind it. I'm Hoping at closing at $15,000. taxes/fees in.. ill keep you posted

RMasters · 01-06-2013, 08:20 AM

Good luck with your purchase. I was unable to finish the 'deal' I was working on, hope it works out for your.

And regarding the color: You are sitting inside, why care about the color? As long as the interior is not burgundy ....

Greetings!

Zwolfe · 01-06-2013, 11:43 AM

Important recommendation:

Look around for dead bodies. You don't want to buy a used car with a dead body inside it.

**freezin4** · 01-06-2013, 12:12 PM

Nah, all that hoopla over dead bodies in the trunk is overrated.

@stevie: What year is the other one you are looking at now? I am trying to get a feel for the prices.

stevieeatworld · 01-06-2013, 12:41 PM

2010 Honda Insight LX

Price: $15,996
Mileage: 68,912 km

8SEC6SPD · 01-10-2013, 12:48 AM

stevie,

i just put a deposit on a 2010 with 57ooo kms. i am in windsor.

how long is the factory Honda warranty good for. i am buying mine from another dealer, not a honda dealer.

more importantly how long are the batteries typically good for?

is there a style of driving that is better for the health of the battery(s) ?

i know cars, but not this hybrid stuff, lol!!!