[rwarn17588]

A carhunter has found a 2000 Insight and a 2001 model for me. I'm getting all the details tomorrow. But this leads me to a question:

-- What essentially is the difference between the two model years?

-- Did the 2000s have a problem I need to be aware of that was corrected with the 2001?

-- Are the 2001 batteries, catalytic convertors, etc., lasting longer?

I've always avoided first-generation cars because of bugs. Was it any worse for the Insight?

 

[Berk]

I've got a 2000, and the #^[email protected]$*+ thing won't start when it's cool outside.
I don't think this is typical, but it sure would contribute to me not wanting another 2000.
Best of luck with your hunt. If you can get one that'll go, they can't be beat for fun driving, fuel efficiency, and feel of ownership. Let us all know how it works out for you. Happy trails...and, don't forget to buy gas each month. - Berk

 

[redgiki]

Check the VIN

The 2000's had several recalls. The only three I can recall offhand are the driver's side "auto-down" on the window, and, if I recall correctly, the EGR valve and the car's computer needed adjusting to handle starting in extreme cold.

Various other parts have gone bad for other Insights. Given the warranties involved, I'd say go for the newer if the price is roughly equivalent.

Oh, the other major difference was that none of the 2000's had factory-installed air conditioning. They started installing AC in the factory for the 2001's. The manual 2000's were also the only model to be EPA rated at 70 MPG (though many with 2001, 2002, and 2003 models are easily beating that figure)...

 

[Rick]

Some 2000's had bugs, it seems the false O2 CEL is one of the worst ones. I'd go with the 02 if there isn't much of a price difference. As far as the "recalls" redgiki said, they are actually Tech Service Bullitens, not recalls. The only recalls on the 00 and 01's as well, both have a ECU recall, which will bring the software to that of the newer cars in the process appraently fixing some bugs. The only recall limited to the 2000 model year cars was a DC/DC converter recall which was limited to a small range of serial numbers.

The other mentioned things, window regulator and EGR valve are TSB's that apply to all years of Insight unfortunately.

And almost correct, most 2000 insights did not have factory air, but some of them did have factory air. You can tell by the VIN, it starts JHMZE13 then 5 or 7, 5 is no ac 7 is factory ac. If the dealer installed air is done correctly you should have no problems with it. I have dealer installed air, it works just fine.

And the other unfortunate thing I've come across with some 2000 owners is some have had pretty bad battery problems. Check the Yahoo groups, Drew in particular seems to have had the worst luck to the point where the car would recalibrate several times while he was driving. After having a lawyer pulled in to the mix they finally replaced pretty much his whole magic box and got it working like new again. But, this trend seems to be moving to some 01's and even 02's now, mainly in hot weather. Having driven a 00, 01 and my 02 I think there were some decent software changes from 01 to 02. But the ECU recall does get you almost to how a 02 or later is. I've been told there is a 04 flash too, so they may be even more different.

 

[Sparky5501]

Don't forget the '01 had the parking brake handle recall. Something with the way the button was designed would cause the parking brake to release on it's own. I had mine replaced. It think it's VIN number dependent.

If you register your vehicle with Honda's "Owner Link" then you should be able to see if your car has had it's recalls done or not.

If I were to choose I'd go with the '01 model.

 

[Rick]

Thankyou, I knew I was missing one.

Actually I might mention, I have a friend who's parents has a 01 Insight that they had been delaying getting the ECM recall done on until they finally got a letter from Honda saying they risk voiding warranty etc so they finally took it in. They were told the ECM they got has the 04 flash on it, so if thats true if the previous owner of either car neglected to have the recall done you might be better off getting it done now.