[Polipe]

Hi. I am revising this question because I think I may have sent out the wrong message last time.

I am choosing between a 2001 Insight and a new Insight. A Honda salesperson told me that the 2005/06 models are better than earlier model years but he didn't how how or why.

Is the 2006 an upgrade from the 2001? If so, how much better is it?

Thanks.

 

[Fred]

As long as gasoline keeps going up it would be reasonable of you to expect that the cost of a new or used Insight will be going up to.

The used one you're looking at appears to have "Low Milage" on it, a new one will it seems cost you about twice as much, so the question for you is, how long do you want to wait before you start saving on daily driving costs?

Let your wallet/pocketbook be your guide.

Fred

 

[Billy]

Hi Polipe; the 2006 model is not any "better" than a 2001, they are the same. The newer ones have beige upholstery rather than black/gray, 4 speakers instead of 2, CD rather than cassette, and possibly a minor computer/ecm update. But it's the same car and no better or worse.

If $$ is not too big an issue, obviously the 2006 is desirable due to value and very low miles. Also, are we talking about manual or CVT? The manual, of course, is FAR ahead in terms of MPG because of the lean burn capability.....

 

[florida_gators]

And (from what I've heard), the 2001s do have holes and wires installed for the extra 2 speakers that would go behind the seats (just no speakers). You will want to replace the speakers anyway if they are factory (very poor quality), so the 4 speakers in the new Insights are a bit deceiving as a "benefit." It is nothing you can't have in the 2001.

 

[jbrasure]

I believe the 2006 models have more advanced battery management when compared to the 2001. I'm not sure of the specifics, but I think upgrade occured in the 2004 year model. Can any Insight experts verify that?

 

[ethicalpaul]

As long as gasoline keeps going up it would be reasonable of you to expect that the cost of a new or used Insight will be going up to.

I keep hearing this. Waiting for evidence. I doubt anybody's Insight will ever increase in value, especially when the time value of money is computed. But keep wishing!

 

[Fred]

... I keep hearing this. Waiting for evidence. I doubt anybody's Insight will ever increase in value, especially when the time value of money is computed. But keep wishing!

With the thought that gasoline is essentially now at $3 per gallon retail across the nation, and with the thought that in one of the other forums here it was recently reported that Honda sales are UP four (4%) percent YTD and of this, Insight sales are UP some forty one (41%) percent, can there be any doubt as to which way the sallling price for a used Insight in decent condition will go?

Fred

 

[ethicalpaul]

Well I have no doubt that the price for a used Insight will go down each year it is older, just like it does for all cars, no matter what mileage they get.

Using Insight sales as any kind of data is highly suspect, because we all know that Honda did not in any serious way actively promote the sale of them, like for instance, building enough of them to see what the market would bear, or actually having them on display on dealers' lots, or maybe even having a <gasp> commercial for them!

 

[Lee]

(Differences in year models, not depreciating value of Insight’s)

This is speculation on my part but the cargo mat I have was manufactures in ’00 and it is form fitting around the edge except for at the child seat top anchor. The anchor is mounted to the rear wall below the hatch on the right side. The fact that the mat dose not have a cut out for the anchor makes me think it was added after ’00 (but I do not know when it was added).

Of course there is no disarm switch for the passenger side air bag (not that I would trust my child’s life to a switch) so hauling infants in the Insight dose not seam like a good idea.

 

[jmbakerak]

Well I have no doubt that the price for a used Insight will go down each year it is older, just like it does for all cars, no matter what mileage they get.

Incorrect, there are some cars that appreciate in value. In 1972 I paid $1700 for my first car. In 1981 I sold in for $6000, the current owner assesses it's value at around $50,000. So ALL cars do not lose their value.... in case you're wondering it was a 1966 Shelby GT350.

 

[ethicalpaul]

Well, you haven't corrected for the value of the dollar today vs. 1970, also, if you had invested that $1700 in a typical index fund, you'd have way more than $50,000 today, but otherwise, yes, you are right, the shelby is worth more in dollars today than it was then. I stand corrected.

:roll:

 

[Polipe]

Thanks

Thanks for the information on the 2001-06 comparison. I will buy the 2001 rather than a new one.

 

[Insightful Trekker]

Hi Polipe and welcome to the forum :!:

I hope you've also reviewed a couple of the other recent posts in here regarding a used vs. new purchase and the considerations needed for the IMA batteries.

IMO that's the biggest "difference".

HTH!

 

[Polipe]

Thanks for the welcome. I am very happy to join this band of do-gooders and penny pinchers.

I will review the prior battery-related posts. This car has a new battery with a five-year warranty. My only remaining concern about this Insight is that it sits for 3-4 months a a time in the desert without use, including 3 of the 6 months since it got its new battery. I'll check the prior posts.

 

[TXHondaFan]

The resale price of an Insight might not go up, but in my case, the value has held steady. I paid $14,500 for a 2001 model with 10K miles on it in March of 2005. I now have almost 50K miles on it, and I've seen that year model with that mileage on cars.com for approximately what I paid.

 

[ethicalpaul]

That might be more a sign of a good deal on the purchase end. 10K miles?!!? That thing was cherry!

But anyway, I do of course hope that all of our cars hold or gain value and I want to apologize for making that rolling eyes graphic, that was uncalled for.