How do you think an Insight would do on my commute?

1578 Views 7 Replies 7 Participants Last post by 3509, Jul 7, 2004

C. Alan

Discussion Starter · Jul 1, 2004

I live in tehachapi, California, and I work in Bakersfield California. My commute is only about 50 miles each way, but over that 50 miles, there is a 3,500 feet elevation change over the Tehachapi pass. I am sure the insight would do fine on the trip from tehachapi to Bakersfield, but I was wondering how well it would do from bakersfield to tehachapi? There are several sections of the road that are 3 to 5 miles of 5% grade. I currently commute in a V-6 Chevy S-10, and I have to drop it into 4 to climb the grades. I would like to be able to climb these grades at least at 55 mph.

If I do buy an Insight, it will more than likely be used, and I imagine the condition of the battery will be an issue that will determine how well the car climbs the grade. I am conserned that I will have to deal with the battery cutting out half way up the hill, and I have to finish the climb on the gas engine alone. How well does it climb hills on the gas engine?

Thanks,
C. Alan

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RickM

· #6 · Jul 3, 2004

I travel weekly from Upstate NY to lower WV. It is 500 miles with many climbs like you describe.
As you were told you can climb these hills different ways, but the point is you can climb them with no problem. The little 1 litre has no troube no matter what you ask it to do. It never overheats or looses power.
The trick is to get good mileage.
I have 70.2 lifetime and slowly climbing, it is a challange to still have a little battery when you get to the top of some hills, but all it takes is a little practice, each hill is different.
You won't regret buying an Insight.
Good luck,
Rick M

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