[rwarn17588]

I'm shopping for a used Honda Insight, probably a 2000 or 2001 model with low miles (less than 30K). Is an extended warranty a good idea for an Insight, or is it reliable enough that it's not needed?

If it is needed, is there a good Web site that sells extended warranties?

 

[Yves M.]

Hi,

Extented warrenty is a good question. When I bought my Insight in 2000 I thought that it was useless since Honda has a good reputation and they gave a very good 8 years warrenty on the hybrid parts.

Now, almost 4 years after,, I am half and half. It could be usefull but knowing that there are still charges and some things are going to be called "maintenance/wear items" issues, I would still bet on not buying it.

It is flip of a coin. For sure the warrenty people makes money out of it so most people will loose money out of it.

Yves.

 

[Tim Maddux]

We got HondaCare on our Insight in 2000. I wish I hadn't - the list of things it doesn't cover is pretty much a list of things you typically need to repair on a car.

 

[Rick]

I got the Hondacare 6 year 100K mile one for my car. The way I was looking at it if I need one major repair it makes me money on the deal. An ABS modulator is over a grand, battery pack should it go between 80 and 100 thousand is 3 grand. I know of 3 Insight's locally that have needed engines before 100K. Well it was enough to scare me in to it. Mainly it's the price of parts that made my decision. And it also does cover the window run channels and regulators, which is something that does and will need replaced eventually. A new run channel and regulator installed alone is a few hundred bucks.

 

[Willie Williford]

Rick;
Extended warranty is a good idea if you have to use it. A waste of money if you don't. (Bottom line)
What was the reason for the engine replacements? Any verification of the replacements via VIN number? Is this something that you have seen, or is it just a "rumor" by a mechanic who doesn't like to work on the INSIGHT?
Does your dads shop have the ability to do a "smog" reading? Can't get anyone here to do a check without notifying DMV.
Getting anxious for another "run"! Did you drop the idea of a gathering?

 

[Rick]

The three I've heard of: One was at the dealership I use, the shop foreman himself did the engine swap I guess because he is the only one that had the Insight training. This was verified by some of the other customer service people. I mentioned it to the parts manager I know and he said that they ordered the engine for the car, extended warranty covered it luckily, but their matenience records were all jiffy lube reciepts so that probalby says a lot itself.

The other two Clayton told me about were done at Honda service of Mesa. He talked to the service manager about it, one was at 90,000 the other at 80,000 I think. I don't know much more of details on those, but I have no reason to doubt it.

And yes, my dads shop has the ability to emissions test. I keep telling them one day when it's dead we're gonna throw my car on the dyno and see what really comes out, but business has been too good lately. I guess I need to figure out how to use the machine and one sunday I can get real readings.

As far as the gathering the idea's still sort of lingering, but I just wanna drive and have fun, not really so in to incorporating it with all the environmental stuf that others suggested.


I might also mention, my main reason for the extended warranty. Cooked batteries don't tend to last here. I've heard of a few of those dying before 100K.

 

[Willie Williford]

I agree with you on the "cause" run. I'm ready for another trip but right now, all we got in (socal) is rain and cold.
I'm still curious about the problems on the engine replacements.
When you get ready for an emissions test, let me know and I'll "run over" and maybe we can do a comparison test.
I checked with a "Battery Specialist Shop" and was told they build battery packs. If and when mine gives up, my engineer partner (he built the EFI controller for the turbocharger) wants to take a look at it and see if he can repair it.
As long as it keeps produceing 13.8 volts I'll be happy. 97,000 miles and no indication the IMA battery is weakening....... :twisted:

 

[cakley]

I've only used my extened warranty once. EGR valve replaced. I had to pay the 50.00 deductable yet I got a 150.00 part installed.

As soon as I get around to it-- the auto down switch, and I need the engine trouble shoot for "lack of ability to stay in lean burn" "slight jerking while in lean burn.

I got the 6 year 100k Honda Care. So far I've got 55k and 3 years left :!: :!: Which is nice to know since I'm buying another house. I can afford a 50.00 deductable but not an expensive repair bill.

For me the extended warranty is good. Yet on my Jetta TDI because its a solid engine that simple to work on I passed the extended warranty for it

 

[Guillermo]

I bought my 2000 Insight used last year and it came with extended warranty (thank you previous owner). I had all the previous maintenance records all done at a Honda dealer. No repairs were ever done on the car besides maintenance.
It now has almost 65,000 km now. That's not a lot of mileage but I race my insight!
I've taken it on a race track a few times and I auto slalom race the car on a regular basis. The only expenses i've had to make is regular maintenance, buying new tires and replacing the 12V battery with a civic battery because it's a 4 year year old car.

I could buy an extention to my extended warranty but i'm not going to do that.

 

[Rick]

I wouldn't get too vocal about you racing your car. They specifically state that any racing voids the warranty (at least in the Hondacare book).

 

[Sparky5501]

They specifically state that any racing voids the warranty (at least in the Hondacare book).

That's why I waited the three years 36,000 miles before making suspension mods to my Insight for performance driving exercises. Now that my regular warranty is officialy over and very well used, I can start doing all of the mods I've been thinking about. :wink:

I think you would have to find out what Honda defines as "racing" to make sure you haven't voided the warranty.

 

[Rick]

Haha, so true. I wouldn't think that it would be too much of an issue unless abuse was very evident. Still, I could see them using it as a reason to not have to do the work if they found out.

 

[Guillermo]

My extended warranty will run out in a few months.
When that happens I will get a custom made roll cage installed in my Insight.

 

[Resist]

Who gives the best deals on a Honda backed extended warranty?

 

[Rick]

http://www.curryhondacare.com/

Got mine from them. Start it and get to the page where you submit your email address and then go check your email. They will have sent you a discount code for like another $90 off. I got mine through them.