[rnizlek]

While I'm only 17, I've decided that the Insight is the car for me, due to it's technology and enviromental benefits. In the next few months I'll be in the market for an Insight, and I've saved enough money so that I can afford one - on lease. In two years I'll be off at college and will not be in need of a car, so leasing is the easiest option for me. Has anyone here heard of Insights being leased or leased an Insight?

I'm worried that this might not be able to be done, which means that I'll have to adjust my careful financial planning and hope that I will be able to afford one with financing.

 

[james]

I'm no expert, but I think leasing companies will lease darned near anything. However, if you're planning on leasing a new Insight, I'd suggest thinking again, for two reasons.

First, if you read the boards here, there are threads relating stories about ordering a new Insight from a dealer, and waiting several months for delivery. That's a big chunk out of your two year time frame.

Second, remember that the leasing company is expecting to make a profit from whatever deal they make with you. Since the market price for used Insights seems relatively low, that means they charge you more for the two year lease, in order to come out ahead.

I think you would be far better off simply buying a used Insight yourself, then selling in two years - at which time, if current trends hold, they might be in high demand 'cause of the $4/gallon gas prices

 

[Guillermo]

I agree,
your best option is to buy a used Insight.

 

[Motty82]

And I third that suggestion... I was 20 when I bought my first car (Insight) and decided the best deal/least hit to my wallet would be to purchase a used. On another note, if you buy a used vehicle, you can say even more prominently that you recycle for the good of the environment.
~Martin
Recycled
2000 5 Spd

 

[Rick]

If you do find you your thinking of buying get me the vin first, I usually have a carfax account going somewhere and I could run you one free. Also, look the car over well before you buy it. If it's been in a crash the repairs will likely be obvious. Check for vin tags on the inside of the fenders and front and rear bumpers primarily. If you really want I can tall you some 15 or so locations where the vin number should be. You may have to travel for it, but you should be able to find a good used one somewhere. Start looking on the auto trader online and search within a few hundred miles of your area and see whats available.

 

[rnizlek]

Thanks for the advice. It seems that a used Insight is the way to go, especially since I'll be able to put a fairly substantial down payment on the car. I don't think I'll be able to find a used Insight around here though (Connecticut) as it seems most of them are sold out on the West Coast, though I could be wrong - I've just never seen one advertised for sale. In that case I probably would consider going the route of eBay Motors or something of the sort, though I'm sure it's pretty expensive to get a car shipped long distances.

 

[bfivelover]

Thanks for the advice. It seems that a used Insight is the way to go, especially since I'll be able to put a fairly substantial down payment on the car. I don't think I'll be able to find a used Insight around here though (Connecticut) as it seems most of them are sold out on the West Coast, though I could be wrong - I've just never seen one advertised for sale. In that case I probably would consider going the route of eBay Motors or something of the sort, though I'm sure it's pretty expensive to get a car shipped long distances.

I don't know where you are in Conn, but I just did a search at autotrader.com for within 100 miles of Hartford, and there are 6 Insights. There are also 5 on Ebay(where I bought mine) right now, though the closest is in NC. To have my Insight shipped from Ft. Worth, TX to Martinsburg, WV was about $800. I flew down for a fraction of that and drove the car back. Buy the car, then if it's to much to have it shipped, fly, take the train, a bus, whatever, and drive the car back. If you qualify, peoplefirst.com is a great way to finance.

 

[james]

They may be a little harder to find east of the Rockies, but on the upside, they seem to be quite a bit cheaper. I second what Bill says: if you do find one on the west side of the country, then pack a sleeping bag, fly out, and take the scenic route home

 

[Will M]

Ironically, when I looked for a used Insight, I discovered that most of them are former leased vehicles. The problem is that people who lease cars rarely take care of them as if they owned them. I refused to buy a leased car after spending $100 to have them hold it for me until I drove several hundred miles to view it. It looked fine with only 12,000 miles on it, but all tread wear was on the front (so the tires had not been rotated) and the Owner's Manual had no entries for service. The oil level was good, but it was a bit thick and dark. Likely, it had never been changed.

So, I ordered a new one and waited 3 months. It was worth it for me. You can make your own choice.