Wayne,
My daughter is driving and more carefully (I hope). She is fine, thanks.
I took the Prius out for an extended test drive today (about 80 miles). What is really neat is the gas motor shuts off whenever it isn't needed, provided the battery has a good charge. The air conditioning is electric and it is VERY innovative. I got 58 mpg driving easy, my Insight would have been in the high 60's (cvt).
What isn't neet is there seems to be no or minnimal regenerative braking and the motor charges the batteries at odd times. After spending 15,000 miles in the Insight in less than 3 months I liked the seat better than the Toyota. The Prius rides better but the Insight FEELS better. The instrimation is way too silly and there is a flat screen to control a lot of things - you HAVE to look at it touchy feely doesn't work. It is in the middle of the console. If the law doesn't want you to talk on your handheld while driving they should take one of these for a ride.
And you thought your Insight was noisy. This motor sounds like a heavy lawn mower IN the dash.
I really wanted another Insight (5-speed), but I don't buy used (I hate to trust other people with my things) and I don't want to pay $20,000+ for a car I bought three months ago for less than $14,000. The Toyota people are jerks and the Honda people are great. I hate giving money to idiots.
As far as insurance goes, they had a really hard time coming up with a value for the car. In this state they have to give you actual cash value, they get it from sales in your area of like vehicles. Our county has few people and no Insights. They came back with a value of $15,690. I told them that I felt it was $2,000. too low and would like to go to arbitration. They (and I) don't want that so they are going to give me another offer.
Never take the first offer.
Still looking for a five speed Insight before commiting to the Toy.
I did have them order me one it won't be in til Feb. I don't have to take it they love getting messed with. ( Contrary to what the dealers tell you they have to return the depost if you decide not to buy).
Thanks for letting me rant,
Rick