[wildstar]

I'm leaning heavily towards getting a used insight but I want to make sure I make the right decision. I need a high mpg car. My work commute has exploded to 400 miles a week, and my current car (Rx8) gets terrible mpg. I don't want to lose my RX8, so I want to get something used that gets great MPG and garage the 8 most of the time.

Questions:

Why is there a big change in epa listed mpg on the 2000 insight and the years after that?

Does the warranty transfer to a new owner?

What should I look (or look out for) in a used insight? There are a few year 2000 models for sale within 3 hours drive time.

Are there any major differences between the model years. I know CVT came into play at some point, but are there any real advantages or improvements?

Thanks for taking the time to read this,

Wildstar

 

[Rick Reece]

The insight has not really changed but my understanding is the manual transmission cars after 2000 lost mpg in the EPA ratings because more of them were equiped with AC.
The warranty does transfer as long as the insight you are buying had a warranty.
I would look at the condition, milage, and mpg. The ones with problems tend to have low lmpg values probably because they are not running right. Keep in mind a high speed driver may have low values too so you might take a test drive and see how you do. You also might want to consider newer models because the 2000's require new computers with a battery change. This may end up costing you some money later or perhaps not.
The CVT mpg is lower so if your reason for buying is to maximize fuel economy I would go with the manual.

Have fun, Rick

 

[jbrasure]

What a coincidence. I sold my RX-8 last summer to get an Insight. I save about $170 a month in gas, and I'm very happy with the switch. I do miss the RX-8, but love the Insight too, just for different reasons.

One thing to keep in mind: It will take you several years of driving the Insight before the gas savings will make up the cost of buying it (and paying for insurance on a 2nd vehicle). You might be better off just keeping the RX-8, and not buying the Insight.

 

[Insightful Trekker]

Hi wildstar and welcome to the forum.

This is a question that is asked frequently. As with such a complex question (is the Insight right for _me_:?: ) each individuals answer can be different. I'd spend some time reviewing the posts in this section of the forums for similar threads. Maybe in reading answers to others questions you might find something that you've not even thought to ask yet.

Here's one that links many:

What to look for when buying used?
http://www.insightcentral.net/forum/vie ... php?t=3814

HTH!

 

[wildstar]

Thanks for the input. I'll go check out those links.

I'm certain the Insight is the right car. The question is can I keep my RX8 too...

Financially (from a fuel cost standpoint) its a no brainer. I'm paying somewhere in the neighboorhood of $400 a month in gas. With an insight I'd be paying somewhere around $130.

I just need to factor in the cost of car payment and repairs.... The average used 2000 insight goes for somewhere between $8K to $10K. So the only really unpredictable variable is going to be repairs.

I'll go read those suggested links and see if I can come up with better questions.


Thanks again,

Wildstar

 

[Dougie]

Insurance is the real issue when you have multiple cars. I don't understand why they don't give a bigger multi-car discount, since you can only drive one at a time...

 

[Dancer]

Insurance is the real issue when you have multiple cars. I don't understand why they don't give a bigger multi-car discount, since you can only drive one at a time...

Because you *can* wreak more than one before they can cancel your policy.