Discussion
I've recently taking a liking to these. They are pig ugly, and the dash appears to represent a mid-80's arcade machine but some amazing technology which was around long before Toyota jumped on the bandwagon with the Pious.
As a tool for commuting, do you think the use of an Insight would be an interesting proposition, a talking point and an antidote to the regular grey diesel Eurobox or would I just look like some wannabe enviromentalist green hippy?
I know they are pretty rare, do we have any Insight drivers on PH?
As a tool for commuting, do you think the use of an Insight would be an interesting proposition, a talking point and an antidote to the regular grey diesel Eurobox or would I just look like some wannabe enviromentalist green hippy?
I know they are pretty rare, do we have any Insight drivers on PH?
I have one. I really enjoy driving it too. Handling is actually quite good when pushed. My eldest daughter plays the Cello and the boot swallows that with no problem too (which is more than can be said for our A4 Avant!). With only two seats there are obvious limitations but it is an interesting and enjoyable car to own and drive IMO. Oh and the MPG is great!
Merlot said:
Mr Gear said:
Excuse my ignorance, but were these ever available as a manual? Or will the CRZ be the first manual hybrid?
UK Cars appeared to be manual...Merlot said:
I've recently taking a liking to these. They are pig ugly, and the dash appears to represent a mid-80's arcade machine but some amazing technology which was around long before Toyota jumped on the bandwagon with the Pious.
As a tool for commuting, do you think the use of an Insight would be an interesting proposition, a talking point and an antidote to the regular grey diesel Eurobox or would I just look like some wannabe enviromentalist green hippy?
I know they are pretty rare, do we have any Insight drivers on PH?
You might wanna check your facts on that. Jesus, even someone who likes hybrids is speaking rubbish about the Prous, ph is contagious.As a tool for commuting, do you think the use of an Insight would be an interesting proposition, a talking point and an antidote to the regular grey diesel Eurobox or would I just look like some wannabe enviromentalist green hippy?
I know they are pretty rare, do we have any Insight drivers on PH?
I really like 'em. I think they even look kinda good in black.
XitUp said:
Merlot said:
I've recently taking a liking to these. They are pig ugly, and the dash appears to represent a mid-80's arcade machine but some amazing technology which was around long before Toyota jumped on the bandwagon with the Pious.
As a tool for commuting, do you think the use of an Insight would be an interesting proposition, a talking point and an antidote to the regular grey diesel Eurobox or would I just look like some wannabe enviromentalist green hippy?
I know they are pretty rare, do we have any Insight drivers on PH?
You might wanna check your facts on that. Jesus, even someone who likes hybrids is speaking rubbish about the Prous, ph is contagious.As a tool for commuting, do you think the use of an Insight would be an interesting proposition, a talking point and an antidote to the regular grey diesel Eurobox or would I just look like some wannabe enviromentalist green hippy?
I know they are pretty rare, do we have any Insight drivers on PH?
I really like 'em. I think they even look kinda good in black.
XitUp said:
You might wanna check your facts on that. Jesus, even someone who likes hybrids is speaking rubbish about the Prous, ph is contagious.
I really like 'em. I think they even look kinda good in black.
Sorry! I know nothing about hybrids. Never been interested in them in the slightest until very recently. I really like 'em. I think they even look kinda good in black.
Do these suffer from problems with the battery pack failing? I've read that Honda has warrented them to 157k miles, but presumably this is USA only. Can't imagine it would be cheap to replace.
What are general running costs and servicing like?
Seem a nice idea, but if the technology goes wrong I can see the running costs spiralling making it cheaper to buy a small diesel car to begin with
What are general running costs and servicing like?
Seem a nice idea, but if the technology goes wrong I can see the running costs spiralling making it cheaper to buy a small diesel car to begin with
If I remember correctly, the Insight is designed so an individual cell of the battery failing just causes a slight drop in battery capacity, so if a few cells die you still have 95% capacity.
From what I've read, they are about as reliable as you'd expect a Honda of that age to be, which is to say pretty good.
From what I've read, they are about as reliable as you'd expect a Honda of that age to be, which is to say pretty good.
Ive got one of these on a 51 plate.
Its done 147k now and people are always amazed when I say that as its worn pretty well. Battery pack is still fine, although I do get the odd recal as the whole pack isnt really balanced well by the car so it probably wants a off the grid top up (aftermarket/DIY) mod. What else can you expect from what is essentially a 120 D cell maglite in the back though with a NiMH technology that is famed for its self discharge.
Get looks everywhere you go and drive up behind people in carparks without them realising you are there. Decent enough to hussle down the lanes, but the EPAS gives next to no feel so you have to learn just how keen a car this light changes direction. Shame the OEM tyres are no longer available, super low rolling resistance and about 1kg less per tyre than a typical tyre of the same size. Just get ready for alot more people to drive like cocks in your vicinity. 0-60 appears slow but 1st is long so the midrange (if you drop it) can be quite impressive for a 1.0 3 banger.
Will sit at 75mph doing 75mpg drop to 60mph and you will see sustained 100mpg.
No road tax
Minimal tyre and brake wear
5 Litres of oil will be enough for TWO oil changes, although it is 0W20.
Its our house's second car but essentially we have the running costs of a 1.5 car household. When I can claim 40p a mile for business mileage on my own company I actually end up making money as the cost per mile in fuel is less than the 8p per mile (21%) corporation tax saving.
Edited by JonnyVTEC on Monday 22 February 00:21
if you dont mind the colour (personally i think it suits the car) there is a 2001 insight on ebay with relatively low mileage
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2001-HONDA-INSIGHT-Hybrid-Ta...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2001-HONDA-INSIGHT-Hybrid-Ta...
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