Used Honda Insight Concerns

[ExAFO 0]

Ok, the Mustang is about to die. I am a poor law student, and need to conserve $ as much as possible, but I need transportation to class and IL to OK a few times a year.

I saw a use Honda Insight on sale, but I have serious concerns regarding the battery life. I don't want to buy something that turns into a turd after a few years because of worn-out NiMh batteries.

Is it true that it'd be about $10,000 to replace the battery pack after it dropped dead, thereby rendering any savings on fuel moot?

Thx.

P.S. "Boobs." (I had to ensure something in this post was contraversial.)

Illinois needs a CCW Law. NOW.

[billvon 3,119]

>I saw a use Honda Insight on sale, but I have serious concerns
>regarding the battery life. I don't want to buy something that turns into a
>turd after a few years because of worn-out NiMh batteries.

Well:

1) As of Nov 2005, Honda has had to replace less than 10 batteries from their entire hybrid fleet (Insight, Civic, Accord.)

2) The Insight is a weak hybrid. In other words, it's like a regular car; the traction battery/electric motor provides some "boost" and helps you slow down via regen braking. If the battery loses 75% of its capacity, the car still drives, although acceleration may suffer. If it fails completely, there's a backup system that will still start the car (although you will get a trouble light.)

3) Battery is covered for 8 years/100,000 miles. When it does fail, replacement cost for the entire battery is estimated at under $3000. (InsightCentral estimates it will cost $1226.75 to replace just the cells, which are what wears out.)

[Gawain 0]

How many miles were on the Insight, and how many years remain for you to be the "starving student"?

The Honda hybrids, unlike their Toyota cousins are more like a "regular" car, by design allowing to not have to rely solely on the batteries in any given situation.

If it looks like that the batteries may be an issue within the time of your "starving student" status (whether it's a real fear, or perceived one), you should look at these alternative traditional vehicles:

--Honda Civic (including the Civic Si, but only for model years': 2002-2005 Hatchback styles)
--Honda Accord four-cylinder coupes or sedans, any year
--Toyota Corolla
--Toyota Matrix (base styles, no XRS trim)
--Toyota Echo
--Toyota Celica (base styles only)
--Toyota Camry four-cylinder sedan or Solaris Coupe, any year

All of the above, in good running shape, will give you well over 30MPG Hwy if driven "nicely". I had a an old Civic Si that used to return 28+MPG at speeds averaging over 75MPH.

Of the bunch, I'd try to find an Accord, lots of space, bullet-proof reliability, and great gas mileage (whether in Manual or automatic tranny).

So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh
Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright
'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life
Make light!

[Samurai136 0]

My 1995 Honda Del Sol Si still gets nearly 40mpg hwy and 25-30mpg driving around town.

For the cost of Bill's hybrid battery replacement, you can find a used honda that's just as good.

Or... Or... a new Hybrid will set you back 22K - 32k, depending on the model. Buy a 2006 VW Jetta TDI (diesel) for under 21k and get the same mileage.

"Buttons aren't toys." - Trillian
Ken