Is This G1 Insight A Good Deal?

[Sethodine]

Surfing craigslist for cars is one of my hobbies, and today I ran across this 2000 G1 Honda Insight. I know there are one or two folks around here who have experience with these cars, so I was wondering what you guys think? I'm still looking forward to getting my Elio, but this might be a better "in the mean time" car than my '96 Rav4.

A quick google search reveals that fixing battery problems isn't terribly difficult on these cars, and 200k miles is considered "just broken in". What y'all think?

 

[wizard of ahs]

Works for me

DIY Solutions to Honda Hybrid Battery Problems (Insight, Civic, IMA) - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com

Sounds like it could be a good value !

 

[Maurtis]

Nice, looks to be in great shape for just $1,000. If you are good with a wrench and voltmeter looks like it could make a great commuter. Along with fixing/replacing the battery pack, after sitting for 5 years you are going to want to flush all the fluids including the brakes and gas, replace belts, hoses, tires (probably flat spotted and dry rotted), and remember to put some oil in each cylinder before trying to turn the motor over.

 

[W. WIllie]

I am a devoted Insighter since 2001. My LRR has been through hell and back and it will never depart me even after I get my ELIO.
Depending what is wrong with the "Won't Start" it is a super buy. There have been a few problems with a "Sheered pin in the camshaft".
I don't remember it being advertised on ICN. InsightCentral.Net

HTH
WIllie

 

[Hotscoots]

I was surprised to read today that the Honda Insight is the " least wanted " car in America, taking an average of 232 days to move from the Honda showrooms . Hard to imagine a model that sells only 21 units in an entire year!

Cars Americans Don’t Want to Buy

 

[W. WIllie]

That is the G2 Insight, Not the G1 INSIGHT. They didn't sell because they were in too much competition with other brands of HYBRID.
AND NO ADVERTISEING.

 

[Hotscoots]

That is the G2 Insight, Not the G1 INSIGHT. They didn't sell because they were in too much competition with other brands of HYBRID.
AND NO ADVERTISEING.

Yes , the model year referred to in the article is 2015 . From March 2014 - March 2015 21 Honda Insights were sold in the USA . Ouch

 

[Coss]

It kind of looks like a Prius

 

[Marshall]

That is the G2 Insight, Not the G1 INSIGHT. They didn't sell because they were in too much competition with other brands of HYBRID.
AND NO ADVERTISEING.

Perhaps I misread it, but it appears that the sales might be low because they were selling old model year cars for new car pricing. It's much like my local Ford dealership trying to sell me a 2015 a couple of weeks ago. It's about to be 2 years behind the current model year and even if discounted, certainly well above blue book. If the entire line was dated, then that could be an explanation.

 

[TCBronson]

It kind of looks like a Prius

I agree and can't help but wonder what Honda was thinking!