2000 Honda Insight

Hatchback

1.0L 3 Cylinder Gas/Electric Hybrid

Manual

JHMZE135XYT005284

Clear

Front Wheel Drive

Gasoline

Power Windows

You are bidding on a 2000 Honda 1st generation Insight. First and straight up is full disclosure on the battery condition. I am the second owner and just got it in November 2010. It did get a new battery around 2005 (I will update this after I look up the carfax as I don't quite remember right now). However, it was only used about one year after that and then sat until I bought it last year. NiMH batteries don't do well without cycling so the battery has deteriorated and will likely need replaced. It does run now with the current battery and does pretty well considering. It does better if it is run daily. If it is not run daily then the IMA will not charge; it seems more of an electrical system issue than a battery issue to me. But if you run to the store, let's say, then restart it then it will charge and you will see normal battery cycling operations. I have put over 5600 miles on it in this condition. Conceivably you could continue to run it as is. However, it would be advisable to look into a reconditioned or new battery. I am retired and have the time to work on it. However, although I can work on cars I do not particularly enjoy it. Since I do not need two cars, nor do I need to drive daily, I am looking into getting rid of the Insight. Remember that I said it should be run daily and that's just not my current need. But it is a fun car to drive. Also, note that the mileage will be increasing as I will continue to drive it until and if sold. Overall, other than the battery issue, it's in pretty good shape for 181,721 miles plus. It has hood wounds from being on the road and a few other minor dings. It has new tires (about 5000 miles on them), new 12V starter, wiper blades, air filter, oil change and I had the clutch slave cylinder overhauled to stop a leak. As it had sat for a few years it was quite a mess (looked like it had been parked under a tree). But I've cleaned it up pretty well. I picked up some 0-20W oil and filters on sale that will go with it. It has a lifetime 49.8 mpg and I've been getting between 53 and 58. My overall best is 65 mpg on a round trip from here to Dayton, OH. It was over 68 mpg until I got to Wheeling and by the time I was back to Morgantown it was 65. Actually, Morgantown is another reason to think about getting rid of the car. We are truly nestled in the hills here (close together and steep) with little flat land for cruising. It's not going to get the best mileage in these conditions. The majority of its life before me was in Charleston, WV which has similar driving conditions. I'm not sure but I think it was used as a company car. It was donated and I bought it at auction. There are two other smaller issues besides the battery. First is the tear on the drivers seat. I've seen this before on other older Insights. The seat back wings stick out just a little too much and tear after a time due to multiple entries and exits. Another issue that older Insights have is with the synchronizer in the transmission. You'll notice this as a grind or clunk when downshifting from 3rd to 2nd. Most people live with it as double clutching with an engine rev in between works to get a smooth shift. With all this rambling on and on I must say that I truly do like the car and find it a joy to drive. Terms: Cash or Paypal. No shipping. I'll work with you to arrange a handover but it'll have to be convenient to me. I think ebay gives me 4 pictures. You can send a message and I'll send more via email.