I tried to buy an Insight when I first read about them, and my local dealer's first reaction was "Sorry they're all pre-sold". I called a few dealers and the same story. So I just forgot about it. Then suddenly the dealer ran an ad that he had 7 available, and the next morning I bought a Silver one with AC. MY impressions have been that acceleration in 1,2,3, is really impressive for the engine size, and 4th and 5th aren't designed for New England. My mileage so far has been in the mid 30's, so mileage has been a big disappointment.
I couldn't sleep too well last night thinking that maybe the car's mileage claims was all EPA smoke and mirrors, so it is a relief to hear that someone got 66 mpg.
I really bought the car because I am so impressed with the technology. I paid list price for mine (was that a mistake- or inevitable from what you have heard?) and the only negotiation was insisting that I get a copy of all of the Service Department's Service Manuals since I like to keep that for all of my cars. (Has anyone been able to see how extensive the collection of service manuals is?)
I really bought the car because I am so impressed with the technology. I paid list price for mine (was that a mistake- or inevitable from what you have heard?) and the only negotiation was insisting that I get a copy of all of the Service Department's Service Manuals since I like to keep that for all of my cars. (Has anyone been able to see how extensive the collection of service manuals is?)
I'd like to stay actively connected with others that buy the Insight, and hope that you can suggest the best places to post this email.
[See the Insight Mailing List info on my Data page and check out the Insight Registry at Insight Central—InsightMan]
Also, incidentally my first test drive was during a slushy snow-rain day, and the car handled very badly in the heavy slush so I inquired about snow tires and wheels, all mounted up. The dealer wanted $330. PER WHEEL and $100. each for studded Hakipolita snows, so I passed on it. He stated that they don't have steel wheels for it but I called around anyway, and ordered a set of 4 mounted snows and steel rims from a company in the Midwest at 1-414-628-1716. He said he can get steel wheels that will fit. Hope they do fit when he arrives, has anyone confirmed that steel wheels from the Honda line will fit?
Your comment about the boring ride and slowing you down really hit home. Both my wife and my 8 year old applauded my purchase of the Insight, both stating that it is slow enough to keep me out of trouble.
[Actually, my wife was complaining about driving at speeds below 60 mph and being passed by every other vehicle on the expressway—InsightMan]
We had snow last night, and live on a hill, and my wife came home complaining about how it hunted around going up the hill, being so light it couldn't penetrate the snow, and she was really tense about that. (She is used to a heavy Toyota 4 WD Land Cruiser) I woke up at 2:30 am this morning and was deeply troubled about the complaints she had, though I had ordered a set of mounted studded snow tires for it already.
I ordered 165-65R-14 with steel wheels all mounted studded from a company in the midwest at telephone 1-414-628-1716. He quoted me $509. (which included the UPS cost to NH) or slightly less depending on if he buys the wheels from the local Honda dealer or from the Tire Rack. He seemed to know what he was talking about when he said that Honda has steel wheels from another model that would fit. I didn't go with the original equipment cast alloy wheels because the dealer wanted $330. per individual wheel alone. The tires are considered the best for snow and ice, called Hakipolita 01, from Sweden. He will ask which kind of stud you want, one for mostly around town, or for mostly highway, with the difference being $4. per tire for the better studs. I just have to hope he knows what he's doing with the wheels and that they will fit the Insight when the arrive.
On the technical manuals, the Helm manuals that you can buy in the book are available, but I figured that more was available to the dealer service department than the consumer, so I asked for a copy of their stuff as part of the purchase on the Insight. I'm going to pick it up this afternoon. They described it as a notebook about 4" thick, with 22 different sections in it. Rumor is also that there are 3 video training aids for the dealer's mechanics, and they cost the dealer $150. each according to the Honda salesperson.
Jim (New Hampshire)
hotgrips @cyberportal.net
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