Quote:
Originally Posted by MetroMPG
Rick: right, I forgot about the "regular" Insight owners. I mistakenly assume that anyone interested in the vehicle is primarily after efficiency/low emissions.
Oh, and road debris will just hit my grille block.  The license plate will be incorporated into it. (Not yet fabricated, but on the list). |
I kinda did too -- it's not really a "performance machine", but some have taken another view. I'm just trying to imagine the sound of auto-stop and start with a performance exahaust
I know hybrids have more of a technical/modification discussion here, but there may be (dare I say) a market for technique talk here. There are so few 2nd Generation Insights on the road compared to the Priuses, that getting advice is not as frequent.
From what I understand, Honda built a break-in period for both the engine and IMA system to around 20K miles -- which is where most people start seeing great numbers. After my first oil change at 11K (I followed the onboard reminder, and was considered "on time"). So, I started getting around 55-60 MPG on the most recent tank, which is substantially higher than the 40's I usually get. I've really driven this tank carefully, so fingers-crossed that I can break 55 (I know "super hypermilers" can do that in their sleep, but I'm still learning when compared to driving an automatic gasser). We're taking our first road trip in it soon, so we'll see how it does on the Interstate (not so good generally).
About the road debris (that is so common with us for some reason) -- it was a heavy piece of solid plastic that could have triggered an airbag sensor if hit in the right spot (and would have destroyed a grille block, etc). The plate and holder "accordioned" similar to running into a parking garage post. When that orange object came at me, I actually ducked and braked thinking it would enter the cabin. The aerodynamics forced it up and over the car after the impact (thankfully).
-Rick