Yes! The Auto Idle Stop works! I just have to remember to keep it in neutral while stopped.
The engine starts right back up when it's shifted into gear, even with the clutch pressed in.
About nine or ten years ago, when I worked at a Toyota dealership, I got to test drive a Prius. I remember it using the motor at lower speeds when pulling out of the shop, and seamlessly starting and engaging the engine for accelerating into traffic. This Insight seems more...rudimentary. Unless I'm mistaken, it doesn't use the motor alone, but only for assisting the engine. (yeah, I know- it's also used for charging the pack and starting the engine, but I'm talking about actually propelling the car.)
Please correct me if I'm wrong.
The Battery Level Indicator only had four or five bars when I left the house this morning. By the time I got to work (about 35 miles) it was six or seven from the top. Is this normal?
Hopefully at lunch time I can get the hood latch released and see if I can wrench on those strut towers. They're awfully rattle-y.