[RedDevil]

On InsightCentral.net there are specialists and regular owners alike that have successfully repaired Gen 1 packs by replacing cells. But generally the cells in a pack age at the same rate, so putting new cells in throws it off balance which kills other cells at an accelerated rate.

On Gen 2 cells there is very little of the sort, as they simply don't fail; not even on 2009 Insights. OTOH, the 2009 Civic Hybrid has the same pack woes as the Gen 1 Insight and few still have their original battery, so it isn't age related. Somehow the 2nd gen Insight tends its battery much better.

So, if batteries are your worry steer well away from the Civic and buy an Insight.
Just be prepared to replace the 12V battery at the first sign of trouble. Rule of thumb: Once you had to jump it, dump it. At least they are cheap.
(my warranty replacement 12V battery wasn't much better than the original, but soldiers on in its 4th year. I think of adding a small PV panel to balance/top it off)