[mpg_numbers_guy]

I'm back home on Thanksgiving break for the week and looking into purchasing an Insight for what I can sell my Civic for.

I have 3 options:

- Silver 2000 w/ 252K miles, $3100 (might take $2600 if no one offers higher). Engine replaced, transmission fixed, strong IMA (6yrs), literally everything fixed or replaced within the last 60K miles.

- Silver 2000 w/ 150K miles, $3500 (might take $3100). Mint condition but original parts, decent IMA (6yrs).

- Red 2000 w/ 78K miles, $2850 obo. Mint condition exterior and interior, small engine oil leak, unknown IMA condition, no maintenance records (so would have to inspect it for all the common issues). No 3rd-2nd downshift grind. AC doesn't work (but I wasn't planning on ever using AC). CEL and maintenance lights on; not sure what for yet (have to ask the seller). Could be cats and O2 sensors...would deleting the cat if it was bad hurt MPG if I overrode the CEL? Also, would a dirty EGR plate cause a CEL? How complicated is that for a mechanics noob to clean?

Planning on bypassing IMA anyway eventually when it dies (since I don't drive consistently enough to keep an IMA battery healthy) so IMA quality isn't key except for negotiation. All the Insights come with Bridgestone Potenzas.

Red one seems the best deal, although it seems to have the most potential for issues down the road. What is the most common cause for an Insight engine oil leak, and how easy is it to repair? I know some cars require and engine rebuild, and some are simple (my Civic had a tiny one due to a missing plug. $10 later and leak free).

Owner of the red one just bought it 2 months ago and claims he needs money for Christmas. Previous owner owned it for 15 years since 2003 (would be interested in talking to him if at all possible).

Thoughts?