Honda Civic for new car?

[UltArc]

Originally Posted by Baltothewolf

What kind of mpg does it get without the battery? And do you think it could power up a 6% grade for 2 miles? Because I have to do that on a daily basis... You have now sparked my interest knowing that you can just rip the battery out when it goes out until I can find a new one... Also, I looked about 20 mins ago and couldn't find any of them for under 6k. All the ones I found are 7.5-9k...

Also, I want to make a point, I would be perfectly happy to see 40MPG (with whatever car I do get) so anything over that is just pawsome.

The Integrated Motor Assist works different from the Toyota/Ford system that uses battery power to move it. The Honda system is integrated into the motor to assist.

So in a Prius of Fusion, one can use the all electric system to drive.
In a G1 Insight, one uses the 3 cylinder engine: unless they want more power, and then they get Assist from an Integrated Motor

No power is weak on hills, but it should not have an affect on highway AT ALL, but city it will affect. No stop start, no boost (IMA helping on take off), less get up and go torque. Even the people who do the engine swaps for the Insights (for racing/autocross) seem to see 40+.

[Baltothewolf]

Originally Posted by UltArc

The Integrated Motor Assist works different from the Toyota/Ford system that uses battery power to move it. The Honda system is integrated into the motor to assist.

So in a Prius of Fusion, one can use the all electric system to drive.
In a G1 Insight, one uses the 3 cylinder engine: unless they want more power, and then they get Assist from an Integrated Motor

No power is weak on hills, but it should not have an affect on highway AT ALL, but city it will affect. No stop start, no boost (IMA helping on take off), less get up and go torque. Even the people who do the engine swaps for the Insights (for racing/autocross) seem to see 40+.

Oh wow... So is 6k for one with 130k miles worth it? I might be able to talk the guy down to 5k but even if I can't, is 6k worth it?

[UltArc]

My friend bought her GORGEOUS 2005 w/130k for 5.5k. It looked fantastic, new brakes and rear shocks, premium sound in it. Everything together and a good battery. I'll be honest, I was a little jelly. I found 4 that are .5k under your goal for initial price, and 5 at or below the price of that Civic. Keep in mind, autotrader prices are inflated by at least 10%. Sometimes they are almost 2 times higher.

Look for Insights at dealers. They usually have no clue what is there, and the resources to get underneath, read codes, so on. It depends on worth it.

A red sun beat 2000 with mix matched panels, not stock and worn tires, not even rims, missing underbody panels, bad battery, and throwing codes- not really.

A 2006 in Midnight with brand new RE92s, everything there and attached, no issues- a lot more.

[UltArc]

I am not saying don't get a Civic! The Insight is just so overbuilt, and a great car if one has a matching lifestyle (it's only a two seater, can get stares because of the look, regardless of what some may say-it is not a sports car).

I just want to make sure you keep this included with your search. The utility is surprising in it. I have hauled lumber and lots of building materials in it. It hasn't beaten my Mustang in utility, but I now use an Insight as my workhorse and commuter.

[Baltothewolf]

Originally Posted by UltArc

I am not saying don't get a Civic! The Insight is just so overbuilt, and a great car if one has a matching lifestyle (it's only a two seater, can get stares because of the look, regardless of what some may say-it is not a sports car).

I just want to make sure you keep this included with your search. The utility is surprising in it. I have hauled lumber and lots of building materials in it. It hasn't beaten my Mustang in utility, but I now use an Insight as my workhorse and commuter.

Yea but I don't think I will ever have a need for more then another seat, and if I do, someone can go in the trunk. I called the guy and he said that the tranny only has 40k miles on it, he has ALL the service records for it, every oil change, transmission service, EVERYTHING. He put in an aftermarket stereo, did something with spraying the headlights with a special material so they will never "yellow" out again, and the list goes on and on. I also got him to come down to $5,200... I honestly think I want to pull the trigger on this... It's extremely nice...

So for 300$ more, I can get car that will get almost double the mpg, nicer looks (I love the way the insight looks tbh) well taken care of, and already has cruise control, rpm gauge and an aftermarket stereo eliminating about 1-1.2k work I was gonna have to do on the civic...

[UltArc]

It sounds nice.

I move slower. I do a LOT of research and work to figure out what I want, and how I want it. I don't go to look at something unless I want it, and I have a set price. I bring x dollars that I am willing to spend. I examine, and make my mental price. My offer is a balance of what work I need to do, and the value. I can wiggle depending on the situation, but I don't go to look if I am not willing to walk away. I'll drive 3 states or take a plane just to turn around and walk away- which is why I do it so rarely! lol

[Baltothewolf]

Originally Posted by UltArc

It sounds nice.

I move slower. I do a LOT of research and work to figure out what I want, and how I want it. I don't go to look at something unless I want it, and I have a set price. I bring x dollars that I am willing to spend. I examine, and make my mental price. My offer is a balance of what work I need to do, and the value. I can wiggle depending on the situation, but I don't go to look if I am not willing to walk away. I'll drive 3 states or take a plane just to turn around and walk away- which is why I do it so rarely! lol

I don't have that luxury though, I have to go back to work next Tuesday (13th), and I'm 200$ in debt with my parents as it is. I just need a car that the community I trust (this one) when it comes to reliable, good mpg cars says is good...

[UltArc]

I think that Civics and especially Echos exceed at cheap and cheerful, with their utility level.

Where the Insight fails at interior space, seating, excessive power, it makes up for in design and technology.

But other than the XL1, nothing compares to the G1 Insight. All things being equal, solo/two people, and just driving, the Insight is top dog.

[Baltothewolf]

Originally Posted by UltArc

I think that Civics and especially Echos exceed at cheap and cheerful, with their utility level.

Where the Insight fails at interior space, seating, excessive power, it makes up for in design and technology.

But other than the XL1, nothing compares to the G1 Insight. All things being equal, solo/two people, and just driving, the Insight is top dog.

See that's the thing. The way my life is right now, that's all I need, is something that fits 1 person that is 5'7 and weights 135lbs (me) and maybe another person about the same height/weight. If I want more utility like carrying 3-4 people, 'power' or interior space I have my 91 Mustang (5.0). It's not up and running right yet but within the next 3-6 months it will be. And again, I don't need it, or even want it at this point.

Oh also, I got my camry up and running again, it runs extremely well, it just took 6 hours of some bending, hammering and pulling to get the trunk to close and back right tail light to be working again. So again, i have another 'utlility' car so to speak.

[UltArc]

I hope others chime in- I don't want to be the sole person saying go G1!

I chimed in so it wouldn't be forgotten, but as you more so describe your personal situation, it seems like it is the way to go. Hope all goes well, and you do have IC.N for a resource. I use it for learning and guides, but prefer the community here.