New Gen2 Insight owner

[MetroMPG]

Hope you'll keep us posted when you get the car.

I'll be honest: I find the Toyota hybrid system more engaging to drive (EV mode plus better neutral engine-off coasting makes for better results when used properly), but I also enjoy driving the Civic whenever I get the chance.

[dmt257]

From everything I've read the Toyota does appear to be thought of as the better hybrid car. But my choice was one of value.

For an equivalent model I was looking at paying $4800 more for the Prius Don't mind paying the extra, but I want my money's worth.

For the Prius money I could also have had the CT200h from Lexus which I think I would also have preferred tbh.

[Cobb]

Just want to ad that a low or bad starter battery can hinder mpg with the performance of the ima assist given. It can take 10 thousand miles or an oil change before you start to see mpg start to take off and dirty oil can also cause lower mpg.

[RedDevil]

True, I too have had my 12V battery exchanged, under warranty.
Another reason to buy a scangauge or ultragauge or other OBD2 monitoring tool and make the battery voltage one of the shown parameters.
(other useful parameters are engine temperature and air intake temperature - necessary to check whether you've blocked your grill by too much, or too little )

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by dmt257

From everything I've read the Toyota does appear to be thought of as the better hybrid car. But my choice was one of value.

Can't argue with that. And especially with the announcement of the Insight's cancellation, there are likely good deals to be found.

[dmt257]

Thanks for all the replies guys. I've taken all comments on board

Taking delivery tomorrow afternoon and so first things to do are:

- Test 12v battery
- Inflate tyres to max psi
- drive as per my norm (basic eco driving techniques- will study more on this) and add in the throttle blip engine off coasting
- Take for a good drive!

Initially that's all I think I can do. Will investigate HID'S as legality appears to be somewhat suspect. The car has been serviced by Honda last week (purchased from a dealership) so it's maintenance is fully up-to-date. I'm unsure which oil they've used but i've noted green oil which I'll specify has to be used by whoever services my car in the future.

A grill rill mod, if I can make it aesthetically pleasing, is a go asap too. Need to find a guide for that.

Dave

[Xist]

I think that small minds led to small sales with the original Insight, which we consider to be an engineering marvel. The specific detail that I heard about the Prius being better is for city driving, but I think that it is important that a gas-only Insight is still a fantastic car, while a gas-only Prius is a service bill. My impression of the GenII is lackluster, but what do I know?

[RedDevil]

The 2nd gen Insight is not the best car in the world in any aspect but it is a cheap, very safe, economical and versatile 4-5 seater car which is fun to drive once the road starts to swing.
Lackluster? It is a gem of sorts.

If it were built from aluminum and magnesium etc. like the first gen it would have been slightly more economical than a Prius instead of slightly less, but it would also have been much more expensive.
I would not have bought it.

[California98Civic]

Originally Posted by RedDevil

The engine will cut the fuel (DFCO) and either keep the valves closed all the time or keep them open all the time (the opinion on that is mixed) to lower friction.

Could whether the valves are opened or closed be resolved by monitoring MAP or MAF sensor readings during DFCO?

[Cobb]

In sport mode the valves are open as it engine brakes. In regular mode it does not. Sometimes under heavy braking it reverts back to engine braking as you activate the second brake switch.