What is better, Honda Insight or Civic VX?

[MetroMPG]

No idea on the line replacement cost (at a shop). I've done it (to the ForkenSwift) for about 35 bucks, if memory serves. That was the cost of parts, and I borrowed a flaring tool to make the ends to join the new lines to where I cut the old.

I drove my 2000 Insight for 2 years with no problems aside from normal expected maintenance, and the (known) worn out pack. It was the most entertaining/engaging car I've ever owned -- truly the fuel economy nerd's Ferrari.

If you don't have any sentimental attachment to the VX, and if the Insight checks out OK, I highly recommend the experience. If you geek out over astronomical MPG numbers and the idea of learning how to operate & mod a unique drivetrain for max. efficiency makes you tingle, it can't be beat.

[PaleMelanesian]

VX, because back seat.

[Ryland]

Originally Posted by PaleMelanesian

VX, because back seat.

Most of the time my back seat it folded down flat, I put it upright to make my car look clean inside but that is about it.
Room mates have (slightly) larger cars with 4 doors and a back seat, my parents and brother both bought VX's as well so while going to visit grandma someone can sit in the back of a civic vx even if I don't own one my self.

We don't have vehicle inspections here, but I do like windows that roll down and hadn't thought about it having power windows, that is a draw back.

[doctorgonzo]

I don’t own both, but my family does. I just bought a 2000 Insight and my Dad has a nice “low” mileage (140K) VX. I love them both and can’t pick a winner. The Civic gives up colder air-conditioning, a bit of comfort, kitchy weirdness and power steering but the Insight surrenders a cavernous cargo area and a “normal” drivetrain. The Civic doesn’t have to have the battery pack pulled every couple of years, but the IMA is part of what makes the Insight so compelling. They’re both neat, fun and of course economical cars.

[MetroMPG]

One of each seems like the most appropriate solution.

Ryland... did you decide on anything?

[mikeyjd]

I voted insight. Ive never owned either but I'd love an insight if it becomes practical for me.

[83gs1100g]

vx hands down! i have owned both and sold the 2000 insight 5 spd due to costly repairs. over the long haul the insight will cost you more in repairs and i hope you are a very knowledged in hybrid systems! less is more! go vx!

[Baltothewolf]

I personally chose VX, I went back and forth between the VX and Insight, but ended up getting an '97 HX (basically a VX just .1l bigger). I'm really glad I didn't go with the insight, even with a grid charger, that battery still has to be eventually replaced. And that will probably cost more then the car is worth. For the VX (or HX in my case) worse-case scenario is after 450k miles I have to rebuild the engine/tranny/all the little hoses and gaskets which would cost about 4k, with an insight the same work would be 7k due to the cost of a new battery. Even a rebuilt battery is 1.2-1.5k. And before anyone says anything about the body, I live in Cali so, no rust :P. I have seen a couple Camry's at the pick-a-part up here with 600k miles on them and no rust on the body.

[Cobb]

I choose the vx. I own a gen 2 insight and know a lot about gen 1.

[user removed]

If I owned a VX I would post a want ad on craigslist for all the ricer take off exhaust manifolds I could find. They could become very valuable unless some smart manufacturer makes one out of tubing for a decent price.

regards
Mech