2003 Honda Insight (is a spoof)

[docnjoj]

Ok folks! I just did something wild and crazy! I bought a 2003 Honda Insight! what bad news am I in for? Please tell it like it is!
otherDoc

 

[deardancer3]

Doc, that is the worst decison you have ever made. It will send you to the poor house, nothing but a worthless money pit. I will drive down and take it off of your hands for a song.

But seriously, the last 3 I have seen on the street here, people have given me the finger when i offered to buy it off them.

Best urban vehicle around, but I understand the SUV's treat you like a bicycle.

(winter time it doesnt get as good as gas mileage due to cold batteries)

 

[fechter]

I have an '03 Civic hybrid. It uses the same battery and IMA system. Mine has 82k miles and the pack is still holding up. If the battery does lose capacity, it is built in a modular fashion so it's possible to just change a bad module rather than the entire pack. I saw a battery from a crashed one on eBay a while back. I don't remember what it sold for, but I think it was under $600. An new pack from the dealer would be too expensive.

Unlike the Prius, the Honda can still operate if the battery/IMA system completely fails.

Mine has had zero problems other than flat tires and routine maintenance. I recently got a set of brake pads thinking it was time to replace them. When I measured the thickness of the lining, there was over 50% left at 80k miles. I figure I'll run them to 100k then change them whether they need it or not.

The Insight also looks like a prime candidate for a full electric conversion :wink:

 

[TylerDurden]

When I measured the thickness of the lining, there was over 50% left at 80k miles. I figure I'll run them to 100k then change them whether they need it or not.

HEVers tend to drive more conservatively. Gliding to the next red-signal instead of braking, ect. Regen may reduce brake-wear a bit.

All my cars' brakes last >100k... just because I double the typical safe distance to the car ahead. 50% less braking = much better fuel economy.

 

[docnjoj]

Phew! I thought Dick was serious there for a minute. I have found a Civic Hybrid pack for 300USD. I really didnt want to take on another orphan, but this was a really good deal, I hope! I think that Honda is secret waranteeing the batts for 150,000. Gotta find out more. Since I bought it already, and it needs to be delivered by transporter, it will take a while to get here. By the way, whats winter? Watch tis space for breaking (I hope not in the literal sense) news!
Thanks all!
otherDoc

 

[docnjoj]

Yeah Tyler! I drive very conservatively also, and my cars last 4 ever! Didnt useta when I waz young, though! Drove like a bat outta hell!
Thank God for old age!
otherDoc

 

[docnjoj]

Hey Richard! Can I borrow your brain periodically! The electronics are somewhat over my skill level? Pleeeeeze?
otherDoc

 

[docnjoj]

Well! Theres no fool like an old one! It was a spoof! I almost lost $5000 but some smart friends and quick action by the Moneygram folks at Walmart save the day! Watch out for hybrid spoofs on Craigs list! So no Insight, thats for sure. But Ill keep looking!
a sadder but wiser (could have been a lot sadder)
otherDoc

 

[TylerDurden]

Damn scammers. Good thing you saved yer bacon... 5K can buy a good bit of pingbatt.

 

[docnjoj]

YOU GOT THAT RIGHT Tyler! It also pays the mortgage etc! Damn scammers! they were in Great Britain this time! Had to be in order to pick up the loot. I imagine they sold that car to a lot of folks who maybe werent so lucky! I alerted Spoof @ ebay.com and the last post I received from them (the scammers) was pulled from Hotmail before my eyes! At least the internet folks like Ebay and Hotmail are attempting to be responsible, I think!
Phew! dodged the bullet this time. They really had me fooled!
otherDoc

 

[docnjoj]

To follow up on the scam! They finally realized that the account was blocked, so they had the nerve to email me to try again!!! I reported all the interaction to Ebay and I hope they took some action! We will see. I also reported it to Carfax, since they list the car as a real one. Be vewy, vewy careful out there!
otherDoc
2003 HONDA INSIGHT
JHMZE14783T000190
Hatchback 2 Door
Front Wheel Drive
carfax
This is the Spoof car, and it has a real Report!