| This Insight has had over $3,600 worth of new and recent parts and service, details of which are further down in the description. Keep that in mind when comparing this car to the others listed online. And it’s best to view this listing on a desktop or laptop computer. A smartphone won’t give you the same details. |
The original nickel-metal hydride battery pack in this Insight has been replaced with a Linsight lithium conversion. The cost of which, including the conversion kit, lithium battery modules, assembly and installation, PLUS three highly desirable upgrades including the 40% current hack, the LiDisplay touch-screen and a remote grid charger plug-in port total over $3,000. Details of the Linsight conversion can be found further down in the description as well as on the Linsight website. |
This is a 2003 Honda Insight Hybrid finished in Silverstone Metallic with the gray interior. It’s powered by a hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain (hence the name Hybrid) consisting of an all aluminum 1.0 liter 3 cylinder VTEC-E gas engine coupled to a battery powered electric motor known as the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA). Power is then routed to a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) automatic transmission that eliminates conventional shifts to provide silky smooth seamless acceleration that no other transmission, either manual or conventional automatic, can match, without any of the power loss of a conventional automatic and nearly identical fuel economy as a manual transmission model. This powertrain combined with a light weight body, excellent aerodynamics and numerous gas saving features, allows the Insight CVT to get around 60 mpg in normal driving and can top 70 mpg without much effort.
If you are already familiar with the Insight, you may want to skip over the next few paragraphs that give a comprehensive and detailed overview of the car, and go straight to the pictures and description.
| EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE FIRST GENERATION HONDA INSIGHT
A hybrid powertrain combines the best features of two different propulsion systems into one integrated seamless powerplant. An internal combustion engine produces little power and torque at idle and low engine speeds but greater power as the RPMs increase. An electric motor on the other hand puts out its maximum torque at ZERO rpm. What that means is you can utilize the maximum torque output of the electric motor when accelerating from a stop, and the greater power output of the gas engine at higher RPMs for cruising at highway speeds, or any combination of both at speeds in between, to optimize both acceleration and fuel economy. Additional benefits of this system are regenerative braking that makes use of energy that other cars waste while braking and coasting by recharging the battery pack, and engine cut-off at stop lights when other cars are wasting gas idling. The Insight’s layout consists of a 10-killowatt 22-pound thin electric motor sandwiched between the engine and transmission to boost the car’s performance when needed. During coasting and braking the motor also serves as a generator (a.k.a. regenerative braking) to recharge a 144 volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack located behind the seats. Think of this IMA system as a supercharger that provides additional performance without using much energy, and in fact, because it recovers the Insight’s momentum to recharge the battery pack, it’s more efficient than any supercharger could ever be. The engine doesn’t have an alternator. The IMA keeps the high voltage battery pack charged and an inverter powers most 12 volt electricals including keeping the 12V battery charged, which itself is mainly used just to power up the IMA control modules when you first turn the key. The other key component of this Insight Hybrid’s powertrain is the optional automatic transmission. It uses a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) that instead of having individual gears, has a steel belt between two variable diameter pulleys to transfer torque through a wide range of “gear” ratios. The CVT has a low starting “gear” ratio that provides brisk acceleration from a stoplight, while a high top “gear” ratio allows for effortless highway cruising and excellent fuel economy. In fact, at 60 mph, the engine is only turning at 2,200 rpm, which is very low for such a small engine and which contributes to the excellent gas mileage. It has a DRIVE/SPORT switch on the steering wheel which lets you choose between normal DRIVE mode and SPORT mode in which the transmission selects a wider range of ratios to give better acceleration. The Insight Hybrid has a few other tweaks to save fuel including an extensive use of composite and aluminum body panels and inner structural components, aerodynamic rear wheel fender skirts, smooth profile and light weight aluminum wheels, special tires that reduce rolling resistance, a mini front air dam and rear spoiler along with numerous underbody panels which give the car a drag coefficient of just 0.25 (one of the lowest of any production car), electrically assisted power steering that reduces parasitic losses on the engine, and probably the best feature, an idle shutoff mode called Auto Stop that turns off the engine as you come to a stop and provides you with an eerie silence at most every traffic light. Quite soothing after a long day at the office. The IMA automatically restarts the engine the instant you take your foot off the brake. The IMA starts the engine most of the time, and in fact, you may go for years without ever using the conventional 12 volt starter. About the only time the 12V starter is used is if the IMA battery is discharged from the car sitting a few months. When you combine all these features with a low curb weight of under 2,000 pounds, the Insight CVT earns an EPA mileage rating of 57/56 MPG city/highway. The highest of any automatic transmission car out there. And those numbers are obtained in a lab under simulated driving conditions. You can do a bit better with just a minor adjustment to your driving style. On flat roads and speeds under 60 mph, you may be able to get over 70 mpg, while normal highway driving at the speed limit should get you over 60 mpg. And if you practice any hypermiling techniques, you can get even higher figures, with some owners reporting breaking the 80 mpg mark. (Disclaimer: YOUR MILEAGE MAY VARY.) Combined with the Insight’s 10.6 gallon fuel tank, it’s hard not to get at least 500 miles between fill-ups. Not only is the Insight economical to drive, it’s also economical to maintain. Most systems have low or reduced maintenance components. For example, instead of a timing belt that needs periodic replacement, the Insight engine uses a steel timing chain that should last the life of the car. It uses iridium tipped spark plugs with 105,000 mile service intervals, extended life coolant with a 120,000 mile service interval, and a fuel filter that never needs servicing. The oil capacity for the small 1.0 liter engine is just 3 quarts so even full synthetic oil changes are under $30. And the Insight has a Maintenance Required indicator system that illuminates a light on the dash when routine service is due. A car driven primarily on the highway requires less maintenance than one subject to city use with constant stopping and starting. While the Insight doesn’t cost much to drive or maintain, it’s also well built and very reliable. It’s not unusual to see these cars going strong with mileages over 300,000 miles. There are a few dozen that have topped 400K miles, a handful that hit the half million mile mark and there is reportedly an owner that uses the car in his courier business that has over 600,000 miles. The biggest concern to many new Insight buyers is the battery pack. In reality, there is little reason to worry too much about the battery pack wearing out on an Insight. First of all, unlike other Hybrids like Toyota’s Prius where the battery is integral to the powertrain, such that if it quits the car is undriveable, on the Insight, that is not an issue. The Insight battery pack can be disconnected and the car driven indefinitely in that condition. Remember, the Integrated Motor Assist is just an assist, like a supercharger. In steady highway driving and other driving situations that don’t require lots of power, you would be hard pressed to tell that there was anything unusual if the battery was disconnected, and the gas mileage would be nearly identical as with the battery connected. The only situation where mileage might drop is in city driving where the Auto Stop feature would be disabled, and even then, the reduction in mileage would be minimal. After all, it’s still a 1.0 liter powered sub 2,000 pound aerodynamic car. In fact, it’s quite common for owners of Insights in less than nice condition where it’s not worth spending much money on, i.e., with body damage or other mechanical issues, that have a bad battery pack to just disconnect it instead of spending the money on a new battery pack, and keep driving it like always. For those that do want to replace the battery pack, there are far better aftermarket replacements available that cost much less than a Honda pack, as well as conversions to a lithium-ion pack. In addition, since it’s not the ENTIRE battery pack that goes bad but individual cells within the pack, you can replace just those bad cells. As to the battery pack in this car, it has a recently installed Linsight lithium battery conversion with battery modules from a 14,000 mile 2022 Honda Insight that was wrecked and totaled in 2023. Details on this conversion are further down in the description. The first generation Insight was a radical new design for Honda, and one that turns heads going down the road and prompts many questions from passersby at the mall or in the supermarket parking lot. It’s still a fresh design for most people since few have even seen it close up. With only about 4,000 sold the first year (which is about how many Civics are sold in just one week), and a total of 17,000 made for the entire seven year production run from 2000 to 2006, it’s a rare car to see on the road. If you’re tired of driving the same boring cookie cutter designed car that everyone else is driving, this car may be for you. If you are into being green, then besides getting great gas mileage, the Insight is one of the few cars certified by CARB (California Air Resources Board) to be a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV). And you don’t give up anything in comfort and room with the Insight. Headroom and legroom is plenty for all but the tallest basketball players and there is no claustrophobic feeling like you get in some other small cars. Driving it is also no different as it accelerates and merges into traffic with ease and keeps up with 75-80 mph highway speeds without breaking a sweat. Back when the Insight was first introduced, in many states it was eligible for numerous perks such as being able to drive alone in the HOV carpool lanes without a passenger, being exempt from annual emissions inspections, free or reduced parking rates at downtown or airport parking lots, etc. Check your state or local government for more details to see if any of these still apply. And keep in mind, most states now have a registration fee surcharge on EV’s and plug-in hybrids of up to $400, but fewer states have surcharges on conventional hybrids, and those that do are often less than the fees on plug-in hybrids. Its exterior style is very unique, combining sleek form with aerodynamic function. From its stylish lines and sweeping curves, it incorporates numerous design elements to create a look that is like no other car on the road. From the slightly bulging headlights up front, to the bright finish aerodynamic profile wheels and fender skirts on the sides, to a roof mounted euro style shorty antenna up top and to a two window rear hatch in the back, it looks futuristic from any angle without being flashy. But if you like high tech design, you will really like the interior. Observe the electroluminescent style instrument cluster with displays for instant, average and long term fuel mileage. Touch the small diameter dimpled grip steering wheel that fits your hands perfectly, and admire the two-tone sport weave fabric on the seats and door panels. Try the buttons and switches and notice the precise soft-touch feel as they are engaged. Not only are the colors elegant but all the textures have a rich feel and look. From the perforations on the steering wheel, the graining pattern on the dash and door panels, or the layout of knobs and switches on the dash, everything looks and feels like it came from a more expensive car. |
This Insight is fully equipped with all the desirable safety, comfort and convenience features and equipment including:
- 1.0 liter 3 cylinder VTEC-E gas engine with Auto Stop mode
- Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) electric motor
- CVT automatic transmission with Sport Mode
- Air conditioning with electronic climate control and cabin air filter
- Power windows with drivers express down
- Power door locks
- Factory AM/FM stereo
- Rear speaker kit
- Eurostyle roof mounted shorty antenna
- Remote keyless entry
- Reclining bucket seats
- Two-tone Sport cloth interior
- Passenger seatback storage pocket
- Electroluminescent style instrument cluster with tachometer, digital speedometer, and multi-function displays for instant and average fuel mileage, two trip odometers, etc.
- Front center console with two cup holders
- Rear console with storage bin
- 12V power outlet
- Leather wrapped steering wheel
- Tinted glass
- Clear lens headlights with jewel effect reflectors
- Intermittent wipers
- Rear window wiper and washer
- Dome light with driver and passenger map lights
- Dual power body color outside rear view mirrors
- Body color door handles
- Visor vanity mirror
- Remote fuel door release
- Engine immobilizer theft deterrent system
- Aerodynamic and light weight bright finish aluminum wheels
- Matching set of four Bridgestone Potenza RE92 low-rolling resistance tires
- Locking glovebox
- Behind the seats storage pocket net
- Cargo area light
- Cargo net tie-downs
- Child seat strap anchor
- Rear window defroster
- Rear mini spoiler
- Electrically assisted rack and pinion power steering
- 4 wheel anti-lock brakes
- 5 mph impact rated bumpers
And many more items too numerous to mention. In addition to the Linsight conversion, the car has these useful and desirable modifications, details of which are mentioned later in the description:
- Maximum regeneration and IMA assist off, switch
- Gas cap holder mod
VIRGINIA SAFETY INSPECTION:
CLEAR LENS HEADLIGHTS WITH JEWEL EFFECT REFLECTORS:
BODY COLOR MIRRORS AND DOOR HANDLES:
SUPER ULTRA LOW EMISSIONS VEHICLE:
TIGHT FENDER SKIRTS:
ROOF MOUNTED EUROSTYLE SHORTY RADIO ANTENNA :
REAR SPOILER:
EXCELLENT REAR DECALS:
GAS CAP HOLDER MOD:
BRIDGESTONE POTENZA RE92 LOW ROLLING RESISTANCE TIRES:
SIDE WINDOW DEFROSTER VENTS:
SEAT BACK RECLINERS:
INSIGHT LOGO DOOR SILLS:
REMOTE FUEL DOOR RELEASE:
LEATHER WRAPPED STEERING WHEEL:
DRIVE/SPORT MODE TRANSMISSION SWITCH:
LEFT STORAGE BIN:
LIFETIME MPG:
60’s TO 70’s MPG POSSIBLE:
AUTO STOP INDICATOR LIGHT:
LIDISPLAY:
MAXIMUM REGEN AND IMA OFF SWITCH:
DUAL FRONT CUP HOLDERS AND POWER OUTLET:
REAR CENTER CONSOLE WITH STORAGE TRAY:
USB CABLE FOR LIBCM FIRMWARE UPDATES:
SEATBACK STORAGE POCKET:
EXCELLENT BEHIND THE SEAT CARGO ROOM:
REAR STORAGE POCKET NET:
REAR SPEAKERS:
DRIVER’S VANITY MIRROR:
DOME AND INDIVIDUAL MAP LIGHTS:
LARGE FLAT CARGO FLOOR:
CARGO AREA LIGHT:
GRID CHARGER PORT:
DUAL REAR WINDOWS:
FRONT CARGO TIE DOWN HOOKS:
REAR CARGO TIE DOWN HOOKS:
CHILD SEAT TETHER POINT:
REAR STORAGE COMPARTMENT UNDER LOAD FLOOR:
SPARE TIRE UNDER STORAGE COMPARTMENT:
JACK AND ALL THE TOOLS:
BATTERY COMPARTMENT COVER:
BATTERY CUT-OFF SWITCH:
CLEAN SPARE TIRE WELL:
HIDDEN STORAGE AREA:
INSULATED HOOD:
VERY DRY UNDERNEITH:
Blemish in front bumper:
Scrapes in left lower edge of front bumper:
Scuff on left quarter panel:
Gouge in rear bumper skirt:
The paint itself is beautiful and shiny throughout, and this shade of metallic silver just about glows in the sunlight. It has been fully detailed, first with Meguiar’s Iron Decon to remove embedded iron particles, then the paint was cleaned with Meguiar’s Smooth Surface Clay System to remove bonded contaminants, polished with Meguiar’s M110 Mirror Glaze polishing compound, then topped off with Meguiar’s M27 Pro Ceramic Hybrid Sealant for a durable long lasting brilliant high gloss shine. The headlights were detailed with the 3M headlight polishing system for a crystal clear look, then sealed with 3M Headlight Clearcoat. The black trim was coated with Cerakote Trim Coat and the tires with Meguiar’s Endurance Tire Gel. All the glass, moldings, trim and emblems are excellent. The wheel spats, aka fender skirts fit perfect and the front strakes are tight to the bumper. The car doesn’t appear to have ever been wrecked as it still has the original VIN stickers on all the body panels indicating it’s had no major accidents that would have required a panel to be replaced. Remember, it’s hard enough to find a three year old or 30,000 mile vehicle that hasn’t had at least a fender-bender requiring a bumper, hood or fender to be replaced, let alone a 20+ year old vehicle. It doesn’t look like to have even had any significant previous paintwork.
Front bumper:
Hood:
Left fender:
Right fender:
Left door:
Right door:
Left quarter panel:
Right quarter panel:
Rear hatch:
Rear bumper:
In addition, this Insight has all it’s underbody panels installed. If a mechanic forgets to replace a panel after an oil change or you run over a curb and break one off, your gas mileage may suffer as the aerodynamics under a car are just as important as above it. If you are looking at other Insights for sale as well, check underneath and make sure all the following panels are still intact as they are not cheap to replace.
Front aluminum underbody panel:
Front plastic underbody panels:
Rear underbody panels:
Right bumper air deflector (strake):
Left bumper air deflector (strake):
Rear bumper:
Rear underneith:
The interior is in great condition as well. It has very nice upholstery, dashboard, door panels, headliner and carpet with no cracks, rips or tears or any significant signs of wear The car doesn‘t appear to have been smoked in. In fact, it’s not even equipped with a lighter. The cargo area is immaculate and the engine compartment has been fully detailed and is clean enough to eat off of. The only interior cosmetic issues to mention are some wear spots on the driver’s seat cushion.
Wear spots in seat:
Mechanically it runs and drives great too. The engine runs strong and feels smooth while accelerating and throughout the cruising range and it starts instantly whether hot or cold. The steering wheel is on dead center going down the road with no shakes or vibrations at speed, the brakes are firm with no pedal pulsations or pulling to one side when stopping and the suspension is tight except for some occasional rattles from the shocks or struts going over bumps. It has an excellent set of four identical original equipment low rolling resistance Bridgestone Potenza RE92 tires. If you are looking at other Insights for sale as well, make sure they also have these same tires, as any other brand will reduce your gas mileage 5-10 mpg. They have very good tread and should go for another 20,000 to 25,000 miles. They have been balanced with weights mounted on the inside of the wheel for a super clean look. The car has a real Bridgestone spare tire in an age when many cars just come with a can of tire sealant and an air pump. The car just passed Virginia safety and emissions inspections in mid March. This isn’t a guaranty that the car will pass inspection in another state, as a fault can occur at any time without warning. The previous owner replaced the rear catalytic converter with a 1.75” O.D. center exhaust pipe. (See photo of center pipe below) If that is a problem in your state, you can cut the center pipe and clamp or weld in a universal cat such as a Magnaflow 53103 for under $100. There are new cats sold on Ebay for even less.
Virginia safety inspection:
Virginia emissions inspection:
The car was fully checked out and serviced with over $3,600 worth of new or recent parts, maintenance and repairs with original Honda or other name brand parts, so that only your enjoyment rather than your immediate attention will be required on delivery. Some of the items checked or serviced include:
- New Valvoline full synthetic 0W-20 oil change
- New Honda oil filter
- New Purolator air filter
- New TYC cabin air filter
- New blower motor cleaning
- New throttle body cleaning
- New EGR plate cleaning
- New EGR passage cleaning
- New EGR valve cleaning
- New Felpro EGR valve gasket
- New VTEC solenoid screen cleaning
- Recent PCV valve
- New Brute Power fuel pump
- New Autobest fuel strainer filter
- New OES exhaust pipe gasket
- New Walker exhaust pipe bolt and spring kit
- Recent center exhaust pipe
- Recent Honda NGK “A” stamped iridium spark plugs to match A cylinder head
- Good Diehard 12 volt battery
- Recent heavy duty negative battery cable
- New valve adjustment
- New Beck Arnley valve cover gasket
- New coolant flush with distilled water
- New Honda Long Life Type 2 (blue) coolant change
- New Bando serpentine belt
- New A/C compressor clutch
- Recent Wagner front brake pads
- Recent front caliper pistons
- Recent Bosch front brake rotors
- Recent or excellent rear brake shoes
- Recent or excellent rear brake drums
- Recent or excellent rear hubs and bearings
- New Valvoline Dot 4 brake fluid change
- New hand brake adjustment
- New Honda CVT fluid change
- New ATP transmission filter kit
- New Beck Arnley cooler return filter kit
- New 3D printed power window switch repair kit
- Recent LED interior light bulbs
- New antenna mast
- New Denso and Anco wiper blades
- New Honda brake pedal pad
- Recent set of four Bridgestone Potenza RE-92 tires
- 175 amp fuse
- 40% current hack
- LiDisplay touch-screen with custom mounting bracket
- Remote grid charger plug-in port
- High energy density so they can store a significantly more amount of energy is a smaller lighter package.
- Long cycle life. Tesla says their batteries are expected to last 15-20 years or 300,000 to 500,000 miles.
- Low degradation rates. LI batteries typically lose only 10-15% of their capacity over 10 years.
- Low self-discharge. LI batteries can keep as much as 90% of their charge even when sitting a year.
Photos of some of the parts replaced, checked or serviced:
Parts replaced:
Oil change:
Oil filter:
Air filter:
Cabin air filter:
Blower motor cleaning:
Throttle body cleaning:
EGR plate cleaning:
EGR passage cleaning:
EGR valve cleaning and gasket:
VTEC solenoid screen cleaning:
PCV valve:
Fuel pump and strainer filter:
Exhaust pipe gasket:
Exhaust pipe bolt and spring kit:
Center exhaust pipe:
Spark plugs with the proper amount of anti-seize on the threads:
A stamped plugs to match A cylinder head:
Battery:
Negative battery cable:
Valve adjustment:
Valve cover gasket:
Engine SUPER CLEAN internally:
Coolant flushed until water is clear from the radiator:
As well as the engine block drain plug:
Radiator super clean internally:
Serpentine belt:
A/C compressor clutch:
Front brake pads:
Front brake caliper pistons:
Front brake rotors:
Front brake rotors 17 mm new, 15 mm minimum thickness:
Front brakes:
Rear brake shoes:
Rear hub and bearings:
Rear brake drums 179.3mm new 181mm maximum:
Rear brake drums:
Hand brake adjustment:
Brake fluid flush and change:
Transmission fluid change:
Old transmission fluid very clean:
Transmission with pan off, very clean internally:
Transmission filters change:
Power window switch rebuild:
And finally, the on-board diagnostics were scanned and show no codes stored, and more important, that all available emissions system readiness monitors have been completed. What that means is the CHECK ENGINE light wasn’t reset in order to turn it off to hide an existing fault. If an emissions component or the IMA battery system has a bad part causing the CHECK ENGINE or IMA light to illuminate, some of the emissions readiness monitors will be incomplete plus the car won’t pass an emissions inspection. Some sellers will reset the CHECK ENGINE light to make it appear like there are no issues at the time of sale, but the light will come back on shortly afterwards. It can take hundreds of miles for the readiness monitors to run to completion, so the fact that the readiness monitors have been completed (scanner shows Monitors Incomplete: 0) indicates the CHECK ENGINE light hasn’t been reset and that at the time the car was scanned, it should pass an OBD2 emissions inspection. (That isn’t a guaranty that the light won’t come on in the future as a fault can occur at any time without warning.)
Other than routine oil and filter changes, with all the above mentioned servicing the car has recently received, you should be good to go for another 100,000 miles before requiring major maintenance.
| LINSIGHT BATTERY CONVERSION
This Honda Insight’s original nickel-metal hydride battery pack has been converted to modern lithium ion technology with a Linsight 5Ah battery system. This is a near drop-in replacement for the dated nickel metal hydride battery pack these cars came with originally, and its form factor fits in the same space as the original battery pack. Linsight consists of a Lithium Battery Condition Monitor (LiBCM) that replaces the original NiMH BCM, Li-Ion battery modules from third generation Honda Insights, a grid charger and numerous wiring harnesses to put everything together and interface with the car. In addition, this conversion has some extra cost and highly desirable upgrades including:
The cost of the conversion including assembly, installation, setup, plus the LiBCM components, lithium battery modules and upgrades, total over $3,000. I drove 2,000 miles round trip in my other Insight to pick up the lowest mileage newest available third generation Insight battery pack out of a wrecked 2022 Insight with 14,000 miles.
MOTEL RECIEPT WHEN PICKING UP BATTERY:
BATTERY RECIEPT:
DONOR CAR:
INSIDE OF GEN 3 BATTERY PACK:
BATTERY MODULES REMOVED:
ORIGINAL BATTERY PACK REMOVED:
ORIGINAL BATTERY HOUSING WITH LINSIGHT COMPONENTS GETTING INSTALLED INTO THE CAR:
LiBCM:
175 AMP FUSE:
40% CURRENT HACK:
LiDISPLAY:
REMOTE GRID CHARGER PORT:
FINAL INSTALLATION:
Benefits of a Linsight lithium battery conversion: The original nickel metal hydride battery pack technology was maturing by the time the Honda Insight came out in 2000. While it was state of the art at the time, it was more than a decade old already. It was adequate for its intended purpose, but in practice, it had its issues. Mainly, life expectancy and degradation. While the Honda Insight had an 8 year warranty on the battery, it wasn’t uncommon to have those batteries replaced at least once if not twice during the warranty period. And once the warranty ran out, the out of pocket cost for owners often exceeded $2,000 for a replacement. And those replacements from Honda were often reconditioned packs that rarely lasted 3 or 4 years. Fast forward to the present, and there are aftermarket batteries available with NiMH cells made in China. The distributors of those, warranty them for 1 to 3 years, with a few for 5 years at a much higher price, but it’s still a now 30+ year old technology with the same issues. Lithium ion batteries have a number of advantages:
What does this mean for Insight owners? If you currently drive an Insight with a NiMH pack or have the battery disconnected or removed entirely, you will immediately notice how much more power this car has. (In so small part from the 40% current hack upgrade.) Merging onto a highway on-ramp isn’t nerve-racking anymore. Taking off from a stop light won’t seem tedious now. And the other thing you notice is the battery reserve the car now has. Drive the car on a mile or two upgrade out on the highway, and the battery gauge stays near the top, while previously you may have run out of assist half way up and the car started charging, taking away even more power. And that’s if the IMA light didn’t come on so NO assist was available after that. After just a few hours behind the wheel, you will be thinking to yourself, this is what Honda should have built in the first place. You can park this car for weeks or even months and the battery will still be fresh, or you can plug in the grid charger so it stays fully charged and conditioned. More specific details on the Linsight battery conversion can be found on the Linsight websight. Tech support for Linsight can be found on the InsightCentral website in the 1st Generation Honda Insight Forum under Modifications and Technical Issues. Buyer and seller will complete a Linsight transfer of ownership form as required by Linsight and to continue technical support. Seller does not provide tech support. |
This car also has the gas cap holder and the max regen/assist off, mods. The gas cap holder mod lets you hang the gas cap conveniently on the fuel door instead of leaving it on the roof and possibly driving off. The maximum regeneration and IMA assist off, switch, modification lets you get maximum regeneration while coasting without having to step on the brake pedal, as well as the ability to turn off assist when you don’t want it. The IMA recharges the battery whenever the car is coasting or you step on the brakes. The amount of regen is greater when you use the brakes and many drivers can achieve maximum regeneration by just lightly stepping on the brake pedal but before there is any actual momentum robbing braking action at the wheels. It can be a fine line between allowing the car to regen with the brake pedal without actually slowing it down by energy wasting braking. The brake switch mod simulates stepping on the brakes but no actual braking action is utilized, by holding down the momentary switch mounted conveniently in the center console where your right hand can rest comfortably on the handbrake. The assist off function shuts off assist from the IMA and it can save battery assist for times when you want to use it most. In other words, save up the assist for when you climb a long uphill grade by not using it during moderate hills. Hold the switch down during assist and the assist will be disabled.
Overall this is a super sharp car that looks absolutely fantastic in the Silverstone color. You’re sure to get many questions and complements about it at the mall or supermarket parking lot from total strangers. If you don’t want attention, or if you are the least bit shy, don’t buy this car, I warn you. Also, it’s been a two owner southern car from North Carolina and Virginia all of its life, which probably explains why it’s so clean. The last owner had it since 2015. CLICK HERE to see the title. It also has a clean Carfax. CLICK HERE to see the Carfax report.
The car comes with all the books:
Two keys and remotes:
A front license plate bracket if your state requires one:
It’s no secret that Honda lost money on every one of the early Insight models it sold but that was the price to pay for cutting your teeth on the new technology that wouldn’t pay off for years to come. Some have speculated that it cost Honda upwards of $50,000 to build each Insight, while Honda insiders put that figure at under $30K. Regardless, the price new of this Honda Insight was nearly $22,000 back in 2003! CLICK HERE to see the original price sticker, but because the Insight was a hot model, most dealers were adding additional market adjustment markups (read rip off), so with tax, title and tags, you were lucky if you got ANY change back from your $25,000 bill!
If you are serious about buying an Insight with a lithium conversion, this is about as low as they go in this condition. Sure, you can find some of these cars that look nice and seem like good deals in the $6,000 to $7,000 range, but if after getting it home you have to spend another $5,000 for a paint job, transmission rebuild, tires, headliner or upholstery work and other common repairs, it’s no bargain. Remember, you can get a great deal online with prices sometimes way below retail, but nobody is going to “steal” a vehicle and no seller is going to give one away either. Also when comparing prices to the other Insights listed for sale, remember the things that you won’t have to spend money on, soon after getting it home. With this car you won’t have to spend $2,000 or $3,000 on paint and bodywork, you won’t have to spend $600 on a new set of tires, you won’t have to spend $300 on a complete front brake service, you won’t have to spend $300 on a complete rear brake service, you won’t have to spend $300 on a coolant and brake flush, you won’t have to spend $300 on a valve adjustment, tune-up and filters service and you won’t have to spend $300 on any upcoming scheduled maintenance. With many of the other listings on Ebay, Craigslist, Facebook or on dealers lots, you’re lucky if they even check the oil before delivery. When comparing this car to the others, also keep in mind that this car has a lithium battery from a low mileage 2022 Insight, runs great, is fully serviced, hasn’t been smoked in and is very clean. The Linsight conversion, servicing and tires total nearly $7,000 alone, not including the car itself. Keep that in mind when comparing this car to the others listed. Also check if they come with both keys because a new one from the dealer, with programming, is going to cost you $200. And if you lost that only key, it’ll cost three times as much to replace the security module plus the towing charge to bring it to a Honda dealer.
Buyer acknowledges and understands the Linsight conversion is an aftermarket product still in beta testing and no warranties are expressed or implied. The product is sold "as is" with no guarantees regarding quality, functionality, or fitness for a particular purpose. The seller disclaims all liability, and the buyer accepts all risks regarding defects or performance. Buyer will complete Linsight transfer of ownership at time of sale as required by Linsight and to continue technical support from Linsight.
If you are looking for a nice Insight in excellent condition at a good price, then this car is hard to beat. Also remember that I don’t charge dealer processing fees or document fees that many other listings have for $200 or more and bury in their fine print. Located in the Suburban Washington DC area. Delivery possible at reasonable cost. For more information email me at atikovi@email.com
| Gas prices are around $4 a gallon in most parts of the country and over $5 in most California stations, and analysts predict it won’t be long before they start rising by spring and summer as more people hit the road to travel. This is in addition to the usual upward rise in car prices during the spring. When that happens, the demand for these cars will skyrocket along with their prices. And back just a few years ago when the AVERAGE national price for gas peaked at over $4, these cars were selling in the $8,000 to $10,000 range in similar condition and mileage WITHOUT lithium batteries. So if you’ve been putting off a car purchase waiting for a better deal to come along, don’t wait much longer as prices won’t be any cheaper than they are right now for these cars if gas prices rise much higher. |