Average Jane's New (Used) Car

I bought the 2001 Honda Insight! I went and drove it yesterday evening and found it delightful in every way. I don't know if I got ripped off or not, but I'm always happy if the dealer at least pretends I'm getting a good deal.

I did a test drive for a reasonable distance down some city streets and then up and back down the highway a couple of miles. Once I got used to the tiny shift pattern, I thought the car had a decent amount of pep (it's a 5-speed, so obviously I have some control over that), and it did nothing to hinder my speedin' ways.

Our negotiating position was completely atrocious because the dealer knew (and we knew) that this was the only Insight for sale in the area. Before I saw it, I'd objected to the color (silver), but it's really quite attractive. It's definitely an eye-catching little car. Best of all, the average gas mileage the car has had over its lifetime so far shows up as 55.6 mpg. I read dozens of reviews of the car and so far I agree on one thing: watching the current gas mileage readout is addictive.

Now I need to rid myself of the Dentmobile. That will probably mean having someone remove the dent and figure out how to get the "Check Engine" light to shut off. I'm not expecting to get much money for it, but any little bit will help. I'll be paying off a good 3/4 of the Honda loan right away, but I don't want to dilly-dally on paying off the rest.

I really think I'm going to like this car. Unlike the past several cars I've had, this one is "me." I'm looking forward to driving it again this morning. Maybe I should go in early...

Comments

[Pharmgirl]

Congrats on the new ride. Perhaps you'll be taking me for a spin soon!

[Rozanne]

I, too, have really been eyeing those hybrids lately. We currently drive an apparently immortal 1989 (!) Honda Civic, but when it gives up the ghost I'm thinking of getting either an Insight or a Prius. You're the guinea pig! Keep us posted about how you like it. I love the fact that it actually gets better mileage in the city than out on the highways. What a concept.

[LuAnn]

So glad you got your car! Hope you zoom by me sometime and I can see it! Congratulations.