Any rust problems?

[Xringer]

I was looking at a used Insight for sale the other day (for just under $9,000 @ a local dealer).
It was on their website and I think it was a 2001 and had about 185k miles on it.

Anyways, since I own a Honda and live near Boston where they use a lot of road chemicals
to eat away the underbelly of your car, my 99 CRV has a pant load of rust.
There are even parts under the dash that are covered with surface rust for some reason.
(I never drove the car into any water and I stay miles away from the Atlantic)..

Some of my CRV rear suspension parts are in bad shape.. Trying to work on that stuff is a real nightmare.
Bolts rusted in so solidly, it's like they were welded in place.
The rust problems on this low mileage(32k) & *garaged CRV makes me wonder about the wisdom
of even looking at a Honda that's been driven 185k miles in new England..
(*It's ventilated but unheated garage).

So, I know there are a few Insights around here, and I'm wondering how well they
are protected on the underside.?.

[HAFNHAF]

are you aware that the insight is made of aluminum? there are a few steel parts, but not many. of course, the aluminum will corrode, but not much.

[Xringer]

I had problems with steel nuts and bolts for the most part.
Here is a typical steel part that's rusted in pretty solid.


Most the shiny bolts (some new) in this pic were installed after
a lot of work getting the old ones out. (drilling, cut-off wheels & etc).

I installed a new lower arm after it was damaged while removing rusted bolts.

There is some rust proofing on the most of the underbody parts, but it seems
like the nuts and bolts were left out of the process.

So, I'm not so much worried about the aluminum parts, just stuff like the steel hardware
that holds everything together on the suspension and under-the-hood components
that might need to be repaired or replaced.

I was looking at the rusted steel parts holding my alternator the other day and started
wondering how they are going to come out when I change the timing belt..?.

Anyways, that used Insight was gone the next day. Maybe the next time I see one for sale,
I'll run out and check it out up close.

Thanks for the info.

[CitrusInsighter]

I wouldn't worry about an Insight for rust issues. Mine's 8+ years old and has lived most of its life in Illinois/Wisconsin with heavy salt usage in winter and the only rust issue I have had is the heat shield rusting and requiring clamping (temporary, free), and eventually replacement (about $150, good for 5+ salty years). I haven't been under the Insight myself, but the mechanic tells me that the visible parts aren't any worse off than a typical car, but the parts which are covered by the underbody panels should look even better. Next time you see an Insight for sale, RUN, don't walk to see it. If it looks decent, has a clean title and the battery works, buy it. Or at least put a large deposit on it and claim it as yours.

[Xringer]

Thanks Justin,
Sounds like rust isn't going to be a big problem. Heat shields rusting off CRVs is very common.
The lower Cat shield on mine was extremely noisy. 3 out of the 4 bolts were gone.
Many CRVers install stainless steel clamps around them, I just yanked mine off and tossed it.
The upper half of the shield is still hanging in there.

My wife just about flipped when I told her I was looking at a $9000 project car
for something to tinker with and maybe use, if I need to dump my CRV soon.
Before I could tell her a good condition Insight will gain value every time gas goes up,
she started telling me(in that mad voice) that we needed a new roof on the house..

Roof notwithstanding, if I do see another one for sell, I will check it out. If it looks good,
I will try hard to get it. I'm not one of those guys that think the price of gas is going
to stop going up..

[atlaw4u]

These days that's a reasonable asking price even with the high mileage. insight prices have almost doubled in the last 6 months. You want to check to see if the IMA components have been replaced as they were warrantied up to 150k miles.

I drive a 2000 Insight and am currently averaging 100+mpg all though it takes a lot of efforet to achieve those numbers.

[Xringer]

I've just started reading the history of the Insight and find it very interesting.
There is a LOT of Insight info on the web!

I'll keep my eyes open, since some of the local folks might be moving on to newer model
hybrid with more seats etc.
I might do better looking for a private sale, rather than a used car dealer..

--edit--
Dang, it still might be for sale. I went back to the site today and it seems to be back. I hit the refresh button and it didn't disappear.
I sent them a request-for-quote with a low offer to see if it's still for real..

Looks like maybe someone took it off and put it back up or maybe I'm so blind that I didn't see it when I looked yesterday.

I like their little disclaimer: "The features and options listed are for the 2001 Honda Insight 3dr HB CVT w/Air Cond and may not apply to this specific vehicle. " I get the feeling it has no A/C.. Was A/C standard on the 2001 model?

[Right Lane Cruiser]

I think AC was standard for 2001, but it could be ordered without if desired.

The Insight truly is an engineering marvel -- the effort put into its design is very impressive. Be prepared to SERIOUSLY want one if you ever climb behind the wheel and see the numbers it offers!

[Xringer]

After reading up some more, it seems like the A/C may have been standard on the 2001 CVT..
Got an email last night. It's gone. But I've got the salesman keeping his eyes open for another..