The Honda Insight was the first mass-produced hybrid automobile sold in the U.S, beating the Toyota Prius to the punch by a few months. Combining both gasoline and electrical propulsion, the first-generation Insight (1999 to 2006) could get up to 70 mpg, while the seller’s car has an average of 47 across more than 300,000 miles! Rather than spend the money on an expensive hybrid battery replacement, the hybrid batteries in the seller’s car were swapped for a regular lawnmower battery ($30!). How this works, we know not, but the vehicle runs and drives in Sahuarita, Arizona, and is available here on eBay. The first bid of $500 is uncast, and there is no reserve. An unusual tip brought our way by “Nevadahalfrack”.
First-generation Insights were only offered as a 2-door, 2-seat liftback, which looks a little like a small spaceship. It was the first time Honda deployed its Integrated Motor Assist System to manage the shift from gasoline to electric power (the batteries were regenerated under motion). When the 120 commercial-grade “D” electric batteries weren’t in operation, the car was moved by a 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder, 67 hp engine. While most of them were equipped with a CVT transmission, the seller’s car has a 5-speed manual, supposedly rare.
The Insight relied on aluminum pieces to make for a lighter, more aerodynamic vehicle. Sales of the first-generation car were somewhat sparse, but didn’t undermine hybrid development. Just over 14,000 units were sold in seven years in the U.S., with total Japanese production reaching 17,000 copies. We’re told the seller has owned this example for at least five years and has been instrumental in logging an amazing 307,000 miles. When the original batteries gave up the ghost, a $30 tractor battery somehow managed to replace them (we’d like to know more about that transformation).
Apparently, this vehicle is nowhere near wearing out, with the only visible flaw being a worn driver’s seat. The color is said to be matte black, though grey is more like it, and the hood may or may not be a replacement, as it doesn’t match the rest of the vehicle. It sports rear fender skirts, which add to the alien “take me to your leader” look. It’s still considered a daily driver by the seller. It even has a rear trailer hitch, but we wonder what it would be up to pulling.
Whoa, now that’s different. Mad Max’s Insight.
It’s still a usable car without the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) battery, which made it an actual hybrid capable of 55-60+ mpg. Without the IMA batteries, it’s not getting close to those numbers. The seller’s claim of “47 mpg” seems pretty high to me; I would guess more in the mid-30s, but that’s just a guess at what some other Insights get without the IMA batteries. Honda’s Insight IMA batteries almost always go bad, but they can be replaced for about $1,500. Why bother ever having hybrid batteries if you get 47 MPG without the batteries?
I’m guessing the $30 lawnmower battery just does what the regular, non-hybrid battery pack would do. Every hybrid has a hybrid battery pack to help the engine, and also a regular 12-volt battery, the same as every other vehicle does, to run things like the starter, wipers, heater fan, etc. The big thing with this car is the 5-speed manual. Great one, Russ and Nevada!
Really neat Insight. I always thought that a hybrid with a stick is the most fun way to go. Great find Nevadahalfrack, great write up too Russ. And Scotty…… If EVER I’m in the market for one of these…… I’m taking you with me!! Another huge plus with the design, fender skirts!! I like these a lot.
So with a trailer hitch i can tow a boat? A lawn mower battery is very small.
If someone bids $500, he better take the money and run.