I got a new car... but not a Prius.

After toying with my Toyota dealers number crunching, I just wasn't able to afford a new Prius. I didn't want to go with used, I just simply haven't had the best of luck with used cars, and the Prius c was a little too small for me, so I went for the Insight base. Don't be mad guys! I still love the Prius more than there are grains of sand on all the beaches on Earth! Surprisingly, it's not bad. Going from my first generation Prius to this is (to me) an upgrade. I have lots more safety features. I bought it August 21st, and now as of today have a little over 1,400 miles and have averaged 48.6 MPG. Driving normally with ECON mode turned on and a bit of sporty driving with it off, but not being excessively silly. Overall, I miss the FULL hybrid operation of the Prius, but the Insight is entertaining also. I have found that on downhill grades at a steady speed (even seen at 45mph once!) it will switch to EV mode! (Kinda) The engine still spins but the valves close and fuel isn't supplied, so it's motivation is powered by the IMA motor with zero emissions.

Surprisingly, I see EV mode several times on my short commutes. Nothing like the Prius' but it does it, but only when you're already at speed. It won't accelerate away using battery, it'll just assist. But it's an interesting system. Something new to me that I'm not used to.

 

Absolutely! You have no idea how much I would have loved to get a new Prius. I still plan on it since I just recently started my new job that pays much better, but right now, even though I could, it wouldn't be financially smart for me to run off and get a new Prius when I've only had this new Insight for 3 months. I'll wait until the next generation Prius comes out and then I'll be comfortable with the idea then. But for now, this Insight is a pleasant, efficient car. I can clearly tell that Honda has revised it from the 2010 Insight I drove years ago. This one has more sound insulation and rides much nicer and is less buzzy, so I've been enjoying it. Plus, it'll put I few years of the IMA system in real-world driving under my belt to compare. Each definitely has their pluses and minuses... but I still prefer the FULL design.

 

Aww, man. I'm sorry to hear about that with your Prius! ):
I never heard that either Honda or Toyota was better with reliability. I just always heard/assumed they were pretty much neck and neck.

One thing I'll say, the Insight does have a better (in my person opinion) handling. Which is given since it's lighter. But the ride is smooth, yet a little more choppy compared to the Prius. I suppose that's the main difference people see with Honda's and Toyota's. Toyota favors ride over handling, whereas Honda seems to favor handling over ride. Which is fine. My Prius didn't care for curvy roads, but I thought it was still fun.

I hope Honda really pushes this next Insight out there to compete. I haven't seen an Insight commercial since Summer of 2009. It really doesn't get the credit it deserves.

 

Hahaha, I'm sorry!! I love you too! I'm holding out for the next generation! By then, I'll be more comfortable financially and it'll be easier to talk myself into it.

I just put simply, couldn't afford the new Prius. Base was about $25,000 after shipping off the lot. My Insight was about 4,800 less. :/

 

Wow! That is cheap!! I wish I would have held off then, but then again, I can really say I am super comfy with my payment on the Insight. My dealer was a dream to work with, and when I was back in the financing office, he showed me the first numbers he came up with, which were OKAY, but not what I was wanting, he simply asked me what I wanted, and I said "Go down 30 bucks on the monthly payment and were good." and he laughed and gave me more on my trade, yet didn't inflate the price of the car, I looked over the contract and smiled and shook his hand. I will keep you guys updated on my travels.