Ahead of its Time: 2000 Honda Insight – Sold?

May 13, 2021 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

It’s amazing to realize that some vehicles that were initially the brunt of jokes among enthusiasts have re-emerged as delightfully charming in a way that makes them more desirable than when they were new. The Pontiac Aztek comes to mind, as even with its offensive looks, it was a highly practical package. Along the same lines, the 2000 Honda Insight, like this example originally listed in March 2021 on Craigslist in Sarasota, Florida has emerged as perhaps the most passion-infused hybrid project seen at that point and certainly oozing with personality compared to its contemporary, the Toyota Prius. This example is listed for $4,500, and comparing this price against the NADA Price Guide reveals the ask is above the top-tier value of $3,700 – but when you see just how few Insights are for sale, the seller’s bottom line makes more sense.

Like so many things in life, timing is everything. When Honda introduced the Insight, there was a novelty factor to it that made the concept of a hybrid drivetrain newsworthy on a seemingly daily basis. This idea of a vehicle that was partially electric seemingly bought hundred of thousands of dollars in free press for Honda and Toyota alike. This was not that long ago, either, and in retrospect, it’s incredible to think about how blissfully simple life was when a hybrid drivetrain was deemed newsworthy. But aside from its headline-grabbing qualities, the similarities end there. The Insight was a shotgun if the Prius was a super soaker, as the Honda still possessed the qualities that make enthusiasts pay attention: a traditional manual gearbox; extremely lightweight, despite the batteries; two-seater cockpit; digital gauge cluster; and a shape that captured perfectly what we all thought the flying cars of the future would look like.

We like this video showing what it’s like to drive a Honda Insight that the Resular Car Reviews Channel posted about the Insight:

Today, the Insight enjoys a robust cult following, with buyers chasing them to all corners of the country and happily driving them back home. This one not only has a replacement battery straight from Honda (fitted in 2019 at a cost of $2,800), but it also comes with stacks of maintenance paperwork from the previous owner. It’s also wearing one of the best factory colors, Citrus Yellow Metallic, although the seller notes that the paint job is not one of the car’s strong suits. The air conditioning works and the seller notes he routinely sees 600 miles out of a single tank of gas – and that’s with an annoying O2 sensor light illuminated on the dash, despite replacing the pricey component in 2020. That tends to be a problem for passing most state inspections, so the next owner will have to remedy it somehow. While there was a time you wouldn’t be caught dead in one of these, that time has passed – and the first-generation Insight is easily one of the raddest hybrids on the market today. Good luck with the purchase if you decide to drive this one home!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“I’m finally selling my 2000 Citrus Honda Insight.
Location Sarasota, FL 34234
Price $4500
The battery was replaced by Honda ($2800) in 2019 and works GREAT no IMA light or battery issues whatsoever. I have a stack of records for the car from previous owner.
Zero Accidents, adult driven.
5 Speed Manual, I know how to double-clutch, downshift, rev up, and I never grind a gear with this transmission because of that.
I drive 75 miles twice a week and it has a lifetime average of 56 MPG.
Just tinted the windows
A/C works great. The paint is a 4/10 however this is an aluminum vehicle and it does not need paint.
I just replaced the EGR in 2020. Thoroughly cleaned the intake manifold to get all of the carbon out of the intake manifold.
Replaced the expensive O2 sensor ($250) in March of 2020, however, it still throws a code for O2 regardless.
I was still able to get 600 miles out of 1 tank of gas last year, so this car will go far if taken car of properly.
Only synthetic oil has been used on this vehicle.
The car will come with (2) extra Honda Oil Filters for when you are ready to do the oil change.
Everything is completely stock.
please call as I am never on the forums anymore 941-518-69 six zero
Thank you.”

Do you have a Honda Insight story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!