Prius versus Insight

Parent Cafe
1

<p>I’ve heard a lot about Prius but not much about Insight. Can anyone comment on the Insight or compare the two?</p>

<p>Thank you!</p>

2

<p>I’m too busy pouting because my old car is just over the mileage required for the CARS coupon. And our other older car that has low enough mileage was not insured for the last few months so is not eligible. Grumble.</p>

<p>But, even though buying a new car is in the distant future for me, I would also be interested to hear insights in the insight (sorry ;), couldn’t resist )</p>

3

<p>The Insight is smaller. For the base model, the middle section is a cupholder. Cheap tacky plastic on the steering wheel. It drives and feels clunkier. The back seats are too small. MPG is about 40 for the Insight vs. 50 for the Prius. Key vs. keyless ignition. </p>

<p>In June, 12k+ Prius sold vs. 2k+ Insight sold. </p>

<p>The Insight aren’t selling, so you’re more likely to get a steep discount. We checked out both cars and decided on the Prius. The Insight is selling roughly $1000 below MSRP. The Prius is selling roughly $500 below MSRP.</p>

4

<p>I don’t have anything profound to add other than I like the interior of the Insight more:</p>

<p><a href=“http://media.canada.com/267c54bd-63f5-4113-9b72-08e5f2aaa7c2/1insightint.jpg[/url]”>http://media.canada.com/267c54bd-63f5-4113-9b72-08e5f2aaa7c2/1insightint.jpg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p><a href=“http://www.toyota.com/img/vehicles/2010/prius/gallery/full/int_image2.jpg[/url]”>http://www.toyota.com/img/vehicles/2010/prius/gallery/full/int_image2.jpg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

5

<p>I think the Insight is somewhat less expensive but the Prius gets somewhat better mileage and may have some more features.</p>

<p>You might want to read this article from Popular Mechanics -
[2010</a> Toyota Prius vs. 2010 Honda Insight Comparison Test Drive: Battle of the Fuel Sippers?The Rematch - Popular Mechanics](<a href=“http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/automotive_news/4309705.html]2010”>http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/automotive_news/4309705.html)</p>

<p>They’re similar enough and are really in the same category that you should go drive each of them to get a feel for the relative performance (or lack thereof) and handling.</p>

6

<p>There was a review of the Insight in the paper last week. It really did not receive a very good review. I’d go with the Prius…or a Civic Hybrid.</p>

7

<p>Get a similar sized diesel, like a Jetta TDI. You’ll actually get better MPG than either of those cars and you won’t be using the very un-environmentally-friendly batteries in hybrids. So you can laugh under your breath at all the smug hybrid snobs knowing that you’re getting better mileage and (depending on where diesel is at the time) usually paying less for fuel than them.</p>

8

<p>Jetta TDI is only 31 city 40 highway, and is about 3k more than the Prius.
In term of reliability, Jetta TDI is no match to the proven Prius.
The Insight is about 3k less than the Prius, but tangible upgrades in the Prius make it a better buy.</p>

9

<p>NPR compared them yesterday on public radio. I didn’t hear it. My H said they came out tied, so the three reviewers held a tie breaker. One went with Prius, one with the Insight, and finally the guy doing the talking had to break the tie - he went with the Insight. What I remember is that the Prius gets slightly better gas mileage, the Insight has a bit better pick-up.</p>

<p>We aren’t in the market for a car right now, but I think my H would be leaning toward the Insight.</p>

10

<p>I heard that new battery for Prius (eventually you will need a new one) wiil cost like $9000. And they are really dmaging to landfill. For these reasons, I will never buy hybrid untill they develop something more reasonable.</p>

11

<p>I’ve had a 2003 Prius since it was new. Estimates are that the battery will last between 100,000 and 150,000 miles (these are Toyotas so it is possible that the battery will wear out before the car does…we had a Toyota truck that went 250K). Replacement cost for a battery is between $2500 and $3000 from the dealer. Price out replacing a transmission or other major system on any conventional car and lo, you’re spending the same or more. Any car needs a certain amount of replacement parts over the years. A hybrid battery is no different than that.</p>

<p>The 2010 car will let you run battery-only, perfect for in-town driving.</p>

12

<p>But it is additional cost to other replacement costs. Don’t they have transmission and other major systems like conventional car?</p>

13

<p>“I heard that new battery for Prius (eventually you will need a new one) wiil cost like $9000. And they are really dmaging to landfill. For these reasons, I will never buy hybrid untill they develop something more reasonable.”</p>

<p>According to Toyota, all parts of the Prius battery are recyclable.</p>

14

<p>Sure…but it’s still cheaper than replacing anything on a BMW or a Mercedes!</p>

15

<p>Wow!
I do not own BMW or a Mercedes, but I got to tell you that even driving Audi is non-comparable to any Toyotas that I have had. That would be hard to go back, if I am pushed to do so. I do not see how driving Prius is comparable to driving BMW or Mercedes, sorry!</p>

16

<p>Have you driven a Prius? My parents have one and like it. Last year I was all ready to get one until I drove it. With the position of the rear window, due to the hatchback, I just could not see out the back - it made me nervous.</p>

17

<p>I have not driven Prius, but have owned several Toyotas over many years, including the one before I switched to Audi. They are not comparable driving-wise.</p>

18

<p>Consumer Reports just did a report on these and compared them. Check your local library for more information…</p>

19

<p>I’ve test-driven the Insight and the Jetta. The Insight seemed more fun to drive. It has a green “ECON” button that when pressed, puts the Insight into EcoAssist mode, changing the behavior of the engine, electric motor, transmission, air conditioning and cruise control to maximize efficiency. Under EPA protocols the vehicle is tested without the button activated, which gives the mpgs in the low 40s. But I’ve seen the combined mpg in EcoAssist mode rated at 55 mpg. It also has fun readouts on the dash which give real-time feedback on the economy of your driving, then give you an economy score when you shut it down, and displays your last three scores each time you crank it up. Over time, it teaches you how to drive it for maximum fuel economy.</p>

<p>But the car is small and the backseat seems sized for children only. The trunk space is especially limited - our daughters fly to and from college, and we couldn’t drive either of them to the airport with their college luggage. The bar that separates the two sections of the back window runs right through your line of vision, cutting the back window view in half. It’s very well-priced for the fuel economy it offers, but I think its limitations will be a problem for us. The Jetta SportWagen was great, but the nearest VW dealer is 35-40 miles away, so we wouldn’t be able to take advantage of the 36,000-mile free service feature. Its “leatherette” seating also smells like the “vinylette” it truly is. I have yet to test-drive the Prius, but I’m guessing that we’ll wind up going that way.</p>

20

<p>Here is a comparison of the two cars from the Seattle Times:</p>

<p>[Head-to-head</a> hybrids: Honda Insight vs. Toyota Prius | Seattle Times Newspaper](<a href=“http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/living/2008685802_hondainsight30.html]Head-to-head”>http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/living/2008685802_hondainsight30.html)</p>