2005 Honda Insight

Highlights

RHD Japanese import, arriving in 2018
Passed MOT with no advisories, valid until September 2024
Recently serviced with gearbox oil and brake fluid replacement
Wheels professionally refurbished and fitted with four new Toyo tyres
Achieves up to 93 mpg over a 150-mile journey and c.70 mpg during daily commuting

The Appeal

When the Honda Insight was unveiled during the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show, it truly was ahead of its time as few were familiar with the term “hybrid”. What grabbed the attention of onlookers were the amazing MPG figures that this new technology claimed to achieve. Its sub-900 kg kerb weight and streamlined bodywork had their parts to play too, so the Insight lived up to its reputation, proving a strong seller.

Now considered a modern classic, the Insight is enjoying a resurgence in popularity now that we’re looking to the future of sustainable car design. Here we have a superb example, imported from Japan in 2018. It’s in fabulous original condition and has proved a reliable daily driver for the vendor during the past three years.

There were actually less than 200 of these first generation Insights sold in the UK as genuine UK models, and they were never available here with the automatic CVT gearbox, so are a very rare sight on UK roads.

It’s treated to an annual battery cell deep discharge 'balance' to keep its battery in top condition and maintenance also includes a major fluid service in 2022. Recently serviced again and fitted with new tyres, don’t miss the chance to acquire this quirky modern classic and reap the benefits of its thrifty motoring.

History and Paperwork

Imported to the UK in 2018 with 53,217 km on the clock
A kilometre-to-mile converter has been installed for the speedometer/odometer
First registered in 2005
Limited history before it arrived in the UK, although a great deal of paperwork has been amassed during current ownership
Regularly maintained, with a large service in 2022 including gearbox oil and brake fluid replacement
The last oil and filter service was carried out in September 2023
Passed the MOT in September 2023 with no advisories, valid until September 2024
The car has been used as a daily driver for the last few years, as evidenced by the MOT mileage history

The Condition

Presented in fine overall condition
No signs of notable damage or electrolytic corrosion to the aluminium bodywork
The interior remains in very good condition, with little in the way of wear
It has a Sony double din stereo fitted with Apple Car Play and Android Auto, but the vendor has the original OEM Japanese 'Gathers' radio that will come with the car
The vendor notes some minor scuffs on the dashboard, liley caused by the prior instillation of a mobile phone holder
The rear luggage net is a genuine Honda factory option
The AC and Climate Control are ice cold and work perfectly
The driver's seat is still in excellent condition for its age, with minimal wear due to the use of a seat cover since import
The vendor points out a few superficial stone chips and a small paintwork chip on the passenger door
All four wheels were professionally refurbished this year and fitted with new Toyo tyres

The Mechanics

1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine
Automatic CVT transmission
144 V 10 Kw electric motor
“Parallel hybrid” drivetrain arrangement
Mechanically standard and in reportedly in excellent working order
New front brake discs and pads were recently installed
The hybrid system works perfectly, with the battery maintained with a yearly deep discharge 'balance'
The vendor reports that it drives well with precise steering and feels nimble due to its low mass
We’re informed that the brakes are very effective and the hybrid system provides good acceleration
Cruises at motorway speeds without issues and averages around 70 mpg in daily commuting
Being a Japanese spec automatic it came with the factory 'lean burn' mode that was not available in automatics from other markets, greatly improving the mpg over say US spec cars.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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