Heya Wayne,
Ok, I think I understood most of that after consulting the glossary.
My battery is rarely ever a bar down. I don't know why. It always seemed to me that it should drop sometimes. As I said, if it's always fully charged how can it absord all the excess power from the engine?
I'd like to get it looked at by someone who actually knows hybrids. The dealer I bought from didn't know much about hybrids or thier "constant velocity transmissions". (His words, not mine) When I took it back to the same dealership for an oil change the service department's response was "You want me to work on what? Why don't you take it to whoever sold it to you?"
I don't know if the 46.1 is lifetime or current. I need to re-read the car's manual.
I talked to several places about alternate tires for the Insight, but 2 Les Schwabs and the Dealer told me there is only one tire the Insight can use. My current traction is good. I don't want to swap tires right now unless the siping is having a huge impact, but I doubt it since the MPG when I bought it read less than 50 and is usually around 48. I really think I have some sort of battery issue, but am at a loss for how to adress it. I took my car to the other major area Honda dealership for an oil change and service and they found nothing wrong with the car.

As for IMA, I am rarely over 1/3 of the bars when accelerating. I don't know if that's alot. I find that Su acclerates better if I don't floor it. (Su is my car's name, short for Sulev). I start with light pressure on the pedal and increase as she picks up speed.

I do want a good sound system in there, but not at the cost of hurting FE. My upgraded speakers have the same draw as the factory ones, but they did need to take out material from inside my door to make tham fit.

I'll ask Kayakwill to see if he knows a good place to service an Insight. There are at least 6 other Insight owners in this town. 2 other Blue '04s, a Red '04, a Green '03 or earlier, and a Silver '05.

Thanks for your help.