Hi all; it finally arrived in Seattle, WA from Japan. Yesterday I got my 2005 red 5 speed, WITHOUT a/c !! (it saves 38 pounds) This is the 3rd Insight I have purchased new, the other 2 had a/c. At the dealer, the FIRST thing I did was inspect the car carefully. I verified it had all the VIN's in the right places, and they matched. I checked the miles (5). I looked for ANY scratch or damage; it was perfect. I verified the rubber strakes under the front bumper were stuck on properly. Then I sat with my salesperson and bought the car. Then the F&I office, to pay for the car, and reject the extended warranty ($2,750 is too high; I will buy one on-line).
When finished in the F&I office, I politely asked the service dept if I could use their air hose. With my own gauge, I inflated all 4 tires from 34 lbs, up to 51, in preparation for my immediate 255 mile drive home. Boy, is this car beautiful; bright red with beige interior.
Driving home, the outside air temp averaged 70 degrees, so I knew I could get decent mpg. I managed 94.2 mpg over 255 miles; not too bad on an engine not yet broken in. I drove between 50 and 68 miles per hour, depending on the slope and grade. (I-90 over the cascade mtns) I received several looks and thumbs up from other drivers.
I plan to use this car ONLY on highway trips, and also I will display it @ weekend car shows all spring and summer. My modifications are already underway: remove both outside mirrors, replace with video camera system. Tinted glass. Remove rear wiper. Remove from hood "H" emblem for that CLEAN look, also NO front licence plate. Install high-end SONY head unit, with 4 excellent speakers and amplifier. Remove emblems from rear glass panel. And finally, have a black graphic design hand painted, then have the entire car painted over with an expensive urethane clear coat system, then wet sanded up to 3000 grit, then buffed with 2 grades of compound to the highest shine.
I hope to maintain an LMPG of 85-90, and keep the car meticulously clean, underbody and all (concours de' elegance) and have already been invited to give some forum presentations at 3 energy expo fairs, speaking about maximizing fuel economy. Should be lots of fun! Billy.......