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2004 Honda Insight, Silver, 196k Miles, 5-speed Manual Transmission, Cd Player on 2040-cars

Year:2004 Mileage:196314 Color: Silverstone Metallic /
 Beige
Location:

Williamsburg, Virginia, United States

Williamsburg, Virginia, United States
Advertising:
Transmission:Manual
Body Type:Hatchback
Vehicle Title:Clear
Engine:1.0L 995CC 61Cu. In. l3 ELECTRIC/GAS SOHC Naturally Aspirated
Fuel Type:ELECTRIC/GAS
For Sale By:Private Seller
VIN: JHMZE13744T000366 Year: 2004
Make: Honda
Model: Insight
Warranty: Vehicle does NOT have an existing warranty
Trim: Base Hatchback 3-Door
Options: CD Player
Drive Type: FWD
Safety Features: Anti-Lock Brakes, Driver Airbag, Passenger Airbag
Mileage: 196,314
Power Options: Air Conditioning, Power Locks, Power Windows
Exterior Color: Silverstone Metallic
Interior Color: Beige
Number of Cylinders: 3
Number of Doors: 2
Condition: Used: A vehicle is considered used if it has been registered and issued a title. Used vehicles have had at least one previous owner. The condition of the exterior, interior and engine can vary depending on the vehicle's history. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections. ... 

2004 Honda Insight, 5-Speed Manual Transmission with 196,314 miles


Please read the entire description of this auction before bidding.  This is obvious, but serious bidders only.

A Brief History
  • I purchased this car on July 8th of 2012.  Since then, I have experienced some issues with the car as noted in detail below in the Detailed History and Known Issues section.
  • I am the third owner of this vehicle and have a clear title issued by the state of Virginia.
  • The car currently has 196,314 miles.
  • I am selling it because my daily commute to and from work decreased significantly, and more importantly, I plan on moving soon and will not be able to take this and my other car with me.
Specs and Features
  • Vehicle Number: JHMZE13744T000366
  • Engine Number: ECA1-1040367
  • Color, Exterior / Interior: Silverstone Metallic / Beige
  • 5-Speed Manual Transmission
  • A/C (works great)
  • CD player (I also added an iPod connection)
  • Non-smoker / smoke-free
Detailed History and Known Issues

Since buying this car last year, I have encountered some problems with it that I will describe here.  These are known issues based on personal experience and unfortunately I do not have any information from the previous two owners.  I will be as honest as I can to describe everything so you are fully aware of the potential issues.  All service records since I bought the car will be provided.
  • 2012, July 8th: Car purchased from second owner.  Approximately, 190,300 miles on the odometer.  I have the CARFAX Vehicle History Report from back then if you are interested.
  • 2012, July 9th ~ 13th: 190,639 miles.  During the first week of ownership the Check Engine Light came on.  I took it to the local Honda dealership (Williamsburg Honda) and they told me that the check engine light was due to Code P2000 ("Oxides of Nitrogen Trap Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1").  So, the car will need a new catalytic converter (expensive fix!) at some point in the future.  At this time I had them do a 5K mile service which included: an oil change (0W20 Mobil), replacement of the transmission fluid, new air filter, new cabin filter, and new spark plugs were installed.  The front wiper inserts were replaced as well.  They also told me that the left rear shock was leaking, though they didn't note this as an issue on subsequent visits.
  • 2012, August 9th: 191,952 miles.  New 12V battery installed by Williamsburg Honda.
  • 2012, August 24th: The dreaded IMA Light came on...  Kept driving the car around with just the gasoline engine with no electric motor assist.
  • 2013, February 4th: 196,040 miles.  Oil and filter change, and state safety inspection at Williamsburg Honda.
  • 2013, April 25th: The car was towed to Williamsburg Honda after it stopped running while I was driving home...  Couldn't get it to start-up.  First the CD-player quit, then the lights of the dash dimmed and flickered, then the engine quit when I stopped at a stop-light.
  • 2013, April 26th: 196,280 miles.  The car is now up and running again after being serviced at Williamsburg Honda.  During this last service visit, Williamsburg Honda also noted that the valves are noisy and that they possibly need adjusting.  They could not duplicate the problem that I had the night before, but, did find "Code 58 in IMA System".  Also, they noted, "Tested all was good except 12 volt battery so charged with GR-8 then tested good.  Possible temporary failure at this time."  Not very helpful...  After this "reset" the car is running fine; the IMA Light is now off and the electric motor is assisting the gasoline engine once again.  The AUTO idle STOP function is once again working and the check engine light has managed to remain off as well, and it's running like the day I bought it almost a year ago.
So, I'm not entirely confident in this car's IMA batteries...  It probably needs to be replaced soon (which I can't afford), or perhaps they just need to be rebalanced.  The catalytic converter will need to be replaced at some point in the future, not to mention a possible left rear shock leak that may need attention.  Lastly, there is problem with the synchro (common for these cars) so the transmission grinds when down shifting to second gear unless you double-clutch.  I think this car would be perfect for someone who knows a lot about these cars and loves working on them.  

Additional Information

Thanks for reading this far!  I'm almost done.  There are a few more things I'd like to mention before I either succeed or fail at convincing you to place a bid for this car.

The overall condition of this 9+ year old car is average to good.  There are no major flaws on the exterior or interior of the car.  However, there are some minor cosmetic and functional flaws throughout as you might expect of a 2004 model; a couple of small dings on both doors, driver side power window motor seems weak (still functioning though), lots of small chips in the paint on the front bumper (did the previous owner(s) live on a dirt road?), fading of the "H" symbol sticker on the rear hatch (I will provide a replacement that I haven't had a chance to "install"), top of the steering wheel feels worn-out, the small light next to the passenger's side headlight doesn't turn on (but, it sometimes does; bad connection or bulb?), all other lights work fine.  The headlights are clouded and should be restored; I used BlueMagic Headlight Lens Restorer and Sealer and it helped, but, as you can see in the photos, the lights are still cloudy.  All tires have a decent amount of tread left on them.  The small nub to adjust the direction of air flow on the passenger side air vent is missing (see picture).  All four alloy wheels have scuff marks on them.  That's about it as far as notable issues and problems are concerned.

Included in Auction
  • 2004 Honda Insight with approximately 196,400 miles (as described in detail above).
    • Original window sticker.
    • All service records since I took ownership.
    • Clean Title
    • CARFAX report (from last year when I bought the car)
    • Virginia State Safety Inspection Certificate (good through February 2014)
    • Owner's Manual / Warranties Booklet / Quick Start Guide
  • 2 Keys and 1 Remote
  • Grid Charger kit from Hybrid Automotive (new, uninstalled)
  • Replacement "H" emblem sticker for rear hatch (new, uninstalled)
  • Bottle of BlueMagic Headlight Lens Restorer and Sealer (partially used)
  • Honda Touch-up Paint, Silverstone metallic (unused)
  • Windshield Reflector, Heatshield from Canvas Works, Inc.
  • iPod connector (installed)
Additional photos can be provided if requested.  You are also welcome to arrange to have the vehicle inspected, and/or speak to the Honda dealership where I have been getting this car serviced.
You can come see the car for your self if you live locally.

Terms & Conditions

You are bidding on this car AS-IS with NO WARRANTIES.
If you are the winning bidder, please remember that you are buying this vehicle AS-IS and that I am not responsible for any repairs that may be required.
I will not accept returns.

Serious bidders only; Please email me before bidding if you have a feedback score of less than 5, otherwise I will cancel your bid.
I will not end the auction early or take offers so please don't ask; I plan on letting the auction to run its course to decide how much this car is worth.

Shipping

All shipping costs are the responsibility of the winning bidder.  I will do my best to work with the transport company you choose if the car needs to be shipped.

Payment

The winning bidder must contact me within 24 hours of auction close and a $500 non-refundable deposit via PayPal is due within 48 hours of auction close.
Full and final payment is due within 7 days of auction close.

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