There is a mechanic in a city nearby who restores and sells (and maintains) first-generation Honda Insights. Most of the cars his shop produces have a salvage title. He offers exclusive repair and maintenance service to purchasers. I've done a lot of reading and talking to people about this car—a trusted coworker owns one of his restorations—and I'm pretty much convinced that I want what seems to be one of the most over-engineered, fuel-efficient, cool little cars ever made. So what am I missing?
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posted by carsonb
on Apr 28, 2013 -
17 answers
I suspect that my driver-side upper ball joint is the culprit. There have been groaning noises when going over bumps, and a sort of clattering noise when hitting potholes. This has been going on for several years, and has gotten worse in the past month. I took it to four different mechanics, two for this specifically, and two for general inspection purposes (the most recent, non-specific inspection took place about 5 months ago.) None of the mechanics found anything they considered to be a real problem (i.e. hazardous to my/others' safety/the car's safe operation.) The noise has intensified in volume and frequency in the past week or so, along with (new) weird vibration when traveling at certain speeds (usually over 40 mph), but only sometimes, and it continues as I slow to a stop, slowing along with the car (but doesn't start showing up until I reach a higher speed.) Today I noticed that the boot on the upper ball joint is cracked and the grease is leaking out. The passenger side ball joint is similarly worn, but no grease is in evidence yet.
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posted by i. shishkin
on Apr 17, 2013 -
5 answers
I am thinking about buying a new car in a few months, wondering about model, when to buy, and planning around a trip in June. Advice/Tips/Opinions/Tales/Fact or Fiction Appreciated! (Much more inside)
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posted by token-ring
on Mar 1, 2013 -
15 answers
A few weeks ago I asked
this question. Consider this a follow-up question.
I have a 1993 Honda del Sol 5-speed Si that has a "mystery" problem of sometimes starting and sometimes not starting. It's always a cold-start problem. I put the key in the ignition, switch it to ON until the check engine light goes on, the fuel pump pressurizes, and the main relay clicks, and then crank it. Sometimes it will fire up right away. Other times the engine will turn over but not ignite. Once it is started, it will start up fine for the rest of the day. It only gives me trouble when the engine has gone completely cold and has been left untouched for upwards of four hours.
A new issue has developed since I first posted my question. Even after getting the car started, sometimes just a few minutes later during a sharp acceleration (approaching 4000rpms or more) the engine stalls out. I have to pull the car over and start it up again. It always starts up fine after that and will usually not stall out again. I had this issue looked at by several mechanics, most of whom hadn't the slightest clue what it was or willingness to investigate. The last mechanic I took it to said it was a faulty ignition switch and replaced it . . . but that has done no good whatsoever. Also, just FYI, the spark plugs are relatively new.
Any thoughts are appreciated!
posted by fignewton
on Feb 28, 2013 -
10 answers
About six weeks I purchased a 5-speed 1993 Honda del Sol Si. Overall, I'm very pleased with the transaction. It's in great shape and runs very nicely.
However, ever since a few days after I bought it, I've had a very frustrating recurring problem.
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posted by fignewton
on Feb 5, 2013 -
26 answers
We lease a Honda and the lease is ending on February 27. This is our first time leasing and we are nervous about the end-of-lease vehicle inspection. Should we expect to have to pay?
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posted by miaou
on Jan 23, 2013 -
8 answers
I have a 2002 Honda Civic and I want to remove the lower rubber seal on the front passenger door. Is there a way to do this without damaging it?
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posted by Estragon
on Jan 12, 2013 -
4 answers
"Snowflake" car purchasing question: Ford Focus vs Mazda 3 vs Honda Fit vs Hyundai Elantra.
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posted by annie o
on Oct 8, 2012 -
55 answers
Best way to sell/trade in a car with transmission problems that I am now upside down on?
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posted by twblalock
on Sep 10, 2012 -
12 answers
My relative backed into my '09 Civic in the driveway. The front emblem and fender are bent; it appears that the radiator is bent as well. The car starts without problems. What am I looking at? Should I drive it into the shop, or have it towed? Relative doesn't have the wherewithal to fix this; should I make a claim against my own insurance?
posted by sonic meat machine
on Aug 14, 2012 -
22 answers
Our car – a 2003 Honda Civic DX stick-shift – has started to make a rattling/ticking/whirring noise when it accelerates. Can we still safely drive it?
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posted by scruss
on Jun 19, 2012 -
13 answers
Asking for a friend. "Jan" is buying a 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid, it has 60,000 miles on it now. The dealer is offering a warranty on said car, 6 years or 60,000 miles, for $1600. She is set on the car, but can't decide on the warranty. She has just ended one sided needy relationship with a narcissistic Mercedes with never ending issues. This recent experience is clouding her decision and I suggested turning to mefites. thank you!
posted by jennstra
on Mar 23, 2012 -
17 answers
Can I repair this spot on my Honda Civic's bumper where the paint has started to peel away? More details inside.
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posted by circular
on Mar 6, 2012 -
6 answers
I'm going to be buying a used car soon, for around $3000. Unfortunately, Consumer Reports doesn't have a reliability chart for beaters.
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posted by freshwater
on Sep 3, 2011 -
20 answers
The lock on the rear, passenger-side door on my 99 Honda Civic is broken. Can I fix it myself?
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posted by HeroZero
on Jul 5, 2011 -
5 answers
our 2006 honda civic EX sedan (automatic) is having occasional problems shifting into reverse. we're taking it in to be fixed, but i want to try and read up on this beforehand.
fascinating details inside.
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posted by patricking
on Apr 16, 2011 -
5 answers
Whenever I release my gas pedal, I can hear a low pitched groan from the vehicle. The sound immediately stops immediately when I press the gas pedal again. The groan is louder if I release the gas at higher RPMs, even when I am in neutral. Any idea what this could be? The car is a 2002 Civic.
posted by ajackson
on Mar 16, 2011 -
8 answers
First of all, I am deeply sympathetic to the disaster in Japan, so I am sorry if this is tacky. But I was already looking to buy a new Honda within the next few months and want to know if because of the circumstances I should jump on it
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posted by hellameangirl
on Mar 14, 2011 -
7 answers
We bought a car from a dealer in Massachusetts, but we live in Maine and the car will be registered in Maine. When we picked up the car yesterday, the dealer asked us to do something weird. Have you ever heard of this?
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posted by anastasiav
on Jan 23, 2011 -
25 answers
Car Repair Filter: My 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid has 150,000 miles and the check engine light is on. Dealer is telling me I need a new catalytic converter.
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posted by hazyspring
on Jan 14, 2011 -
20 answers
Hi there, the lock on the driver-side door of my Honda Fit seems to be malfunctioning. Is there a cheap and easy way to fix it?
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posted by KokuRyu
on Jan 11, 2011 -
14 answers
Which car should we drive to Mammoth? 2001 Honda Civic @ 109,000mi vs 2007 Honda Fit Sport @ 32,000mi? Everything is stock. What should we watch out for?
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posted by wuMeFi
on Dec 27, 2010 -
10 answers
I really wanted a Mini Cooper, but the nearest sales and service location is too far from me. What should I get instead?
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posted by dayintoday
on Dec 13, 2010 -
43 answers
What's the best way to keep my 1991 Honda Accord in good shape this winter? It'll be parked on the NYC street, and only needs to be moved once a week.
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posted by ranunculus
on Nov 1, 2010 -
7 answers
It's way past time to change my timing belt - like almost 30,000 miles past! Help me find the right Honda/Acura dealership in West Central Florida (Tampa to Gainesville) to change the timing belt on my 1994 Acura Integra.
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posted by toodleydoodley
on Sep 15, 2010 -
13 answers
Looking for advice on a new-to-me car. Anyone with experience of late-model Subaru Foresters, Honda Fits, and the AWD vs. FWD question? I'll be in central NJ. Loooong-winded "more inside" with a summary.
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posted by dondiego87
on Aug 10, 2010 -
26 answers
If my 2001 Honda Accord's blower motor resistor goes out, should I expect the air conditioner not to come on at all, or is there something more seriously wrong with the car than just the resistor?
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posted by tybstar
on Aug 2, 2010 -
3 answers
My car was totaled, (totally not my fault) and I'm in the market for a newer car (yipee!). I was in a 2003 Mercury Sable and found it was too much car for me, now I'm leaning towards a coupe or smaller hatchback. Help me decide!
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posted by Advocate, I
on May 12, 2010 -
24 answers
I have a non-Sport 2007 Honda Fit with a factory radio. It has an Auxiliary-in button on the controls, but no physical aux-input (unlike the Sport, which does). How can I best get my iPod to play through my Honda stereo (with an FM Modulator as a last resort)?
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posted by newfers
on Jan 21, 2010 -
14 answers
I have a 2006 Honda Pilot, and noticed that my right headlight went out. Each headlight is comprised of two headlights, a top and bottom one. The top one seems to be working, but the bottom one is out. The top bulb is easy to replace, but the bottom one is a little bit more tricky, as there doesn't seem to be an easy way to remove it. Can anyone point me to a schematic or something? I think the replacement bulb size is H11, I just don' t understand how to replace the lower bulb.
posted by GatorFan2000
on Dec 27, 2009 -
6 answers
