"What we got here is the Cadillac of hybrid vehicles". (Rental clerk to Chili Palmer in "Be Cool")
Chili Palmer: [about a Honda Insight] It's the Cadillac of hybrids.
Martin Weir: But what about speed?
Chili Palmer: If you're important, people will wait.
The dealer experience was truly pathetic in the sense that it could have come straight out of the IFC documentary film "Slasher". It's an inside look at the unseemly world of auto sales. My experience was of the sadly stereotypical nature of:
Salesman: What kind of payment are you looking for?
Me: None. I'll be paying cash.
Salesman: How much can you spend on the car?
Me: How much I can spend is not relevant. This is what I am willing to spend.
Salesman: Oh, that's quite a bit less than the price on the car?
Me: We both know the price you've put on it is a made up number that's too high to begin with so you can act like you are lowering it to give someone a deal.
Salesman: Let me talk to my manager.
Me: That's a great idea.
Salesman: My manager says that is too low. Could you do a little bit more?
Me: No. Thanks for your time. (Rising to leave.)
Salesman: Please wait a minute. Let me see if there is anything I can do.
Me: Ok.
Salesman returns with Sales Manager.
Sales Manager: Hi, my name's Joe Sleazebag (or something like that). Look, the amount you are looking to spend is almost $3000 less than the list price.
Me: Nice to meet you (not really). Look, you and I both know that the number on the sticker has no basis in reality, you took the car in on a trade from the original purchaser who bought it here and then bought another new car from you when they traded this in. I'm offering you more than you can possibly have into it and still allowing you a fair profit.
Sales Manager: Well, we also have other expenses into it.
Me: Such as? The car hasn't even been detailed yet since there are still dead bugs in the rear hatch area and even if you have one of your runners clean it up you'll still be pulling a very nice profit out of it.
Sales Manager: So, is this the most your willing to spend? What if I said you could have it for $5.00 dollars more?
Me: I'd say, "Thanks for your time and have a good evening."
Sales Manager: Give me a minute. (walks back to his podium in the corner of the showroom)
Sales Manager: (returns after 3 minutes of doing nothing) Well, I can't sell it to you for this price, but I'll do it because Emad (salesman) just came back to work and he needs the sale. (yeah right!)
This concludes our installment of pathetic sleazebag dealership experience. Hopefully, the service visits to a different Honda dealership will be better.
Now, on to the details of the Insight!
I'm averaging 54mpg with the A/C on and driving at or around 70+mph.
The factory stereo was a turd and has been replaced by an Alpine head unit with integrated Hi-speed ipod link,
a 4 channel 200w Alpine amp
and 4 Polk MMC-650 speakers with external crossovers.
The speakers mounted behind the seats needed a bit of custom spacer work to fit.
And of course a custom alarm system to keep it secure. :-0
The car handles suprisingly well considering the narrow low rolling resistance tires and I have no complaints about its manners on the road.
The auto-stop feature is one of my favorites since it gives you a real warm and fuzzy to know that while sitting at a red light you are neither burning gas nor polluting the air further. Oh, and did I mention earlier that this model is rated SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle).
A COMPARISON OF EMISSIONS STANDARDS
Clean Car Campaign-SULEV Standard
Hydrocarbons (HC) 0.01 percent
Carbon Monoxide (CO) 1.0 (grams/mile)
Nitrous Oxides (NOx) 0.02 (grams/mile)
Particulate Matter (PM) 0.01 (grams/mile)
Current Federal Standard - Tier 1
Hydrocarbons (HC) 0.31 percent
Carbon Monoxide (CO) 4.2 (grams/mile)
Nitrous Oxides (NOx) 0.6 (grams/mile)
Particulate Matter (PM) 0.10 (grams/mile)
Reduction
Hydrocarbons (HC) 97%
Carbon Monoxide (CO) 76%
Nitrous Oxides (NOx) 97%
Particulate Matter (PM) 90%
And don't forget, even small things can help shift the balance. Using rechargeable batteries in cameras and radios, installing the new design of compact flourescent lights, even wearing a watch that you wind or that converts light to power like the Citizen Eco-Drive series saves you from buying and disposing of batteries filled with toxic materials that find their way into our ground water.
From simple to fully loaded!
Small steps can make big differences. My long term plans include solar hot water for the house. Geothermal heat pump for heating the house and if the town will ever permit, a small wind turbine to generate additional power.
Now don't make the mistake of thinking I'm some hemp wearing, barefoot granola who's bent on converting the world. I love my plasma TV and my ipod as much as the next guy. I just think there are ways we can enjoy these things that have less of a negative impact on our planet and on our wallets.
And that my friends, is good for all of us!
Before I forget, check out Craig Newmark's blog at http://www.cnewmark.com He's Craig of craigslist fame. Some excellent reading and links to be found there.
Be nice.
Go green.
Peace.
