The BMW got 0.9 mpg better than the Prius. If the error range is +/- 1 mpg, the BMW could've very well gotten worse mileage than the Prius. It all depends on who is doing the test I guess. Both cars are good. Personally, I'd take the diesel over the hybrid any day. The only time I'd get a hybrid is if they got significantly better mileage than it's full-engine counterpart. Right now the mpg difference is very small.

 

Just replace the batt pack and call it a day. Hybrids like the prius and especially the insight are made from composites, and alloys like aluminum(steel on Pris? IDK)
I don't know the ratios on the prius, but the insight is made of mostly aluminum. that alone adds years of life to the body, and around here with all the salt use thats a huge benefit over steel.
I know the 100k # was more or less thrown out there, but, these packs can really go the distance. I had over 200k on mine before it started showing noticeable deterioration. At least 50% of my mileage is hardcore traffic.
I know there is an exception to every rule, and I am not trying to sway anyone into buying one(heck, i own a ram-the complete opposite). I put this info out there, from first hand-long term experience, for the truth to be known about these cars--good or bad

 

aww, you cheated and edited your post---stop it, I can't type that fast

 

Well if you made it to 200k on the original batteries then it's pretty good. I didn't even think about the body.

 

i will admit though, i don't know if my batt pack life is the norm(for a insight) as i have yet to find another one out there with as many miles. At a replacement cost of 900-3000$ the cost of ownership can be bad if you don't have the fuel savings to offset the cost.
I agree on the mpgs being to close on some hybrids vs. full engine. the price, added components to fix is just not worth it. had my car been close to a crx(model closest in looks)in terms of mpg, I would never had spent the extra $ for this car. I have had my fair share of issues with this car, but most were from normal use.I just wish that the big 3 would come out with a viable hybrid that is truely cost effective-one that you just drive and get great mpg gains over other cars in its class

 

^^^^Right there - you understand what hybrid technology should look like. Not a Lexus LS450H, or even a Camary Hybrid, since there's so little real differance in mileage to make it worthwhile. Instead, cars like the Insight, make a lot of sense. I would imagine if Honda were to re-intorduce the Insight today, they would sell like hotcakes...it's a commuter car! Imagine if it were a diesel-electric hybrid!

 

On my 100 miles round trip commute to and from work (90 miles interstate), if I drive like the rest of CA, I get 48 MPG and if I drive sensibly I get 51MPG on my 01 Beetle TDI with 162K on the clock. Take that to the bank Toyota Prius!

 

I think it's good they show a difference. Press seems largely pushing Hybrids dispite the cost.
I drove a Jetta TDI and it was definately a larger car than the Civic at the time. Good comprise, longevity, mileage, and price.

Michael