Honda Insight (2001)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 92 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,750

£146/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£20

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 1-8

995cc Petrol

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £1,750/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Petrol995cc25 years old92 tests153k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 995cc)

~50 mpg

£1,175

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£20

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£1,750

Per month£146/mo

Per week£34/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Honda brand average of 84%.

75% of MOT tests on Honda Insights from 2001 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 23 years old. That's based on 92 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 153,355 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2001 models131st of 350(top half)

Rank among Honda models302nd of 402(bottom half)

vs average of all models-7%(82% avg)

vs 2001 models average+2%(73% avg)

vs Honda average-9%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

153,355

Average miles

170,200

Expected for age

The average 2001 Honda Insight had 153,355 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2014 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%, while the 2009 model has the lowest at 79%. The 2001 scores 75%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Honda Insight by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	82%	44	59,333 mi
2020	83%	47	90,604 mi
2019	79%	38	90,855 mi
2015	85%	34	141,698 mi
2014	88%	429	115,510 mi
2013	86%	764	109,556 mi
2012	83%	2,062	126,604 mi
2011	85%	2,989	125,994 mi
2010	81%	4,967	116,746 mi
2009	79%	3,644	114,225 mi
2002	80%	44	153,038 mi
2001	75%	92	153,355 mi
2000	91%	44	135,277 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Fiesta

2003 · 1388cc Petrol

£2,153/year

71%

-4%

Volkswagen Polo

2003 · 1400cc Petrol

£2,353/year

67%

-8%

Toyota Yaris

2003 · 1299cc Petrol

£2,153/year

72%

-3%

Nissan Micra

2003 · 998cc Petrol

£1,750/year

70%

-5%

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About the 2001 Honda Insight

The 2001 Honda Insight is a city car. Our records list a 995cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 92 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2001, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 153,355 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Honda Insight owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2001 Honda Insight Fuel Costs

The modest 995cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,175 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2001 Honda Insight?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,750 (£146/month), broken down as £1,175 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Honda Insight Reliability Trend

Newer Honda Insights pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2001 Honda Insight

At 25 years old, the Honda Insight is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2014 model has the highest pass rate at 88%. Note: with only 92 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Coil Pack Failure

Medium risk

Smaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 153k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2001 Honda Insight stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Honda Insight(2001)	75%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,750
Ford Fiesta(2003)	71%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153+£403
Volkswagen Polo(2003)	67%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,353+£603
Toyota Yaris(2003)	72%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153+£403
Nissan Micra(2003)	70%	£1,175	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,750same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2001 Honda Insight

Is the 2001 Honda Insight reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MOT tests on 2001 Honda Insights ended in a pass, from 92 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2001 Honda Insight cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,750 a year (£146 a month): £1,175 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2001 Honda Insight?

75% of 92 MOT tests on the 2001 Honda Insight ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 131st of 350 models first registered in 2001 (top half).

Which year Honda Insight has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2014 Honda Insight has the highest MOT pass rate at 88% and the 2009 the lowest at 79%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2001 Honda Insight?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2001 Honda Insight is 153,355 miles, which is in line with the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.