Honda Insight (2021)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 44 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,003
£167/month
MOT Pass Rate
82%
Good
Road Tax
£200
Standard rate/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 8-20
1300cc Hybrid
Solid Option
82% pass rate, £2,003/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg (petrol-engine estimate; hybrids usually use less)
Standard rate (from April 2017)
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. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).
Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.
82% of MOT tests on Honda Insights from 2021 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 3 years old. That's based on 44 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 59,333 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
59,333
Average miles
22,200
Expected for age
The average 2021 Honda Insight had 59,333 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is well above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
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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 2021 scores 82%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Honda Insight by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2021 Honda Insight
The 2021 Honda Insight is a small family car. Our records list a 1300cc hybrid engine, though engines vary between versions. 44 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 4% of 2021 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 59,333 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Honda Insight owners cover more miles than the average driver. High-mileage examples should be checked carefully for wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components.
2021 Honda Insight Fuel Costs
The 1300cc hybrid engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Our estimate uses around 42 mpg, the figure for a petrol engine of this size, which works out to roughly £1,398 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). As a hybrid it should use less than that, and real-world fuel costs depend a lot on how much electric-only driving you do.
What does it cost to own a 2021 Honda Insight?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,003 (£167/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% 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 2021 Honda Insight
At 5 years old, the Honda Insight offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2014 model has the highest pass rate at 88%. Note: with only 44 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.
Hybrid Battery Health
Medium riskAfter 5 years, hybrid battery capacity may have reduced. A full replacement costs £2,000-£4,000, though reconditioning is cheaper at £500-£1,500.
Inverter and Power Electronics
Low riskThe inverter converts DC to AC for the electric motor. Failures are expensive (£1,500+) but relatively rare. Listen for unusual buzzing sounds.
Regenerative Braking
Medium riskBrake discs can corrode from reduced use (the electric motor handles most braking). Surface rust is normal but deep pitting needs attention.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 2021 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(2021) | 82% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,003 |
| Toyota Yaris(2019) | 93% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,853-£150 |
| MINI Cooper S(2019) | 92% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,853-£150 |
| Toyota Prius(2019) | 94% | £1,631 | £200 | Grp 18-32 | £2,086+£83 |
| Volvo XC40(2021) | 93% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,853-£150 |
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 2021 Honda Insight
Is the 2021 Honda Insight reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 82% of MOT tests on 2021 Honda Insights ended in a pass, from 44 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's level with the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2021 Honda Insight cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,003 a year (£167 a month): £1,398 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2021 Honda Insight?
82% of 44 MOT tests on the 2021 Honda Insight ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 3226th of 3,336 models first registered in 2021 (bottom 4%).
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 2021 Honda Insight?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2021 Honda Insight is 59,333 miles, which is well above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
Related Honda Models
Explore other Honda cars or similar models in the same category.
Honda Civic
2007 · 2204cc Diesel
Honda Jazz
2009 · 1300cc Petrol
Honda CR-V
2007 · 1998cc Petrol
Toyota Yaris
2019 · 1497cc Hybrid
MINI Cooper S
2019 · 1499cc Hybrid
Toyota Prius
2019 · 1797cc Hybrid
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