Honda Element, thinking of buying one,
 

Pelicans, I am thinking of buying a used Honda Element. A 2003 or 2004. Wondering if any of you have one or have any suggestions. I currently drive a diesel suburban and with diesel going over 3.00 a gallon figure its time to get something else. I will keep the suburban for pulling the camper, etc. Suburban tank is 42 gallons. The Element gets somewhere between 24-26 depending on how you drive it. Thanks. Spencer

Unless you need the ability to hose out the interior or like all the neoprene and plastic bits, you might be better off looking at a CR-V. They have just as much room as an Element, are a lot better looking (IMO), and get similar gas mileage. I had a 2004 CR-V that I loved, but I bumped up to the new model (a 2007 CR-V) that I really love.

Steve, thanks. I have a friend that has a Rav-4 and loves it. I will look at the CR-V. The hose out part is OK with me. I live out in the Country and driveway is 3/4 mile long and gravel. I also have two labs (dogs). I am not to sure about taking a water hose to the inside of a car. Just seems wrong. Thanks for the reply. Spencer

Personally, I think they are really cool, but folks are very divided about the styling.

The looks grow on you after awhile, at least they did with me. Seems like a decent car for the money. I am looking for an automatic cause wife unit can't drive a stick. Hey, it keeps her out of the 911. Thanks for the reply. spencer

I know I'll get crap for this but I love my Element. This is the most practical vehicle I've ever owned. Cheap to buy, insure and operate. Easy in and out, turns around tightly, 4 wheel drive, seats fold up or come out, I could go on and on. The fuglyness grows on you. If I could only keep one vehicle this one may be it.

My sister owns an Element and the vehicle gets a thumbs-up from me.....would love to own one myself. You really have to ride in one or drive one to appreciate them, They look small ojn the outside but, are big on the inside.

There is no way the CRV has as much interior room as the Element. We had one for a work truck here at my Surveying business it was driven by a supervisor and got mid 20s gas milage.

We stuffed a John Deer Lawn tractor in it once and even closed the back doors. I wish we took a picture we were laughing really hard at that one.

The storage room in them is amazing, I kind of miss it, we sold it because we were not using it as much anymore.

BTW - DO NOT hose it out, that is a load of crap. You'll end up with a moldy musty smelling car after that. Ours came with a musty smell to it when we bought it used. We suspect the PO hosed it out.

FYI - WE sold our 2003 Element with 75K miles on it for $9,000 and it was in fair shape. Mechanically perfect, but the exterior and interior showed signs of wear mostly from the PO. We did not care because it was a work truck. We drove it for 2 years problem free, only had to replace the battery. Great car!

Other than the fact that they look like a World War 1 ambulance wrapped in Rubbermaid, what the heck!

my sister also owns one. i drove it during my visit. cavernous interior, quirky exterior, absolutely gutless motor. she has the AWD version, and you really need to plan your merges and lane changes days in advance. i couldnt get the thing stuck in a denver snowstorm. it was a slow gutless, boxy tank.

Is the Element that boxy SUV that has the side doors open at the center? That means there is no side pillar--not much rigidity.
I think I would agree the CR-V or RAV4 might be better, but you should also look at the Jeep Patriot or Compass--which are cheaper and get better gas mileage. I've had a Liberty for 3 years and they are good quality and very durable. Longer range, I would consider a hybrid, because obviously the market is going to swing in that direction soon.

A buddy had an Element. He drove it from Cali to TX and back when he moved back loaded down full of crap. They are AMAZINGLY roomy. Almost seems like some sort of optical illusion when you get inside the things.

All in all, I thought it was pretty cool. Kind of like a really cool minivan that's not as embarrassing to drive.

I'd consider one if I was in the market for something super roomy and practical.

I almost bought one. Lots of space, but no power, and couldnt find one with a manual

wow. my sis's was a stick..an automatic would really be anemic. no thanks.

U need this
 

hey! tell that is a bumper sticker! if so, where can i buy one?

Something about this statement is just wrong. Now...let go of your "element" and get back to work!

check it out!

http://outofmyelement.com/_wsn/page2.html

I'm afarid I've got to come out of the "Element Closet", as well. I don't own one, but I like them. Sadly, we've just paid off my wife's Dodge Durango and our plan is to keep it for one or two more years (no car payments) and then down size into a used Honda CR-V...by then the 2007 model will be a decent price for us on the used market. I've considered the Element as a daily driver for myself, but I feel completely naked without my 930, so I'm just not ready to relegate it to a weekend driver.

Here's a recent thread on another forum talking about the Element. I've ridden in one a few times and I was pretty impressed by it. It's a great car for outdoor activities.

http://forums.thecarlounge.net/zerothread?id=3239753