I've been thinking of downsizing (from a Tundra) to something a bit easier to drive around town (in and out of parking spaces) but still retain some sort of utility along with decent fuel mileage. I don't do much highway driving unles you count trips from Bryan to south College Station along 6 from time to time. There are a few vehicles out there but it seems like the Element might fit what I'm looking for. Anyone here have any pros and cons on these? Any other suggestions?

Con: Ugly as sin. It hurts everyones eyes.

+1.

Are you opposed to something like a Ford Escape?

I agree the Element is not traditionally pretty. But it has more character than a Tahoe or Expedition or older Explorer.

We own a 2004 Element LX. We bought it used in 2006. Extremely reliable so far. Just one set of tires, a battery, and brake shoes so far. The interior is nicely done and versatile.

It is not peppy. The vehicle is a bit heavy for the power it has. The ride is a bit choppy on road dips because of the short wheelbase. Ours is the "old style" Element with the contrasting body panels. Most of the newer ones are a single color.

The Element and CR-V share a platform. I would probably choose the CR-V because of its looks and it is up to date. But the Element has tons of room inside and is worth considering.

Not opposed to a Ford Escape. I owned a 2-door Ford Explorer back in the mid-90's and it wasn't bad.

I've test driven and CR-V and an Element and didn't really care for the CR-V that much. It seemed to have more road noise then the Element. I'm also not a fan of the tumble and fold seats that the CR-V has. I like the fact that you can pull the seats out of the Element or fold them up out of the way to give you a lot of floor space. Also like the flat-folding front seats. Makes for carrying long items much easier.

Spicewood, could you carry an 8ft piece of lumber (2x4 or the like) with the back seats folded up out of the way and the front passenger seat folded down? Also, how does it do on fuel mileage in town/hwy?

i actually like the Element myself. my only thing would be the smallish power, probably. the utility would be great though - very dog friendly.

The Element has the two piece hatch so it has a flat floor with the gate down. I don't think an 2x4x8 would fit with the hatch closed. But it wouldn't stick out much.

I don't have the car at home otherwise I'd check it for you. My son has it.

Fuel economy has been in the 22-23 MPG range. I think it can get 26-27 on the highway.

Cool Spicewood. Appreciate you checking for me.

Pro: Its a Honda.

Con: Its an Element.

Ugly as sin but the folks that have them really like them. Be prepared for people to ask you if you threw away your car and kept the box it came in.

super duper slow
ugly as sin
makes you look like you like showtunes

Check the resale values.

Neither me, nor my son (21 yrs old) have any problem driving the Element.

As I've said before, I'd rather drive it (and be seen driving it) than a Tahoe (or anything similar).

I'm one of those freaks that actually kinda likes the Element. (At least when the body cladding is painted) It's a personal flaw I guess, but you should know that there are people out there like that I guess.

I wouldn't call it sexy or stunning, but the practicality draws me in.



[This message has been edited by p_bubel (edited 4/9/2011 9:40a).]

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Check the resale values.

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A car is not an investment

Picard, the vast majority of cars are not investments. A few are.

But in many situations, resale value has a financial impact on the cost of owning a vehicle. Do you think resale value doesn't matter at all?

Hasnt Honda said they are going to stop making them. I love the Element. i dont own one and have only been in one a few times but the functionality of them are awesome.

I am looking for an SUV right now and I had targeted an element since I do a bunch of camping and biking but have more or less decided against them since they arent going to make them anymore. they will age themselves very fast. but then again, since so much of them remained the same over the life of the element, it might not age THAT fast.

Honda will still be around...it shares parts with the civic and crv...I would not let that factor into your decision, if anything it will make them cheaper to purchase

Spicewood, the Dave Ramsey in me keeps a vehicle until it's been driven into the ground. Therefore, resale value is moot. Conversely, someone who buys a new vehicle every few years is throwing so much money away anyway I don't see how a slightly higher or lower resale will make much difference for them.

And agreed, some vehicles become collector's items and increase in value. God help us all if a Honda Element becomes one of those cars!

The Element is dead. No new models. But parts will be abundant, probably for a very long time.

Picard, I keep my vehicles a long time too. But for someone who drives a Honda for say, 5-6 years, will see a nice difference in resale compared to buying a Cobalt. The difference might be significant. I see 2006 Honda Elements for sale for > $10K.

Gas millage sucks for it's size and power. It is very utilitarian, and you are a cyclist, it's fantastic for bikes.

Well, I am now an owner of one. I pulled the trigger yesterday. I got a good deal on a new 2010. I will say that I'm sad to give up the truck, but I wasn't using it to its full potential and the Element should be plenty adequate for the things that I do. It is much easier to drive around town, gets a bit better fuel mileage, and has lower insurance costs, monthly loan payments, and maintenance costs. And I will find out today or tomorrow if my bike will fit inside (haven't had a chance to put a receiver hitch on it yet for my bike carrier). Sure was much easier to park in Downtown Bryan last night than my truck was. Thanks all to who answered and participated in this discussion.

Carry on with the love or hate of the vehicle.

I can't imagine your bike won't fit inside with no more than the front wheel off.

Just checked, the 29er (large frame) fits in the back without taking either wheel off. Just have to fold the back seats up out of the way.

Congrats dude!

Rule #1

Didn't get one with the bike in the back, but here's a side view.


[This message has been edited by runnrboy (edited 4/10/2011 5:33p).]

Nice. I don't know why but I always kind of liked them.

Even if you hold on to your car resale is an important factor (i.e. if your car gets totaled).

I can see the Element becoming the VW van of the 21st century.

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I can see the Element becoming the VW van of the 21st century.

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You shut your damn mouth!!

We love our Element. 2004 LX, like Spice.

Gets around 22 to 25mpg on HWY.

One thing I'll mention - the oil filter is a real pain to get to.

Just 22 to 25mpg? Our Oddy van is always >20, and trip is usually 22 to 24 with rare good conditions hitting 25. Seems like the Element should be much better than the Oddy.

And congrats on your new ride. Good luck with it.

Canon,

Our Oddy gets 25+ on HWY also. But I guess Element just isn't as aerodyamic.. tall and boxy. Heck.. all our Hondas (RL, Oddy, & Ella) get 25mpg on HWY. Go figure.

Oddy isn't exactly an aerodynamic marvel, either.

We usually run with our foot pressed to the floor, so I'm pleased with the mileage. We also are at 3600 feet and a lot of our trips lately are to Colorado and 7500' altitude.

One wonders if it would be more efficient and better mileage at lower altitude.

[This message has been edited by CanyonAg77 (edited 4/11/2011 1:23p).]