Seeking Element Opinions from Owners

Discussion in 'Element' started by BluesView, Jan 9, 2005.

  1. BluesView

    BluesView Guest

    Hello,

    I'm thinking of buying an Element (LX 2wd) for around town driving and
    taking the kids to school. What are the pros and cons you've experienced?
    I'm a big Honda fan and have bought two CR-Vs in the past. My wife has the
    2004 CR-V and I would be driving the Element. To be honest, I don't like the
    styling of the Element's exterior and seating for only 4 instead of 5. But,
    at least they added 1 or 2 different colors for 2005. My interest is that
    it's inexpensive, provides a roomy interior for me and the kids. I won't be
    driving it except for around town (Dallas, Texas) and it get OK gas mileage.
    From my experience with Honda's I believe it will be a solid, long lasting
    and trouble free car. Honda's have exceptional resale value, though I'm not
    sure this will apply to the Element only due to the body styling.
    What have you Element owners experienced with yours? What kind of gas
    mileage are you getting? How was the handling? How do you like the ride in
    city traffic? How is the road noise? If you had an Element and sold it, what
    was the reason and did it have a good resale value? Lastly, did you feel you
    were driving in a well protected car against a collision?

    Thanks in advance!

    BV
     
    BluesView, Jan 9, 2005
    #1
  2. BluesView

    Fustanella Guest

    taking the kids to school. What are the pros and cons you've experienced?

    The only downside I've found so far is it's hard to see the speedometer
    from my height and with the steering wheel adjusted for comfort (to its
    highest position).
    My wife and I slept in ours over the weekend - popped out the two back
    seats and left them at home, put a twin-size air-mattress in the back,
    covered it with a feather-bed and were out like the proverbial light.
    Um.

    Mileage is in the low-to-mid-twenties, as advertised (and what I was
    getting with the sedan I just traded in after eight years, so I've no
    complaints). Handling is fine, offroad or at highway speed. The ride is
    better than I thought it would be based on some negative comments I read
    (and have now discounted given my personal experience).

    No road noise I've noticed, but then I'm on the inside of the vehicle.

    I've no concerns about resale; I'm having fun with it right now. I feel
    safe enough in a collision, as much as in any car.
     
    Fustanella, Jan 10, 2005
    #2
  3. BluesView

    Andy Mitchel Guest

    Love our Element for the two of us.

    A little inconvenient for backseat passengers since the front door must be
    open so the back can open. doesn't seem like much but if I had backseat
    passengers all the time, that could be a pain.

    That said we love this car.
     
    Andy Mitchel, Jan 24, 2005
    #3
  4. BluesView

    spimby Guest

    One drawback you might not have noticed is that the Element has a max
    cargo capacity of 675 lbs (including passangers!). Can't put too much
    cargo inside, which (on the surface) is one of it's big selling points.
     
    spimby, Feb 12, 2005
    #4
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