I'm thinking of getting a second car and I need something with useable space.

I have been interested in the Element since before their arrival. I'm not crazy on the looks, but it's useful ammenities suits me. First off, I don't want a big SUV, pickup or anything big.

This thing has spillproof seats, rubber flooring that can be swept down, flip up rear seats that completely open the back up for total unobstructed space, it has rear suicide doors for easy access.

I have a large dog that I take everywhere with me and he does not like riding in the back seat of cars. I feel the Element is van-like where he can stand, lay down completely, even put a small dog bed in it for a long road trip.

I usually take him to San Diego a few times a year to play on dog beach. This seems like a perfect vehicle due to space, ease of cleaning (sand), slobber proof seats, good gas milage, can fit things in it from Home Depot and not bug friends to help me with their trucks. It's also affordable (18K).

Don't care about power since I have an Evo for that. Looks, not too bad IMO. Honda quality, holds value.

I would look also at the Scion XB, but it does not have the usefulness of the Element.

Any opinions or have one of these or know someone with it? Dealers are vultures and I do not want to look at them until I'm sure.

BTW, my significant other hates their look, refuses to look at them. I have to convince her of the many uses it has. It makes more sence than the Evo in many ways. Half the price, no need to mod, no speeding tix, vandalism, can haul stuff, and cheaper insurance.

 

I'm 6'5" if that plays a difference. I like the Xb more than I like the Element, but like you said, not the same ammenities.

 

i would take the element over the xb. definately more usable space in the element. and like you said all the "spill proof" areas are a plus. the power really isnt that bad, but then again you said you have your evo for the power aspect. overall i would take the element.

 

Yeah, the XB has only folding rear seats which cuts down on cargo room. Whereas the Honda has fold away seats that fold against the side of the car and has minivan like room left behind. Plus low step in height is good for the dog. I had 3 Jeep Grand Cherokees before the Evo and the dog had to jump into the back which he needed a running start and didn't make it on the first try. I could not lift him easily at 100 pounds. (he developed bad hips in the last couple years).

I'm on the fence over the looks and the stigma that old folks drive them.

 

I have an xb. their nice but not as big as a element. I was getting my oil changed yesterday at mitsu and they had a brand new 2004 montero sport for 21K. I am not an suv person but that seems like a hell of a deal. And its not a big suv. As for the element all of the plastic panels are not good looking at all.

 

Yeah, the plastic panels kills it. I know owners aew removing the panels and having them painted to match the body. In fact, the Honda dealer is selling a orange one already fully painted with wheels and tint.

XB is cool and there are tons of aftermarket for it. No good for me. I'm easily suckered into modding. I have spent a lot on the Evo already and its a money pit due to high gas prices, synthetic oil, tires, brakes and eventually a 1000 clutch job.

The Element I would leave stock for the most part. Ah, well I will wait and see the new 05 colors with 4 new colors.

 

I had a 2003 Honda Element and I loved it. I'm 6'7" so all the headroom rocked for me. I personally liked the looks a lot and the fact this it's based on the accord chassis made it really car-like to drive which was nice. The power was decent and it had a really smooth ride. Great for trips too. Plus the ability to plug any MP3 player into the dash and control it through the stereo was cool. I took it to the race trac a lot and it was great for that.....since you can fold all the seats flat agains the walls and use the whole back we could put all our gear in there and then chill in there and eat and stuff. Honestly, there wasn't a single thing I didn't like about it as far as SUV's go. I sold it simply because I couldn't live without a sporty car for that long so I traded it for the SRT. If I was in the market for another sport-ute though I'd get another Element in a second....nothing else would even get a look.


Edit: I had a loaded ES with the 4WD too....for $21k you can't beat it.

 

Thanks. Sounds good from what I've read. There's even a Element site with forums. Picked up some good info.

I thought it's built on the Civic chassis.

 

the ugliest honda in years until the honda truck comes out.

 

I second that. It's so ugly I don't care how many features and whatnot is has, it's just too nasty looking. Way too boxy and way too much plastic. Bleh.

That's just my opinion though.

 

I third that ....

 

I hate the thing...but thats y opinion but i would definately get that over a scion.

 

nahh i think the scion looks wayyy better... ive seen some hooked up ones and they look nice... if i were into an suv type thing id get that definitly ... beats an element imo

 

Update: Bought a 4wd LX auto element in Fiji Blue. Got a deal because it was a 04 leftover demo with 1400 miles. Got it way below invoice. No damage and I'm sure the miles were easy since you cannot drive this thing hard even if you wanted to .

Needs wheels since steelies are stock and needs audio. Drives great and fun. Tons of cargo space, headroom and perfect for my dog. He loves it. Fold the back seats against the side and it's like a minivan with the seats out. Rubber floor for ease of cleaning, stainproof seats, sky roof that comes out, full-time 4wd, suicide doors open fully for full space, seats fold down to a bed in the back, privacy curtains for the rear window is optional so is a tent.

Looks like ***, but serves its purpose well. Nothing on the market quite like it. Even the Scion which looks better but way way smaller in and out.

BTW, the plastic panels are easy to replace if damaged and cost about $60 each. Perfect for shopping cart incidents.

If you ever drove a VW microbus, it gives you that feeling. Short front end, tall, good view of the road and tons of space inside. Feels light as hell and has good power considering it's a 4 banger VTEC from the Civic Si.

Will trade it some day if VW puts out a new version of the micro which I heard is in the works.

 

i feel the element is pretty nifty.....i think each place has a car/truck/suv to suit it.....i used to surf.(cant now cuz im in ms and therrs no nothing here...i wouldnt evan go in the water)..and if i still lived in fl i'd have an element...along with my evo of course...great space....i like the floor idea of being swept...go for it dude..