Honda Element questions/thoughts?

[bdee]

Hi all,

I'm pretty sure a few folks on this board drive an Element. My Subie has been killing me w/repairs since I paid it off early (Murphy's Law at work apparently) in February. I've sunk almost $4K into it since then and this last episode (yesterday) is the last straw. I'm going to trade it in while I can still get around $6K for it.

So, I've been thinking about an '03 Element (most likely FWD not AWD if I can help it). They seem very useful in terms of MTB carrying and the washable interior would rule. Any nits to pick? How's the gas mileage in the "real" world as opposed to the EPA testing? Any major issues to report thus far, or do they live up to the standard Honda reputation ? If you had to do it over again would you buy another one, or something else?

Any input is appreciated, thx!

Brendan

[If_Rider]

I get 24-25 mpg back and forth to work but that's only 6 mi. or so on the highway. Typical highway mileage is similar or a little worse which I'm sure is due to the stellar aerodynamics ::)

I like mine, it's a typical Honda so far and nits might include the suicide door. It's tough to get the kids out of the back in tight parking spots and in the garage but if you choose your parking spots wisely it's not too bad. I wish I had a power seat and the rear sunroof is useless for the most part but that's about it.

I like the AWD it's great in the snow.

Also, the interior is durable but hosing it out isn't recommended.

Mike

[catbbq]

I have no kids, so the suicide door rocks for me. The drop tailgate is even better. Clean up is handy with just a broom and damp cloth (no hoses please). And I agree the sunroof is useless.

I checked gas mileage just after I bought it last year. Driving it extremely easily, I got 28 mpg, but 24 is more typical. I got the AWD. Why get an SUV if not AWD?

My bike is large, but it fits perfectly with the front wheel off and "wedged" between the passenger seat and the tailgate.

I would definitely buy again. I was hoping to hold out for a hybrid or diesel model, but couldn't wait any longer.

[MissJean]

I have a ’04 (bought new) and I love mine. I would buy one again.

The gas mileage is good. I kept track for a while when I first got it and found it got what they say it should be getting.
It is awesome for mtbing. Fold up one of the back seats, roll the bike right in and bungee it the seat. Toss all my dirty, sweaty gear in when the ride is over.
And camping. You can fit a weeks worth of camping gear & bikes.
You can’t hose it out, but it is easy to clean.
Honda reliability. Although, as expected, we had to change to replace the original tires after a year and had some break work done this year.
I can see why it might not be a good car if you have kids. There’d be lots of maneuvering around the doors trying to get everybody in and out. As If –rider said, you gotta pick your parking spaces carefully.
There are some issues with visibility. Front & back is good, side visibility is tricky sometimes.
Things slide around on the plastic floor. I cut a rug to fit and solved that problem.
The plastic interior & floor scratches easily.
The upright windshield is a bug death machine.

[bdee]

I was thinking FWD just due to less complexity/cost in terms of future repairs. AWD can be very expensive to repair if it ever breaks down. I was a little bummed about the mileage and the emissions - not much better than the Subaru (actually the mileage is roughly the same, and the Honda is a tad bit cleaner). I may hold out until around the end of the year to buy anyway as it seems to be a good time to buy in general.

I'd hang on to the Subaru but it's developed a mystery electrical ailment as well, and those are never good :P It's a fun car to drive and it's useful, but I've never put this much preventative maintenance into a vehicle to have it cost me so much down the road. The expensve stuff has been things I've never had go wrong this early with a car - wheel bearings, a power window motor that basically blew up, catalytics (2) before 80K etc. The normal things I can live with, but it seems like every 3 or 4 months I'm handing over a couple hundred bucks. If someone made a vehicle like the Element (I'm not buying a Ford, sorry) in a hybrid version it would be great, of course it would sell so fast there'd be a big old markup on them ala the Prius.

[Jisch]

I just went through the same thing with my Ford Ranger, but I stopped the bleeding before it started. I had almost 140K miles on it, with only a few minor repairs, I had probably $500 worth of reparis for what I would call non-wear related stuff. Before I traded it in, it had a plethora of issues, which would be in the $3K range to fix (and who knows what beyond that!).

I have had several Hondas (have an Odyssey right now) and have received really good service from the dealer and enjoyed the cars. I went down to the dealership expecting to drive out with an Element. The MPG was a bit of an issue for me, I don't drive a lot since I work from home, but when I do its on longer trips. It was important that the vehicle be comfortable for those longer work trips. I do think its time for us to get serious about buying a car that uses less natural resource, if not now - when?

We test drove the Element and found the ride to be entirely too stiff and bumpy. My wife is prone to car sickness and was feeling queasy after a few minutes in the back seat - ok maybe I'm not the smoothest driver ::)

On a whim we took the Honda Fit out for a test. Its a new to America small car (think old school Civic with a tall roof). We absolutely loved it. There's plenty of room in the back seats for adults (even with adults in the front seats). Unfortunately because its new, there aren't a lot of rack options yet, but I expect that to change in the next year or so. I'm putting a rack on the van and I'll use that to get to/from rides for the short term. A bike will fit in the back, but you have to take the front wheel off.

John

[peterdbikes]

Ohhh... so your one of those guys blasting by in the passing lane on a snowy day! ;D

AWD makes you go, but doesn't make you stop any better.

I also looked at the Element, but needed some more power to tow a camper. The 4 cyl. wasn't enough.

[catbbq]

Ohhh... so your one of those guys blasting by in the passing lane on a snowy day! ;D

AWD makes you go, but doesn't make you stop any better.


No but high end snow tires and stability contol sure do.


No they don't. Let us know where your going to be during the next snowstorm! ;D

[C.P.]

Ok, lets try to get this back on topic. I have looked at the Element, my only concern is gas mileage. Are there other cars you're considering? I would love to see an AWD wagon that gets mid/high 30's mpg, (hybrid?) for my purposes (1 driver 90%/time) that would be perfect. The subaru I have now (outback) is big enough for our family needs, but only get's 26mpg avg.

Bdee,how many miles on the Subie? I was supposedto replace mine over a year ago, but it's paid off,and I still get company reimbursed for my use of it, (and it still runs great) so it's made sense to keep it.

[ragerider]

No they don't. Let us know where your going to be during the next snowstorm! ;D


So having tires that can grip ice doesn't help? Having a system that strategically brakes the wheels with traction and those that will help you make a turn doesn't help? OK whatever.

I am big fan of snow tires. I had a Mustang in high school and I couldn't move without snow tires. After I put them on I felt like I could go anywhere. I only got stuck a few times and that was because I was high centered. Its like saying a hybrid bike is the only bike you need. It can go on the road and the trails. Sure it can do it but a road bike and a down hill rig are much better at their specific tasks. Also, $800 for snow tires is much cheaper than going into a ditch or worse. And while they are on the other tires aren’t being used so they will last longer.



I had to chime in because you are one of many manaces to society on the roads. SNOW tires do not grip ICE!!! Studded snow tires have better traction but if you need to brake forget about it. Snow tires, Stability/traction control and anti-lock brake systems are not replacements for common sense.
If you are driving in a snow storm and everyone else is doing 35 on the highway and you are doing 60-70 you are taking other peoples lives in your hands not just your own.
SMARTEN UP!! Sorry for jumping back off topic.

[bdee]

To answer CP's question - 107K in a little under 5 years (Oct. will be 5). I found out via a buddy who races his WRX that Subaru knew about the bad wheel bearings on the 02/03 Imprezas - why no recall? That was a very expensive fix!

This might sound crazy but I will try to test drive the Honda Fit as well - 40mpg is pretty damn appealing, and I really like Go Carts. As long as I can get my bike/snowboards in there it may just be doable. I'm heading to a big Honda dealer in RI this weekend. We'll see how it goes. I'm in no rush and will be taking my time.

Thanks for all the input everyone! ;D

[ragerider]

BDee, If you end up looking at something new you should check out the Toyota RAV4. It has more cargo volume than the Element or the CRV, gets better gas mileage and is cheaper than the CRV. It's better looking than both as well but that's a matter of opinion.

[agor]

ya I was looking at the new rav4 but they are expensive. They beefed it up a bit and put a better towing package on it and still gets 26-31mpg. Not bad but base starts around 20g's. Might hold out to next year and pick up a used 2006 or something. 16mpg in the explorer is killing me these days. Even those mazda 3 5 door looks cool. Throw a roof rack on there and be done with it. The mazda 6 is nice but the mpg drops dramatically compared to the mazda 3.

[nhiker]

Word! ;D

[agor]

that looks like a 4 door to me not 5? The wagon style (5 door) I think is more in gas.

[jerseygirl]

BDee, If you end up looking at something new you should check out the Toyota RAV4. It has more cargo volume than the Element or the CRV, gets better gas mileage and is cheaper than the CRV. It's better looking than both as well but that's a matter of opinion.


I can't believe it has more cargo volume. With just one back seat removed, I can fit 3 mountain bikes, 3 mountain bikers, all our camelbacks, backpacks and camping gear in my Element. Gas mileage may not be as good, but space is a consideration. I like being able to keep my bikes inside the vehicle. So far, my Element has been great. Although, after driving back from Ontario this past weekend, I can relate to Oldbroad's comments about the windshield being rough on the flying insects.

[nhiker]

BDee, If you end up looking at something new you should check out the Toyota RAV4. It has more cargo volume than the Element or the CRV, gets better gas mileage and is cheaper than the CRV. It's better looking than both as well but that's a matter of opinion.


I can't believe it has more cargo volume. With just one back seat removed, I can fit 3 mountain bikes, 3 mountain bikers, all our camelbacks, backpacks and camping gear in my Element. Gas mileage may not be as good, but space is a consideration. I like being able to keep my bikes inside the vehicle. So far, my Element has been great. Although, after driving back from Ontario this past weekend, I can relate to Oldbroad's comments about the windshield being rough on the flying insects.


Jerseygirl Ragerider's statement is indeed incorrect. The following is from the Honda and Toyota websites.

Honda Element cargo area:
Cargo Volume (cu. ft.,maximum; 2WD / 4WD)
74.6 / 77.1

Toyota Rav4 Cargo area:
Cargo volume [7] (cu. ft.) front/middle/rear seats
2 rows
73.0/36.4/NA 73.0/36.4/NA 73.0/36.4/NA

Now granted the toyota comes with better and more passenger room with available 3rd row seating.
But as a camping or mountainbiking machine....I'll match the Element against anything $ for $.

[jerseygirl]

BDee, If you end up looking at something new you should check out the Toyota RAV4. It has more cargo volume than the Element or the CRV, gets better gas mileage and is cheaper than the CRV. It's better looking than both as well but that's a matter of opinion.


I can't believe it has more cargo volume. With just one back seat removed, I can fit 3 mountain bikes, 3 mountain bikers, all our camelbacks, backpacks and camping gear in my Element. Gas mileage may not be as good, but space is a consideration. I like being able to keep my bikes inside the vehicle. So far, my Element has been great. Although, after driving back from Ontario this past weekend, I can relate to Oldbroad's comments about the windshield being rough on the flying insects.


Jerseygirl Bdee's statement is indeed incorrect. The following is from the Honda and Toyota websites.

Honda Element cargo area:
Cargo Volume (cu. ft.,maximum; 2WD / 4WD)
74.6 / 77.1

Toyota Rav4 Cargo area:
Cargo volume [7] (cu. ft.) front/middle/rear seats
2 rows
73.0/36.4/NA 73.0/36.4/NA 73.0/36.4/NA

Now granted the toyota comes with better and more passenger room with available 3rd row seating.
But as a camping or mountainbiking machine....I'll match the Element against anything $ for $.




Well, if you are looking for cargo volume you can't beat a minivan. You can get a Mazda MPV which has twice the volume as the Element for less than $19,000.

Yeah, but I'd look like a soccer mom.