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SUVs Honda Element Honda Element Test Drives
15 messages, Last post on Jul 24, 2008 at 11:30 AM
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I just test drove an 03 EX with 40K for $14,900; We are stepping out of a Chrysler LHS and before that, a Taurus I absolutely loved. I am excited about the versitility for our large dogs, garden stuff etc. I loved how comfy it was, and how it handled on the test. I live in MT, and the salesman told me he owned one for 2 years and thought there was nothing better in the snow/ice. In perusing the internet on cars.com, I see on '06 with 9K for the same price, though it's 1000 miles away. Is there a big difference between the two years besides body style? I would REALLY appreciate any tips and feedback anyone has to give as we look seriously at purchasing an Element. I am concerned a bit about the lack of mpg...and all of the repair messages in this forum! |
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 My girlfreind purchased a used orange 2006 Element EX-P with AWD and every option available including the running boards, rear spoiler, fog lights, XM radio, floor mats, and mud flaps. It had 10,000 miles when she bought it and she now has almost 25,000. (one thing to keep in mind...if you can purchase a slightly used Honda Certified vehicle, you should do it...they come with a 100k mile warranty that you would otherwise have to purchase extra on a new vehicle. My girlfreind basically got an almost new Element with every option available, with an included 100k mile warranty for about $10k less than a new 2007 with the same options.) She was originally looking at (at that time) the newly redesigned CR-V which we thought was a VERY nice small SUV. It rode well and everything was well placed on the interior and it was just an all around great looking SUV, not too small and not too big. However, my girlfriend trains animals and she was concerned with messing up the interior of the CR-V and it also costs slightly more than the Elements. Because the interior of the Element is so much bigger and versitle than the CR-V she went with the Element. The only drawbacks I see is that it has some blind spots when backing up and changing lanes, which is not too hard to get used to, and the lack of seating for 5. You would think access to the rear seats would be an issue, but its suprisingly VERY roomy in the back even for people over 6ft tall. She has loved her car and I just cleaned it for her yesterday after shes had shavings and dogs in her car for the past 6 months. I must say that the interior was very dirty but after cleanning it up, it looks just as good as when she purchased it. (I have worked as a car detailer in the past so I am very picky, and when I say a car is clean, its as clean as what you would expect from buying a new car) The interior is durable and is VERY easy to keep clean and looking new. The gas milage is not where it should be for a 4cyl from Honda. Not to say it has bad milage at all, but it is on the lower end of the scale as far as MPG compared to the other Honda 4cyl engines such as whats in the Civics, but it is one of the larger 4cyl engines so what lacks in MPG you gain in HP. For only having a 4cyl is has pretty good pickup for city driving. On the interstate its not too bad either but it could use that extra punch you get from a V6 when you have 4 people and luggage in it. Overall if you are considering either the CR-V or the Element, the CR-V is a great choice if you want something a bit nicer looking and need seating for 5. It sits a bit higher than the Element too. But if you need something that is a bit more durable, can haul a lot more junk inside, and you dont want to worry about messing up the interior, (since the Element doesnt have carpet) go with the roomier Element.
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Replying to: mach1mustang6 (Jan 07, 2008 1:07 pm)
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Replying to: ediamiam (Jan 13, 2008 12:03 pm) Another important point... The Element (and 4-cyl Accord and CR-V) uses the 2.4 L VTEC; the Civic (LX / EX) use a 1.7 L, less powerful engine. The VTEC is a really great engine, but the mileage is significantly lower than the 1.7 that the Civic uses. Craig |
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