I actually have both.....

The Element is a GREAT vehicle... I really enjoy driving my S during the week for work. Trading it in? why dont you try to sell it on your own first so you dont lose too much money? The new 04's have a new color and few additions to the model.. but try and find a 03 EX on close out. I bought mine for 16.8k .. good luck!!

 

we have both as well.. though we did not get anywhere near as good of a deal as s2kmugen! we got our EX AWD auto for $20k w/ armrest, mats, and sidesteps.

i also have a 90 accord coupe beater that i bought a couple years ago for $1000. she's got 170k miles and will probably run for another 170k+! i use this car to take me into nyc/jersey city.. basically anywhere i dont want to bring the S or the element.

dont trade in the S, get a beater instead!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by rayfinkle5
Thank you for your responses.

 

Hate to buck the trend but I suppose it has to be said by somebody: I hate the element. Passionately.

My mother has an element. Obviously nothing is an s2000 and there is no comparing the two, but the element is one of the worst cars I've ever been in. IMHO it looks so hideous it actually is painful to look it. It actually felt dangerous driving one, and only exciting to the extent that I couldn't feel the car or the road and had no visibility so it was like careening out of control in a large ugly box traveling 70 on the I-5.

I have driven other large vehicles which I didn't mind. For example, the Toyota Highlander was a much more solid, luxurious vehicle. From what you've described, if I were you I'd keep the S. If I really wanted to trade the s2000, I'd do it for something like the Highlander - maybe the ones coming out next fall which are hybrid electric I believe.

 

I also have both.
The Element is really a great car. It's extremely functional and roomy. Decent gas mileage, decent ride.
When they came out, my wife hated the looks and I was borderline. We went looking and ended up buying one. It drives well and doesn't suffer from the amount of body roll you would think for being as tall as it is. There's a little bit of wind noise on the hwy but it isn't unsafe at all and visibility isn't any worse than many other vehicles I've driven. Hell, the S is much worse with the top up as far as visibility.
Just going to the grocery store is a challenge with the S. I have to remember to take out my gym bag and laptop before going otherwise room can be a factor.
The Element will hold tons of stuff (especially with the back seats out). It's great for trips to Home Depot which I make regularly. Also great for throwing mountain bikes and gear in the back. It's more functional than most SUV's and the unique look grows on you.
Most of our friends said it was ugly before we bought it, now they think it's pretty cool.
Do what makes you happy, they're just cars.

 

I think that the Element is pretty cool. For the cost, they're not bad at all. I'll probably end up either getting one of those or a TL. Probably a TL though.

 

Element is pretty damn cool, but a weird trade in for an S2000.

Do something like an FX35.

Or an Element + S2000.

 

i have an element too, it is an awesome car, fun to drive, totally different experience than the S though, i even took it to run the 1/4 mile , when i ran my S and the STI, by teh way i ran a 18.3 . it serves a lot of purpose, especially if you are moving, haul grocery, luggage, the rear seat are awesome to sit in, infact you can flatten all the seats and make a nice bed, if you ever need to. i bought mines in may of last yr, everything is good about, one thing i have heard a lot of windshied problems, i pd 19.3k out the door at that time, awd ex with side steps and armrest. again good luck, hey you can always buy a new or used S down the road, plenty available
karan

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by nastinupe1

 

Buy an '04 if youre gonna buy an element, trust me i work on 'em, the '03's are rattle traps.