Does anyone here have any experience with the Element? A check of the usual sources reveals almost universal approval for the funky little SUV. We would be disposing of an '02 Si, which has proven to be a fine little vehicle in its own right. We would like a little more utility that the increased capacity and 4 wheel drive would bring. Any comment?

 

Airgate has posted a thread about the Element in the Carolina Forum, if not other places. He raves about it. Let me see if I can find the thread. You can also PM him. Others here may also have advice.

Edit: Here it is. I think he likes it.

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showt...0&#entry5630496

 

I'm thinking of buying one of these myself. I actually test drove one in August, but didn't pull the trigger. It drives like a truck, and the car I would be replacing is a CRX Si. I much prefer how the CRX feels to drive.

But ... basically I use the CRX as a truck these days, and the Element would do that job better. So perhaps I need to readjust my thinking about either what I would use the vehicle for, or how I expect it to feel like while driving.

 

My daughter just purchased a 2005 Element EX AWD. She likes it, with the exception that she is averaging 20 miles/gallon. I guess for the size and utility that it is not bad. I like the Element also, I considered purchasing it for when I retire in another year or two. Camping, fishing, picking up plants, etc. I think that it is a great little SUV.

 

Reread your thread title. It says "Elephant."

 

i actually traded in my ep3 (si) for an 05 element in november. i like it a lot. i bought it to carry my bikes and snowboard. i wanted something more useful. it is also good for my wife to use when it snows as she has to get to work (hospital) and it does better than her civic since we went with 4wd. i also average around 20 mpg. ultility wise it is great. very useful and roomy. it is a nice complement to the s.

 

Yeah. ^ I was wondering about that.

I just was talking to a kindergarten teacher in Acton, who had a new red Element. She said she loves it. She used to have a CRX. She's close to 70 years-old.

 

We have been calling them that since they first came out. It was supposed to be witty. Guess not.

 

I've looked at the Element hard too. The test drive didn't thrill me though and the gas mileage is not what some might hope. If I was in the market for a practical car though, it would be in the running.

A couple of funny things I've read. I think it finished fourth in Click and Clack's ugly car competition. One of the comments, "What Element is it? Buttuglium?"

And a vintage gentleman said his kids had named his the Elderment.

 

I understand,

I get the same reaction to calling our Ford Explorer an "Exploder" after all of the bad press that they got.

Some people get it, some people don't.

I just chaulk it up to either my "poor attempt at humor, or an attempt at poor humor". I will leave it up to you to take your pick in this case?

Happy New Year.