I'm looking at a new (err, used) car and the Element is at the top of a short list of mine. I know there's a ton of STR members driving on so chime in on any concerns on the 07 or 08 models. I'm really liking the ones i've seen at the trailheads and how they seemingly fits more than 1 bike with relative ease. What problems/concerns should I be looking out for? Thanks
Element is da shizzles my dizzle!:wave: 2011 is the redesign year so you might be able to pick up a new one cheap! Used elements seems to go for too much still. I've seen used ones with 40k go for as high as 16g.....new ones are only 20g. If you need a new one let me know, I know someone that get you one way below invoice or even below MSRP out of the door. Oh if you want one that handles like the sports car then get the SC version, it rails! Also if you do get a used one get 07 or newer, then when they redesigned the intake and exhaust and increase HP from 155 to 165.
I had one for about a year... great, great car for a cyclist. The only downside for me was the legroom. My knees were in the dashboard (but I'm tall 6'3"). ER
i have an 08 & love it. it fits 2 bikes super easy & heard you can cram up to 6!!! i have my rear seats out so i can lug around my bike & all my other gear. i think i've only had passengers 2x ever! i love how the front seats lay all the way down (can put the rear seats back in to make a bed) for napping/sleeping. spilled coffee in the back w/in the first month. took her home & mopped her out & she was good to go! couldn't do that in my saturn vue w/carpeting!! my only concern is when braking, sometimes they 'grab' like when your mtb disc brakes are sticky. kinda sketchy... other than that, the element is a great car!! get one!!
08 ex and love it. no issues at all. i spent the first two years with the rear seats out and used it for bikes only. finally got a hitch installed and a nice thule rack for two bikes. best investment. we also did the internal curtain and the extended canopy tent - awesome for camping at 12/24 hour events. mine has some minor creaking in the inside panels on uneven roads, but if i make sure the tailgate/rear window is closed tight it goes away. get one.. you'll love it.
Hey, can you lay the seats flat & snooze in the back? Often I wind up in areas where you can't pitch a tent. In my last tripping vehicle (classic toyota spacecruiser) it was really handy to be able to push the bikes to one side, lay the bags down, crack the windows, & get up & go again in the am. At any rate, it's gotta be better than an old Alfa spider.
Hell yeah, no after market mods or accessory is needed! The back seat can be split so you can have one bike in and still fold the front and back seat down as a bed! I've done it a couple of times. But it will be colder at night in the car than the tent. Think if you get the wall curtain kit it helps a lot. In the summer it is not a problem.
I have an 05 and LOVE it. It's the first car I have had for more than two years since I was 15. I ain't letting it go either. When it dies I will get another one.
Dave, get one - you won't regret it. On top of the obvious benefits, the turning radius is awesome. It makes U-turns like nothin'! That comes in very handy if you're bad with directions.
Those campers are friggin awesome. I was actually considering getting a Prius & taking it in to a chop-shop to have them build it into a mini-camper. An Element would probably be a whole lot easier and cheaper.
I have an '08, traded my '95 Jeep Grand Cherokee in for it, and wish I'd bought an Element years ago! That Vtec engine has power to spare on the climbs out of the Grapevine and Cajon Pass....I call mine the "Box Rocket"...Honda Racing Technology with all the carrying capacity you'll need for mtn biking! When we did the Dirty Girlz Sedona trip, I loaded up 6 bikes in the back of mine with room left over for gear bags and a small ice chest. So, there is shuttle capability as well...
can easily fit 2 x 29ers with wheels on inside. that says it all right there. The other day I had 3 29ers in there and only had to take one front wheel off.
I have a neighbor who is selling his '04 due to down sizing in the household. Hates to see it go. But if anyone is looking for used, I think he's asking $9,000 for it. I'm waiting another year to replace my Escape and am seriously looking into an Element. I love the camping, biking friendlyness of it all.
