Honda Element?

Laura_Loomis

New member
I am considering a Honda Element as my next car...er...whatever....

I really like the room and the fact that there is NO carpet in the vehicle, only this rubbery flooring that you can wipe down...and water proof seats!

Anyone have one of these?
 

amyk

New member
A friend of mine does, it seems like a good choice for a newfie mobile. It's much bigger inside than it looks from the outside and it's very wash and wear.
I may consider that one as well, although I'm leaning toward a minivan.
 
I dig the Element. I made Kevin stop at a dealership one day so I could check one out. I know we'd all never fit in it, but I had to stop and see. I could NOT believe how much room is in the backseat as far as legroom goes. The concept of the sunroof being in the way back is beyond me! :confused: Can anyone fill me in on that train of thought?
 

Laura_Loomis

New member
Apparently it's so you can lay the rear seats out and the front seats out and make a comfy bed and look at the stars. Honestly, that is the one thing tht I would never use on the vehicle....
 

NewfyChic

Inactive Member
I have to be honest here. I don't like them. Too boxy for me. I gotta stick with my Yukon. And edited to add, that if you buy a GM vehicle now thru July 5th you get the Employee discount which is roughly $7000-$8000 off the sale price. Alot of people are doing that right now!

[ 06-14-2005, 10:21 PM: Message edited by: NewfyChic ]
 
When I first saw the "sunroof" in the back I thinking "Did someone put that in the WRONG place???" If I am going to pay for one, I certainly better be able to enjoy it without camping in my car!
 

Blacknewfs

New member
I considered an Element too, a few (2) years ago - the crash test results turned me off it.....I would have expected more from a Honda, they are a good company I think. Maybe they have improved it now? I'd have a look at the test results.

It would have been too small for my crew anyway, although I do love the boxy look of it.

Also check that the recurring problem with the windshield breaking has been corrected.

If you like the easy maintenance of the Element, the Nissan X-Terra has a washable inside too, and is worth a look. Good vehicle from what I've heard and read.

I need SPACE but I'm not a mini-van kinda' gal and have to have 4WD where I live, so I'm looking forward to the release of the new H3 and it's reviews this spring!
 

amyk

New member
I'm single too, and no kids! lol I still want a minivan, I just love them. I used to think I'd never get a minivan, well it's just another case of never say never,because I can't wait to get one!!
The element is definitely a good choice though if you don't want a minivan and don't want to pay for the gas in an SUV!
 

IrishMist428

New member
Yes, Coral absolutely loves her Element. Having ridden in hers, I would consider one for myself.

Kelly, actually the idea behind this car was marketed towards surfers, mountain bikers, snowboarders, etc.. The rear roof was designed so people could stand up inside the vehicle to enable a change of clothes or get into or out of a wet suit.
 

csk1134

New member
Wouldn't trade it for anything. And am actually considering a second one when we replace the beatle.
 
Originally posted by IrishMist:

Kelly, actually the idea behind this car was marketed towards surfers, mountain bikers, snowboarders, etc.. The rear roof was designed so people could stand up inside the vehicle to enable a change of clothes or get into or out of a wet suit.
Well, I better go out and get one! I always have a hard time changing into my wet suit and this car would be perfect for my non-sporting self!
(Guess that's why the concept never hit me! Although maybe...it would work out great for bringing home those extra tall items purchased on a shopping trip!
)
 

MGoBlue

New member
Laura,
As long as you're talking about cars - that coolant leak on your current GM is most likely the lower intake manifold gasket (we discussed this, but you wanted me to remind you so you could pass it along to your hubby...)
GM has a problem on the V6; the gasket blows at about 60,000 miles.
We are lucky enough to have 2 GM vehicles with this engine (Alero and Aztek.) Chris is outside with his buddy Russel right now replacing his gasket for the SECOND time (watch out for the aftermarket replacement - both Chris and Russ have experienced failure on the replacement part in under 10,000 miles, and are having to do the repair all over again... This includes removing the entire induction portion of the engine, so it's really not a lot of fun...)
You can do an easy check on your car to see if the coolant is leaking into your engine. Remove the "fill oil" cap and look for a milky, white gel type of substance on the inside of the cap. If you have that kind of buildup, then you have a PROBLEM.
Replacement of the gasket is ~$800 - $1000 at a dealership, but that could be the least of your problems if the coolant has been leaking for some time into the engine.
If you were to do a web search for "lower intake manifold gasket" I'm sure you would get a ton of hits from angry GM owners. I think a class-action lawsuit is in the works...
Happy car stuff.

-Tiff
 

Feuervogel

New member
Originally posted by MGoBlue:
GM has a problem on the V6; the gasket blows at about 60,000 miles.
I want to make it clear that this is a problem with the GM 3.4L V6 engine ONLY. The 3.6 and 3.8 do not have the same problems.

If you do a google search for "GM 3.4 Lower Intake Manifold Gasket" you'll find plenty of po'ed individuals.

-MGoBlue's DH
 

Terrasage

New member
I love the Element's tent! You can get a tent to attach to back of it--great way to keep the newfies cool in the summer!


How does the Element compare to a Toyota Scion XB?
 
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