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However- to let them in you do have to make sure that you're unstrapped and open your door- there is a handle to the back door on the inside of it, and on the inside edging is another one for them to open it themselves from the outside providing your front doors are open.
The doors open up blocking access from either end of the vehicle.
Since the front doesn't latch when the back is open, it's not too cool.
regards
04 EX FWD 5MT GG
1. 5 speed automatic standard instead of 4 speed (yay!);
2. Side CURTAIN airbags as well as side torso bags, across the line (yay!) (as we found out from the Insurance Institute side crashes last year, side torso airbags are "almost" useless, but side CURTAIN (for the head) are critical;
3. Stability control is STANDARD across the line.
Items 2 and 3 are the reason I traded in my ZX3 on a VW Golf. If they turn up on the 2005 Element, I will have to seriously think about trading in my PT Cruiser on an Element, if not on a CRV, these features are so important, imho.
The 5 speed could make it both quicker and more efficient. CR-V's EPA numbers went up a bit.
I hope you're right.
-juicer
Honda will release info about one month before the vehicle hits the showrooms. I expect we'll start to hear about it in late October or early November.
I just open the front door to open the back, and then leave the front door closed while I load up.
I stopped blocking myself in...
The just makes sure to open the front a little to close the back door, and just shut the whole thing up.
I've had it since december and it took me until This early summer to find the perfect pattern for myself.
-juice
I think the TSX engine in an Element would be fun, but let's be real about it. Anyone looking for a performance Element can strap on a roots turbo or supercharger.
More likely we'll see incremental improvements to the 2.4l in there now.
Check out Jackson Racing, they have Honda applications for $3500 or so plus install.
-juice
-juice
Looks that way, I unearthed a Honda press release and the EX, and not the LX Element, will be upgraded to ABS and side torso (not curtain) air bags. All remain with a 4 speed automatic, but at least sticks are available. No stability control, no side curtain bags, in any Element so the CRV for 2005 will be one big jump in front of the Element.
Too bad, I can get excited about the Element, but the CRV is just another d*mn SUV....
(No, I don't think the Element is an SUV, not only because it is built on a unit body instead of a truck chassis, but because it has a good bumper height compatibility with passenger cars; it's really a station wagon, if that weren't a dirty word.)
Has anyone compared the two? I would appreciate your thoughts. THANKS
-juice
Anyway, we have a 1994 Volvo 850 Turbo that we are thinking of getting rid of - maintenance and fuel costs (ie premium) are eating us alive - plus, its a 12 year old car. After doing a ton of research, we are considering getting a second Element - probably an '05 after December. Anyone think this is crazy? We really notice that we utilize the Element's space and versatility more than we need seating for five.
Thanks in advance for your opinions!
Chuck
Why not get vehicles that serve different purposes? That way more diverse needs are met.
What if one of your kids wants to bring a friend? Both vehicles in your fleet could only seat 4. Neither would make a good tow vehicle, either. If a recall affects both, you might be stuck with no car at all.
It's just a strategy that I have, that way diverse needs are met.
For instance, I have a Miata for sunny days, a Subaru for rain. The Miata is impractical, the Forester is practical. One is a roadster, the other a wagon.
That way I have the right tool for whatever task is at hand.
Your Volvo is quick and sporty, plus probably roomier for trips and can take a 5th passenger. You'll be giving all that stuff up, yet gain nothing since you already have an Element.
Just my opinion. Buy what you like, don't listen to me! )
-juice
Essentially, Honda works on a five year plan with their cars. The car is completely redesigned for the first year. Years 2 and 3 will see only minor upgrades based on consumer complaints or adjustments to content because the marketing guys missed a badly needed feature. Year 4 will see a refresh. At four years, the vehicle is getting a little old, and needs some new goods to remain competitive. Year five sees very few changes.
2005 is the 4 year mark for the CR-V. This is the refresh year. The Element gets the scheduled refresh in 2006.
Both wagons and SUVs have cabins that ride lower than the engine and cargo area.
Suicide-style Utility Vanlet.
-juice
PS I'm not much on names, there is a water craft they label as an SUV
However, I might agree with you when you say two Elements might be impractical if the need to carry lots of stuff or 5 people arise.
However again ... you could do at lot worse than having two Elements when it comes to practicality.
As for the recall scenario, as long as it's not a crippling recall, you could just have one recall at a time performed.
I wouldn't want to have to change cars just because of kids and I'm hoping of keep it til it dies.
Might as well- if that mountaineer drive hadn't snapped my leg, I wouldn't have been able to pay cash.
With kids to haul, I'd get a TSX if you wanted a 2nd Honda product. 4 doors and 5 seats plus it complements the Element better.
-juice
Let me know if you are still interested.
Um- I overdid it but my baby is still strong.
I have a class 3 hitch and the trailer was at least 900 lbs empty, and then loaded down with lots of boxes of crap. There was luggage sets and an entire bed, cedar chest, dresser stuffed so hard you could barely open the drawers, etc...
And then what all my father crammed in the cargo of the car.
It was tight, it was heavy- and it was 1500 miles through hilly part of the country- DC to East Texas.
I'm getting the oil changed next week.
But can an Element stop that much weight in an emergency? That's why Honda lawyers are very tight with hauling capacities.
I'm sure you're right about the stopping, as most people don't even allow for sufficient space for braking even when they aren't carrying a load, for whatever speed they're traveling.
Nowadays every manufacturer recommends trailer brakes for anything over 1000 lbs. Even for full-size Chevy pickups, I mean.
Honda included.
-juice
I borrowed it from Uhaul
5' x 9' Ramp Trailer
Spring assisted ramp for easy loading
Capacity Empty weight: 1,250 lbs
Max load: 1,650 lbs
Maximum Gross Weight (trailer plus load): 2,900 lbs
Tow hitch required: Class 2 (3,500 lb. minimum rating)
Hitch ball: 1 7/8, 2 or 2 1/8 (3,500 lb. minimum)
Dimensions Inside: 9'2" x 4'9" (110" x 57") (LxW)
Ramp width: 57"
Features Lowest deck
Softest ride
Easy towing
57" wide spring-assisted ramp
Galvanized finish
Multiple heavy-duty tie-downs
Any how, US ratings are extremely conservative. Some Subies are rated for just 2000 lbs here, and 3960 lbs in the UK, even 4400 lbs in Australia.
The difference? The lawsuits.
-juice
I borrowed it from Uhaul
5' x 9' Ramp Trailer
Spring assisted ramp for easy loading
Capacity Empty weight: 1,250 lbs
Max load: 1,650 lbs
Maximum Gross Weight (trailer plus load): 2,900 lbs
Tow hitch required: Class 2 (3,500 lb. minimum rating)
Hitch ball: 1 7/8, 2 or 2 1/8 (3,500 lb. minimum)
Dimensions Inside: 9'2" x 4'9" (110" x 57") (LxW)
Ramp width: 57"
Features Lowest deck
Softest ride
Easy towing
57" wide spring-assisted ramp
Galvanized finish
Multiple heavy-duty tie-downs
Any how, you traveled pretty far and made it OK, proving the theory that some ratings are very conservative.
-juice
I had an '88 carbuerated 1.5tr model before this and you could even feel the difference with passengers on how the car would perform under the hood.
I didn't want to haul all that but dad said it would be the most cost efficient and still mostly safe method of moving my stuff.
I now have almost 14,000 miles on it and have owned it since December 23, 03
And you wouldn't have a seatbelt, though there may be ISOFIX anchors on the floor.
If you need 5 seats, I'd check out the CR-V.
-juice
First, I was this close to get a scion tC. I had test drive and love it, 'purfect' for a single guy like me, but then I have problem since the cargo room is not as roomy as other vehicles. Then I think about Honda Element and CRV. I love both of them and as far as the price I still can handle it. I love Element especially with it's big oh so roomy interior and cargo dorm like, the con is lil bit too boxy, limited color options ( I love flint mica from tC), on the other hand CRV has a good shape, it drives like a car and generous cargo room but the tire noise and no MP3/digital-media auxiliary jack for my ipod like Element, makes me reconsider to buy this cute-ute. I even stretched my wallet a lil bit for Nissan Murano, it's a beautiful crossed-over car/suv like, but if I get this vehicle I may not be able to take vacations for a few years, so I removed it from my list. To give you some frames, I don't buy American vehicles or a pick-up/truck. Can anyone help me?
Which one made you smile the most? You say you love the Element, that should be enough to overcome minor issues you might have with it.
Don't buy what other people like, don't listen to anyone actually. Buy the one that *you* liked best. You're going to be the one driving it!
Have fun and good luck.
-juice
http://media5.motorcities.com/03A5C250316291E.jpeg
http://media5.motorcities.com/03A5C250316291A.jpeg
http://www.caranddriver.com/assets/image/1107200314323229.jpg
http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/gallery/c445565a.jpg
Of course, both of those have modifications beyond a paint job, but the paint makes a difference.
Unfortunately, I have no idea how much a good paint job would cost in your area. The only Element owners I know who have done such a job are "connected". For example, one is a manager at an Acura dealership and probably used his connections to get a better deal than the average joe.