Honda Element

spur11

Just wondering from Element owners if they have had any problems with the outside plastic panels showing scratches. Early on there was some concern and I haven't heard if Honda improved anything or if it wasn't that big of a problem. My concern is that if a plastic panel will show a scratch from light pressure from a fingernail how will they look if bushes rub against them on a forest road or just from day to day wear. Thanks!

phases78

i have a friend thats looking into an element, and im just trying to help him research. what i would like to know, is everything. i trust the consumer more than i do dealer sites, or even the edmunds pricing. please give me a 'max you would pay' for the element models, if you could. im also looking for reviews.. do u like it? have problems with it... pro's cons' etc etc...

thanks you
phases
http://phases78.homestead.com/index.html

zenzikora

In the past week or two my E has developed a small squeak noise. It's pretty faint, and seems to occur when I either let off the gas a bit in low gear (think one-two shift when I'm not in a rush), or hit a bump a certain way. I think it may be coming from something in the front-driver side suspension or shock or something. Anybody else had any problems? Ideas? It's a very small noise, and it doesn't happen regularly enough for me to come to a concrete conclusion on where it's coming from, or when it happens.

jpprivate

I seem to be the last person on the planet (or so it feels sometimes) who thinks bumpers are there to get butmped or bump into something. Therefore they should be able to endure some stress and not look too fancy. The idea to paint bumpers might make them looks nice, but it's completely useless once the color chips off.
I have to admit - this idea was partly responsible why I looked into the Element -.

So does anybody have any experience on how good the bumpers hold up?

Thanks,

sailoverfuel

Owner of a 3 month old E. Last Sunday we realized the windshield was Craked on the upper left side. The car was parked in a safe place.

If I recall...some other owners had issues with the Element and a possible desing problem that cracked the window. I am searching for advice before I go to the dealer...assuming this is were i should go. There is no impact of a rock. It stars on the edge.

PLEASE ADVICE.

gee35coupe

I hate em too. I once had a 1987 Civic Wagon with good ole black plastic bumpers. Boy those were the days. No one cut me off back them. The corners of those bumpers had several different colors of paint on them from idiots trying to "squeeze" in.

ateixeira

...prolly saved me a small fortune in dings and scratches. I'm a huge fan.

Someone hit me from behind, and I had to get a new bumper cover. $150 retail, $125 from a wholesaler delivered. That's it. Go price a new bumper that you'd have to paint, my guess is most are $400 or so.

-juice

micweb

...and be insistent. There is a widely reported stress cracking problem with Element windshields. Unless the front is pitted from a rock impact, they will replace it for free.

ateixeira

They say you can take a pen to it, run it along the beginning and end of the crack, to look for that pit. No pit means it's a stress crack.

If there is a pit, well hopefully you have comprehensive insurance to cover it.

-juice

bigkahunafl

No posts in nearly 10 days!

tidester

Everyone's still recovering from moving their clocks back! ;-)

tidester, host

bigkahunafl

We were suppose to move our clocks back?

ateixeira

Anyone else see the hyper-cool Element in Autoweek from SEMA?

200hp bay-bee.

-juice

2004_element

Hello. I'm back. I am reincarnated as "2004_Element". Good to see a few of my old friends are still actively here: Hello Varmit. Hello Ateixeira. LTNS! (long time no see) Kinda like comin home for Thanksgiving after being gone for a few years.... Kudos to you guys for still being here, all this time I'll bet, and for providing this form of customer support!! The place looks a little different.... ("Who is this guy?" you're wondering...) Here's your clue: Was there some final outcome on that CRV vs. Forrester thread? Honestly, I still don't see them Forresters. However CRVs are everywhere: I was on the freeway this week, behind a CRV, and yet another behind me....

ateixeira

PAUL! Dude, you just vanished after you bought that CR-V. You didn't even say what color or model you got at the time.

Looooong time no see. Good to see you're back.

That topic reached "Part IV" IIRC, and was then retired. Recencly it was re-awakened for Generation II of both models. I'm still waiting to see if Honda counters the Forester XT (turbo).

Honda has been winning the sales race, while Subaru has just been winning races. Petter Solberg is the new WRC champ.

So, did you trade it in on an Element? You still playing keyboards? How'd your CR-V serve you.

Welcome back, good to hear a name from the (long ago) past. What has it been, 3 years at least?

-juice

varmint

Pb!

As I recall, the last we heard from you was when you posted a picture of yourself standing in front of a white CR-V. That was quite a while ago.

I figure you're back for one of two reasons.

1. You're driving a new Element (I'm guessing green).
2. You're shopping again.

Good to hear from you.

2004_element

Yup, I bought a white '99 CRV EX which now today has only 30,000 miles. I upgraded to broadband cable, so my email address changed, and those cool HP & Torque graphs I made back then were hosted on my dial-up were no longer correctly pointed to from the Town Hall forums, there was no way to update them. Then I got job downsized after 19.5 years (as Electronic Design Engineer) along with my entire group and others within that company, and with hundreds of thousands of other engineers throughout the US. All put out on the street at the same time. Got a couple of independent consulting jobs initially and then that dried up too. I was unemployed for 18 months. That's reason 1 why my CRV mileage is so low.... Good news: Now I'm a "Field Applications Engineer" at another company, a great one(!), work out of my home here near Milwaukee, and often another sales person will drive to the customer account calls. That's low mileage reason 2. Was in design, now in sales. I'm on technical support side of sales, so very good job for me. That number "1999" became ineligible under the company car plan for fiscal year 2004 started Nov. 1. My CRV was an end of model year purchase, it didn't matter to me "at that time". But now, to stay in the plan going forward, it makes more sense to wait a month or two for that 2004 number. I don't need/want a new car for any reason other than that year number. My wife wants the CRV. Loves it. She says her mom (80+) can get in and out easier than her 1995 Saturn SW2 double overhead cam wagon 79K miles. Nice car. One owner, zero collisions, perfectly maintained, someone is going to be very happy on the used car deal from us. The computer valuations don't do it justice. Regarding the Element, I was first time impressed when I was in waiting on a routine CRV oil change. Meanwhile also looked at the Saturn Vue, just to check my heart. Vue vs. Element. Hmmm. My thought was 'boring'. And them computer valuations the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) really slammed the Vue vs. same program on the Element. My wife loves Halloween costumes, and I imagined making two gigantic pieces of imitation toast and affixing them to the top of my proposed Element. Everyone loves toast with butter and/or strawberry jam with their coffee! If you have an occasional coffee accident or a long term happy meal residue problem.... LOL. Seriously, the winter slosh (Per webster: n, 1. a widely varying composition of water, ice, snow, and salts applied by community street maintenance before, during, and after winter. 2. That corrosive mixture which dissolves Northern Cars.) Totally nuked my driver side CRV floor mat. Thoughts of just hosing it all off in the Element are quite provoking. Not to mention the sexy sleeping arrangement with sky-light view.
Varmit: No Way! You are right almost on both bullets. No I'm not yet actually driving a new Element, but I will be. Yes, I'm shopping again and YES IT'S GOING TO BE GREEN! How did you do that? That's really very spooky, X-files type stuff. - Pb

bigkahunafl

Wow, easy on the coffee dude! I don't know you, yet, but it should be interesting in here now.

raychuang00

Speaking of the Element, Honda recently debuted the Japanese domestic market (JDM) Odyssey that uses more or less the same drivetrain as the Element but mates it with a belt-drive continuously-variable transmission (CVT) automatic that uses a special torque converter.

This makes me wonder is Honda seriously looking at making the CVT automatic an option for 2005 model year Element.

varmint

"Yes, I'm shopping again and YES IT'S GOING TO BE GREEN! How did you do that?"

Strong is my kung fu. ;-)

ateixeira

So now we have PB2.0, aka 2004_element. Can we get the new one to use some paragraphs to make the posts a little easier to read? )

varmint must have ESP, and I don't mean Electronic Stability Program.

I test drove a 2003 Vue, and also one of the newer CR-Vs, and much preferred the Honda. Saturn did improve the interiors for 2004, plus they now use a Honda 3.5l V6 engine. The Vue Redline looks interesting.

But IIRC you weren't really into earth-crushing power, just a practical ride.

A couple of caveats: the spare is a donut, vs. a full-sizer in the CR-V. And you have to remove your seat belt to open the rear door. Some may find that inconvenient, others won't. Just about everyone would like the wipe-clean interior, though.

-juice

alamental

Hey there. I'm looking at an EX Automatic right now for purchase this week or next. I'm 55, and live in upstate NY. I like the quirky outside looks of the E, and think that as a gardener, the insides are great for hauling mulch, bushes, potting soil, and such.

I am being quoted $20,310 and want to trade in my Dodge Dakota '02, which has an awful suspension (yep--rides like a truck, but worse), and do a "SmartBuy" deal--4 years of payments, 15K miles, then trade it in with $11K being applied to my next Honda. I owe $12K on my truck, and it's worth $9K as a trade, so basically I'm financing a $22.5K car. I am hoping to get payments in the $315 a month range.

Like the blue, the silver, and the orange (the green is nice, but Ilike the other colors better).

Glad to be here.

gee35coupe

It's a balloon payment plan. Almost a lease but worse. That $11,000 isn't being applied to your next Honda, it's the final payment on the current one(the Element).

2004_element

My opinion:
Best idea is: A savings account which has been all along INTEREST EARNED on said savings and draw and pay cash for the new car deal amount due.
Next best idea is: A home equity loan for the amount due. This is the only way to deduct INTEREST PAID on Schedule A Itemized deductions and get a tax break.
My advice:
Go to your bank or credit union "I want a new car", and have them explain to you the total financial differences between a home equity loan vs. car loan vs. leasing, and income tax deductions.
Study the total cost, not the monthly payment.
You said "for purchase this week or next", probably your bank is the only way you will do that timing.

ateixeira

Hmm, you're upside down on the Dodge, but you aren't happy with it. Maybe try to sell it privately, you'll get more than the dealer will offer (wholesale, basically).

There's the catch with the huge rebates Dodge offers - values drop like a rock falling off a cliff.

Without interest, $315 per month adds up to $18,900 over 5 years. But subtract the $3000 you still owe and you have about $16 grand to spend (minus interest).

So I would try to stay within that amount, and for that you could get a more basic Element DX.

If you do that, you'll turn your situation around with time. Why? Because Hondas really hold their value well. The Element will still be worth $8 or $9 grand in 5 years, so you'll actually have a lot of equity.

So by 2008 you'll have a solid $9 grand down payment on a 2008 Honda Flying Hydrid Fuel Cell Diesel Spacecraft.

If you lease now, and roll your $3000 debt into that payment, you will have a high payment and nothing to show for it at the end of it all.

From now on, try to stick with brands that have better resale. If you look around, a '98 CR-V, Forester, or RAV4 are worth about the same as a Grand Cherokee of the same age, yet the Jeep cost up to $10 grand more when new. So the Jeep owner took a bath on depreciation.

Option B would be to drive the Dakota until it's paid off, or longer, but you don't like it and I just can't recommend that.

-juice

alamental

I will look into buying a DX AWD outright with and without trade-in. The only options the EX has that I can't live without have been added by a local dealer. I'll get back to you on the results!

ateixeira

I'm guessing A/C. Another thing, did someone say the 2004s will offer an LX trim? That may be a good compromise.

-juice

alamental

The LX models add an AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers and air conditioning with micron air filtration.

Seems like I'd be doing without alloy wheels, ABS, cruise control, power mirrors, a 7-speaker 270-watt audio system with auxiliary audio input and the waterproof material on the front and rear bucket seats (front seat only on DX models).

ateixeira

Alloys are cosmetic, the steelies are still 16", right?

ABS is the one feature I'd miss. You can install cruise after the sale, I did with my Forester (it became standard the next year, figures).

I don't have power mirrors and never needed them. I don't think I've adjusted my mirrors once since I bought it.

If the price is right, you can probably squeeze an LX into your budget, and in 5 years you'd have that equity you want.

-juice

2004_element

When will the 2004 Elements be available? Anybody know?

alamental

I've been offered $339 Lease for the 4WD Auto EX (Rochester NY). That's for 4 years on a SmartBuy (you pay the tax for the whole car, you own the car, you can sell it at the end and pay the residual ($10,800) or just walk away. Anyone had experience with SmartBuys? Leases?

gee35coupe

There's not much "smart" about the smartbuy AKA ballon payment plan. Unless it's 0% interest. Which it ain't.

ateixeira

You'll still have no equity after 4 years. If the burden is on you to sell the car for that amount, you might be back where you started if the used car market is weak (like it is now).

-juice

mtngal

I once thought about a lease. It would have meant that I would be paying for the car for 7 years, and would have to find financing for a high mileage (approx. 175,000 miles) 4 year old car. There would have been no way I could have traded it or sold it for as much as the residual and I wouldn't have been able to afford the over mileage charges. The only reason I considered it at all was that my husband really loved the car and we both hated the Taco (luckily I came to my senses before I signed on the dotted line).

By the way, I STILL own that (still hated) Taco!

ateixeira

Seems to me like a plain ol' lease would be less risky. The burden is on the dealer to sell the car later.

-juice

footie

Leased cars are rarely owned by the selling dealer because usually the "selling dealer" actual sells the car to the lease company and the title transfers to them. They also sell you a lease if they can get you to buy the money at more interest ( higher money factor ) than the lease company offers it to them for. Leases have 'buy and sell' prices just like car loans.

They have lots of lease cars in a portfolio all coming off lease on different days and that's why there are lease auctions about every week in most major cities.

The bank is 'holding' the car. Their residual is a best guess of what the car will be worth when they auction it off. If they get that at auction, they make their money on the 'lease rate', if they get more, they get more money by profiting on the car and if they get less for some reason (like a big price drop in used Audi's for example) then they can lose money.

Good shopping

bigfur

My gf is looking at the element. I know very little about them and i dont have time to read two thousand posts, so i guess im basically asking you people is do you like it??? and are there any problems you have had? Thanks for any help you can give me.

hppypaul

My E just keeps getting better and better. I'm a 39 yo sports car enthusiast and I drive it just like I would a roadster. It's a lot of fun and has much more umphh than some would think. Just go with the 5spd manual and awd and you will have no problem with get up and go.

dannyd1

After reading most of the postings, it seems as if everyone is pretty satisfied with the Element. I'm just looking for a nice "SUV" without the SUV price or fuel consumption and the Element seems to fit both criteria.

I'm not an Extreme Athelete riding bikes or skis or surfboards. I am a devout DIY'er however.
No kids----just a spouse who likes to travel. We want a vehicle that has the option to haul some larger items while giving us a nice ride on the daily commute and the frequent road trips. I've already had a luxurious Avalon as well as a 4WD Explorer. Both had their obvious shortcomings when it comes to my needs.

How's the Element on simple in-town and highway travel??? I'm interested in the EX 2wd--automatic. Any recommendations or impressions anyone would like to share is greatly appreciated.

micweb

I think it would look much better with painted surfaces, and be easier to maintain. Any thoughts? In terms of body lines, I like it better than the CRV.

alamental

I dunno where you live, but I'm in upstate NY and the 4WD was a no-brainer. I'm 55 and like the way the automatic zips around town. We fit 2 entire shopping carts full of Thanksgiving groceries BEHIND the rear seats yesterday. I thought I'd need a Jeep Grand Cherokee to do that.

alamental

I wanted a car that didn't look like every other car on the road, so aesthetically I was all for the cladding.

My thought is that if I ever needed a new panel, it'll be far less expensive to replace. The cladding is very tough--it's tougher than football player helmets--so I'm not worried there.

dannyd1

Thanks for the recommendation for the 4wd. Unfortunately, I live in mid-SC so 4wd comes in handy about once a year.

I haven't had the pleasure of test driving an E yet, but I did sit in one this morning...dealer forgot to lock it. Ingress/egress is incredibly easy. The E seems to be very solid and all controls are within easy reach. But I'm not too sure about the size of the interior. It's cavernous, to say the least, but it seems that it would give the driver a sense of "less control" over the vehicle. Sort of like going from a miata to a hummer.
Do you get that feeeling when you're driving it?

I must say that I really like the amount of space for hauling and the seats seem to be comfortable enough, although a little on the spartan side.

Anyway, thanks for the opinions and any other feelings or remarks are always appreciated.

crcoxe

Anyone know when/whether Honda will release a 2004 Element? Thinking of buying, but may wait until the '04s are out to get a better deal on an '03. I see that many dealers are already marking them down quite a bit, perhaps in anticipation of release of the '04. Also, anyone know what (if any) differences the '04 will have? Sorry if these questions have already been asked and answered - I'm new to this board.

2004_element

Here's what's new for 2004:
http://www.hondacars.com/info/news/article.asp?ArticleID=20031006- 41410&Category=Element

I supposedly have one on order, for delivery late December or early January.

crcoxe

Thanks. Shoulda known that someone with your username would have info on the '04's ...

I am looking at the EX AWD auto, most likely in sunset orange. By the way, this is the ONLY car I would even consider buying in that color. For some reason, it just looks great on the Element. I was planning on adding the keyless entry anyway, so the only substantive difference between the '03 and the '04 for me would be the passenger seat armrest. I would assume the '04s will carry a higher sticker and that the dealers will be less likely to deviate much from it, at least at first. Given the markdowns on the '03s, I think my passenger can go without resting his/her arms.

I'm still shopping around, and haven't driven the Element yet. I have driven the CR-V and the Kia Sorento (surprised with the quality of that Kia - very nice). I liked them both, but with a 4-month-old baby girl, the versatility and ease of clean up in the Element is very appealing, not to mention a lower price tag. The RAV-4 is just too small, and I refuse to buy a Ford or Chevy. If I wait long enough, the Scion will be available, but something about it turns me off. Just can't put my finger on it yet. But I digress ...

We'll be unfortunately parting with our dearly beloved '02 MINI Cooper, as we are a one-car family. That's going to suck (I love that car!), but having room in the car with two adults, a baby, her stroller, etc., will compensate nicely for the loss.

meinrad

"...but with a 4-month-old baby girl, the versatility and ease of clean up in the Element is very appealing,..."

I have not had an easier vehicle to get my kid in and out! My dad has a CRV and I'm always messing with the door and just don't seem to have enough room. But on the Element, with those doors opened wide, there is so much room to work.

Some people say that the suicide door is inconveniant, but I find it to be 2nd nature at this point.

hppypaul

CRCOXE,

What are you going to do with your MINI Cooper??
I might be interested if you are in the NY/NJ metro area.
Let me know.

crcoxe

Haven't made a decision on the Cooper as of yet. Once I get around to it, I'd rather sell it than trade it for obvious reasons. MINI's have been great on residual value - perhaps among the best out there right now - but you still get screwed on trade-in value. I'm in Baltimore - not quite NYC/NJ, but not all that far away either. I just updated my profile info to show my email address. If you are interested, let me know and I'll give you the run down.

I wasn't going to be buying something new right away, but if the price is right, there will be a hppypaul and a hppy Chris as well.

scottdude

Does anyone know if the new 2004 Fiji Blue color is lighter or darker than the 2003 Eternal Blue?