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I have read about not being able to see the speedometer because it is blocked by the steering wheel. I have heard about people complaining that they feel like they are sitting on the floor straining their neck to see over the dash because the driver's seat is too low even when it is raised to the top position. This low seating position is the opposite of the elevated "commanding" driving position most buyers of an SUV or even a minivan are looking for.
Anyone notice these problems?
Try a CR-V also, they're more conventional.
Don't drive an XT if you aren't seriously considering buying it, everything else will seem painfully slow after that. At least you can join our XT Envy Club. ;-)
-juice
My problem is that I also like all of the Subie line - each one does something different than the others, and I could see myself in any of them. Do I go practical or do I go for pure fun (WRX)? I haven't test driven the Forester XT yet, though I will when it gets closer to the time I can buy something.
On the other hand, the interior of the Element is just about perfect for my needs. So, decisions, decisions...
I do love internet transactions. The dealer I found made me a great offer and all I need now is for all to go well when we actually show up there on Saturday.
It really seems to be a great fit for our family and I can't wait to see if that is how I feel after a few months of actual ownership.
The Forester was nice but I couldn't get over the lack of smoothness in the engine and tranny as compared to the Element. The Element also felt roomier and is one of the few cars that gee can comfortably sit in the back seat of. So it's back to the Element or a nice used car.
The paint scheme is reminiscent of naval warship camouflage to me (link). I like it a lot.
Steve, Host
I too considered the Forester vs the Element, and after seeing the options for the back space, numerous test drives, and lots of research, I decided on the Element. I sure made the perfect choice for me! Just got back from a weeks worth of camping and driving in the mountains of WV. The EX performed wonderfully! Plenty of room for all the gear, with no worries about messing up carpet or upholstery when that gear turned muddy, Good power going up steep roads fully loaded. Great sound system to accompany the drive. Impressive mpg - varied between 22.6 and 25.3, I am 100% percent happy with my choice of the Element. Oh, we also put a screen over the radiator to prevent any problems with that. It has been a great help to read postings on here.
I've got the wheel up as far as it will go and it still blocks my view. So I have to do a little duck of my head to get a look at my speed, can't just take a glance.
That was my only gripe this weekend though. Got what I felt was a great price and no hassle deal. Then loaded it up with bikes, coolers, and clothes and headed of for a weekend in the Laurel Highlands.
The Element did everything well, including the automatic transmissions handling of the hills. I was also pleased that wind noise on the highway was pretty much non-existant.
It seems like sales have slowed down in this area, or the dealer just got a truckload.
As far as inventory watch though. The dealership near us HAD 6 out front and about 20 in back Thursday. By Saturday they were down to 4 out front and about 10 in back. Those things are flying off the lot. We bought our Accord from Gwinnett Place in Atlanta. They were down to about 25 or so. And only 2 were orange..Well one since they sold one of them while we were there.
Accords were leaving in droves it seems. There were 5 delivered between the time we picked our out and delivery. WOW.
60 days' supply is ideal, but both those models are new so I bet they have maybe half that.
-juice
I no longer have the link, but there was a recent study that showed the Element, Pilot, and a few other Hondas as being in the top 10 for spending the least amount of time on the dealer's lot. IIRC, supplies were less than 15 days or something like that.
As a customer, you want for a car that you absolutely love to have a supply of 120 days, that way the dealers are giving them away! ;-)
-juice
As far as inventory....If you are in Atlanta and want a 4WD stick....You're on a list. They are nowhere to be found. I've only seen 2 FWD 5 speeds.
However, when I went out today, about 1.5 miles from home, the car stalled and would not start up again. Yes, my brand new Element, with less than 150 miles on the odo, will not start. It is not a problem with the keys, as I have tried all 3 with the same effect. It was the first time I ran the A/C and the CD player, and I noticed that the CD skipped out a few times (no bumps), then I went to make a turn, and the whole engine just went off. Hazards worked, but the headlights won't come on at all, so I suspect some connection or battery problem.
Has this happened to anyone else???
I called the dealer and they are coming to get it (I am currently waiting, they are an hour or more away). I had AAA tow it home. I am glad now that I paid for the extended warranty. . .
Any thoughts?
In other news, the Element gets three stars in new rollover ratings:
WTOL
Steve, Host
I don't think it's a serious issue. The towing guy took a look at it and found that a fuse had blown (tested it and the headlights magically came on). Said maybe the AC coming on shorted something, so hopefully it was indeed just something that shook loose during transit and they will fix it and that will be that. Unfortunately the dealer is an hour+ from me, so if they won't come get me when it's done, I'll have to find a ride down there (I do have a backup car for home tho).
But as I said, otherwise I really like it. ..
See if your dealer will help you test-fit infant seats. Make sure it's snug!
-juice
gee and anon...is this your 1st?
I've often wondered about the roll-over stats. When I test drove an Element it seemed quite stable for an SUV with less body roll than I had expected, and it seemed like it would take quite a bit to get it to go over.
My fun vehicle (one that is not getting traded anytime soon) is a Wrangler. I find myself sometimes white knuckled when I'm driving at higher speeds (especially over 70. While I love my Wrangler, it is not a commuter car!). It feels like it wouldn't take much to get it to go over. However, it seems like it doesn't have a very high roll-over rate. Does that mean that Wrangler drivers are more careful because of the lousy feel of the vehicle? Or does it mean that the "feel" of a vehicle has less to do with it's real world performance? Just wondering what others thought.
It's at the dealer now. If it's not done by morning they're going to have to either come get me or drop it off for me. . .
Neither I nor Tommy (the towguy) noticed any missing fuses. I am waiting for them to call now.
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Share your vehicle reviews
Still, I want to see a dynamic test. I bet the Outback VDC, with stability control, gets 5 stars. The MDX with that option would also, I bet.
-juice
I have no idea if NHSTA takes stability control systems into account. They mention them here but not whether they consider them:
http://www.nhtsa.gov/NCAP/Info.html#iq17
Funny thing is what hurts the Forester is that a roof rack is standard, so height is sort of overstated. The rails themselves are actually made of aluminum, so they're very light. So is the hood.
It'll be far more interesting to see the results of a dynamic test. Only then will stability control systems become more mainstream, customers will demand them.
-juice
Also, I can't decide on the color. Is black really as much a pain as many of my friends say? And I tend to keep cars a long time, and I'm not sure in 5 yrs the orange will be all that appealing anymore. I love the green, but with its partly-green interior, possible trouble reselling it down the line comes to mind if color fashions change.
I can't decide on stick vs auto, either. To me, the auto seems sluggish. Then again, do I really NEED to zip off the line? But I live in Los Angeles, and traffic here can be just unbelievably bad. Then again, I work largely from home, so it isn't like I have to sit in a traffic jam every day like in years past.
Thank you, everyone, for your thoughts.
I would get a 2WD Auto EX...you'll have to pick the color, but GG does go well with the plastic fenders.
-mike-
Don't worry about being in traffic. You will get used to it. the clutch is very easy and the E definitely has more get up and go with the manual than the auto. I'm in NJ so with snow the 4wd is useful, but I've also read that the car handles better with it due to the little bit of extra weight in the back vs the FWD. All in all, a great little ride, and I traded a saab convertible to get so you know I'm really happy.
I test drove a manual 2WD and really liked it. The clutch is easy, the shift is short, really nice (of course, I'm driving the Wrangler and a Tacoma, both 5 speeds). I don't mind shifting but I don't have many stop lights on my daily commute - just the Sepulveda and Newhall passes and half the Grapevine. In your position I'd probably opt to save the money and get a 2WD. But since I live in the snow and occasionally need 4WD to get out of my driveway in winter, I'd get the 4WD. If you spend much time in the mountains in winter that 4WD comes in handy!
Good luck with your choice.
And hppypaul, yep, I'm used to a clutch. I've only ever driven clutch, so it's not a big deal. I just wonder if I'll be missing out on something by sticking with clutch. Are you in CA, too, by the way? I looked at your profile but you list only USA, so wasn't sure.
Hey there, mtngal, looks like you're just up the way from me, huh? I think I did some backpacking years ago up your way. I really am looking forward to getting this purchased and done with so I can start enjoying it, and not just researching it!