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Honda Element Maintenance and Repair
I've been shopping the Element and CRV, trying to decide...
I was just reading the CRV problems and solutions...is the Element more trouble free?
the CRV owners are complaining about a pull to the right, cruise control, etc...
I was just reading the CRV problems and solutions...is the Element more trouble free?
the CRV owners are complaining about a pull to the right, cruise control, etc...
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Chris.
Chris.
tidester, host
I liked the fact that the CRV interior was more "refined" than that of the Element - my wife liked the "bare bones" look of the Element more. In hindsight, I am happy that we ended up going with the Element, as there is a ton of room in it with the seats folded up against the side (and with them completely removed)....much more cargo room than in the CRV with the seats folded down.
One thing we did like more about the CRV was the position of the sunroof (in the front of the car where it belongs) vs the rear sunroof of the Element - although we have had the rear sunroof completely out of the Element a couple of times, and it does generate a good breeze throughout the vehicle.
When we drove both vehicles back to back, we both got the feeling that the Element was more nimble than the CRV. Even though it looks more top heavy than the CRV, it seemed to feel more stable. The Element does have less ground clearance than the CRV (it sits lower), which would probably help it handle a little better. You need to feel the steering of the Element...it is very precise and tight - no deadspots at all. My wife also said she had better rear visibility out of the Element than the CRV - which is a big selling point for her (and this is her daily driver).
One other thing to note is that the CRV utilizes a 5 speed automatic vs the 4 speed automatic in the Element. After driving both of them at highway speeds, I personally did not notice the 4 speed auto in the Element being any noticably louder than the 5 speed in the CRV. And speaking of noise...this is very subjective, but we did not notice any more road noise in the Element than we did in the CRV.
As far as gas mileage for the Element goes, I can't comment on that. My wife only puts about 150 miles per week on it while driving it to work. We have a different vehicle that we use for long trips.
You really should look at, and drive both. However, I would say that if you frequently carry backseat passengers, the CRV would probably be the route to go. If that is not an issue for you, I now personally prefer the Element.
P.S. - we LOVE the audio controls on the steering wheel in the Element. I don't think these were available on the CRV.
Visibility would be an issue for me too, and cargo but passengers... not. Funny, CR mentioned road noise and freeway handling as not being great but every Element owner I have spoken to has said they don't find any difference from other cars. I was concerned because I'm told they won't let you testdrive on the freeway (didn't want to find out it was uncomfortable after (if) I bought the car). I like the idea of the venting sunroof, I sunburn easily so I don't need the expose, but my old bug had a sunroof that was great for letting heat out when parked in the sun for a while.
The interior looks very plain and the dash board looked like an odd shape to me, but too many of my friends have SUVs with dash boards that look like the cockpit of an airplane (overdressed with gauges), I just see that as wasted money (though I'm sure it's poplular with some). I'll go drive some Monday...(CRV's and Elements). Thanks for the info!
noise from rear brakes. At 36000 miles the drivers seat was wearing out and the steering
wheel was worn badly.This car did not look like it would hold up cosmetically so I traded
it for a 2004 Toyota Highlander.It is much better quality.
On the other had I'd be a fool to leave my front door open when I go to work or not attempt to protect my property or car where such protection is reasonable and sucessful.
Thank you for the advice about the locking cap.
When I write to the forum I'm seeking advice about automobiles, not "life" advice.
Steve, Host
Just merely stating that there is a locking cap available, but I personally have not priced it or deemed a neccessity in my particular case. I think over the past year I have heard of 2 cases of stolen gas on the news. Out of a city of 200,000 plus people, I think I will take a chance.
The wife said the Element was too ugly to have in the driveway and she wanted a Pilot. We already have an Odyssey and do not need another large vehicle. The closest I could get to an Element was the CR-V. It is a very good vehicle but I like the out-off-the-box functionality of the Element. My wife likes the same old box... And since I know where I sleep tonight I forced myself to have the insight and compromise for small but conventional...
Ok, so they can't steal my gas anyway, good to hear (just because you're paranoid, doesn't mean they're not after you). Actually saw it on TV news, camera in a parking lot, watched guys stealing gas...OK? (not that the news people are not above a little sensationalism (OK, a lot of sensationalism) but, this one was true)
What on earth is an Oklahoma credit card?
As for the tank being low to the ground, as long as the container it was being siphoned into was lower, it would work. Basic science class.
Asked at Honda service today, "How much for a locking gas cap?"
Service guy "$79.00, for the cap and installation."
Me "what installation?" gesture twisting cap three times clockwise....
SG "That's what it says, $79.00, cap and installation"
Me "how much for the cap and I'll uhh, install it myself"........"someone on the message board says they bought one from Honda for $29.99...."
SG blank stare, no answer......
Me "Never mind, I'll look on the internet".....
Thanks, you just saved me a lot of money....
OK, you can make the argument that a full size SUV is still plenty high off the ground. But If you compare say the location of '72 Buick's gas tank and compare it to a comparable 2006 Buick I would venture the tank to sit lower. These few inches are crucial when working with the OCC. As you aptly stated its straight forward physics.... Naturally one can still suck from an older car. There the disadvantage is too that the needles not always return to zero. No matter what the dash looks on a modern car, they are all digital dashboards that just happen to display the information in an analog fashion, just because people like the analog gages better...
Naturally the practice cannot be recommended since gas is poisonous and just inhaling the fumes causes respiratory distress. Plus pressurizing your gas tank is probably bad for the injectors and the vapor recovery system (CEL anyone?).
If gas were invented today, the regulators probably wouldn't let us burn the stuff in our vehicles!
Steve, Host
"If gas were invented today, the regulators probably wouldn't let us burn the stuff in our vehicles!"
Wonderful point! The inventor would be considered insane or criminal! I owned horses...they are a lot more work for a lot less speed and distance.
I ran across Dweiser's CarSpace album yesterday - he's got a great looking Cargo Khaki Element. Check it out here.
Steve, Host
I convinced the wife to buy this vehicle in part on Honda's rock solid reliability record and am a little disappointed to be paying a repair bill on a Honda with less than 100,000 miles on the odometer. I am a fanatic about performing preventive maintenance and adhere to the severe duty schedule. Yes it is just a bad sensor but now I can't brag about never having to pay a repair bill while still making car payments. I have a friend who feels that Honda's reliabity reputation is just "yuppie" hype since he has taken his 2001 Chrysler Minivan and 97 Chrysler Seebring both over 100k with no repair bills beyond maintenance. Both of course are rated much lower in reliability than any Honda. He still owns is first car, a 1983 Pontiac Fiero which still runs great. I can no longer argue the statistics with him.
Hopefully the 1st dealer gave me the correct information, after I called them back to determine which sensor was bad. It was the "front" one. I went to the autozone and advanced auto parts websites to see if they had them. They do! Advanced had it for around $83 after taxes. I ordered it tonight and will put it in myself this weekend. The 2 late teen or early 20's clerks said it was an easy change out. We will see.
A local mechanic shop (Ice Cold Air) that I use often for things I can't do myself said they would put it in for $20 once I got the part. They are my backup.
Summary: Dealer 1 estimated $413. They got $85 out of me for the diagnostic. That I assure you will be the last time. Dealer 2 wanted $298 before taxes. I can do it myself for $83 or $103 if I prove not up to the task.
tcasboy, "Honda CR-V Owners: Problems & Solutions" #4547, 19 Jun 2006 8:37 am
Anybody have such troubles or hear anything like it?
CR-V: AC Compressor Issues
Why can't Honda make an "add on" grill to solve this problem? After paying for a NEW vehicle, the customer, has to go to "Home Depot" to purchase "gutter guards" to solve a Honda design issue! Is this the image that Honda wants to portray in the "new vehicle marketplace"? ---- (Honda and Home Depot perfect together)! ---- (or)---- (Get your Honda fixed with Home Depot parts)! ---- What is wrong with this picture? ----- If "gutter guards" can solve the problem, why can't Honda make a grill to do the same thing, and look better in the process?------- Best regards. ----Dwayne :confuse:
It's unfortunate that Honda doesn't design retrofits. It looks like the 2007 Honda has a new front grill design. I'm drivng my Element tentatively and I guess the honeymoon is over.
Dwayne, I hear you, man! Why would a reputable company simply bury their heads in the sand and pretend there is no problem when a fairly cheap solution surely must exist. Maybe this will be addressed in the 2007's, but who knows.
Sorry to hear you had to pay the $800+. You can see pics of the gutter guard install on the elementownersclub website as refernced in another message. Look in the Do-It-Yourself Modifications tab.
If a stone was to be sucked into the engine, because of a poorly designed air intake system, would Honda make the customer responsible for that damage TOO? Honda is putting a "spin" on this entire issue. A grill could be easily designed to clamp onto the existing grill network. They know that there is a problem, but they will do nothing about the problem! They are giving sales away to Hyundai and Kia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Best regards. -----Dwayne :confuse:
I will be "test driving" a "Top of the line" 2007 2WD Honda Element, as soon as they hit the lot at my local Honda dealer. I can't wait to discuss this A/C issue. I want to see their reaction!!!!!!!!!!!-------Best regards. ------Dwayne
#1 is ground clearance, or the lack thereof. I just pranged the gas tank guard on a small rock in a dirt road, and have come pretty close to stranding on a berm top several times. If Honda wants to advertise this car as a "go anywhere" toy, it should build it so (compare with the new Toyota cruiser for instance).
#2 is that damned suicide door, which makes loading in a parking lot pure misery. Nissan solved the problem in its trucks with a rear door that opens flat against the vehicle side. Honda could have, but chose not to.
#3 is closely related to #2. I've lost count of the number of times I've bashed my head against the projecting piece of metal in the roof of the car that holds the two doors where they meet. Stupid, stupid design.
#4 the back seat is good for five minutes of travel. Any further, and the claustrophobic heebie-jeebies set in.
With regards to point #1, I posted this in the tires forum, but got no response: looks like there's no way to lift the vehicle, except to use bigger tires. Has anyone done this? How much bigger did you go? How did it work out?
In your case, I would suggest purchasing new All-Terrain tires in 235/70x16 size (BF Goodrich and Bridgestone Revos are popular on the Element owners club web site.) There should be good enough clearance; if you run chains in the winter, you might want to drop to a 225. Consider it a cost of ownership, the stock Goodyears that are 215/70x16 are terrible in wet conditions, noisy and you'll be wanting to replace them almost as soon as you buy the Element anyway. (Mine lasted less than 20,000 miles of city driving).
Hope that helps