Our '97 Honda Accord with 210,000 miles driven and another 50,000 as a toad will die someday (maybe not) so researching what we will get. I like the CR-V and my husband the Element. The storage area in the Element is certainly a plus so we're kinda leaning that way. We know we have to get one 2005 or older in order to tow wheels down but we plan to buy used anyway. I know everyone has their own ideas (that's why there is chocolate and vanilla) but any major issues we should take into consideration. Thanks, Brenda
Roz said
12:31 PM Jul 12, 2008
Greetings, Brenda!
As I am sure you aware, both the Honda Element and the CRV are basically the same car on the same "platform". We absolutely love our Element. His name is Watson, and you guessed it is Element my deary Watson!
With the racks on top, and off road tires, Watson amazes many at his permormance off road. As you aptly said, the room is larger, and the rubber floor makes for an easy hosing out. The rear seats lay back and the fold up against the side walls, or they will completely out to carry large things.
Ours is a 2003. We adopted Watson when he had 53,000+ on his odometer. We have towed him for three years and other than being told we are towing a "lunch box", "bread truck" or "milk truck", we simply cannot find a down side. The rear-seat leg room is WOW!
We have had no problems at all. I would suggest you find a Watson look alike and go for it!
Charles
Weaverworks said
07:44 AM Jul 13, 2008
Hi Charles
I too am interested in the Element....especially for the increased storage area over my Jeep Liberty. Question.....have you ever tried putting 2 bicycles inside? I think that would sure beat the bike rack on the rear of my Jeep. What do you think?
Paul
bjoyce said
09:07 AM Jul 13, 2008
We have friends with an Element who carry their bikes in the back but they removed the rear seats and turned the Element into a two seater.
Old Snipe said
02:35 PM Jul 13, 2008
I also have a 2003 Element and am very pleased with it. I bought it new in Nov 2003 and currently have 92K road miles on it with another 25K towing miles. It still looks and runs like new.
I change the transmission oil every 30K miles and the oil every 3K miles. The only mechanical problems I've had have been broken windshields, I'm on my third. I have no luck with windshields, I've had two replaced in my last MH and have a chip in my new Journey that has to be repaired.
I can carry two bikes inside with the rear seats folded up to the sides, or with them removed, I carry two Honda 50cc motorscooters, known as the "Tadpoles" (get it?).
I have driven many backroads and used it on the beaches of the Outer Banks. It is not a Jeep by any means but with common sense, it will take you places off road that a car could not go.
Supposedly, Honda changed components in the driveline in the 2006 rendering it untowable four down, however I've seen a few on the road being towed w/o any trans pumps and such.
I wish Honda had not made the "improvments", the Element was great the way it was.
All in all, I highly recommend the Element if you can find a pre 2006 for towing.
Best Regards!
Roz said
05:53 PM Jul 13, 2008
Hi, Paul!
Yes, as Old Snipe said, the rear seats fold up against the side walls and two bikes easily fit in the middle.
Thanks, Brenda
As I am sure you aware, both the Honda Element and the CRV are basically the same car on the same "platform". We absolutely love our Element. His name is Watson, and you guessed it is Element my deary Watson!
With the racks on top, and off road tires, Watson amazes many at his permormance off road. As you aptly said, the room is larger, and the rubber floor makes for an easy hosing out. The rear seats lay back and the fold up against the side walls, or they will completely out to carry large things.
Ours is a 2003. We adopted Watson when he had 53,000+ on his odometer. We have towed him for three years and other than being told we are towing a "lunch box", "bread truck" or "milk truck", we simply cannot find a down side. The rear-seat leg room is WOW!
We have had no problems at all. I would suggest you find a Watson look alike and go for it!
Charles
I too am interested in the Element....especially for the increased storage area over my Jeep Liberty. Question.....have you ever tried putting 2 bicycles inside? I think that would sure beat the bike rack on the rear of my Jeep. What do you think?
Paul
Yes, as Old Snipe said, the rear seats fold up against the side walls and two bikes easily fit in the middle.
It is a great toad.
Charles