Should I buy a higher mileage Honda Element?

[Expedition_Bound]

I've been looking for a 2007 or newer Honda Element for a while, but they never pop up in my area. Finally a 2007 EX AWD model shows up, but it's got 112k miles and the dealership wants nearly $13k for it. The Carfax shows that it's been serviced pretty regularly by the dealer who's selling it. I'm really concerned about the miles though. Any opinions?

I have asked on ElementOwnersClub.com, but it seems kind of dead.

 

[Scott Brady]

112k for a Honda is pretty mellow. The price does seem really high though. I bet they will bargain a bit.

Cool little machines, those Elements.

 

[pugslyyy]

$13k is right at "high retail" for the US market for that mileage. average = $11.5k, below = $10k

Figure that if they bought it at auction they paid $3k less than they are selling it for. If they took it in trade, then they have even less in it since they would plan on sending it to auction if they can't sell it and they will make their money back!

Elements are nice cars, my wife loves hers. Only big change we made was adding in a center console from an SC and a nice double-DIN stereo/satnav.

 

[zukrider]

will need struts soon. for the most part, the drivetrain is stout. the starters arent the most reliable. lots of rattles in those damn things. coming from a 12 yr honda tech. reliable, yes, but issues will abound

 

[G0to60]

112k is really nothing to worry too much about for a Honda. I was looking at getting an Element before I got my Audi. The only thing I would look at getting checked are the various suspension components like shocks/struts and bushings. Possibly brakes, as well, if they haven't been taken care of yet.

 

[nemoaz]

Figure that if they bought it at auction they paid $3k less than they are selling it for. If they took it in trade, then they have even less in it since they would plan on sending it to auction if they can't sell it and they will make their money back!

IME there is zero chance the paid more than wholesale for it, unless they just fired a used sales manager.

 

[Applejack]

In my area Elements are a bit expensive, shop around your state and see where the price point is at. Since they don't make the Element anymore the prices are kind of in flux. People shy away from deleted models, however there is a bit of a cult following for these cars so it's a bit difficult to gauge where prices are going to go. We bought our 2011 in Oct 2012 with 18k on the clock for $20k with a 5 year extended warranty, the dealer was asking $25k, a pretty fair bit of wiggle room there even though the fair market retail value was right at $25k.

If you do find one don't be afraid to slap some larger rubber on it, we went up 2 sizes on some General Grabber AT2's and it didn't effect the fuel economy at all. It would seem the aerodynamics come into effect long before tire size does. Combined city/hwy is a solid 20mpg.

 

[pugslyyy]

IME there is zero chance the paid more than wholesale for it, unless they just fired a used sales manager.

I was looking at actual auction transactions from manheim.

 

[Expedition_Bound]

This past Saturday I almost bought a 2008 EX AWD model with 56k miles from a Toyota dealership. They were asking $17k for it. They initially wouldn't budge on the price, but I got them down $2k. The problem was with my trade-in. They would only give me $7k, which is laughable. I could easily get $4k more selling it myself, which is what I'm going to do.

 

[Kaisen]

This past Saturday I almost bought a 2008 EX AWD model with 56k miles from a Toyota dealership. They were asking $17k for it. They initially wouldn't budge on the price, but I got them down $2k. The problem was with my trade-in. They would only give me $7k, which is laughable. I could easily get $4k more selling it myself, which is what I'm going to do.

What is your trade?

 

[Expedition_Bound]

What is your trade?

2005 F250 XLT crew cab Powerstroke 4x4. It's got 172k miles, and a few small cosmetic issues, but it runs great.

 

[Kaisen]

2005 F250 XLT crew cab Powerstroke 4x4. It's got 172k miles, and a few small cosmetic issues, but it runs great.

Yeah, just pop it on Craigslist and sell it yourself. It's easy to understand why a franchised dealer would have a hard time reconditioning and reselling that truck, where a private party can tell the story and sell it pretty quick.

 

[Expedition_Bound]

Yeah, just pop it on Craigslist and sell it yourself. It's easy to understand why a franchised dealer would have a hard time reconditioning and reselling that truck, where a private party can tell the story and sell it pretty quick.

Got any tips? I've never sold a vehicle before, let alone on Craigslist.

 

[ZMagic97]

Got any tips? I've never sold a vehicle before, let alone on Craigslist.

I do it all the time.

-Be honest.
-Take cash or a cashiers check at the bank before the deal is done.
-Don't make the ad too long: people won't read it all.
-Ask $2,000 more than you want. You'll either get what you want or more. Worst case, really close to what you want.
-If you have low interest, take the first reasonable offer.
-Don't seem like you need to sell it. Never give the buyer the upper hand.

 

[Kaisen]

Got any tips? I've never sold a vehicle before, let alone on Craigslist.

My strategy is the opposite ZM97. Price it to sell, and don't negotiate.
The internet has changed the game. Buyers often search (and filter) based on price. So if you think your truck is worth $10K and you'd take that, price it at $9999.
"Asking" $12,000 will alienate you from potential buyers that searched "$10,000 and under"..... they won't even see your truck, let alone get the opportunity to ask you if you'll take less. If you are realistic about your price, you'll get interested buyers. If it scares you to not-negotiate thinking you left money on the table, go $1000 higher at first, still not negotiating. Once you say you'll negotiate, you've opened Pandora's box and be prepared for games. I'd prefer to allow them to inspect the truck and then it's pass/fail, either they want it or they don't. Who cares what their reasons are. Then you can be Minnesota nice, and they can too. No need to be adversaries.

In my vast experience, this works better and you'll sell it faster, for more money, than if you play games with price.

IMHO, you'll get Kelley Blue Book Private Party "Good" to "Very Good" less obvious damage/flaws not in-line with a 9 year old truck with 172K miles (normal wear/tear)
Since that's $13.0-13.5K less damage, I think you're in the ballpark with your ~$12K reference.