I have experimented with a number of tarps on my Element.
The Noah 12 is my favorite for use (stand alone) over the picnic table. I use 2 8' poles that came with another tarp, though Kelty also sells a great adjustable pole in this size. The quality of this rig depends on the purchase you get in the ground, since it puts a lot of tension on the pegs, especially if there's wind. I usually use two spaced pegs on at least one corner to add stability.
Once or twice I've rigged the Noah over the car, throwing one corner over the Sidekick roofbox. It's ok, but not the best.
My favorite for hanging off the side of the car is a MSR Vista. This is a 7 pt tarp like the Outfitter, but smaller. I use one 8' pole on the end furthest from the car. At the car end I use a 7' spreader bar to hold two back corners apart, and a short riser to lift the center of that side. Sometimes I use the cargo box as the riser. The idea is to produce a rain shedding ridgeline.
I use a pair of 6' poles (the ones that came with the Vista) to lift the corners nearest the car, to give more headroom at that end. If I park right, I can rig this tarp over the table, and have workable headroom around most sides.
I also have a Kelty Carport, which works well as a leanto shelter beside the car. It's more work to setup.
MSR dropped the Vista shortly after they bought the lineup from Walrus. But this past year they reintroduced it.
Vista photos on my pbase gallery (go up a directory to find photos of the Noah and Carport)
http://www.pbase.com/paulj3/ewithvista