Element experience
Ok, I think there's only me and PaulJ that are Element guys on here, and he's probably got more seat time in an E as I had other rigs in the stable for trips during my ownership.
So...
1. Ground clearance is not great. The gas tank impacts the breakover angle primarily, as there's very little overhang up front so I snag the front suspension first if there's ruts. There aren't any lifts on the market, but some individuals have tackled it.
That said, I've had lots of fun in Anza and Baja just have to think a bit before plunging down a trail, since the lack of low gears is also a barrier. Pick a line very carefully, I'm in/out of the car a lot on tricky terrain and a ramp or airbag -jack might be the best recovery gear.
2. MPG is 22-25 most of the time I think, I really don't pay too much attention as it's a daily driver for my wife of late. I did a run to Seattle & back in my Ecamper last xmas with 2 17' touring kayaks on the roof racks, a dresser + dog in back, baggage and 2 adults and the average for that trip was 22. The boats/rack was probably the biggest impact on mpg.
Interestingly, comparing across a couple different years/models the EX version is heaviest, the LX has a little less weight, and a DX (2003) should do best since it was pretty stripped. The more recent ones have additional air bags etc that add up.
My Tacoma with a 4 banger & 2WD did 22 for the couple years I had it. My D90 got 12 mpg on a good day, and I saw 2-3 mpg in low/low off road.
3. Many thought the D90 was "hosable" when it came out. It wasn't. Anyway, no need for a hose. A wet sponge is definitely all ya need after hitting it with shop vac or air hose (blast it out the back!) The front foot wells are supposed to hold water (from snow boots) but here in SoCal haven't really tested that. It is quite easy to clean with a whisk broom, which is great for sand.
4. AWD is sort of funny, if it slips there's a thunk and you get a little more traction. The front wheels are doing the work, and much like ol' VW's, the engine weight is over the drive wheels so it does pretty well.
5. Element is pretty basic and doesn't include many frills. Stereo works ok, power windows, ABS etc. EX has the frills of the line, I'd have gotten a DX stick (no radio!) if they'd still been selling that model. It's got some stuff built in - bins on dash, power ports, that sort of thing.
It's the volume that makes it truely handy - I just popped a full size washer in the back and had room for the dolly too. People in back have a lot of room if you've got passengers. A bike or two will fit in the back with the wheel off.
Things not previously mentioned:
- it's got some nasty blind spots due to the thick A pillar. After some driving you get used to it.
- it's bigger than it looks. It's not a mini SUV, it's as big a Jeep Cherokee (our company truck) which is maybe why the mpg isn't that great.
- it is ridiculously reliable. Recommended 10K oil change, engine is super common for Hondas, I haven't begun to explore aftermarket stuff for under the hood.
Like any rig, you're going to modify it for your use. Want a diesel? Should be a swap available when the Acura diesel hits next year. Don't like the gas tank location? Pull it out and mount inside. Better mileage? Slow off the line, remove unused gear and the back seats. Want to turn it into a pop top - I got ya covered.
cheers
John
