• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Any Honda Element (or similar) owners here that came from coupes?

alkemyst

alkemyst

No Lifer
I am thinking of picking up a Honda Element next year...still on the fence to how I use my car and what I want (my other prime choice is a polar opposite E36 / E46 M3)...

I love car audio, I have a 4 mile commute, I usually am carting my dogs to the dog park daily.

I have been looking at the Element and I sort of like it. I'd need to do something about the power output and handling more than likely but it may be a fun ride.

I don't know, it'd be a totally different type of vehicle for me...yet alone my first four door.

I currently drive a 1998 240SX SE.

Å
 
I had a 1995 240sx and went to a WJ Grand Cherokee, and now an XJ Cherokee. It's pretty awesome being able to go to the hardware store and not have to worry about whether the simple storage boxes I buy will be able to fit.
 
I will transport PVC and 2x4 occassionally even in my 240SX...big boxes are indeed more a problem though. The fold down seats allow the longer stuff to fit nice though usually.

I almost picked up a GTO a while back, but lack of fold down rear seat killed the deal.

I am trying to find an Element to test drive...maybe this weekend if it's clear I will look around.
 
Well I don't think there is much you will be doing about the power on those. The engines are pretty good though, but if it's anything like a CRV manual then it's going to rev like crazy on the highway(which is damn annoying). Can probably make it handle a bit better, but it is a box. Good vehicles, but not terribly exciting and they aren't really made to be.
 
I need to read more tonight, but there are alot doing turbos and swapping to more of a TSX acura setup.

Also Honda has the Element-D hitting the circuit. twin turbo V6, rwd, 500hp for drifting.

Much of the 'box' vehicle point though is to make them exciting. I have seen some pretty cool ones around Florida.
 
I helped a guy load some bikes into his element once, it was pretty nice the way the seats folded out of the way easily and the roof was high enough to load the bikes without removing the wheels. I rode in one a few years later as a passenger in the back and was unimpressed with the comfort of the vehicle, the seats that were easy to fold out of the way were uncomfortable, the shape of the doors made entering and exiting the vehicle a little weird and there was nothing about the ride of the vehicle that particularly impressed me. If you have a need to carry a lot of cargo I suppose it makes sense, for hauling people or overall driving experience I don't really think the Element is a good choice.
 
alkemyst said:
I am thinking of picking up a Honda Element next year...still on the fence to how I use my car and what I want (my other prime choice is a polar opposite E36 / E46 M3)...

I love car audio, I have a 4 mile commute, I usually am carting my dogs to the dog park daily.

I have been looking at the Element and I sort of like it. I'd need to do something about the power output and handling more than likely but it may be a fun ride.

I don't know, it'd be a totally different type of vehicle for me...yet alone my first four door.

I currently drive a 1998 240SX SE.

Å
Click to expand...

I went from a 99 Ford Escort coupe to a 2011 Kia Soul. I wanted more room, but still in a compact size. I bike, fix computers, and do amateur cinematography (tripods etc.), so having a roomy place to throw my stuff was important. I was initially going to go with the Element, but fell in love with the Soul. My pros for each:

Honda Element:
Honda engine reliability
Suicide doors
20 cubic feet more space inside
Tailgate
Rubberized floormats & Waterproof seats
Seats fold in a lot of ways to make more room

Kia Soul:
Base model is $10,000 cheaper than the base Element
More fun-looking
Better handling (Element drives like a tank)
More compact (nicer in tight parking lots)
Better MPG

I liked the Element a lot, but got turned onto the Soul by a friend. I didn't know much about Kia before, but I've had the Soul for about a month now and really love it. I have a 1.5 hour daily commute and average 29mpg (mostly highway miles, A/T). My last boss had a Element we used as a work truck; I really liked the size, flexibility of the seats, and how it drove like a tank (felt solid). The Soul is much more fun to drive - it has a stiff suspension, so if you're on bumpy roads you're going to feel it, but it has less roll around corners than my '05 Saturn ION did, which is really nice. It's pretty peppy for a 4-banger too, no problems merging or passing on the highway.

Mine is the Plus model; it has Bluetooth, XM, and a Sunroof. It's big enough for an adult male, and roomy enough to have adult passengers in the back seats without a problem. The seats are firm, which I thought was going to a problem, but it turns out the firmness is PERFECT for long driving trips - much nicer on my body than my previous, more cushy car seats, surprisingly. The difference in price is great too - a fully-decked out Soul is less than $20k in most areas. I do not recommend the sound system - mine has the 5.1 or whatever, it has a sub, tweeters, and center speaker, but it doesn't sound all that great. It came as part of the package with the sunroof, so I took it, but I wouldn't have paid extra for it otherwise - money better spent putting your own system in. Since it's a box, you can do some fun things with stereo system if you want to.

I made a little video showing it off a few weeks ago:

http://vimeo.com/14378607

You can see some of the inside at about 1:30. It's a fun little car. I'm really enjoying it. Feel free to ask any questions.
 
My wife has an Element & she loves it. The sound system is solid. The ride is a bit bumpy, as it is a very utilitarian vehicle. We are able to carry our 4 large Greyhound Dogs around. I actually like it, myself. It is a great vehicle.
 
It sounds like you're going to end up spending $50k to make an Element fast.

You should instead buy a Forester XT. It's like a WRX or STI with a boxy body.
 
Well, I just got an X-terra 2 weeks ago & the rear seats fold flat. It is almost as much space as the Element(but not in height), & it has a throaty V6. Also, you can get a model(SE) with a nice Rockford Fosgate sound system. The ride is really great, also.
Now would be the perfect time, too as the 2011's are about to arrive & dealers are scrambling to unload the 2010. I got my 2010 X-Terra S for 23,500 & 0% financing.
 
Throckmorton said:
It sounds like you're going to end up spending $50k to make an Element fast.

You should instead buy a Forester XT. It's like a WRX or STI with a boxy body.
Click to expand...

Forester has no charm.

I am not really worried about the money I spend on my cars though...it's sort of fun getting there and I like being different.
 
alkemyst said:
Forester has no charm.

I am not really worried about the money I spend on my cars though...it's sort of fun getting there and I like being different.
Click to expand...

I've never thought an Element to be "charming."

I do think my XT will chew up and spit out an Element without even breaking a sweat. I'd recommend test driving one. 😉
 
I am not looking to have the fastest vehicle or i'd go with a vette and mod that.

The Element looks cool to many, even the guys at Top Speed liked it. The Forester is bland and only available in a 4 speed auto.

It's the WRX that guys with kids usually end up with 🙂.

That came up in my looking...it's more compared to the CRV and RAV4 types than the crossovers I am looking at.

I am not even sure if I can make the transition. I am really trying to think of how I use my car today. I may still keep the 240SX and make that a weekend warrior.
 
alkemyst said:
I am not looking to have the fastest vehicle or i'd go with a vette and mod that.

The Element looks cool to many, even the guys at Top Speed liked it. The Forester is bland and only available in a 4 speed auto.

It's the WRX that guys with kids usually end up with 🙂.

That came up in my looking...it's more compared to the CRV and RAV4 types than the crossovers I am looking at.

I am not even sure if I can make the transition. I am really trying to think of how I use my car today. I may still keep the 240SX and make that a weekend warrior.
Click to expand...

I must've missed where you specified you were looking to buy new. The Forester in my garage is a 2.5l turbocharged 5 speed. It's not the most attractive thing ever, but it has the utility of an oversized station wagon and enough power to get you into trouble if you so desire. 😛
 
Didn't know the older models came in 5 speed.

I am looking at probably a 2008 or 2009 next year. No desire for a brand new car anymore, not enough bang for buck and down here there are always tons of cars.
 
alkemyst said:
Didn't know the older models came in 5 speed.

I am looking at probably a 2008 or 2009 next year. No desire for a brand new car anymore, not enough bang for buck and down here there are always tons of cars.
Click to expand...

http://www.subaruforester.org/vbull...ter-xt-sport-sti-package-dc-md-va-area-80944/

http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f93/2008-subaru-forester-sports-2-5xt-sale-71815/

Very hard to find, but they exist. When I bought mine I thought 5mt was up to 05 only, but apparently not..they're just very rare.
 
I agree with the OP, subaru's are over rated in my opinion. I don't think I fit the image that being a subaru owner projects. If you own one and like it that's fine, but it's not for everybody, regardless of how many wheels spin on the ice or how tuned the wagon is certain people will never be attracted to a subaru.
 
kornphlake said:
I agree with the OP, subaru's are over rated in my opinion. I don't think I fit the image that being a subaru owner projects. If you own one and like it that's fine, but it's not for everybody, regardless of how many wheels spin on the ice or how tuned the wagon is certain people will never be attracted to a subaru.
Click to expand...

Hey the OP asked about an Element but needed more power and better handling. It's only fair to explain the options! 😉
 
I tried to test drive a Forester, they told me to come back when I had some birkenstocks.

Not looking for an off-roader and I live in Florida so snow is a non-issue.

Looking for a fun car that I can haul stuff and my dogs better in.
 
DSC_3310_d.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top