Gumby99integ

I really like the space and i would think that it would be really nice b/c i like to do my fare-share of camping (when i can) and climbing (all the time) and i haul around pads and gear around and i think that this would be a nice to get me around and more. But i am stuck on one big thing.....
I have a price range and its $14K but the bigger question is do i want to get the Awd version and i think they really only come in auto (there are a few and i mean few 5-speeds) or should i just get the 2WD in manual. I figure the car is heavy enough that it would handel fine in snow and wintery conditions with 2WD but im not sure.

I was thinking of getting a Scion Xb b/c i like the boxy shape but the Element already has that plus the reverse doors and a more powerful engine i think around 120hp comparied to the Xb with 103hp. So i am really not sure. Help me out... Tell me what you think ?

Anyone out there have one ? What do you think of it ?

corey415

Element actually has 156 hp.

People love to compare the Element and the Scion XB due to their similar boxy shapes. Besides that, the two cars are totally different.

Gumby99integ

Yes i do know that the cars are totally different, but im wondering either just a thought from people that either own them or just like them my question above?

Would i be fine with the 2WD manual or should i try to find the Awd manual (which is hard to find) or just get an Auto in the AWD because i can find that very easy.

And what do you like about each car ?

I know that the Xb is going to be a lot more style than the "E". It will be very low on horse power ranking just over 100hp. and it only come in 2wd front... so im not sure how it will handle in the winter driving here in wisconsin. Plus i dont think its that heavy... like around 2200lbs.
Unlike the "E" with 150+hp like Corey415 said it would be nice in the winter with the 4wd, and i think it would get by in the winter with 2wd because the weight it like 3300-3500lbs. I would really be interested in what you have to say.

Yes or No ?

Gumby99integ

ttt

Redline96LX

they are not compasrable vehicles. The xB is a little car with no ground clearence. The Element is an SUV. Also the Element has a fair amount of torque, and a good torque band thanks to the i-VTEC of its K24. My friend has an automtic 2wd version and has no trouble going up hills and ****. I mean were in the suburbs, but there are some 45% hills like yards and new building areas, and his car does well. I think the 4wd version would be great for going camping. But if your worried at all that It might not cope, get it a wench, and some better tires. As we all know, stock Honda tires arent the greatest (they dont work well on wet roads.) The Element has over 150hp and I think over 130lb-ft of torque. Ive driven his car and it doesnt feel heavy (if you want to call 3300lbs heavy.) Its very easy to drive and very forgiving, yet still gives great feedback. I'd look around and get yourself an AWD manual. Then you'll be fully ready to take on any offroading and camping. Go test drive an Element, I think you'll like it. Also the interior is almost completely rubber and waterproof, so you can clean the floors with a hose (and the seats.)

TEXN3

we've already gotten past the element and xb xomparison.

the element would do fine in fwd with snow tires. they have tons of elements in awd and manuals sitting on the lot out here in salt lake. i'm sure the hills there aren't like out here, but my integra has major trouble getting up my parent's driveway at times, even with good snow tires(michelin artic alpins)...i have a f250 though, no worries for me.

if you can find an awd version, it would be preferable, even with an auto(not sure the issue with having one of those in an suv).

edit: believe it or not, an auto is usually easier to drive in the snow...especially since yo can start in 2nd. but you don't have to worry about letting the clutch slip enough to not have wheelspin...you get the idea.

Gumby99integ

Thank you... I have really given up on trying to find a manual Awd element, and really looking for one in my price range and not to far away. I found one that was in a small fender bender but after talking to the person that owned it, he said a few things dont work like the fuel guage reads empty all the time... (i would think you would want to fix that) other than that, its fine all the damnage was fixed but i dont know.... i just dont feel it would be the best choice even though it is about $3,000 less than one that is newer looking but used. Tough things to find. But i did go to a sound shop today and looked at stealth sub boxes that would go into the element and have great sound quality and not be noticed.

Im curious to what other think about the Element ?

TEXN3

i don't think it is a bad vehicle at all. it would be great living in the mountains. but i'd rather keep my truck and use it for winter and getting thru mountain passes that many people can't. if i only had one vehicle and needed awd, i'd consider an element but it's only a 4-seater and i don't really care for the interior design, too much "space-saving" for me. i don't haul bulky stuff enough, just trailers. i'd rather have a CRV or a sedan.

Sly_Samba

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Redline96LX &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> Also the interior is almost completely rubber and waterproof, so you can clean the floors with a hose (and the seats.)</TD></TR></TABLE>

No, you can't I mean if you want to fry your ecu I guess you could. But, never use a hose on the inside of your element.

Redline96LX

No, seriously. The Element was designed for this. The ECU Isnt just bolted right behind a piece of plastic on the passenger's side. The car is even advertized at dealers to be hosed out. I have a friend who has done this. He shuttles kids to baseball practice and it gets muddy, and he washes it with a ****** hose.

P.S. You do know this is a Honda right? Ever seen Honda Plugs? there so overly engineered, that there damn waterproof. The ECU and its plugs are the same way. Look at the O2 sensor plugs, there tighter than a 12 year old.

corey415

Well, I believe the concept Honda element was billed as having a "waterproof" interior. In actual execution, the Element has waterproof seats and a "urethane-coated utility floor [that] resists water, dirt and scratches while providing easy clean up and easy cargo loading".

While dealers may adverstise that you can hose off the interior, that is something that Honda itself will not advertise or recommend.

If I owned an Element myself, I wouldn't be too liberal with the water hosage usage on the interior.

TEXN3

i could imagine using light pressure to wash some stuff away but washing down the entire inside at full pressure would be a bad idea. it's not a jeep wrangler.

Gumby99integ

Well i looked at a Sunset orange pearl one yesterday, and it looks very nice. it is a 2003, AWD auto with 50K on it. I test drove it and it was very smooth and confortable. I would like to add the arm rest extender to the middle of it and a few other things like the rack up top, and then get a basket for hauling large items in there. There is also already a hitch on the back. The interior could be cleaned up a little, but not by a hose, just a Vaccumm and maybe detailed a little but that is for starters. The model is the Ex so it has an 8 speaker system, pw, pl, cruise, tilt wheel, ect... Oh and he just got new rubber for it.

What do you think ?

Slo Car

Nice! What price are they wanting for it? I had an 03 Orange EX 2WD and I loved it! But, I got a better deal on a brand new 05 Cargo Khaki AWD so I traded in the 03.

Sly_Samba

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Redline96LX &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
No, seriously. The Element was designed for this. The ECU Isnt just bolted right behind a piece of plastic on the passenger's side. The car is even advertized at dealers to be hosed out. I have a friend who has done this. He shuttles kids to baseball practice and it gets muddy, and he washes it with a ****** hose.

P.S. You do know this is a Honda right? Ever seen Honda Plugs? there so overly engineered, that there damn waterproof. The ECU and its plugs are the same way. Look at the O2 sensor plugs, there tighter than a 12 year old.
</TD></TR></TABLE>


No, but seriously whens the last time you worked on an element?? I've seen four come in with fried ecu's from people hosing the inside out. Honda never said the element was made to be hosed out, it was something said while it was still a concept and never made it to production.

Gumby99integ

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Slo Car &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Nice! What price are they wanting for it? I had an 03 Orange EX 2WD and I loved it! But, I got a better deal on a brand new 05 Cargo Khaki AWD so I traded in the 03.</TD></TR></TABLE>

He is asking about $13k for it. That seems to be a good price. i just have to get my money together for it. My mom is all about the car and seem good hearted about it. My dad on the other hand is like you should get g a better job, or a crv or just drive the camry around (which just got hit last night in hit and run https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=1457214 But today it snowed once again and i was sliding a lot in my camry, it would of been nice to have the E.