So... I'm looking at a 137K mile 2003 Element AWD. One owner, loaded (even comes with the tent). Clean title and accident/paint free. I don't know a lot about them but it's a Honda so it should be ok.

If anyone has some insight into them please chime in.

Second choice is an 81K mile bugeye OBS with a salvage title.

Another option is the salvaged FXT in the N.Cal Classifieds.

Asking prices are $5500 for the OBS and $8000 for the Element.

 

My uncle has one, its his DD for his commute and for 1-2 monthly trips to Donner and back. Hes had it for at least 3 years now and loves it. Its been great for his dog and solid in the snow. I've really only heard two gripes: someone broke one of the odd-shaped rear windows and it cost a ton to replace (as you might expect for a weirdly shaped window with factory tint) and he lost one of the back seats when his house burned down and hasn't been able to find a convenient replacement for a decent price. Otherwise the guy is a former regional manager for Budget/Avis and has spent his entire adult working life around cars (is still a manager at a local transportation firm) and is usually hypercritical of cars, but notsomuch when it comes to his Element.

edit: monthly Donner trips

 

FXT is priced too high. Want to buy an AW 06 STi?

 

No STi's for me I'm specifically looking for an automatic (my wife does not want to drive a manual)...

Good insight on the Element! I'm leaning towards that since they are such dog friendly cars... the dog kit for them seems cool!

 

I had a 2005 element ex awd very dog-kid friendly drove nice for what it was. I would buy another one for sure.

 

I owned a 2003 AWD Element for about 2 years. It was a decent vehicle until the cam shaft lobes wore unevenly and it cost about a grand to fix. I went running back to Subaru ownership and will continue to own Suburu's from here on out.

Good: It's a GREAT camping car. Plenty of room in the back, and it was great to be able to remove the back seats to help friends move. The AWD is okay, you'll totally notice when you go from FWD to AWD because the power is suddenly gone. Went on a few trips to Tahoe during the winter and never had any problems. It's a very easy car to wash. It's basically a giant box. The folks over on the Element board are also very cool, although very different from Subaru people. It's an older group that loves to camp and can be very geeky. I still try to go camping with them when I can, because of the fun times. Very easy to clean the interior, don't hose it out, but mopping works just fine. The rear tailgate/hatch setup is really nice for a place to picnic or sit.

Bad: Windshield is prone to cracking. Honda is well aware and still has never done anything about it. Oil changes are a huge pain. The oil filter is over some of the suspension pieces so it's nearly impossible to change yourself without getting oil on things it shouldn't be on. Freeway noise levels are pretty high, dynamat is a good idea in the doors at least. Gas mileage and power are abysmal. I think that the best that I got was around 25mpg and the car is definitely gutless. The aerodynamics also make it a pain to drive in any sort of windy conditions.

I would go with the OBS. Subaru's are incredibly easy to work on and the stability and awd is second to none. The Element is also a great vehicle with a lot of gimmicks, but when it comes to a good solid car I'd stick with the Subie for sure.

 

Good advice! The Element has some miles on it and despite it being a Honda that does concern me a bit.

I drove the OBS yesterday. It drove well and seemed fine. I did find where the accident damage was/is. It was rear ended and their is some bondo on there and cracking paint. Not a quality repair job by any means but... it did drive just fine.

 

Is there frame damage? You could always swap bumpers later on but if they cheaped out on the most visible part of the repair you might want to make sure they didn't do the same underneath.

 

It looked good underneath. The hit appeared to be high on the rear of the car. The Drivers side quarter panel where the hatch closes (some bondo there) and the hatch were definitely hit. The bumper also shows evidence of repainting but the bumper beam and whatever the frame parts are called looked original.

 

What about looking for a used N/A Forester? It's a bit of a compromise between the size of the OBS and the Element. I'd be a bit cautious with buying a salvaged car, especially if one of your loved ones is going to be driving it.

 

I would have loved to get an NA forester but they were all too much for my budget or had that tan interior that I just can't get into...

I wound up with the Element and so far so good! It's an EX and is loaded... even has the Original Honda tent kit. Got an inch thick folder of services and papers.

It has one ding on the door (Justin!), a star in the windshield and a rock strike on a fog light. Other than normal wear on the interior it's pretty clean.


Element

 

Nice.

You'll need to do the sidemarker/blinker mod and the dome lights mod asap.

DIY: Converting side markers to turn signals (w/pics)! - Honda Element Owners Club Forum

Both Dome Lights together? This EASY mod shows you how! - Honda Element Owners Club Forum

Mother's Back to Black is also great for the external plastic body panels.

 

All right, let the mods begin!

Next month I'm driving it to Pahrump. I plan on taking the NV route rather than going down the 5. I will likely stop somewhere, out there, and spend the night. Just me and one of my dogs.