Keeping the Element
 

Decided we'd drive it into the dirt. Our indy has a Honda certified mechanic working for him, good guy. It's in the shop today for:

4 new BFG Long Terrain T/A Touring tires
front and rear brakes
trans flush
F and R differential service
cooling system flush
valve adjustment
tune-up
new high end Interstate battery and cables
and misc. other stuff to the tune of about 1600 dollars. I told the tech "list everything it needs and call me with a price. In addition to being certified and dealer experienced, he drives an Element. Says this is all it needs.

I told SWMBO she has to be quiet about cars for another 75K miles, minimum.

Seems like a chunk of change but this car has required nothing but oil changes and one set of Michelins in 10 years. Tech says the motor is spec in all regards, transaxle and suspension too. The only thing I may have them do in addition is the water pump, although the tech says he'd not fool with it since it's working 100%.

Good choice...those are solid vehicles.

Good choice. Wish my recent vehicular experience has been as pleasant.
Actually I was up in your neck of the woods, Camp Verde, looking at a 300D a couple of weekends ago. We were going hiking in Sedona and I managed to persuade my wife to take a side trip to see the car. Turned out to be no good in the end. Pity. Looked real promising in the ad. But then they always do.

- Peter.

I'm glad you made the decision to keep the Element. I was hoping you would. $1,600 on maintenance / repairs / upkeep is a drop in the bucket compared to what you would have incurred in depreciation on a new / newer car.

I've been watching that ad for literally months. The guy keeps posting it and doesn't drop the price. I haven't had time to get over to CV and see it. Doesn't sound like you were real impressed. Details so I don't waste my time?

You should replace the brake fluid as well.

I had them replace fluid with the brake job, thanks!

You Element owners are really pissing me off!:mad:

I have been looking to buy one for along time, but nobody is selling!
I see them everywhere; one comes up for sale; overpriced, poof! ...It's gone!!?:confused:
I guess 200,000 miles is considered 'low' now for a Honda.

Ha ha! Good decision keeping it....:D

Excellent!

I suggest taking it to a local specialty shop and have them do an intense detailing of the inside and outside. Be sure to ask them to shampoo the carpets 2x or more. It is amazing how much crap builds up there. I just did this for my ML. Even though the front carpet has been covered with all-weather mats since day 1, I paid a neighbor kid to use our carpet shampoo machine to wash and rinse and it took about 45 minutes before the rinse came out clean. The interior detailing makes a HUGE difference in the feel and smells of the interior, just as the shiny polish does for the exterior. Do a good job on the seats too, but don’t leave them slippery.

Also, consider putting in new all-weather mats. The things done to make the car feel like new pay dividends for a year or more.

Then reward you and your partner with a vacation or nice treat of some type.

good idea.....

when honda introduced the element in 03 i picked that as our company delivery vehicle, and since we would do 3 year leases we have had 4 of them, awesome cars to say the least, not a bit of problems with any of them, and yes they hold there value like you would not believe. only thing is they are not nearly as comfortable to sit in/ride as my 85 126 :)

PM sent.

- Peter.

She plans to have it detailed, but the carpeting is a non issue in the early Elements. That's part of their utilitarian beauty. Everything is rubber and high quality plastic, including the washable woven seat material. Nothing plush at all. She's used a hose on it a few times.

It's true the car isn't terribly comfortable. My legs start to fall asleep after a couple hours' driving, but it doesn't bother the missus.

Overpriced used ones that go *poof* are by definition, not over-priced.

^Good to know about the plastic interior. I’d be scaret to hose out a modern vehicle. The electronics get cranky when wet.

Definitely have the seats thoroughly cleaned with a carpet cleaner. A few years of using them and they gather a lot of…everything…