Hey all, I need help deciding weather to get the AWD or 2WD. Here is the issue. I want an AWD manual EX but can't seem to find one. I want a manual trans because I enjoy driving them more than an auto. I can find plenty of 2WD manuals and plenty of AWD automatics but not what I want. If I you had to choose between an AWD automatic and a 2WD manual, which would you choose? Is there an advantage over the other. I plan on doing some outdooring and some beach runs but am concerned if I get a 2WD manual that it will not drive well off roads. Please give advice. Should I try and hold out for the 05,s? If I get an 04 I will be able to get a really good deal because it is not what I want the dealer will mark down the price.

If you want a 5speed AWD then buy a 5speed AWD. Don't spend $20K on something you dont want.

Don't settle...keep looking for the AWD 5 speed.

try searching nada guides website. or email honda, they can do an inventory search.

Wait until 2005 inventory rolls in --- you are trying to buy something (a 5sp) that isn't as popular during a time of low, low overall inventory. Wait for what you want or acquiesce.

I got my AWD 5 speed EX a year ago. It was a 2003 leftover. I saved quite a bit of money buying a new leftover. I even got the color I wanted (SOP).

Don't settle! Keep looking! I went thru Carsdirect.com and they were able to locate my Element in Connecticut. I live in New Jersey and had to travel 200 miles to get it but like someone else said...I can't see spending $20k for something I don't want. No need to compromise. Have your dealer do a search in neighboring states. You might be able to go thru Honda's website and see what's available as well. Your dealer will definitely have the ability to bring in a car from a different state for you. If not, you can find it yourself and do the transaction over the phone or over the net and go and get the car yourself.

I'm used to doing this sort of thing. I had my Ford dealer bring in a red Mustang GT convertible from 90 miles away back in November '90. In February 2001 I travelled 350 miles on an overnight train to Boston to buy a red Miata with the Sports Suspension. No regrets on any of these purchases. If you look hard enough you'll find it. :D

R-Adrenaline - First of all, WELCOME to EOC! :)

I must agree that you should not settle, but if it's any consolation I simply LOVE my AWD A/T!! Of course, a manual is a bit more interactive, so if you prefer to "row your own" then there is no substitute. But here's something to consider... an AWD frees up your hand to take a sip of your Almond Roca latte, to change the radio station, fiddle with your iPod, write poetry, flip people off... you know, whatever! :) Seriously, my last vehicle was a 5 speed manual. Maybe it's the old age talking (I'm 28.), but I'm tired of shifting gears personally. Now if I were driving a sports car on the autobahn, that would be a different story. For me though, my daily commute is MUCH easier with an A/T.

As an added bonus, the A/T has a surprising amount of pep! When I first test drove my Element (after testing a Civic, so I didn't look to eager even though I wanted an Element OOOOOHHH so bad!!), I drove a Manual first. I took a complete circuit around my "daily drive", and then for comparison drove an A/T. To me, there was little or no difference in power or response. And I instantly fell in love with the freedom that the A/T offered. I was immediately "at home" in my Element when I drove the A/T. But then, that's just me.

On the topic of "settling", before test driving an Element, I had my heart set on a Satin Silver Metalic (because I absolutely am OBSESSED with that color!), but all my dealer had in stock was Sunset Orange Pearl and Fiji Blue Pearl. I instantly fell in love with the Fiji! Perhaps this was because there was no SSM in stock and I didn't want to wait, but ultimately I think that the Fiji Blue fit my personallity better. The moral I suppose, is that you should do your homework, but ultimately you must leave any pre-conceived ideas at the door and go with what you like!

Well, good luck whatever you decide! I am certain of one thing for sure... you are going to be THRILLED with the Honda Element!! :)

LEGO

I actually lucked out completely. I too needed the 4wd manual ex model. did a few online inquery's for quotes and found a dealer that was willing to deal. they just happened to have a a black manual 4wd on the lot. 5 hrs of negotiating got me it for 18,300 w/carpet mats, flaps. also got me 1500 over bluebook for my civic nad 3.9% finiancing. I found a very powerfull tool against the dealer. their game. I had my cell with me and was on the fence a bit about getting it cause the wife couldn't be there with me, so I kept calling her and finally she said to get it, but they kept sweetening the pot as I told them she wasn't thinking it was a good idea. everytime he would go to his manager to get me a better deal, when he would give it to me i'd walk away with the cell and pretend to call the wife. funny how their bottom line is never really it. negotiate EVERYTHING. cost, accessories, trade in, interest rate, even the cost of an extended waranty. she told me $1200 for 100k waranty and I told her i'd pay 1/2 of that. she met me at $800. $800 to go from 36k to 100k. not bad i'd say.

-g

I found a very powerfull tool against the dealer. their game. Heh, heh! And the use of the phone was very clever too! Cheers!