Okay, I am close to purchasing an Element. I'd like to get some feedback from other Element owners in the Washington state area. I'm looking for the best dealers to work with, best deals etc... I would like to also get some feedback as to how their Element is working for them? How is the gas mileage, any problems? I haven't bought a new car since '97, I'm ready for one, so far the Element is my choice (Ford Escape 2nd). I currently live in the Everett are but I don't care where I have to go to find the best dealer or the best deal. Please help. Also, why aren't there any Washington Element clubs?

My next vehicle needs to have great gas mileage. I put around 3000+ miles on my car per month due to my job. So, I need as much feedback as possible before I purchase my next car.

Well, right now you should be able to deal with almost any dealership on 04's since the 05's are ready to the lot.
Mileage is not bad I go from North Bend to Seattle daily at 46 miles each way. On an average I get 23-26 MPG, it depends on if I go over 70MPH.

DasBear

I notice mileage is the one and only topic you metioned as important.

If this is the case, a small car such as Honda Civic or perhaps one of the VW TDIs is probably a better choice.

Or...do you have other areas of concern?

-brendan

Gas mileage is not the only thing that i am worried about. I am a sales rep. and my territory reaches from everett to as for north as Lynden. I do at times haul around products so i know the element is a good choice for space. i also know that weight hauled will effect gas mileage. with my current vehicle 97 chevy cavalier 5spd i am getting about 30 mpg. i know i will not reach that with the element but want to stay as close as possible. i am stiing here thinking that i just have the jitters of buying a new car. i have not had a car payment for almost 3 years. i want/need a reliable vehicle. i just want to make sure i am making the right choice. I basically have my mind set towards an element but just want to make sure and find out how the other owners feel about their purchase. I do not want to have to worry about recalls, hidden defects things such as this.

I guess my point is this. You're getting "about 30mpg" now. Would you buy the Element if you got "about 20mpg"?

Some folks are getting that, and worse, on average.

The mpg of the 'E' seems to be very dependent on type of driving (hwy vs. city) and style (gentle vs. fast/furious). I get 17-19mpg around arlington on very short trips where the engine spends most of the trip warming up. And 23-26 on long trips on the hwy, depending on conditions and what I'm hauling.

Others have seen slightly worse around town, and slightly better on the hwy.

-brendan

Going with the 2wd version rather than the awd will help some on mpg.

Going simply by the numbers the cargo space of the Element is not special. I believe the CRV has better numbers, and the RAV4 isn't far behind. But the Element's space is unique in its shape and accessibility. If those things matter, then a modest penalty in mpg may be worth it.

It also has good exterior space for advertizing your business - if that matters.

paulj

Going simply by the numbers the cargo space of the Element is not special. I believe the CRV has better numbers, and the RAV4 isn't far behind. But the Element's space is unique in its shape and accessibility. If those things matter, then a modest penalty in mpg may be worth it.


The Element's rear storage space is smaller than the CRV's rear storage space. Not surprising as the element is 10" shorter from nose to tail.

On the Element FWD/DX model, the maximum cargo space of the Element is only higher than the CRV if you remove the Element's rear seats.

On the Element AWD/EX model, the cargo space of the Element is higher with the seats folded OR with the rear seats removed.

The model differences are presumably due to the additional space around the rear skylight opening. ...And perhaps a slightly smaller dead space between the roof of the vehicle and the lining in the rear?

e.g.

FWD LX CRV vs. FWD LX Element
http://newcars.cars.com//compare/CompareFrameset.asp?Language=EN&ExtPrimaryCode=&ModelID=5413&Acode1=USB40HOS021A0&Acode2=USB40HOS041B0


Cargo Volume Type CRV Element
----------------- --- -------
Interior cargo volume 949L (33.5 cu.ft.) 711L (25.1 cu.ft.)
Interior cargo volume seats folded 2,039L (72.0 cu.ft.) 1,985L (70.1 cu.ft.)
Maximum interior cargo volume 2,039L (72.0 cu.ft.) 2,112L (74.6 cu.ft.)


AWD EX CRV vs. AWD EX Element
http://newcars.cars.com//compare/CompareFrameset.asp?Language=EN&ExtPrimaryCode=&ModelID=5413&Acode1=USB40HOS022B0&Acode2=USB40HOS042C0


Cargo Volume Type CRV Element
----------------- --- -------
Interior cargo volume 949L (33.5 cu.ft.) 736L (26.0 cu.ft.)
Interior cargo volume seats folded 2,039L (72.0 cu.ft.) 2,059L (72.7 cu.ft.)
Maximum interior cargo volume 2,039L (72.0 cu.ft.) 2,183L (77.1 cu.ft.)


-brendan

nothing to add here just wanted to compliment brendan on an impressive post!

Keeping in mind you are dealing with car salespeople.....
Renton Honda is good. I have bought 4 cars there including the Element.
I have heard good things about Everett Honda too.

It seems If you are driving a lot, you get decent gas mileage for a box with the Element. Figure about 22-26mpg for AWD +Auto, a few more mpg with 2wd, and it doesn't seem to matter much how you drive it.
BUT, if you just putt around town, drive a few minutes, let it go cold and then drive a few more later on, its a pig. Getting about 17-20mpg.
YMMV

Did you actually MEASURE 30mpg in mixed conditions for your previous car, or was that the "specified mileage"? A lot of people seem to be comparing other cars' optimistic spec gas mileage to rigorously over-studied REAL Element mileage from owners.

I have a hard time believing the CRV has more storage space. You can't just flip up the seat in the CRV either. I certainly can't wheel in a bicycle and park it upright in a CRV.

The Element drives more like a car than the CRV.

But it all depends on what you are looking for.

I live in Kirkland. I would buy another Element without hesitation in spite of its sucky "short hop" gas mileage...which is really about my only "complaint".

The published volume numbers include all the interior space, not just the usable part. Thus the Element AWD numbers include the extra inch or two under the skylight. There are other ways of measuring 'usable' space, how those all depend on how you are going to use it. CReports takes measurements with an adjustible rectangular frame - in effect measuring the largest box you can put in the car. The Element does very well in that measurement, especially with the seats up or out. If you need to carry 3 passengers, and need lots of floor space for cargo, the Element does poorly. If you can stack the cargo behind the rear seats, it does much better.

The local hills can also take a toll on the gas mileage of an Element in the Puget Sound. However a regular run from Marysville to Linden might produce as good mileage as anywhere. It helps to keep in mind that the Element is on the heavy side for a small SUV, and also on the high and un-aerodynamic side.

paulj

DEALER INFORMATION

I highly recommend Lynnwood Honda. That is where I bought mine and got a great deal and phenominal service. I cannot say enough good things about the people there and their service. Also they have a full body shop should the need (unfortunate as it would be) arise. In addition to that if you wanted to get the body panels all painted to match, they do that as well, and offer it at an incredibly good price WITH a full warranty on the painting!

I'm willing to bet the price (and service IMHO) will be the best at South Tacoma Honda...Contact Chris Stacey - internet sales. The price I paid was very close to invoice, and waaay less than the Bellevue-Kirkland dealers. :)

As far as gas mileage...I sold a Tahoe to buy my ELEMENT, so at essentially 21-22 all-around MPG I feel like I've won the lottery.

and waaay less than the Bellevue-Kirkland dealers. :)
the Kirkland dealership was a joke. I was pissed off by the time I left there, even after getting rid of our salesman, talking to the manager, and getting a 'better salesman'. I HIGHLY suggest everyone avoid Kirkland Honda at all costs.
I have no experience with the south tacoma one ePod mentioned, but I do know I was very satisfied with Lynwood Honda.

While I get my servicing done at Lynnwood, I had better experience negotiating the purchase with Kirkland - or at least had more success at getting a DX with dealer installed AC with some reduction from asking. I did though, walk out on the initial negotiation session. Part of the problem was timing. The first salesman that I worked with had to close another sale just at the time I was ready make my offer, so he passed me to another. The second salesman, while nice enough, wasn't prepared to press my case with the salesmanager. I ended up getting a better offer from a different manager.

paulj

I live literally within walking distance of Kirkland Honda.
I have given them SEVERAL chances and keep coming to the conclusion that unless you are just lucky, its certainly not the place to get a good deal.
Their prices were THOUSANDS more than what we ended up paying at Renton Honda for our last TWO Hondas.

...I have heard similar "batting averages" at Bellevue Honda.

And believe me, I don't drive long distances to avoid places right around the corner, just for the fun of it.

On the other hand, it IS sometimes possible to get a good deal at a bad dealership. We bought my previous Nissan truck, just stopping to "practice" at Bellevue Nissan (several owners ago). But we tried for another car there later and no way....

Now I like to stick to a dealership that is reasonably consistent and takes minimal effort to keep them honest. But some people like to WORK for the deal more than others. To each his own.....

wow, there are a few of you local guys with Es.. hehe. I have a painted blue one. I dont remember my license plate number (just moved/bought the car) but if you see me, drive up next to me (assuming Im not flying) and honk or something, wave, and then post it up so I know who you are. :-P

OK.. I'm easy to spot. I'm the old guy with the seeing eyedog driving, he's not good at hand signals yet but learning. Sometimes I just feel the windshield as I drive and it helps. The White cane with the red end broke when I was changing lane and a semi got it.
Just ask Jesse how I drive....

DasBear

Those painted blue panels should be easy to spot!
As will be the well trained dog driving........

There are FINALLY a couple of other Elements in the HUGE parking complex I am in at work, that is shared by a number of companies. My Eternal Blue Element was the only one for a LONG time. I am not sure if the new ones are anyone here on the forum though.

I have my Element forum "handle" as a sticker in the back window. (Honu with a Sea Turtle symbol, which is what Honu means). I also have martial arts Taiji symbols in some window on each side of the vehicle (known as ying yang symbol to some).

The Element IS the volks bus for the New Millenium.

Just look for my wheels :) though I did park next to another silver DX at the Ranch 99 asian grocery recently. I have distinct roofrack as well, though right now it is reduced to 4 metal brackets.

paulj

Dont get my all painted E mixed up with Phreaxer's E. Mine is lowered with a custom set of 20 inch DPE's. It also has the same grill as Phreaxer but I never installed the lower billet grill and I also have the mud guards and wing painted. Another distinctive detail, at night my screens in the headrest glow blue when I'm only using navi.

ok NOS, you jerk. You just have to show me up. LOL, jk. your E sounds damn nice. I want to see it!!! Where did you get it lowered and what did gear did you use? Is yours blue too? I think I would know if we saw eachother. lol.

My E is also Fiji Blue Pearl. I saw what would end up being yours when it first showed up at Lynnwood Honda while mine was stripped to peices being painted. I lowered it myself using Eibach sportline but I'm waiting on a set of Tein coilovers that should be available within the next couple of months. I knew your E was out there so I figured it would only be a matter of time. I'm moving to eastern washington for a while but if your into car shows, I will more than likely have it a Hot Import Nights as well as Global Import. So I guess if you dont see it in the street, you could always see it there.

Sweet. If you are interested, Ill buy your Eibachs off you, and depending how interested on installing them you are, Ill pay. :)

Sounds good to me. I just installed the Eibachs prior to SEMA so they're practically brand new. I'll let you know when the Teins come in and see if you're still interested. If I have the time, I'll definately be willing to work on your E.

Sounds good to me. I just installed the Eibachs prior to SEMA so they're practically brand new. I'll let you know when the Teins come in and see if you're still interested. If I have the time, I'll definately be willing to work on your E.
Awsome! You can email me at Phreaxer@hotmail.com just in case I dont respond here.

Just a note to say that we are very pleased with our 2004 5 speed, 4WD, side air bags Honda Element. It is the only car that we have ever purchased new, and we are 62 years young. New and used prices were so close, it did not pay to buy used.
We checked with the dealers in the Seattle, Tacoma, Portland, OR area. We also checked prices over the internet with a lady that said she could save us money, but she could not do as well as STH. We also checked with Costco. No one could beat the price of South Tacoma Honda. Chris Stacy was the salesperson that we dealt with over the internet at South Tacoma Honda. We asked loads of questions and got prompt replies. Made decision without ever going to showroom. They had car and all paper work ready when we did go to pick it up. All was done in about half an hour.
South Tacoma Honda
7802 South Tacoma Way
Tacoma, WA 98409
253-472-2300
Chris Stacy
We love our Element. Have a chocolat lab and we live on Puget Sound. No better car for that combination. Have added fog lites, roof rack and running boards to jazz it up a little. Very functional car.
Sally