Last Tuesday I purchased a 2007 Element SC in Nighthawk Black Pearl with the 5speed MT. So far I'm very happy with it.

I've been interested in the Element since it was introduced, but I had planned on getting another Audi. My last three cars have been Audis. ('93 Audi 90, '95 Audi A6 Quattro, and '99 Audi A6 Avant Quattro) I had planned on waiting until late this year and buying a 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro. I wanted something that could get up my steep driveway without scraping. Anyway, my partner and I got all crazy and were shopping, first for the Ridgeline, then when reality set in, looking for better economy, lower payments, and no repair worries. Now instead of a 1999 A6 Avant and a 2002 trailblazer, we have a 2007 Element SC, and a 2007 Accord LX. Yay!

I was really worried about life without AWD, but the looks (and stereo) of the SC sold me. I think they should put these headlights on all of the elements.

I've already got a question / concern:
My Element SC has 330 miles on it, and the oil life indicator is already down to 90% IF oil life declines consistently at this rate, I'll need an oil change at 3,000 miles. After searching this forum, I see that 5,000, or even 8-10,000 is what I should expect. Does anybody have any insight into this?

Also:
Thanks dparrothead1, and DJA for not making me feel like too much of an idiot for not finding the "post new thread" link. I was only clicking on the "new posts" link, and the button isn't there on that page.

first off, congrats on the E purchase! second, welcome to CuLt!!!

as for your question on oil, the manual says 10k miles for oil change in NORMAL conditions. 5k miles for SEVERE.

Definition of NORMAL:
The "normal" schedule is fine for most drivers, even if they occasionally drive in severe conditions.

Definition of SEVERE:
Follow the "severe" schedule only if you drive in one or more of these conditions most of the time:
-Trips of less than 5 miles (less than 10 in freezing weather)
-Extremely hot weather (over 90 degrees F)
-Extensive idling or stop-and-go driving
-Trailer towing, car-top carrier, or mountain driving
-Muddy, dusty, or de-iced roads

Found this at Honda Owner Link (https://www.ahm-ownerlink.com/)

I find 10k miles a bit long to change oil, but that's because I have always been told to and done the 3k mile thing. I've been doing 5k miles on my last three cars, this one included. I think it really comes down to what you feel comfortable with and how much you feel like spending on oil changes. You may want to change it every 3k, but you probably don't need to change it that soon.

As for the oil life indicator, I have an '03 so I don't have that feature. You might be able to find somewhere in the manual that tells you how to set the mileage for that. I had an Eddie Bauer Explorer that would remind me to change oil. I don't think I could change it, but it was set to 3k miles even thought the manual said 5k. I guess you will just have to see as time goes. And it might read at different times, say when you just start the vehicle, been idling for 10 minutes, just floored it, etc.

I'm sure some other '07 E owners will get on here and let you know their experience.

Again, welcome, and I hope you enjoy your stay.:cool:

welcome to da club...:D

I don't pay any attention to any of the above. I find that it's getting changed at about 5000 miles.
I simply change it when it starts to look dirty !!!!

On your new E, You will find that it will start dropping below 90% fast. Then it will slow down. That is normal for the engine during brake in. Still I like to change it when it starts to look dark.


Dom

Welcome you and yours
Enjoy the Forums - you'll find us a strange but friendly bunch
Post Pics of your new addition.........always appreciated

Welcome aboard, kneescar (great nick, too, BTW ;-) ). As another former Audi owner I can tell you the thing you'll miss the most about them is the heated outside mirrors, but not much else. Especially the high cost of Audi parts! And the constant need for them...:rolleyes:

No real important info on oil here.. Just sayin' Welcome to the club. And remember, the FIRST mod you need to do, is order one of them bad a$$ EOC decals!:D

Rocket Dog...Rush Chairman...damned glad to meet ya!

OK kool and welcome to the cult.
We are an active group in the Northeast.
Now I have a question for you where is Jamestown?

OK kool and welcome to the cult.
We are an active group in the Northeast.
Now I have a question for you where is Jamestown?

Thanks for the welcome.

look up 14701
about an hour and a half from Buffalo.
about 45 minutes from Erie, PA.
About 10 hours from Long Island.

Welcome aboard, kneescar (great nick, too, BTW ;-) ). As another former Audi owner I can tell you the thing you'll miss the most about them is the heated outside mirrors, but not much else. Especially the high cost of Audi parts! And the constant need for them...:rolleyes:

AND the heated seats!
It sounds like I've been lucky with my Audis.
I've heard way more horror stories about repairs than I've experienced. Still, at just over 100K miles, I was looking at $1,500 for maintenance (Timing belt, water pump, pulleys, tensioners, spark plug wires...)