Hi,
I've read through a ton of threads and I'm interested in anybody who has a
SC and takes it camping, towing, or off-road trail driving.
I live in San Diego and love the looks of the SC, but the practicality of an
EX AWD but just can't find the AWD's in So-Cal.
I've searched through Arizona and Nevada, had the dealer's search through California and there just aren't any AWD's that are new.
I don't want to buy an used one, even if it is Honda Certified. They are just too expensive out here, have too much mileage and for alittle more a
new one should be available.

I don't plan on going "off-roading" just driving it on dirt trails, hard packed, and I know enough to go slow and drive it right. I currently own a 2003 Frontier 4x4 SC. Basically I finally got my wife to agree to let me get rid of the truck for an Element, and she loves to go camping and I just want to make sure that it is do-able. Thanks for all your input!

well I have found that the element isnt nearly as Capable of an " offroader" as a pickup truck with dedicated 4wd. no Low Range seriously hinders its capability. If you plan on driving on dirt at all, i wouldnt recomend the SC. its lower ( i believe) then the regukar EX element. Go find a nice used Ex and save yourself some monies. Ive seen Used AWD EX for 14K and i believe the SC is 20-23K.

Anyways If youre driving dirt trails then you should be fine with an element, but I dont know about the Low ground clearance of the SC.

well I have found that the element isnt nearly as Capable of an " offroader" as a pickup truck with dedicated 4wd. no Low Range seriously hinders its capability. If you plan on driving on dirt at all, i wouldnt recomend the SC. its lower ( i believe) then the regukar EX element. Go find a nice used Ex and save yourself some monies. Ive seen Used AWD EX for 14K and i believe the SC is 20-23K.

Anyways If youre driving dirt trails then you should be fine with an element, but I dont know about the Low ground clearance of the SC.
The SC is only marginally lower-like 33 mm (anyone know exact number), and I take mine into campgrounds/dirt roads all the time. I don't take it trail bashing, or try to cross streams with it-the tires are likely as large a limiter as the lower ride height. Some of the lower appearance is due to the plastic cladding on the roof being shorter on the SC as well..my SC has as much ground clearance as my neighbor's 2 wheel drive Trail Blazer.

Thanks, I wasn't aware of the actual ground clearance measurements.
I might of just found two new AWD EX's somewhat close to me, I'll
have to call and get an actual VIN number to verify before I drive
over there on Wednesday.

Hi,
I've read through a ton of threads and I'm interested in anybody who has a
SC and takes it camping, towing, or off-road trail driving.
I live in San Diego and love the looks of the SC, but the practicality of an
EX AWD but just can't find the AWD's in So-Cal.
I've searched through Arizona and Nevada, had the dealer's search through California and there just aren't any AWD's that are new.
I don't want to buy an used one, even if it is Honda Certified. They are just too expensive out here, have too much mileage and for alittle more a
new one should be available.

It was the opposite when I bought mine in Nebraska. FWD's were few and far between. Something about the road getting covered with ice and snow, I suppose. :)


I don't plan on going "off-roading" just driving it on dirt trails, hard packed, and I know enough to go slow and drive it right. I currently own a 2003 Frontier 4x4 SC. Basically I finally got my wife to agree to let me get rid of the truck for an Element, and she loves to go camping and I just want to make sure that it is do-able. Thanks for all your input!

You can drive a FWD car on hard packed dirt roads. The Element will be fine. You don't actually need a 4x4 most of the time, and almost all of the "off-roading" you'll see on here will be things than any car can tackle. The AWD is more a tool for slick streets than real offroad conditions.

The REason may be that the SC is not available in AWD.

Ill tell you though when i had to pull my friend out of a ditch with his explorer he was pretty embrassed....especially when i dragged it while he had the brakes on....all four wheels not spinning and i must have dragged it a good 10 feet...lol.. i love my awd ex element :D