Hello all. Well I've been patiently awaiting the 04' element to arrive. Now I find out that it's most likely going to be after Xmas and I desperately need the car for Xmas traveling. My main concern was the number of TSB's on the 03's. Are the 04's going to address these problems? If they aren't, then I'm fine with getting an 03' but if the 04' will update all these problems and fix other problems they might have found, then that makes me rather hesitant on the 03's.

My question is this: is it going to be a bad move to get an 03' Element in it's first year run due to mechanical problems etc. this late in the year or should I hold out for an 04' no matter what. Again, I need a car for heavy xmas traveling and don't want to drive my 99 SI around too much adding excessive mileage...Any input is GREATLY appreciated....

This is pure assumption on my part, but: I presume the only difference between a 2003 built on the last 2003 day and a 2004 built on the the first 2004 day will be the paperwork, the two new default accessories and, potentially, the paintjob (and that's only if you go for a blue one).

Also, I wouldn't be surprised if they had the dealers installing the now "stock" accessories (keyless and bungies) as part of the delivery procedures, at least to begin with...

-brendan

I opted for an 03 being built next week, essentially 2 weeks before the 04's. I can't imagine any difference other than the keyless.

It seems to me that Honda would have adjusted through the production year for any of the problems that were noticed in the early 03 models. If the windshield cracking is a result of not properly deburring the frame, well that's an easy fix on the line. I would also guess the dash rattle problems have been fixed in mid-year production as well.

Honda (or any manufacturer) pays LOTS of money to the dealers when they do warranty work, it's in their best interest to correct the problems on the line rather than in the dealers garage.

While that's probably true, we don't know that Honda didn't make corrections of to the windshield frame and seat rails, or re-formulate the platics for the interior. They also could have made some adjustments to the gauges for better viewing, corrected the dash fittings, etc.

I'd much rather have an 04, just in case. However, I too would REALLY like to have this car for Christmas traveling. I suspect they're holding back because there are a lot of 03s on the lots, but there are also a lot of us waiting that might give up and look elsewhere.

What gives, Honda?

While that's probably true, we don't know that Honda didn't make corrections of to the windshield frame and seat rails, or re-formulate the platics for the interior. They also could have made some adjustments to the gauges for better viewing, corrected the dash fittings, etc.

It's been stated that they didn't do a redesign for the 2004 year. So, while the above could possibly happen, it's equally as possible that they've done such tweaking in later 2003s as well.

I'd much rather have an 04, just in case. However, I too would REALLY like to have this car for Christmas traveling. I suspect they're holding back because there are a lot of 03s on the lots, but there are also a lot of us waiting that might give up and look elsewhere.

What gives, Honda?

I think you'll get one or the other, not both.

I think the only difference between recently delivered 2003s and to-be-delivered 2004s is the paperwork that says they are 2004s.

-brendan

My opinion - if you can find an 03 on a dealers lot that you want, buy it. I would think they will be more willing to deal on that one then the 04's. I bought an 03 about a month ago, and so far, 4000 miles, I have not experienced any problems. I have found it to be typical Honda quality.