I got my new element on Tuesday, (Black AWD Y package). I am a little worried about gas mileage but I also think the tank is small. (Am I right?) On other sites I have heard that you need to put 500-7000 miles on a vehicle before you get optimal mileage?

So far I've picked up some nice stretchy bungee cord from MEC-Calgary and made my own seat crap storage things. Also got this stuff from home Depot that is designed to line the drawers of mechanics chest. Cut out a durable pad for the back area to prevent shopping bags and items from running around on their own.

It's been really fun to drive and convient to haul people and stuff since I am coming from a 2 seater truck.

[quote:35ab77029d=" "]I got my new element on Tuesday, (Black AWD Y package). I am a little worried about gas mileage but I also think the tank is small. (Am I right?) On other sites I have heard that you need to put 500-7000 miles on a vehicle before you get optimal mileage?[/quote:35ab77029d]

The tank size, like the fuel economy, is a compromise. On a long highway trip, I calculated I could have gone >380 miles before the tank was empty to the point where the fuel pump couldn't find any more fuel. That's pretty good. The low-fuel light would have come on around 330 or so miles, good enough for east coast turnpike exit/service plaza distances (2 or 3 choices after the light came on, at least). At 322 miles, however, I decided to stop for some gas cause I was hungry - no low fuel light yet.

Around town, doing lots of smaller trips, the mileage has gone down to almost half of that! Frustrating, but that was during the first 500 miles or so, so perhaps part of the problem. The other part was the short trips were really really short: I should have been walking or biking instead.

[quote:35ab77029d=" "]So far I've picked up some nice stretchy bungee cord from MEC-Calgary and made my own seat crap storage things. Also got this stuff from home Depot that is designed to line the drawers of mechanics chest. Cut out a durable pad for the back area to prevent shopping bags and items from running around on their own.[/quote:35ab77029d]

You should post some pictures!

[quote:35ab77029d=" "]It's been really fun to drive and convient to haul people and stuff since I am coming from a 2 seater truck.[/quote:35ab77029d]

Yeah, I love driving it. Both my brother and sister, who've been in the car a few times, find it really comfortable (albeit not as smooth riding as a family sedan).

-brendan

PS - ObNameDropping: Kathleen H. and the most of the DC area RGs used to have their weekly meetings at my old house for a couple of years...

Congrats, I'll watch for you around town. You can spot mine easily because the back window is covered in bike stickers.

As for millege, around town I get between about 370 km before the low fuel light comes on. On our recent highway trip, I got around 500 km per tank. I used to drive a V8 dodge so I am happy with the millege.

bone

Thanks for the reassurance folks! Sounds like the mileage is really not that bad, especially in this type of a vehicle.

I will look into posting some pics once I get it all 'finalized' The Bungee holder things cost like 6 cdn bux for both seats.

On another note I decided to get front car mats as the water really sloshed around with all the snow. I got the pant savers kind about $9 CDn each. The look good and hold a lot of moisture.