:shock:

I have been lurking here since I began my shopping for a car two months ago... my daily driver 1967 VW microbus (and it was cherry :oops: ) was stolen. I received a nice settlement, surprise... so I decided that I would actuallly buy a new car, my first.

I test drove almost every small SUV/wagon type out there. I need to haul lots of musical equipment and sometimes SCUBA gear for two... but I didn't want a truck.

Well after reading every one of your posts in every section, I took a spin in an E - just what I was looking for. In the field of 9 cars, I narrowed down to the E and the Mitsubishi Outlander. The Outlander was much more plush on the inside, but I have always heard wonderful things about Honda dependability... and I plan on keeping this car for a loooong time.

Well, yesterday I did it. Had a great sales experience - thanks for all your writings, I learned a lot. I paid about $400 under MSRP, then added a grip of accessories. So, what is in my garage?

Shoreline Mist EX 2wd, manual transmission (felt peppier :wink: )
upgraded alarm w/ keyless entry
side steps (for the mini-hummer look)
hood wind deflector
drivers armrest / container
seat bungees
cargo netting

I am very excited about my purchase, and put about 80 miles on it yeterday driving up and down the So. Cal. coast.

I am married, 32, 3 dogs and NOT an adrenaline junky. Oh... I have noticed a "generational reaction" to the vehicle. People over 30 seem to dig it. I drove to the YMCA to pick up a freind's kid after swim pratice... parking lot was full of "marketed Gen-y'ers" - the only thing I heard was...

"That thing is Stuuuuuupid!"

Oh well... to each his own :D I look forward to getting to know you all a bit more.

Peace...

Tom

I just knew Bigfoot was lurking out there.

But, unfortunately, it's going to be hard for you to continue your secretive ways driving an Element. I expect more Sasquatch sightings.

Kudos. You made the right choice !!

Sweet Shoreline Mist 5 speed even ..

Honda makes the BEST manual transmission.

I'm 19 I don't know if I'm technically a generation y'er or not but I love the E's body style. I'm surprised you haven't heard more positive responses from even the younger crowd. My little bro (14yrs) is so ticked off I am getting one, cause he wanted to be the first to get one. He is so obsessed with it, and he has never been remotely interested in cars. Oh well maybe its just my family! :lol:

sasquatch, nice choice with the E.
Sorry to hear about the VW bus :cry:
Hope you have many fun times in your Element. :D

Hey... thanks for the welcome. :D

I was originally going for the green... to blend in to the woods, of course. After careful consideration and a glance at the wait for a green 5-speed, Shoreline Mist was a great choice... show dirt less, too.

Mfpar35 - I thought there would be more support in the "under 30" category. The big test will be Friday evening... I am a pastor and we have a our big weekly Jr./Sr. High service. I will report in on the "coolness factor" this weekend.

ibutchman - although it was bummer, I am beginning to think that my "Bussie" getting jacked actually turned out to be a good thing! Some of the great benefits:

1) seatbelts
2) more than 1/8 of sheet metal between you and the next car
3) many more options than "on/off," lights and turn signals
4) heater / defroster that actually does something
5) headlights that are actually useful at night (big plus)
6) a stereo

and last but not least... being able to go faster than 43 mph on the freeway - this is a big one, this means I can actualy leave my town and go for a drive. :lol:

Peace...

Tom

I have noticed the headlights are excellent. what a good change.