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Well- it is with mixed emotions that I parted with my very much loved 2005 Fiji Blue AWD EX M/T Element. I had hoped to trade the big blueberry in on a 2008 or 2009 E, however after test driving an '07 M/T, an '08 M/T and a Citrus Fire 09 A/T I discovered that Honda no longer likes tall (6'3") hefty (395lbs) folks. The seat mounted belts just don't fit me well enough to drive comfortably like the older door mounted belts in the '05 I had.
I ended up defecting back to a camp where I resided in 1985- the Subaru Camp- bought a 2009 Subaru Forester X in Steel Silver with the 5 speed M/T for $19,900 including PA/Calif emissions and destination charge AND got 3.9% for 63 months- over $4000 less than the quote I received for the '09 Auto E and $2800 less than a used '08 M/T E (which had a VERY odd throttle tip in) plus the best rate I could get on a Honda was 6% from my credit union (same rate I was paying on the '05) The dealer I purchased from is also a Honda franchise, so I got a respectable trade for my very clean E- and hopefully it finds a good new home. I really wanted a newer E- but it just won't work for me driving fit wise. The Forester is tighter in the hip area but has a couple inches more legroom and seatbelts that will fit Andre' The Giant size guys. Handles better, is much quieter, has 2 inches more ground clearance,and far superior 4WD capability. Negatives- stereo just plain sucks, less rear cargo space and not 'funky' like the E.
I'm not quitting the EOC- the wife may end up with another E when she gets back to work. It will have to be a pre '07 though.
I ended up defecting back to a camp where I resided in 1985- the Subaru Camp- bought a 2009 Subaru Forester X in Steel Silver with the 5 speed M/T for $19,900 including PA/Calif emissions and destination charge AND got 3.9% for 63 months- over $4000 less than the quote I received for the '09 Auto E and $2800 less than a used '08 M/T E (which had a VERY odd throttle tip in) plus the best rate I could get on a Honda was 6% from my credit union (same rate I was paying on the '05) The dealer I purchased from is also a Honda franchise, so I got a respectable trade for my very clean E- and hopefully it finds a good new home. I really wanted a newer E- but it just won't work for me driving fit wise. The Forester is tighter in the hip area but has a couple inches more legroom and seatbelts that will fit Andre' The Giant size guys. Handles better, is much quieter, has 2 inches more ground clearance,and far superior 4WD capability. Negatives- stereo just plain sucks, less rear cargo space and not 'funky' like the E.
I'm not quitting the EOC- the wife may end up with another E when she gets back to work. It will have to be a pre '07 though.