Jay, I am at the high end of the curve, I am 57 years old, have no kids, do not bike, camp, ski, fish, go to football, baseball, or basketball games (never have, never will). My hair is very grey, I have worked at the same place of employment for 35 years, do not drink, smoke or go to school. I was a hard core Dodge/Plymouth/MOPAR dude since 1971, driving that vehicle for over 11 years, until I bought my first Honda CRV in 2001. I have never looked back. I consider this E Machine (My "Flaming Box", if you will), my second childhood car. I put bigger chrome wheels and tires on it, which I only did with the first car I ever owned, and they were "mag" wheels. I have installed a better exhaust system, which is a little louder and deeper toned and which should help the mileage/performance situation, and I never did that with any other car I owned when I was younger and growing up with the muscle car era. I put accessories on it that are different than the average bear, like a roof mounted spotlight, big rig air horns, the front bumper/brush/shopping cart guard to protect the front, and flame decals on the side, to be different. (Hence the name, The Flaming Box) Am I passionate about this boxy Honda that I own? You bet yer ass, I am!! I am the answer to the Harley Davidson motorcycle nut who believes in his "Hog". I can, and do, haul just about anything I want to in it, except a sheet of plywood laying flat.
I do not like the mileage of it, however, but that does not stop me. The CRV before this was a better mileage vehicle and almost as much fun. The Dodge Colt WAY before this squeaked 40+ mpg out of it, so I am a nut when it comes to gas consumption. Had I relied on gas mileage alone to make my mind up on purchasing it, I prolly would have skipped buying it and stuck with the CRV, or maybe bought the 2nd gen CRV. BUT..... I would not have as much fun as I am having with my E Machine. This is my mid-life crisis answer. I usually keep my cars a long time. This car seems to be a candidate for keeping a VERY long time!
Thanks for letting me get passionate and rant on about MY Element
Ger