Hey guys!
Just a quick hello, wanted to introduce myself to the boards (I don't need my first ever post to be down the road when I realize I need to ask a question) heh.
I picked up an '06 Element EXP two weeks ago. I did do a lot of reading here before committing to an Element. You all were a huge help.
Anyway, I LOVE IT!
The thing is great, fun to drive. And, living in Massachusetts - I got to really try it out in the snow for the first time over the past couple days. The thing is great. One of the things I was a bit anxious about was 4x4 vs 4WD. Some of the posts on here made me think I may have made the wrong decision (having driven 4wd pickups most of my life).
Let me tell you - the thing is great in the snow. I was TRYING to get it to skid out in an empty parking lot in wet snow and it was tough. I live up a sharp hill which is always the last to be plowed out. For the short time I owned a FWD car I would get anxious when it was snowing, and once home refuse to go out. You just couldn't get up the hill (many try every storm and just spin their wheels in front of my house). The Element zips right up it - no issues.
So if you're looking to buy one and want to know about the 4WD - it works great in snow. If you're looking to traverse the rocky mountains, or drive through 2' snow banks on a regular basis - you may want to think twice (maybe not, I'm simply assuming). But if you just need to get to work on poorly plowed roads - up snow covered hills, or like me need to drive to grab a cup of coffee despite the fact there is a blizzard going on - it's great.
Ok anyways, I do ramble. I love the thing. You have to be an 'individual' to own one, though. Of everyone that has seen it, 2 people seem to really like it, 2 or 3 people showed some polite indifference and the rest think it's ridiculous. Though the fact it's tangerine (I call it burnt orange) is a turn off to many. I love it.
But you know what - it's the most fun, practical vehicle I've ever owned. And I think it's cute as can be. Great reliability ratings.
My one complaint (come on there has to be one) - is gas mileage. So far I am averaging less than 20mpg. Though 1) it's winter 2) i'm sure the 4wd has been engaing a bit 3) it's mostly city driving and 4) i'm a bit of a lead foot (though I've been trying to reign that in some).
Ok also - it could use some extra storage compartments. I love how everything is plastic and washable. And it's super roomy. But if you want to put some books (or a pizza) or anything in it, it slides around everywhere while you drive and that drives me nuts. Though I bought a couple of (matching) folding plastic milk crates and they've helped a lot.
Ok I'll shut up now. =D Thanks again! Enjoy your E's!
Just a quick hello, wanted to introduce myself to the boards (I don't need my first ever post to be down the road when I realize I need to ask a question) heh.
I picked up an '06 Element EXP two weeks ago. I did do a lot of reading here before committing to an Element. You all were a huge help.
Anyway, I LOVE IT!
The thing is great, fun to drive. And, living in Massachusetts - I got to really try it out in the snow for the first time over the past couple days. The thing is great. One of the things I was a bit anxious about was 4x4 vs 4WD. Some of the posts on here made me think I may have made the wrong decision (having driven 4wd pickups most of my life).Let me tell you - the thing is great in the snow. I was TRYING to get it to skid out in an empty parking lot in wet snow and it was tough. I live up a sharp hill which is always the last to be plowed out. For the short time I owned a FWD car I would get anxious when it was snowing, and once home refuse to go out. You just couldn't get up the hill (many try every storm and just spin their wheels in front of my house). The Element zips right up it - no issues.
So if you're looking to buy one and want to know about the 4WD - it works great in snow. If you're looking to traverse the rocky mountains, or drive through 2' snow banks on a regular basis - you may want to think twice (maybe not, I'm simply assuming). But if you just need to get to work on poorly plowed roads - up snow covered hills, or like me need to drive to grab a cup of coffee despite the fact there is a blizzard going on - it's great.
Ok anyways, I do ramble. I love the thing. You have to be an 'individual' to own one, though. Of everyone that has seen it, 2 people seem to really like it, 2 or 3 people showed some polite indifference and the rest think it's ridiculous. Though the fact it's tangerine (I call it burnt orange) is a turn off to many. I love it.
But you know what - it's the most fun, practical vehicle I've ever owned. And I think it's cute as can be. Great reliability ratings.
My one complaint (come on there has to be one) - is gas mileage. So far I am averaging less than 20mpg. Though 1) it's winter 2) i'm sure the 4wd has been engaing a bit 3) it's mostly city driving and 4) i'm a bit of a lead foot (though I've been trying to reign that in some).
Ok also - it could use some extra storage compartments. I love how everything is plastic and washable. And it's super roomy. But if you want to put some books (or a pizza) or anything in it, it slides around everywhere while you drive and that drives me nuts. Though I bought a couple of (matching) folding plastic milk crates and they've helped a lot.
Ok I'll shut up now. =D Thanks again! Enjoy your E's!
