[E-Wanna-Be]

I have my dealer putting an order in for my E with side air bags as soon as one gets built and shipped to my region. Which he predicts could be as soon as next week. But after hearing about all the cracked windshields, I'm beginning to wonder if this vehicle is even worth it? I know it's only a windshield--not a mechanical issue, but its definitely discouraging that ppl haven't even made their first payment and the windshield is already cracked. And will it probably crack again? Any thoughts?
:?

 

[StLouisPenguin]

I think that the decision has to be yours....but here are a few thoughts...

While the windshield has been an issue for some it is not happening to every single E owner, the same is true for other issues. Obviously no one can predict what will happen to their E or any new car.

I will tell you this....I have had my E for a month and a half....2100 miles....no issues what so ever.....my windshield has even been hit by two rocks...one so loudly that I thought for sure it was going to be chipped or start to crack....but nothing.

Also please keep this in mind....I believe T Mac posted that 19,000+ Elements have been sold this year to date.....and while this website had several hundred, maybe even a thousand members....it is only a small sample of Element owners and not everyone in this segment of E owners is experiencing issues.

Also keep in mind this is a first model year car.....if you are concerned at all take a few months and think about it, watch the boards, and possibly even wait for the 2004 models.....see what comes up!

 

[lon777]

Penguin - Well put. I've got over 7K miles on my E without problem or complaint one. I've got at least 2 gravel hits on my windscreen and no cracks yet (knock on wood). Several months ago, when this problem started happening I said in this forum it could be due to a sharp edge on the structure and sure enough it is. Honda has issued a service bulletin to correct the cracked windscreens and has taken steps to correct the problem on the assembly line. Like any car, the E isn't perfect but it is an excellent compromise of style, versatility and functionalism. I highly recommend them to all my firends, but as always, buying a car is a very personal decision. Good luck in your efforts.
Cheers,
Lon

 

[Tonester]

Hi...
After much research, primarily on this wonderful site , I purchased my beautiful 4WD EX SOP with no reservations. This is an amazing vehicle, and while ALL new cars have their share of problems, they usually affect a minority of owners (especially Honda, Toyota, etc.). I am more than willing to play the odds here....GOD, just LOOK at it!!!!!

 

[jayharley]

[quote:b86a471a67="E-Wanna-Be"]I have my dealer putting an order in for my E with side air bags as soon as one gets built and shipped to my region. Which he predicts could be as soon as next week. But after hearing about all the cracked windshields, I'm beginning to wonder if this vehicle is even worth it? I know it's only a windshield--not a mechanical issue, but its definitely discouraging that ppl haven't even made their first payment and the windshield is already cracked. And will it probably crack again? Any thoughts?
:?[/quote:b86a471a67]

I presume you know that the corrective measures have been taken, by Honda, with regard to the windshield issue. Your car is being made after the corrective measures, I believe, so there should not be a problem. Any time you purchase a new vehicle, some things are not right and not perfect. This is the first year in production and Honda is a very responsive company. I have had mine for 6 weeks, and have zero problems. None what so ever. However, if you are not sure if the car is worth it or not, then really you should wait until next year or buy another competitive car. There are lots of good reasonably priced cars made now, but none quite as unique as the E.

 

[Slowhand]

There are currently three TSB's out. I just purchased an Element and my VIN is later than the last VIN mentioned in those TSB's. So any Element on the assembly line has to be also. They appeared to correct the major problems.

Also I bought a PT Cruiser when they first came out and it had issues also, but more of them. It is common with a brand new model. They try to test the vehicles before releasing them, but nothing can match the real world testing of the first purchasers.

 

[jayharley]

[quote:69585e14cf="Slowhand"]There are currently three TSB's out. I just purchased an Element and my VIN is later than the last VIN mentioned in those TSB's. So any Element on the assembly line has to be also. They appeared to correct the major problems.

Also I bought a PT Cruiser when they first came out and it had issues also, but more of them. It is common with a brand new model. They try to test the vehicles before releasing them, but nothing can match the real world testing of the first purchasers.[/quote:69585e14cf]

Slowhand: I know of the TSB for the windshield, and the plasic covers on the back seat fold up areas, but what is the third one?

 

[Slowhand]

It's for the seat strap. Go to Element-J's website - he has all the TSB's and wonderful instructions on installing accessories. http://www.ecnet.net/users/gallery/element-j/