Never bought a new car for myself before. Previously owned a chevy, subaru, ford, saturn, volvo, dodge and toyota, so it was time to try honda for a change. So here is my brand shiny new 2010 LX after a few days on the road in VT:
![Land vehicle Vehicle Car Motor vehicle Honda element]()
The element was the sentimental choice. I was upgrading from a 99 Rav4, so I was used to driving a tiny box, and the element drives much nicer than that. The new Ravs are really nice and felt very familiar, but cost more. The subaru's didn't do much for me, and I didn't even sit in the CRV. My kids love the backseat, and since we have a van too, the element will mostly be for fun, skiing, hiking, canoeing, etc.
We haven't had enough snow and ice to really test how it will handle or compare. This drive to the mountain was too easy. I can feel the front slip when I punch it, so it feels like front wheel drive and not AWD, but once I am used to it that may not matter much practically. The old rav had a locking differential, so I am giving that up, but gaining ABS and VSC. With the new snow tires, I am nervously optimistic and looking for snow.
It has been interesting to read the info here on EOC, and it was helpful shopping. I may need an armrest, and an upgraded stereo, and am looking forward to sleeping in the back somewhere (why doesn't that hatch open from the inside?).
Now to go post on the yakima roof rack thread....
The element was the sentimental choice. I was upgrading from a 99 Rav4, so I was used to driving a tiny box, and the element drives much nicer than that. The new Ravs are really nice and felt very familiar, but cost more. The subaru's didn't do much for me, and I didn't even sit in the CRV. My kids love the backseat, and since we have a van too, the element will mostly be for fun, skiing, hiking, canoeing, etc.
We haven't had enough snow and ice to really test how it will handle or compare. This drive to the mountain was too easy. I can feel the front slip when I punch it, so it feels like front wheel drive and not AWD, but once I am used to it that may not matter much practically. The old rav had a locking differential, so I am giving that up, but gaining ABS and VSC. With the new snow tires, I am nervously optimistic and looking for snow.
It has been interesting to read the info here on EOC, and it was helpful shopping. I may need an armrest, and an upgraded stereo, and am looking forward to sleeping in the back somewhere (why doesn't that hatch open from the inside?).
Now to go post on the yakima roof rack thread....
