Hey all, I just picked up an '03 EX Element 5 speed with 81k miles on her. The interior has a fair amount of dirt and stains on it, but I will work on getting those out over the next months.
I have only had the car a week, but have done a fair amount of reading, research and tweaking of the car.
First off the AC had that musty smell, so I ripped apart the dash, replaced the cabin filters and cleaned out the HVAC area (pic below). I was able to get it all back together without using the manual.
I had to replace the tail gate plastic flap that hinges.
The driver speaker was broken, replaced that.
Added keyless entry (sweet!)
A few of the interior weather seals needed new plastic clips
Changed the oil.
Used peanut butter to remove the wax off the plastic
There is a slight clunking in the rear suggesting the rear struts need replacing, but that is for a future date.
So far the dog loves it, the fiance and I are getting use to the strange car. I will say, it is nothing like I have driven before, like a small bus. I have a rusty 91 Toyota pickup that this will be replacing with 205k miles. I also have a 91 Toyota MR2 turbo in great shape and my fiance has a '03 civic that runs great. I also fit well into the E at 6'4".
I have only had the car a week, but have done a fair amount of reading, research and tweaking of the car.
First off the AC had that musty smell, so I ripped apart the dash, replaced the cabin filters and cleaned out the HVAC area (pic below). I was able to get it all back together without using the manual.
I had to replace the tail gate plastic flap that hinges.
The driver speaker was broken, replaced that.
Added keyless entry (sweet!)
A few of the interior weather seals needed new plastic clips
Changed the oil.
Used peanut butter to remove the wax off the plastic
There is a slight clunking in the rear suggesting the rear struts need replacing, but that is for a future date.
So far the dog loves it, the fiance and I are getting use to the strange car. I will say, it is nothing like I have driven before, like a small bus. I have a rusty 91 Toyota pickup that this will be replacing with 205k miles. I also have a 91 Toyota MR2 turbo in great shape and my fiance has a '03 civic that runs great. I also fit well into the E at 6'4".
glad to see another ohio-an here 
