My dog and I are in the market for a 2009+ Element and was wondering if there are things I should be aware of and/or look out for as I may be getting a used model.
The other car that we are considering is the Mazda5. Both cars will allow my buddy to get in and out of the car easily (bad hips). The Mazda5 gets a plus for being lower to the ground, but I would most certainly have to remove a seat or two so that he can lay down. The only thing I really don't like about the Element is the clamshell doors design. Been there, done that, hated it, but here I am again. The Mazda5, on the other hand, uses very useful sliding doors.
Any advice is appreciated!
Chipper,
I don't think you will go wrong with either vehicle. I was an original "E" owner, buying one when they first came out in 2003 (regretfully sold it in 2007), and am now driving a 2007 Element...I just traded in my 2007 Mazda5 in on it!
So, having owned both vehicles for 3-4 years each that you are considering purchasing, here are my thoughts. The versatility of the "E" can't be overstated; it does have the limiting factor on seating capacity though, which the Mazda5 surpasses. On the dog-hauling factor, there is enough info out there to support the "E"...know that the entry height is a concern for you though.
On the Mazda5, your interior choices are cloth or leather, and either tan or black. I found that the black cloth interior on my Mazda5 held up well, but did attract lint/hair which was "much" harder to remove than from my Element's cloth. On the carpet, the Mazda5's did wear well, but again the black carpet held lint/hair...my shop vacuum pulled it out, but it took a good deal of time and effort to maintain; can't compare to the vinyl floor of the "E" for ease of maintenance. Overall, the interior durability goes to the Element.
My Mazda5 was a great vehicle, never had a single issue with it...just did regular maintanence. It owed me nothing in the end. I even considered trading it in for a 2010 Mazda5, but really missed the versatility of the Element. Both vehicles get similar gas mileage (23-25 overall), both are within the same ballpark for price, and I found they were equally reliable. However, I don't think that you can compare the residual value...if you are planning on trading in or selling in 3 years, the Element will hold a greater percentage of its value.
Good luck!