what weekend warrior vehicle for $15-17K?
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
what weekend warrior vehicle for $15-17K?
Wife and I are looking for a third vehicle to go "do stuff" in (i.e. biking, hauling the dog, put stuff in).
We don't want anything too old or anything that may be unreliable.
Our short list includes 2005-6 Outback 2.5XT, 2005-7 Element, 2002-4 MDX.
Anyone have some good ideas for other options? Insights on these choices?
Bring your
We don't want anything too old or anything that may be unreliable.
Our short list includes 2005-6 Outback 2.5XT, 2005-7 Element, 2002-4 MDX.
Anyone have some good ideas for other options? Insights on these choices?
Bring your
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#5
Drifting
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#8
Suzuka Master
The Element is totally versatile. I've used it countless times to haul furniture (sofa and fridge even). I took out 1 of the back seats so that I can put in my surfboard, golf clubs, etc. without any inconvenience. It's great for the beach since you can rinse out the interior as it has a drain. The tinting of the rear is good if you've got stuff in the back. Despite the impressive interior space, the Element is still a pretty compact vehicle and I've never had problems parking etc. I like the suicide doors as well.
My only complaint is the weak ass 4-banger engine. Keep in mind that my DD is a 911 though
Once my extended warranty expires this November, I may swap my Element in for a FJ cruiser which provides the additional power I desire.
My only complaint is the weak ass 4-banger engine. Keep in mind that my DD is a 911 though
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#13
Disinformation Terminator
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#15
Suzuka Master
Mine is an 04. What other improvements does your father like? I heard the interior is definitely a step up. Is the engine still weakass?!
#16
Drifting
Thread Starter
Are there engine/performance upgrades for the Element?
I know there are quite a few things that can be done to the Subie's engines but I think their 250hp is already good enough.
I know there are quite a few things that can be done to the Subie's engines but I think their 250hp is already good enough.
#17
CL in lawnmower status
i vote subie, i had an 06 wrx and it was a very nice car, 230hp turbo boxer 4 was plenty of power for me, i think the 0-60 times were in the 5 seconds
but i always wished for the wagon or something, as it would've been great to have the extra versatility
but i always wished for the wagon or something, as it would've been great to have the extra versatility
#18
Doesn't the Element only have four seats though? That's one thing that's always bothered me. It does sound like its versatile though.
#19
Suzuka Master
Yea I'm just not a fan of the wagon design. Plus, I think when moving furniture or large boxes the Element confers a little more height than a wagon would. I've had to move cabinets and beds even at a 45 degree angle in the bed of the Element.
#20
Off roading in his
iTrader: (6)
I personally like the peppiness it seems to have over the 06, at least thats what my butt dyno tells me. I prefer the interior over the old one - the gauges are beautiful compared to 06. The fact that they removed the sunroof is a minus, but they did add the overhead storage. Also 09 has the aux (not sure if the 06 had it). The seatbelt on the seat may be uncomfortable for some, not for me though.
Engine is not much more powerful but the 5 speed tranny sure helps. I think I read on Element owners forum that they supercharged the engine
My dad fit a washing machine through the sunroof of his 06. (it was a small washer, but he couldn't put it into the back, since its filled with parts)
#21
Drifting
Thread Starter
took an Element SC out for a test drive this evening I think we're taking it off the list. it was an uninspiring driving experience.
anyone have any thoughts on a Passat wagon?
anyone have any thoughts on a Passat wagon?
#23
rear sunroof on the Element was a pretty clever design. not many people understood its purpose but if you go to the beach, the heavily tinted rear portion of the car provides a great place for changing into and out of your beach clothes. and having the rear moonroof there allows you to stand upright (albeit you'll be half outside of the car) to change in comfort.
It's always sad when honda decides to get rid of clever touches like that. I can understand from a cost cutting point of view since probably very few people would use that function, but that's what makes a Honda a Honda.
It's always sad when honda decides to get rid of clever touches like that. I can understand from a cost cutting point of view since probably very few people would use that function, but that's what makes a Honda a Honda.
#24
Racer
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