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

 

Out of those, I say Element.

 

S4 Avant?

I do like the Outback though.

 

Cannot proceed until this question is answered: Do you need AWD?

 

I think it depends on if you need an AWD or not. Although your list seems to point that you do. I would get the Outback, I have driven my aunt's all around the mountains in Colorado, and they are rugged. She has never had problems with it, only been in the shop for basic maintenance.

 

AWD is a priority.

We have thought about the Avant but they are pricier than we'd like to spend.

 

The Outback is a great vehicle, but the Element can hold ALLOT more stuff.

 

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.

 

Element can be found in front wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Its a flexible and reliable vehicle. I just don't like the styling, too boxy.

 

I'm a little worried about the weak engine in the ELement too. The Outback has a 250-hp turbo 4....

 

Definitely boxy but I like it better than the OG Scion XB. I think the FJ is visually more attractive no?

 

FJ's are cool but I haven't seen any in our price range...

 

Oh wow, I had forgotten about that!

My vote is definitely on the Element.

 

My dad has an 09 element, got it after his lease on 06 ended - very nice car. (09 has a better interior, 5 speed auto tranny, no rear sunroof though)

 

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?!

 

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 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

 

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.

 

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.

 

My dad uses it for work. He's an appliance repairman, so he has about 500-700 pounds worth of parts he carries in the car on a daily basis. He's not much of a car buff, but I'll tell you what I got from the car for the few times I drove it.
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

It does have only four seats. The middle of the seat has hard plastic, so I dont think a person can even squeeze in there, but not everyone has to have 5 people on board, sometimes 4 is the most (or in my dads case, 1 person)

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)

 

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?

 

I'd get the MDX.

edit - make sure to go 03+, 04 would be better. 01-02 trans issues, 04's got a lot of nice looking updates.

 

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.

 

I agree... Our Warrior ride is a 2004 MDX.