Date:         Fri, 22 Dec 2006 15:17:00 -0500
Reply-To:     Jeff Lincoln <magikvw@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jeff Lincoln <magikvw@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Honda Elements
In-Reply-To:  <001201c72602$05708a00$1919a8c0@cspfr>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Although I never brought it up before - I suspected that there were at least
a few Element owners on the list. Someday I'll join you.

On 12/22/06, BJ Feddish <bfeddish@netreach.net> wrote:
>
> Thanks for all the replies about safety.
>
> A funny thing about the Element is that it WAS designed for twenty
> somethings but much to Honda's surprise the median age for buying an
> Element
> is 42. That one nailed me exactly.  When I first saw them on the road I
> though "Who would drive that stupid looking p&^*& ^ #$?". I then saw a
> local
> access program from a local dealer that showed how the interior is all
> plain, no frills, the seats pop out or tuck up to the sides, had plenty of
> space, has a 4cyl has optional curtain kit for camping and is 4wd.  This
> was
> looking like a mini-microbus to me. It had the same purpose, cheap and
> practical. It also fits 2 double basses with no problems. :) I bought the
> most loaded one I could and that included the rare side airbags which
> meant
> I had to order it since that extra $300 option was no were to be seen on
> the
> dealers lot.  I guess most people would rather spend the money on mag
> wheels.  It was still only $22K, cheap by today's standards thought too
> much
> much money for most twentysomethings.  The most hysterical thing is the
> maintenance schedule: 10K - Oil change, 20K - Oil Change, 30K - Oil and
> Air
> Filter, etc. etc. My old Jetta was: 10K new brakes and rotors, 20K, new
> wheel bearings, 21K, more front end parts, etc.  My only complaint about
> the
> Element is the lousy gas mileage for a 4cyl.  I've squeezed 26 mpg out of
> it
> on the highway but local driving gives me about 18-19, my 83.5 Westy gets
> better mileage in the city. Pretty sad when you think about it.  In any
> event, it's great to have the reliable Honda in the driveway, parked next
> to
> my 83.5 Westy and my wife's '98 Audi A4 money pit.
>
> Bryan
>



--
Thanks,

Jeff
90' Carat (It's Blue, It's Beautiful, It needs a lot of work)
86' (Soon to be donating organs to the 90')
85' GL (sidelined but to be resurrected in the near future)