Are these any good and were they discontinued? Do they still make them in 2021? What would be a better pick (NOT TOO HIGH-END) out of some of these listed makes as follows: Subaru-maybe Outback or Forrester; Honda CRV; Toyota (SUV); GMC (SUV); Chevy (SUV); BMW (SUV); Mercedes (WAGON or SUV); VOLVO (Wagon or SUV), or aby other (affordable, used wagon or SUV)?
I want to sell my 2003 and 2004 Honda Accords. I need cargo space. One Honda needs a Cat Converter. I want to replace it (around 600.00 hopefully) and sell it for around 3500.00. I want to sell the other Honda (2003) for around 2000.00 to 2500.00. My brother can inspect b/c he knows a lot about cars. I want to possible camp with my spouse (sleep in back with seats dn), and get around Chicago. I want a small SUV around 6000.00. I would like something 2005 or above. My spouse likes the cargo space in the Element, states it has Honda reliability and thinks the Element looks cool. Any suggestions out there? Please advise.
A simple Google search would have shown that the Element was sold in North America from 2003 to 2011 . As for are they any good. Just like any used vehicle some are and some are not . That is why the safe thing to do is pay a shop to inspect any used vehicle you might want to purchase.
So Yes they were discontinued.
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+1 to all of Volvo-V70’s comments.
However, I want to add that ANY 10 year old vehicle needs to be inspected by one’s own mechanic, prior to purchase. If the OP is considering the purchase of an even-older (as much as 18 years old…) Element, this possible purchase SCREAMS out for a careful inspection by one’s own mechanic.
These vehicles were–overall–reliable, with the exception of their history of transmission problems, but if one was poorly-maintained, the potential for very expensive problems increases exponentially, depending on whether the Element in question is “only” 10 years old, or whether it is even older.
Just as a point of reference, a recent thread had to do with the engine of a 3 year old car that self-destructed as a result of lax maintenance. Can you imagine how much the chances of engine or transmission self-destruction are elevated when one is considering a 10-18 year old vehicle that wasn’t properly maintained?
If you are lucky, your mechanic will give you a clean bill of health for your desired 10-18 year old Element. If you are REALLY lucky, he will tell you to walk away from it, and not buy it, due to major impending problems.
Ok, that is good to know. Would that be a problem with the resale value, or parts? Why was this vehicle disc?
Why is ANY vehicle discontinued?
Sales figures, my man, sales figures…
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Yes, maybe a trendy look but the prospective buyer may have been unable to afford one. Also, boxy and possibly top heavy. Maybe a noisy cabin and poor pick up. Trans probs could have been a factor. I have just read some of this in ref to the Element. It seems people either love them or hate them. I understand the importance of maintenance and luck.
You’re thinking of buying a 16 year old car, and you’re worried about resale value ?
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No, the Element was not top-heavy.
I used that date (2005) as a start range. Maybe 2012 or later would be a better statement. Some cars and makes have a history of high resale value (ie Toy 4 runner late 90s and early 2000’s). These are still going for 3500.00 and above.
The Honda Element is a very basic, almost spartan vehicle. It’s also somewhat peculiar looking. If neither of those things bother you, it’s still a Honda, go for it!
It was designed so that the interior can be cleaned-out with a garden hose.
For some people, that would be an incredible advantage.
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You seem very partial to these vehicles. Do you own an Element?
No, I don’t own one. I am not particularly partial to them, nor am I especially negative about them.
They have the potential to be a decent older vehicle IF they have been properly maintained.
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I now understand where you are coming from!
The Element was for the most part a CRV, with a uniquely different body.
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Actually, only to look like that. Wiring and electronics are beneath the flooring. Hosing not advised.
It was a modified CR-V, shares many of that vehicle’s characteristics. Check out carcomplaints.com.
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Take all of those off your list . A 6000.00 budget can almost guarantee repair bills that will require a second mortgage on your house. If your brother really knows a lot about vehicles then he should know to avoid old high end luxury vehicles.
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Consider a used minivan. The Chrysler Town and Country and the Dodge Grand Caravan have fold flat seats, and that could be useful for camping. For vehicles of the era you are investigating, othe brand minivans require middle row removal to get full length to lay down. You’ll want pads or air mattresses to make it comfortable to lay on. I’m not aware of any vehicles that have two rear rows of seats that fold flat to form a bed.
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