rae

keep reading posts about the element, no duff, what's it like, gets the nod in the mags i've got, 80% satisfaction rating.
also, anyone any ideas on pontiac vibe AWD and toyota matrix AWD, ta.

dbd33

IME:

It's ugly though I suppose that's in the eye of the beholder.

It's very practical as the interior is all washable and it has rubber floor mats, Honda says you can hose it out but that's stretching things slightly. It has all manner of storage bins and cubbyholes. The rear seats are fold down to make a bed (there's a sunroof so one can in bed and look at the stars) as well as up to the sides. The latter option provides a fair amount of space, enough for several bikes, but accentuates the already problematic blind spots. Removing the rear seats provides a huge space. The rear seats are high in the vehicle and would, I think, be bad for anyone prone to car sickness. The rear door is split horizontally and we've been able to fit two kayaks by leaving the rear window open and having them stick out, using the roof rack would be another option.

It has a good radio and powerful heat and air. The heater fan is very loud.

The traction (it has 4wd) is pretty good, I drove it through the manure pile in winter (frozen) and spring (very wet) and up a muddy 45 degree slope to the barn. It kept going though with much wheel spin. It's as good on mud as the Escape and better than the Mustang(!) It's very easy to park as it has a small turning circle and square corners. It doesn't have much go and the difference between carrying dog and child, 70lbs and 8st respectively, and not carrying them is noticeable on hills. It's surprisingly good in crosswinds, not like a Sidekick or Dodge Caravan which will lunge for the ditch.

It's cheap to buy except that everything is a option. There are all manner of pieces to improve the interior, nets, camping tables and so on, all priced separately so one must be careful about the total bill.

otoh, it's not very well built, it uses a lot of windshields (better than one per year) which I think is due to the body flexing causing them to crack across; they break the same way each time. The gas line keeps falling off the tank causing petrol to drip into the road. It has a big square front which contributes to the astonishing gas consumption (the last two tanks took us 173 and 190 miles respectively) so, all in all, it's not cheap to run. The paint quality isn't very good, we have horse teeth marks on the bonnet, like deep scratches, and the paint is flaking off around them, something I wouldn't expect from the Fords I usually drive.

I personally hate it but have tried to be objective.

dbd33

I guess I should say that we do actually use the Element outside the burbs. I wouldn't take it off road but the kind of mountain track seen here is no problem even when wet. We reversed up the dirt slope to the back of the house.

Rich_007

Your country cottage needs renos old boy.

Rich.

Bleech

Is that what is known as a walkout basement?

Bleech

Saw a F350 today with a sticker on the windscreen saying "Hippies Suck"

Rich_007

White plate, red writing, shotgun in back, chewing baccy spat outta window, Oilers flag tied to aerial with rubber band, be-stubbled mullet dude, cowboy hat, snakeskin cowboy boots, God-botherer stickers on truck ?

Yeah, 'Bertans innit boy.

Rich.

Stuarty

Hi Rich, just as well I am going to 'Berta' as the missis has just given me the green light to get my truck
GM Colorado looks favourite at the moment but bigger will be possible depending on getting a good used one.
Hee hee hee, wore her down at last

Rich_007

Don't forget cow skull on front grille, wicked ride dude
Y'aint a real man til you have an F-350 of your own.

Rich.

Steve_P

Stuarty,

For an F-350 you need a buffalo (bison) skull, I know where you can get one of those.

The guy is a Scot too so he might give you a deal.

Stuarty

You never know guys, if I can qualify for some credit there are some serious offers available and that Leasebusters site is attractive, mmmmm Hemi
Yee Haarrr

Rich_007

Here's the essential clothing to match ya truck.

Rich.

Stuarty

Why do the flies stop so high?!!!!!
Are there really any insides in those pockets

Rich_007

I'd be worried - he's waiting to ride shotgun in yo big ass truck, and he has itchy fingers too, six on each hand, but no thumbs.

Yikes, those darned country folk. :scared:

Rich.

Stuarty

He must be a gynaecologist.
Squeal like a piggy boy.