Hey Scotty! My 09 EX AWD element was just written off due to being rear ended. I primarily use my car for work as a small cargo van. I've thought about other options and due to the practicality and reliability, I feel like buying another Element is my best choice. I've been looking at the Consumer reports reviews and it seems like I should avoid most model years besides 09-11. Most of the model years have issues and the 05 which ages pretty well just doesn't have as good safety features. What are your thoughts on this?
As long as it's new or like new, why not? I'd say go for the cr-v or toyota 4runner if you buying used. elements had issues with their manual transmission models, some others had leaking oil problems, powertrain control module issues. I'd go for a cr-v or 4runner
Take a look in the archives (search bar). Seems like Elements get more positive than negtive comments on this forum. My only concern would be that a lot of them are accumulating a lot of miles.
An Element is basically a CRV underneath. And barring a few years in earlier generation CR-V's, they are pretty reliable. The Element is a lot more utilitarian. If you can find one in good conditions and checks out, I think it would be great.
