sillygoose
New member
OK - totally unscientific
2004 Honda Element or 2008 Scion xB - I hate car shopping!
Does anyone out there own either?
2004 Honda Element or 2008 Scion xB - I hate car shopping!
Does anyone out there own either?
OT car opinion
- Thread starter sillygoose
- Start date
Tanque Verde
New member
Funny timing. My CRV was totaled last week (no fault of my own, but three broken ribs to show for it) and I have spent the last week test driving a 2004 Element. (The blue one at Royal Kia).
There are things I like about it a lot, but some things I don't. The dash on that particular model felt toy-like to me. The rear "suicide" windows don't roll down, which is bad news for dogs who like to stick their head out the window. I'd choose a five speed over a four speed if I had my druthers. But otherwise I was pretty enchanted with it. It's a fun utility car that appeals to my gearhead sensibility.
I don't know anything about the Scion. But it just looks too low for me. I like at least enough clearance to get around the potted unpaved roads on Mt. Lemmon.
If you're willing to drive a stick, the orange one at Precision Toyota looks like a good deal.
There are things I like about it a lot, but some things I don't. The dash on that particular model felt toy-like to me. The rear "suicide" windows don't roll down, which is bad news for dogs who like to stick their head out the window. I'd choose a five speed over a four speed if I had my druthers. But otherwise I was pretty enchanted with it. It's a fun utility car that appeals to my gearhead sensibility.
I don't know anything about the Scion. But it just looks too low for me. I like at least enough clearance to get around the potted unpaved roads on Mt. Lemmon.
If you're willing to drive a stick, the orange one at Precision Toyota looks like a good deal.
sillygoose
New member
Happy healing - no toting water bottles for a while!!!
My son drove that orange one tonight. The back seat is a drag - only seats two and I miss real windows back there. I do like the higher clearance and the indestructible interior.
I am concerned about gas mileage though...
My son drove that orange one tonight. The back seat is a drag - only seats two and I miss real windows back there. I do like the higher clearance and the indestructible interior.
I am concerned about gas mileage though...
Tanque Verde
New member
HA! The first thing I did was go buy 100ft of irrigation tubing so I won't have to carry water anytime soon.
On paper, the element and my old CRV get the same mileage, so it was a push for me. I'd love to do better, but for this car, we need lots of cargo capacity.
The 4WD elements have a fully removable rear sunroof that might compensate for the unrollable suicide windows.
If we were willing to drive a stick, we would probably forgive the orange element for its orangeness. We bought our last Subaru at Precision Toyota. They do negotiate (unlike Royal Kia, we discovered this evening, to our dismay).
Good luck with your hunt. I am nuts about value. I usually stalk the used car market, waiting for an early model, low mileage Subaru or Honda. Sometimes it takes weeks. This accident, unfortunately, has necessitated a more immediate purchase, so I'll probably be forced to make some compromises. I've considered shopping Phoenix, but what a hassle.
On paper, the element and my old CRV get the same mileage, so it was a push for me. I'd love to do better, but for this car, we need lots of cargo capacity.
The 4WD elements have a fully removable rear sunroof that might compensate for the unrollable suicide windows.
If we were willing to drive a stick, we would probably forgive the orange element for its orangeness. We bought our last Subaru at Precision Toyota. They do negotiate (unlike Royal Kia, we discovered this evening, to our dismay).
Good luck with your hunt. I am nuts about value. I usually stalk the used car market, waiting for an early model, low mileage Subaru or Honda. Sometimes it takes weeks. This accident, unfortunately, has necessitated a more immediate purchase, so I'll probably be forced to make some compromises. I've considered shopping Phoenix, but what a hassle.
sillygoose
New member
he he - orangeness. My son considered that a selling point 
I think he has decided on the Scion. It's at our mechanic right now for his blessing - or not. We've searched for weeks for the sweet spot on cost, mileage, gas efficiency, and what pings his heart. I wish this car had a few less miles but it is built by Toyota...and is really fun to drive.
Good luck with your search and your ribs.
I think he has decided on the Scion. It's at our mechanic right now for his blessing - or not. We've searched for weeks for the sweet spot on cost, mileage, gas efficiency, and what pings his heart. I wish this car had a few less miles but it is built by Toyota...and is really fun to drive.
Good luck with your search and your ribs.
Tanque Verde
New member
Thanks, Goose.
You threw me for a loop last night. I stayed up late researching Scions. They're not a car I had considered, because I'd prefer more clearance and a 4wd option. But that gas mileage is reallllllly appealing.
Good luck with your son's new purchase!
You threw me for a loop last night. I stayed up late researching Scions. They're not a car I had considered, because I'd prefer more clearance and a 4wd option. But that gas mileage is reallllllly appealing.
Good luck with your son's new purchase!
