5 things I hate about my Honda Element AWD | Still my favorite car of all times
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.พ. 2022
- Do you love your Honda Element but do you have some dislike about it? Comment below your thoughts -
@elementrepublic
@myfake240z
@projectkod
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If you understand the vehicle's intended purpose, focus group and price point market, there is nothing to hate about this vehicle besides the point that they discontinued it. You completely changed the geometry of the vehicle and complain about it. Go figure....
Ok there buddy. Obviously. I have the car because I love it enough to keep it. I can go back to stock but what's the fun in that, and this video is for people to see MY opinion and what I observed from owning MY Element as well as other cars I've driven for comparison.
I agree with you but, I still like my 03 E. I’ve got 215,000 miles but it still runs great. Plenty of squeaks and bumpy too but it’s very versatile for cargo, camping and is great in snow. There is a rust problem with these especially by the rear control arms, which they recalled in Canada but not in US. Despite its apparent shortcomings it’s still a cool vehicle. Noticed your E shirt so you must like it.
Hey Bill, thanks for watching! 100% agree with the pros! Versatility is why I love this car. I did not know about the rust issues until i see mulitple post on FB about rusting issues in the snow belt area. Its a shame. but yeah stay tune for my next video about the things I love about the Element. I am very happy with this car, owned with for 6-7 years now... yup I do have those shirts at my store! available at - idlespeed.co
Even though I love the way the doors open the biggest drawback for me was how unfriendly it was for picking up my daughter from school using the carpool lane, it's a hasty process and I'd have to lean over to open the passenger side then have her try to open the back door (not easy for a child) and if someone ran to help they've never understand to shut the back one first and then the front. I must admit I was jealous of the moms with SUVs that had electrically powered doors they could just press a button open kids jump in all done! Meanwhile I'm leaning across seats and stretching and yelling at kid not to open that passenger door too wide or I won't be able to shut it again LOL. But it's great for my dog
Lol you are 100% right. My situation is worst. When i drop my daughter off at the day care. Their drive is incline and it always shuts on me. And getting in amd out is not the easier things. Because her seat is still rear facing. :(
I so wish that Honda would make these again. My old '06 EX-P is my daughter's now. I would buy another one in a New York second (what ever that means) if I could get one new.
We'll see, may be an Electic / hybrid version is only way Honda will think about making one again.
I hope they don't make it an electric or hybrid
Good video. About the phone mount, I’ve seen a deal that goes into the cd slot. Maybe that could work?!
ah those, I'll try that out - my wife had one and it broke. lol may be the phone was too heavy. lol
Just found your channel as I'm looking for an element myself. Love your stuff
have you considered an aftermarket radio with android auto / apple carplay?
then you can just toss the phone into the dash there on the right once you hook it up via cable and you wont' need to actually look at the phone at all anymore.
Not yet. I should look into it. I do want to upgrade to better on dash camera first.
I use a popsocket mount to hold my phone right by the emergency flasher button, I think it’s called a pop socket mount 2 or like the newer version
I have a 2009 EX automatic.
1.) I am perfectly happy with the power of the K24, but the fuel economy does suck. It would be awesome if a new generation Element would be available as an HEV or PHEV.
2.) The clamshell doors are cool, but in a tight parking space they suck. I wish it had one sliding door, or at least that the clamshell doors could be opened without having to open the front doors.
3.) The A-pillars create massive blind spots.
4.) I have done a lot of stealth camping in mine. The lack of an inside rear hatch release makes getting in and out of the vehicle a pain, because the clamshell doors cannot open independently.
5.) I love the basic nature of the E, but I definitely wish it had some tech, like a backup camera (which of course would be required in a new model), Apple CarPlay, phone charging pad, and USB ports in back.
6.) Not a dislike, but I wish the rear window glass could roll down like the Model X/Element concept. The concept vehicle's sliding roof would be awesome too.
7.) It has not been an issue for me, but it would be good if it could seat five. I also would not mind if the overall length was maybe 6" longer, just so it could could haul a little more without sacrificing the vehicle's compactness.
8.) I wish the removable cooler/box had thermoelectric cooling, and was a bit taller/larger.
Couldn't have agree more. All points are valid. Let's see if they'll ever make another element in the future
If you want to get rid of the element cooler just let me know! Lol
The suicide/clamshell doors kept the weight and cost down. On an Odyssey, the sliding door mounts weigh hundreds of pounds. Also the B pillar being in the rear door allows wider access from the side.
Panavise makes a custom mounting bracket for the Element that uses factory radio bolt points. I had one before I changed my radio to a double din.
i'll look into that. thanks for the recommendation.
Still thinking about getting one. I have a 6 speed turbo veloster which is a great car and it does A LOT...but I really like all that cargo room in the element. Manual Elements are tough to find too, and as you say they handle like a box on a sponge....basically all the performance the veloster gives me will be gone. Its pretty flat here in SE TX so performance isnt as important. I wanna tow my motorcycle behind it and sleep in it at rallies. Tough choices! Enjoying your videos. Thanks for posting!
yeah if budgets allows, try getting one as a second car. IT's super practical and I've used mine enough times for errands that I can't find anything as versatile and reliable. Speed wise, yes it's a dog but there are people out there fixing them up with the TSX motor and 6 speed manual transmission, and some guys even run turbo or super chargers on them. A lot of K-series motor aftermarketing support.
Only 11% of all elements that were ever made had a manual transmission. I own two of them with manual transmissions.. Yesterday I was in court, and for safety reasons a deputy had to escort my family to the parking lot.. He totally forgot that he was there to protect us when he saw my element and he could not believe it. He said I’ve been looking to see I had heard of them, but I had never seen a manual element… Of course he offered to buy it… And I politely declined…. When I had to replace the clutch, it only cost me $450…. Just to open an automatic transmission close to 2000…. I hope you find one even if it’s automatic it is the most utilitarian car that has ever been made. It is actually made for the world we live in. You can take it on the highway handles relatively good around the city is fun you can put anything on it, the 1500 pound capacity Towing great I told my two-way runners behind mine have done so for seven years I have to check my mirrors to make sure they’re there the car handles Towing very very well. I wish you luck in finding one at this particular point, the word is out , the prices for them are unbelievably high looked at three days ago 200,000 miles they wanted $8000 for it … That’s a little high for the car that’s too much, but if you ever have an opportunity to buy one do it, you will never regret it. Good luck.
If you find a 5spd manual awd Element like I have, you can install a 6th gear in the factory bell housing. It isn’t cheap unless you can do the labor yourself though.
I've had my manual trans element for over ten years. I want her to last forever.... I never want a different style of car and they are hard to find. The drawbacks are far outweighed by the benefits, however with today's gas prices I don't disagree with the mpg performance. Could do better. Make it into a Diesel?
Diesel would be nice. May be a hydrogen gas hybrid that some people actually know how to convert.
can you please share your specs on tire and wheel setup?
Yes I am currently running 235/70/16 Toyo Open Country III All Terrain. as for the wheels, they are 16x9 with 17 offset. I have to run 25mm spacer as well.
Hey bro do you have the link to those rims? The white ones
no, they don't make them anymore. Discontinued. I got mine used.
I bought ProClip USA for my phone mount. It is custom fit to the element and to your phone. It brings the phone closer than how you have it.
I will check that out. Nearly upset about my phone holding situation all the time. Lol
@@projectkod I love mine. I also bought an AUX adapter to connect with my radio. Our Element is noisy so it helps the audio when on the phone or when listening to music.
@@tinaslouise You should consider doing soundmats on your E, do the doors, roof, floors. It helps alot
@@projectkod Oh thank you. I will check it out. I have not heard of those. I have only had my Element for 9 months. It's a 2005 Ex AWD.
My 04 only gets 20mpg on the highway. 17 in city. Have any advice? Any silver bullet you know of? I change plugs, air filter, regular oil changes, etc. PCV valve is good. 120k miles on it. Just can’t figure this out.
Clean the MAF sensor
@@boyangles6405 it doesn’t have a MAS but I did locate the MAP sensor down by the throttle body and cleaned that with MAS cleaner. Also just changed the upstream (air fuel ratio) sensor. No code but decided it couldn’t hurt to put in a new one. The old one looked pretty cruddy. Hoping that changes some things. Thanks for the reply.
Most of what you list is to redesign the whole vehicle. Lifting the vehicle probably wouldn't help with the cat thieves. Maybe you could put stickers on the sides, "Aftermarket cats by ADT".
lol yeah we need a redesigned Element, but I know they won't be building any more cars like this, especially when the CRV and Passport, pilots are selling so well.
man i want one so bad. currently have a ford escape... but i dunno why i started gaining interest in this car. i didnt know how much space they have inside
yeah there's something about them. Go test drive one and see how you like them
I got mine 1 month ago and I love it mpg can be better but I love the space it gives
I went from a 2001 Escape to my 2006 Element. It's a far better car, you should totally get an Element lol.
Do you use oem struts? I dont see any good aftermarket ones
I do since my car is low miles and they are still functional. But if you want aftermarketing. There's kyb and other oem replacement. You upgrade to second gen crv Bilstein but do you research on what you need. If you are looking for better upgrade check out flatout suspension. They made full coolover system for the element.
Thanks I'll check it out
27 mpg? Were you going down hill? Mine gets about 19.
yeah when my E had 46k and all stock and original and that was highway driving.
I just bought a one and find the gauges hard to read in the daytime
No way. May be can adjust the brightness? Mind seems really bright
Yeah same, that was my first complaint with mine. I think the 2007+ clusters are a lot easier to read. The gray Honda used for the background on the 03-07 clusters just doesn't contrast enough with the markings to be easily readable unless you have the perfect sun angle.
@@projectkod they are ok at night, but daytime can be a problem in certain lighting for me. I am 55 and do not have great eyes.
I agree with u on all that u don't like with the element. I would add 3 more, my 2005 seat belt is attached to the door. I can't let anyone inside the back without having to unbuckle seat belt first. All the suspension sucks. My rubber door seal near the top with U metal meets has melted. 😩 Big gooey mess.😡 Anyone else has that problem? But I still 💓 my HE.
When r u going to add the 05E green color element in ur shirt? I'll order 2 when u do. 😉
Oh thats right. Mine is 2008 so it don't have the seatbelt problem. It can get annoying. Yeah suspension blows.. it needs a new design from honda or aftermarketing support. 🤗
@@projectkod pls add 05E green color in ur T shirt. 😉
R u in the Bay area? I'm in need a good mechanic, any recommendations?
@@GHE2005 which specific shirt are you referring to? Yes in the bay area.
@@projectkod I like the 3 element one but wanting to see the green 05E on it. 😉✌🏽
@@projectkod So do u do repairs on element car or know anyone trustworthy? I've had a devil of a time getting a good mechanic. My 05E needs help desperately. 🙏🏽
One thing I hate about the Honda Element is it's only a 4 seater. Sometimes you have an extra person but you can't take them with you.
You are right 4 seater!! I've taking it to Yosemite with 5 people and super packed in the trunk. Good thing the passengers in the back were all around 120lb or less, they pretty much sat on top of blankets covering the cup holder. lol
@@projectkod lol dude glad to know I'm not the one who has squeezed a third person in the back. I just get worried of getting pulled over and safety.
@@ReadySetElement lol I have to say, I've done 4 people in the back one time. lol They were kids and we were just going around the block to the get the other car. I always wondered about those wagons that used to have seats facing backward and if those were ever legal because it had seatbelts.. hmmm
Phone stand: I got one from Walmart that clips to the window and it’s great!
@@papercraneblog How long does it extends or does it go to the side window?
Yeah ditto. But I've been looking at new cars, and many feel cheaper in comparison. I was once in a flash freeze during rush hour surrounded by hundreds of spinning cars. We got smacked by a truck and was able to brake and drive away with just a cracked bumper. During the last snow storm, I was grateful I could start with one turn of the key. It needs new suspension parts and burning oil, speakers and a/c doesn't work, so idk. Maybe I'll find a new versatile car I like better. But not yet. (2004 element @ 262k).
good hearing some stories like that/ Definitely drive until the wheels falls off! stay safe my friend
I just saw. Man who took a apart from a ford 150 and it gave it more hp
6 years is a long time My friend! Mpg sucks on this car
lol That's why it was my first complain. I got it with 46k miles and now at 110k
The car feels heavy,but CR-V is the same weight (like 10kg difference)
Engine isn’t good for mpg, but it has more power than you could think of
I agree. I think the aerodynamic is worst than crv as well that's why. It really needs a 6 speed and the 200hp k24 from tsx.
@@projectkod If you are handy, you can order a5th gear, it will fit in the 5-speed case, they are the same. Watch a few vids before attempting, but its easy if you've ever had a transmission apart.
Are you in the Bay area?
Yes kiko
He even has honda element shirt lol
llol yes, i sell them.
The MPG is definitely a downside, especially with the way gas prices are.
I'm telling ya. It's brutal
Agreed! I need better gas price and mpg lol
It rattles n rolls clunky but spacious for bikes camping gears
100% agree
Mine was clunky, but just needed some bushings and balljoints. Quietest car I own now. Maybe you need some maint.
My mpg all stock is 23 combined. I agree with you everything
do you still have yours? Where are you located my friend?
The vehicle needs better aerodynamics. That would help gas mileage a ton.
I agree. boxed designs is cool but not for milage. lol
You hate it….. but you have had it 6 years🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
definitely hate it.
Caballo Viejo
burro viejo you mean. lol
That’s a lot of problems….. sell it!!!! lol. 6 years…..🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
you want to buy?
I don't know why element fans don't just go with minivans. Better mpgs, more long drive comfort, more cargo room, and certainly more creature comforts. You can also get awd in Toyota Siennas and Pacíficas.
hehe, you are not wrong... personally, I do have plans for a minivan, I love wagons and vans, especially how slick and roomy they are. But have you seen the price for one nowadays. Well, yes you can get an older one but again, it's not as quirky & unique as A Honda Element. There's a reason there's a big following. The motor on these are super reliable (300k+) and cheap to repair and lots of interchangeable parts. Yea I guess it comes down to people's preferences.
@@projectkod Yeah, the price for used cars, in general, is still stupid. Even Elements are ridiculous for the lack of technology or comfort. I like them, though. I'd rather lift one of those than a minivan, but an awd V6 vs 4 cyl? Quieter, cushier ride? 4x8 sheet of plywood flat in the cargo area? Better gas mileage than my truck, and I can't comfortably sleep in my Lexus SUV. The Element meet ups are adorable, I'll give you that.
Can't get any of those shitboxes with a manual trans.
@@nobodynoone2500 I guess I don't see how that matters much when a manual trans awd Element still can barely do off-road gravel hills.
I would rather die than buy a Chrysler product
Velcro too the steering wheel
F
What do you expect!!?? Honda elements were not built for comfort. It's basically a truck. I do agree with the under-powered engine though. However, more power means burn more gas. Then the add-ons and accessories, more weight and even worse aerodynamics=more gas!!! Also a hybrid engine option would be a bad idea. You think the engine is under-powered now....a hybrid would be worse. Just saying.
yes, definitely didn't expect more just wanted to voice my opinion and also alot of the guys in the Element community complain about the same topic.
Lol go get a Lexus.
yes, I'm trying to score rx460h. but love my element for what it is.