Red Hot Hotbox! Junior Mint Gets A Honda Element! PLUS Shop Update
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- Опубликовано: 6 сен 2024
- Junior Mint bought my daughter’s 2005 Honda Element with over 250K miles. Did he get a good buy? PLUS, mini shop updates on the Smart Car, NSX and Murcielago.
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My Element is at 498,000 miles, so far! Original engine and transmission!
Wow. That's impressive. Keep it going!
My Honda Element has 500,000 miles and still going strong . Original owner here with just regular maintenance and zero problems
Very very good, it also shows that you take great care of your vehicle
Do you use the recommended oil weight? I'm a huge proponent of using 10w-40 no matter what the manufacturer recommends from 4 cylinder to v8 pickup trucks.
@enthused7591 you CAN NOT (REPEAT NOT)USE 10W40 IN A VEHICLE THAT REQUIRES 5W20 OR 0W20 etc in newer vehicles, any mechanic would tell you that, you mental midget
@@enthused7591That's not a great idea.
@@enthused7591 10w40 in a 4cylinder why don't you just put cement in there.
On my channel I talk a lot about our '05 AWD Element... my wife bought it brand new in 2005 before we were married and we decided to keep it in the family as our 4th car... 214,000 miles and it's never broken down on us... not once. These vehicles have a cult following, and there's a reason. Thanks Wizard!
My wife and I each have one and Love Them.
classic Honda; it's so reliable and capable of racking up the miles that the drivers seat is likely to get worn out sooner than the engine and transmission
I really wish Honda would’ve kept these around. They were such cool suvs. I especially love the cool Element SC in rootbeer.
I inherited a 2004 Honda Accord from my elderly folks who are now too old to drive. It’s just about 260,000 miles same original everything including the automatic. It’s basically the same drivetrain as this with a few differences but that K24 engine is one of the most robust engines Honda ever made. It’s just very stout and very strong motor. It’s quite the opposite of the 1.5 turbo that replaced it which is almost delicate in comparison. The thickness of the cylinder walls is just the right amount to handle the way it comes from the factory. It doesn’t have a millimeter extra of metal in there so it doesn’t take well to ramping up the pressure from the turbo or whatever else you try to get more power out of it it just winds up with blown head gaskets and that’s why I think a lot of people are having trouble with that engine. I wish we can go back, but you know those older stout engines don’t need emissions requirements so easily. But enjoy it while it lasts.
Have the valves adjusted!!! The engine WILL fail if you don't!
Mine just hit 290,000 - still goin, burns a little oil but it can’t/ won’t stop! Best ride ever.
I stand behind The Car Wizard and this video about the Honda Element. I own a 2007 Honda Fit 5 speed automatic with 268,000 miles on it. I bought it back in 2010 with just 30,000 miles on it. It was a Honda Certified Preowned car. One owner car. During the 14 years of ownership I have had ZERO major issues. 5k mile oil changes, 50k mile trans drain and fill, 50k mile radiator flushes, tires and brakes. The alternator went out at 176,000. The VTEC solenoid went out at 225,000. Thats all I have done to the car and everything works. If something happens to my Fit, I damn sure would buy another one.
Can u fit a refrigerator in there?
@@BetterCallGatto a small fullsize fridge for like a studio apt went in there with the hatch closed.
You've had much better luck with your 07' Fit than I had with mine. Same as you, I kept up with regular maintenance (5k oil, 50k trans, etc.). However, the moment it got to 125k or so... it severely dropped cold weather power. A new battery didn't resolve it, and two mechanics couldn't figure it out either. Combine this with the screen fading on the entertainment system and the rear suspension practically being non existent anymore... it was traded in (during the summer) for a new vehicle during one of the "double blue book value if you purchase a new one from us" sales at a local dealer.
I loved the car, but it simply didn't last. I hope yours survives for even longer for you.
@@terr281 I dont treat my car as a short trip commuter city car. When I crank it in the morning, its ready for the 40 mile hike. I let it run for 5 mins before I pull off. The power draw is a common issue on 2005-2008 Honda Jazz (overseas) and 2007-2008 Honda Fit (USDM). The power draw comes from the faulty dome light. Simple fix was a decision to enter a dark car at all times. Pulled the bulb and fuse and that solved it. My Fit is garage kept as well. I polish and waxed it and put a ceramic coat on in. I keep it washed and vac'ed every Saturday. Rear suspension, I installed a rear aftermarket racing Stabilizer bar. My Fit also go on long road trips. It has been to FL, all over GA, AL, MS, NYC once, CA once and CO. The Radio, I changed that quick. I put a Sony unit at first. Then last year, I upgraded that to a Carplay/Android Auto unit. I still have the factory unit sitting on a shelf in my garage. I baby my Honda Fit as if it was $45,000 Acura.
According to Honda, the Element is statistically the most reliable car they ever made. Tough as an anvil.
I had a '99 Honda CR-V EX 4wd that I put 355, 000 miles on it when the automatic transmission let go in 2022. It was my daily driver. I did all the regular maintenance along with the irregular maintenance too, including replacing the drive shaft and a rusted out K-frame. I mulled over repairing or replacing the transmission, but seeing that it died in December and I don't have a garage, I figured I owed myself something new. It was a great vehicle. I donated it to Habitat for Humanity for a little tax deduction.
I love the 1997-2001 body style, especially the 5 speed manual AWD version, but maaan I think you're really lucky because those automatic transmissions have the highest failure rate before 150k miles ever lol.
How often did you change ATF?
@@Mach141 They just send it to auction anyway. Sheesh....
@@AH-bm4ts every 30K miles. Used the genuine Honda fluid. Never noticed any signs of excessive wear or burnt fluid. Changed the dual pump fluid at the same time.
You got rid of your cervix when it was all busted up. You definitely put some miles on it.
0:44 - The plastic panels around the lower portion of the car may look ugly, but those are the parts of the car that usually get rusty. It's actually clever for people living up North.
Rusted body panels dosent stop you from driving it but a rusted frame will.....about 10yrs is all you can hope for in the northeast if you drive anything it in winter
Honda actually had a really sporty-looking Element SC that was like a street version of the Element in the later years. It came slightly lowered from the factory and lacked the gray plastic panels that most Elements had. They looked really great in a color called Rootbeer.
Any well running and driving car is worth $2000. Jr Mint got a great deal.
I've had 3 Hondas over the years, totalling about 15 years of ownership. Apart from regular maintenance, all of them were totally reliable with no issues. Currently own a little manual CR-Z here in the UK.
I loved that the CR-Z and 1st gen Insight had available manual transmissions. I really wish more hybrids offered them.
@@brian5o They are really much better then the CVT transmissions. It makes the CR-Z a lot of fun to drive on our twistier little country roads.
Less Creature Comforts= Less Stuff to Break
Exactly my thoughts
Agreed. I'll take a 3-button steering wheel any day...
Cruise, power windows, good radio, all you need.
More loaded than my silverado 😅
I had 1997 Honda Civc. Sold it in 2013 with 253,000 miles on it after I ran it well. I just sold a 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid with 230,000 miles running strong.
I’m driving a 2011 Honda
CR-V EX-L with 161,000 miles on it. It runs like a top!
I can’t speak for the newest Hondas but the old ones are great!!! 🏆💪🏻🇺🇸
Cerakote Trim Restorer for like $15 at Walmart will make all that trim jet black again, easily, and it’ll last. Truly one of the best products out there. Their headlight restoration kit is also top notch. No I don’t work for them, both products just made my ‘05 Acura MDX look practically brand new.
Tell the dude when he changes the windshield, to buy new trim(the plastic usually breaks when its replaced) and new clips for it.
I bought an 05 Element in the same sunset metallic with 181K march of 2023, and still love it. The only downside is no friction in the interior so I bought 2 large black, thick shag chenille bath mats for the rear and the 2nd row seating so I can do larger grocery runs without anything sliding around on the plastic floors. That's the only downfall of Elements. That and they're one of the most targeted vehicles for catalytic converter thefts.
They make catalytic covers for em
It just goes to show, with proper care & maintenance cars really can last.
Not any cars. Audi, BMW, Kia, and Hyundai still fall apart no matter how well you maintain them. And that goes for many American cars as well
@@Bubbles12345-xmy E30 had 350,000 miles before the rust got to it. 3 steering racks was the 'biggest' maintenance issue.
@bindingcurve I'm talking "modern" cars. Late models. BMW was pretty good back in the day before they went plastic computer modems🤭🙄
One of the most bullet proof machines Honda has ever put out on the road, especially if it has the manual transmission.
Just make sure you rust proof them to preserve the subframe if you live in the salt belt.
And change the rear diff fluid when necessary.
and one of the ugliest
Rear trailing arm mounts are a trouble spot for rust.
@240k I agree, I still have fun hitting the vtec in a 5spd.
I'm working on that currently...
I like the "breadbox mobiles" They're funny looking, but very versatile and robust at the same time. Just a partial transmission fluid drop every 15,000 miles, change the transmission filter, if so equipped. I have a 2000 Honda Accord with 233,000 miles. It is my hobby car and daily driver. I maintained it and use cheap Chinese parts to get my nephew through college. Now, it's mine! Great parts availability online directly from Japan. I've saved alot of money resurrecting this Accord. It runs very, very well. I updated the sound system with an Alpine Bluetooth system with back up camera. I'm smoking hot now.....😂
2:25 looks like it needs a new windshield as well
@zackamanda9799 ~ yeah @2:25, I thought that was a very obvious thing to not mention. A crack that big is a no-no in most states.
This car needs a visit to Vango A.S.A.P.
Wiz doesn't wash anything. All his shit is filthy. They're slobs.
Got a 2007 CR-V myself, never ceases to amaze me how good of a vehicle it is, when thinking of hpw old it is and how few problems we've had with it
We are the original owners of a 2009 CR-V, we just hit 190,000 miles. Aside from the AC unit, it has been an incredibly reliable vehicle.
@@stuartstuart866 Hondas and Toyotas love long commutes. They really dont like the city even though they are built for the city. I drive my '07 Honda Fit daily to work from College Park, GA to Alpharetta, GA which is 40 miles one way. Currently 268,000 miles on the clock. It never put me down and it runs so smooth like a little Acura.
@@SouthsideKidd550 OMG, that’s an amazing number of miles. We bought our Honda based on reputation, and it paid off.
We just hit “Moon mileage” last night on our Element! 238,900 miles. I’ll probably adjust the valves soon, but she’s a runner!
😂 did that with my old astro van in 2010, it had 336637 on it when a Toyota hit it.
I have a 2006 Honda Element with 174,000 miles now on it. I have had the brakes done. I am on my third set of tires, and have had to replace the alternator. I did some upgrades with new floor mats, and had the driver's seat re-upholstered but that has literally been all the work I have done on it. I now do need to service the A/C as it has developed a leak and no longer blows cold. But all this has occurred over 13 years of ownership as I bought the car in 2011 with 85,000 miles already on it. I doubt if I will ever sell it. Mine is all wheel drive with the automatic transmission.
It helps when you're dad nicknames is "😂car wizard "
Never buy just the name.
Jr Mint is not his son.
"You're" ??
@@notDonaldFagen the car used to belong to his daughter JM is the second buyer
Both my brothers have these Honda Elements & both love these bulletproof cars as long as you do the maintenance!👍 PS get a cat shield to protect your catalytic converter!👍😃👍
@@Steverz32 ^THIS! Without one the cat can be cut off the Element in less than 30 seconds due to the ride height alone.
well played. We put one on the car we bought. Thieves do target these cars for their cats. Previous owner said his was stolen twice in California
@@ozonelives we live in NorCal as well & the meth heads eat converters like candy out here.I even have a cat shield custom made for my Lexus RX330 cause it sits up high & I park it on the street.
Had a church member have theirs cut out .. while at church 🙃
Fun fact the 2.4 engine is the same as the accord of that year.
It is possible to swap in a 24F size battery if one feels the need for some extra capacity. Need to modify the battery tray a bit to do so. I believe there are (were?) aftermarket battery trays for the swap but they may be NLA now. My '08 Element has only 100K on it and is like new.
Search it out on the element forum, AutoZone sells a tray & tie downs to do the swap.
My 08 Accord 4cyl has 346k miles. It still drives like new.
I have a 2004 with 330,000 miles and still going strong. Love my element!
I have a 2006 Element EX-P 253,000 miles. Still going strong. We've taken the back seats out and it kind of serves as our pickup. Great vehicle.
Yes, the Honda element is a keeper. It will run forever as long as you maintain it properly.
The cladding - I have a 2003 with 211,000 miles and i used two products to bring my plastic cladding back. Adams Trim cleaner and a light scrub with a plastic kitchen scrubber Dobe pad followed by a Chemical Guys VRP treatment. Brought them back close to new.
Mrs Wizard - those rear seats are also quickly removeable which makes the space THAT much larger. I once had to move a washer and dryer pair.. they fit in with no issues.
I added a Sony Apple CarPlay radio years back from Crutchfield. Easy 20 minute plug and play install.
Best car I have ever owned. 21 years and counting - just got collector car plates on it.
I had a 2003 Honda CRV and everything worked on it with 335k miles. Sold it to a local guy about 4 years ago and I see him drubing it all the time. Only thing that concerned me was rusted brake lines!
Man!...there are some people in here with some MILES on their Elements!! Pretty cool to see!!
I've said it before and I"ll say it again, doing an EV retrofit on the Element would make it a very capable and useful vehicle. It's got the shape, size, and clearance for it AND it would serve pretty much the use case for an EV for a majority of users. I just want to win the lotto so I can buy these up and EVretrofit them 😂
I have a 2004 Element and installed a Pioneer Head Unit with a back up camera. I have around 240,000 miles and absolutely love it. I would have given her $3k😅 . I would recommend Aerogenics aftermarket springs that are made in Japan and prevents bottoming and provides a smoother ride. Great buy on his part. I currently sport Khumo 235 70 16 tires and they do not rub.
Yeah, these are work horses. I have a customer with 4 off them
All are crossing 300000 miles.
I have accord 2.4L. Same engine and transmission set up like element.
I just crossed 400000.
I had a 2004 Honda Element in the darker green color that I purchased new; along with my 2018 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid, it was one of the two most rock-solid reliable vehicles I've ever owned. I had the storage armrest installed by the dealer, as well as fog lights. It fit into tight parking spots and handled surprisingly well despite its shape. If Honda ever brought back the Element, I would definitely give it a look.
Click and Clack (the Car Talk brothers) loved the Honda Element.
2003 AWD with 260000 miles. Replaced the Defective torque converter, the rear knuckle bushings and the upper front strut pivot bearings. And oil, filters, andbrakes. That's it. If you open a!! Four doors, you can hose out the floor, the sill drains are un covered with the doors open.
Honda Element is probably one of the best cars ever put on the road. Very versatile, reliable and economic to own and drive. 2K for that is an amazing price especially an AWD. It doesn't look like it from the outside but you can pack like half of SAM's club in one of those things. A little Cerakote trim coat on that will go a long way.
Sad, that Honda stopped building these.
Sad, that Honda never sold these in Europe😢
I can’t for the life of me understand why Honda stopped selling them, they seemed extremely popular and very much loved throughout the years they were available from Honda. To this day, I think it’s the coolest SUV Honda has ever made.
I get it why middle-aged people love these Honda Elements. Seen them on the beaches all the time
They're amazing vehicles! You can do so much with them, once you own one it's nearly impossible to go back to anything else.
I picked up a 2004 Element in this color with 230k miles and (after making sure everything was ship-shape) drove it across the country and gave it to my mother for her birthday. She'd been driving the farm's heavy duty pickups, and the Element is easier to get in and out of, not to mention easier to park when she goes into town. It's now her favorite! I don't understand why Honda quit making them ...
08 SC honda Element 245K and running like a champ
a roommate had a Honda Element that I fell in love with, it carried a Christmas tree. I just want the perfect Element with AWD, the 5 spd with radio steering controls, a hitch, and the sunroof
My grandmother just went through something similar with her 2003 Buick LeSabre. She bought a 2023 buick encore in cash. I dont think she got any extra insurance or extended warranties from the dealer but they gave her $300 for her trade in. It wasn't perfect, a small amount of rust underneath (NY), the gas gauge didn't work but it had less than 80k miles and was otherwise in excellent condition. If I knew that I would have given her $800 and probably been able to sell it for double that. She just wanted it gone and didn't really care about getting every penny out of it. She is happy with her new car even though she thinks it has too much technology!
The best thing I've found for plastic body cladding & fenders that TRULY LASTS is SEM 39143 Trim Black Aerosol Paint. I painted a Jeep TJ Hard Top two years ago and it still looks like new. Prep correctly and it beats the pants off all these "restore" treatments. Get that thing detailed, paint the trim, and man that's a sweet little runabout.
Bought my 09 Element new with just 10 miles. I really wanted a 4wd ex orange one, but it wasn’t on the lot when I got there. So I settled for a Omni blue pearl instead. 168k miles later, it’s showing its age but I still consider it a very reliable everyday vehicle. Wish Honda would come out with a new model of one, they are just fantastic.
So glad you finally did this video! I just purchased an 04 and with 130k from my parents. We are loving it already and they gave us a great deal!
The Car Wizard is a great RUclips channel!
I bought my son a 2011 Element EX for school and it has been a Godsend. He works with a lot of film students and he is their best friend being able to haul equipment. It is also great for a college kid because over 4 years you're always moving. The storage this car has is quite good, lastly reliability...130k on the odometer and the only thing we've had to deal with so far 2 years of ownership is new tires and replacing parking lights. My son wasn't keen on it at first. Now he loves it.
Really happy for Junior Mint, I'm also desperate for a car and have been looking for weeks on FB marketplace and the like and it's been a harrowing experience to say the least. Really hope I can luck into someone selling a decent car for ~$2k or something similar, but I doubt I will here in south Fl. Wish me luck and cool Element! Always loved those cars and my friend had one back in high school that he used to transport his band equiptment. Really spacious vehicles!
Lol we used to say hot box was something completely different !!
I bought a 2005 Element with 228,000 miles on it this spring. 5speed manual AWD model. Was originally a US car that a previous owner had imported to Canada. Not sure where it was in the states but no real rust visible in any of the usual spots. I watched one of your earlier vids on them when I was looking to buy and it helped reassure me about the high mileage. Driven over 3000 miles since the last oil change and oil level hasn't dropped even 1/8th of an inch on the dipstick. Thanks for putting up such interesting and helpful vids Mr. and Mrs. Wizard!!!
Great cheap fix for the grey trim... Stuff called Cerakote. Wipe it on, restores black finish, lasts at least 2 years. Mine still looks new on my Silverado after I applied it just over 2 years ago.
My buddy in high school, his first car was this beat up Honda element with something like 350,000 miles on the odometer. It ran a little rough but he replaced some parts (not sure what cus I didn’t work on it) and it ran perfectly fine. And I think with some cosmetic mods they’re just about the cutest little box car
I never knew that the hood on Hondas (at least the newer ones) could be raised to two different positions. I actually went out to the garage and looked at my Accord and sure enough! Good to know - thank you Wizard for that tidbit!
My uncle has one he's owned since new has 400k miles only even done regular maintenance, struts a vvt actuator still runs like a champ
Just picked up an 07 with 160k. Such a cool little car. Rears seats have plenty of room for even the tallest adults. Minivan like capacity with the seats folded up. Mine needed some basic suspension work, plugs, valve adjustment and fresh fluids. It runs like a new one. I plan to pick one up for my son to drive and would have jumped at the deal on yours.
Thanks Wizard. All of that faded cladding and trim can easily be brought back to life with Rust-O-Leum "Wipe New" (widely available on the web and at Amazon.) Can be used on most any/all interior/exterior plastics. I don't think it's helpful for headlight lens restoration however.
Those Honda K series from that era are winners. I like the pre-turbo 2000s Hondas. Elements and CRVs from that era had good engines. These are really good dog owner and gardener cars. These last a long time, especially out of rust zones.
My buddy has had 2 of these in the past 15 years. Great little SUV, pretty much a small cargo van when you take out the back seats.
I’m on the toilet at work right now so I don’t have much time: my mom bought an 08 Nissan versa around 5 years ago now we have put 200,000km on it with no maintenance it’s at 370,000 kms and handles 3 hour drives no problem. Engine has had a slight ticking noise since we got it and it uses some oil but I keep it topped up for my mom. I need you people to know that 2008 Nissan versas with the 1.8l engine and 4spd auto are great little cars it’s incredibly impressive how cheap these things are to keep on the road. Biggest issue is I pulled the driver side door handle off one day when I forgot it was locked. Got a new handle from a junkyard and we’re back in business for $10
My Galapagos green 04 AWD EX has 304,000 miles and it runs like a champ. Still looks good and hardly any rust. I love mine. Hope to get another 50,000 out of it but only time and maintenance will tell.
2k and tires? good for you dude, great deal
My daughter has a 05 crv 2.4 vtec with 270,000. The issue we're now having is a leak in the a/c system. The motor , trans, and awd system work perfect. She wants a vw passat. Well, I'm next in line to own a family owned, rust free crv.
15 Hondas in my time driving... got 11 ZDX Advance, 03CRV EX, 93 Accord H22a swapped. Hforlife
I’ve got a secondhand rebuilt title 2010 base model Honda Civic automatic with 240,000 miles on it. It still gets 33 miles per gallon. It’s a great gas saver. Beats my 4Wd pick 17 mpg lol. Perfect for the little things to haul & it’s a great commuter. Now that I think about it, I have hauled all kinds of big things in it race slicks spare wheels about six big block Chevrolet heads in the trunk lol
I’ve hauled all kinds of stuff in it lol. Not to mention I’ve dragged things around with it. There’s a little tow hook on the back bumper FYI ha ha ha
I had an '09 Element and it was my favorite car ever. I'd still be driving it had a young lady not run a red light in front of me.
I owned a 2004 Honda Pilot. I bought it with 82,000 miles on it and just recently junked it with 351,000 miles on it. The transmission was starting to fail. I had very little issues with it other than regular maintenance. I wouldn't hesitate to but another Honda product.
2nd Fiero was totaled by an Element. Tried to race across an intersection when i didn't have the stop sign, he did. Left front at the A pillar, lucky i only had a bruise from the seatbelt. Loved that 4-speed Fiero
I found me one! Same year and color and 243k miles lol. $6000 2wd LX trim one owner :) Love it, thanks again for the video and ALL you do.
I bought an 04 a few months ago. 91,000 but was salvaged and rebuilt. Paid $8,000 great car!!
The 2.4 timing chain motor from 2003-2007 is the best motor Honda ever made. I love those in the Accords and CRVs as well.
The trim bits on my '09 Subaru Outback were getting gray so, after doing some research, I got Cerakote Trim Coat. Brought it all back to nice black and that was 2 years ago!!!
I do like how Honda put plastic panels on common areas (minus the doors) that are probably more prone to damage from dents and minor impacts from bumping into things, and that's probably why these don't really rust much (either its hidden behind the panels or it just doesn't rust like a typical panted surface -- as I know the Hondas from the late 80's and 90's were very prone to rusting especailly around the rear wheels/quarter panels. I'd actually like to find one of these to turn into a weekend camp type vehicle as it would be easy to convert into a simple, basic, camper "vehicle" (probably just remove the rear seat mostly and add things like a matt and perhaps a small table and chair) since these can be found relatively cheap.
But $2k for this is a steal to be honest. Tires (and brakes) are "nothing" in the way of possibly needed repairs and are almost rexpected on most lower-cost used cars (cheap used cars, you can expect to do some work, plugs, wires, tires, brakes).
I think the Element is perhaps one of the lesser known, good, older SUVs you can buy cheap that can run for a long time (although I think thes do still use a timing belt, but that's not an issue as long as you replace it at regular intervals like 60k miles).
I've found that sometimes when you start playing around with electrical systems too, adding components in for example, can obviously cause problems (this sounds pretty obvious I guess) but sometimes they can be harder to trace, but likely related to the battery issue as I have seen that where you may get weird codes or issues that go away, likely due to voltage differences. Luckily this person only did the battery (which it probably needed) and not try to get ripped of by someone telling them its a PCM or engine computer.
I bought one a month ago, a 2004 awd auto. It came from Oklahoma to Michigan a few years ago. Being a used vehicle, it does need some suspension work and an alignment. It will get a lift, just not as wild as my brothers CR-V.
I love this model Honda. Wife and daughter talked me out of buying a used one years ago. I ended up with a brand new 2009 Honda CRV which I still have. 198k miles and still trucking. This Element is filthy inside. Geez it needs a deep cleaning. The engines should be wiped down also. Exterior appears to be dent free. Looks like a good purchase, but at least clean the darn thing before you sell it. I also wipe down the engine compartment of all of my cars once a year.
I went to a dealership yesterday looked at a 08 impala it had 186k miles on it and they wanted $4500 cash or $6500 if financed . These dealers are ripping ppl off big time
There are several Rural Letter Carriers from USPS that have to supply their own vehicle and use these Honda Elements. Many have right hand controls installed. They say they are the best vehicles for the job which is very demanding for any vehicle!
8:28 when I sell a car this is one reason why I always include in the ad that my price is firm and already represents the lowest amount of money I'm willing to take. nobody showing up hoping to haggle on the price. a buyer can like everything about the car and still walk away because they don't feel they got a good enough deal and/or they had intended to haggle you from the very start. when you let somebody comes and test drives your car and takes up an hour of your time it can be hard not to avoid parting ways with $$$ and leave cash on the table because you don't want to deal with having to go through the whole process of showing the car all over again to a different potential buyer.
I did research on buying a Honda Element, but I found out that they are one of the most targeted vehicles by catalytic converter thieves because of how high they sit off the ground.
I have an '07 Ridgeline. It has a strange look but dang, it will outlast the sun. AC and cruise are the only creature comforts I require.
The catalytic converters are easy to steal, though.
Tell Junior to join "Element Owners Club" and find update parts, best way to treat the plastic and so on
Thank you Car Wizard for your hard work and info on good cars to buy!! This is very important to know for both ourselves and our family. Keep up the good work!!
Great car.. my 07 Accord has 314k, and it's using a bit of oil. It's a pretty common thing with these K24s.. keep oil in it and it just keeps going.
We have two! One Safari and one Root beer and man, they work great for dog transport and daily errands. New owner can get some toaster grease for the plastics or just repaint them, we repainted them.
I have a 2006. It has been great. Always change the fluids.
The exterior cladding is actually supposed to be grey. That fading isn't bad. Later models had darker grey (almost black) cladding.
Wizard, These Honda Elements with 3 - 400000 km are selling between 8- 12K usd up here in Alberta, Canada
I have a 03 yukon with 246,000 on it and it runs like a new one.
Bought a honda element when i got put of the army for 2,800$.
Usually stuff that needed repairs. No major work required.
Someone rear-ended me 2 days after i got my plumbing license. that was the end of that car.
I did have a Chevy cruze that was on its last legs before i left the army. i just gave it to a friend to use it up before i left.
There's a lot of products that can freshen up that black trim. With that much trim, the appearance can be improved a lot.
I'd just take it to a detailer. Seriously, with proper maintenance, these last forever. It's probably got another 250k in it. Really clean. Definitely one I'd buy.
After 10 years and 100K miles with a 2005 Element 5 speed I lost it to a collision on a Thursday, had a 2011 Auto Element back in my driveway the next Tuesday. 2 things that I think you missed in this article are the wonders of the totally flat load floor (Element is the only one of the ‘square cars’ that doesn’t have a hump in the floor under the back seat). This makes it the ultimate bicycle hauler. Mrs Wizard sold the factory stereo short, all EX models regardless of year came stock with 270 watt XSM ready factory theftlock system with a subwoofer. Another noteworthy Element quirk is a choppy ride due to limited rear suspension travel from the aforementioned flat load floor, but Honda kept the integrity of the independent rear suspension and both 5 speed and automatic cars (mine have both been FWD not AWD) are great fun to toss around twisties. Proving the old adage “it’s more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow”.
How about the cracked windshield and leaking oil pan with all of the blue silicone sealant on it?
I have a Honda element 2003 and I love it even with all the problems it had. Yours looks like great condition. $2000 is definitely a steal, dealers are selling one in worse condition for 10k in the North East. Mine has rust and i would love one with out it for $2000, it wouldn't even meed to have an engine in it 😅 Enjoy.
Congrats Jr. Mint. You've chosen well. Hold onto that and it'll last as long as you want it to.