We have owned our Honda Element new since 2003. It’s the only car we’ve ever bought brand new. It’s been through a lot with our family and watched us grow. It’s been a part of our family for 13 years this month in fact. As wonderful as it is to buy a new car off the lot, we would never do it again. Over $35,000 spent once it was paid off. The vehicle may be worth $2,500 for trade in value now.
I love the car. We have put nearly 265,000km on it with the only major repair being a new clutch. But repairs are about to start costing more than its value. All of the wear & tear, nicks & scratches have come from the use & abuse we have put it through. The Element has endured rather well. This vehicle is a great commuter car for a tall guy like me. It’s a 5 speed manual transmission with a four cylinder engine. It’s fun to drive and has a bit of pep to it. The repairs are mostly cosmetic and I should get them done at some point anyways.
Cracked taillight from when I backed into a pole. D’oh.
Cracked windshield from years of highway driving.
Muffler held together with wire.
My oldest is only a couple of years away from getting her license so I think we will keep this mini SUV for her to use when the time comes. I don’t think we will ever get rid of the car. It should last us for many more years.
If Honda still made the Element, I would consider buying another one for myself. It’s hard for me to find a new vehicle for myself since I haven’t driven a car since 2003 and SUVs aren’t exactly the most fuel efficient vehicles out there. We ditched our minvan five years ago for a Nissan Pathfinder (another fantastic vehicle btw) and I don’t think we could justify buying another large truck or SUV at this time.
Hopefully within a couple of years, a “new to me” vehicle will grace my driveway. But until then, I should probably get the oil changed regularly and fill the tires with air as needed.
