Whats the deal with the Element offered only 4WD w/ automatic? Arg, I would consider buying it, if only it came in standard... Whats the deal?


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It will be offered with a 5-Speed Manual Transmission starting this summer or fall

Are you considering buying one?

 

You make it sound like a bad thing... Yes, I was considering buying one, until i checked the website and saw that it was only a four seater (big family). Who makes a 4 seater SUV? Why not replace the back two seats with a bench?

Although, now that I know it is coming in standard, I am not sure. I might just go with the CR-V as it can fit more people.

 

How did I make it sound like a bad thing?? I love the Element

It's not designed for families. The two rear seats can be configured in many different ways, whereas a bench could not.

 

Yeah, actually I think I am going to get a standard awd.

I was thinking of getting it for my kids to drive. I have four of em, so I just wanted some more seats, but since 2 are in university, it doesn't 'really' matter that much.

Thanks for your help...

 

First off, the Element was designed for college kids. Not for large families. In fact, when I asked the salesperson why the heck the skylight was in the back, he said it was for when you were on the beach and needed to change your bathing suit, you could stand up and not flash anyone.

Second, The element is a real-time AWD. What this means is it is primarily a FWD car until one of the front tires slip, then it transfers power to one of the rear wheels. That means that 90% of the time or more, it will only be a FWD car. My girlfriend and I were looking at it as well, and really besides that, the only difference between a 2WD EX and AWD EX is the skylight in the back. I told her it wasn't worth an extra $3k. The difference between a 5spd 2WD EX and AWD EX ends up being almost $4k i think.

BTW, if you are deadset on an AWD 5 spd it's coming out in the fall.

 

And alloy wheels....and a CD player...and a stereo...and A/C...and better looking exterior plastic...etc etc

 

Ummm...that is completely wrong. You're thinking about the difference between a DX and an EX. The 2WD EX and the 4WD EX are exactly the same except for the real-time AWD and the skylight, and of course, you can get the 2WD EX in a 5 spd.

 

ok i'm just curious why the heck would you guys want to buy one of these things? me and everyone I know thinks they are ridiculously ugly... just curious to what you see in them?

 

spacious. unique looking. I actually like the way they look.