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So I've wanted one of these for years. Now that I'm retired it's time to get one. I'm looking at older models,2003-2007 ish. Just about everything I've found has very high mileage,from the low 100's to over 200k. Has anyone owned an Element that could give me feedback on buying used? Buying something with very high miles scares me,especially since I likely won't know the maintenance history. I used to work at the Honda engine plant so I know these engines well,but I've never bought anything with such high miles. I'm ok with 100k as long as it's had regular maintenance.
Thoughts?
I had a 2003 Element and kept it until 2012. It was a great car, and I've had second thoughts about selling it to this day. These days most makes will go at least 200K miles without major issues if they're maintained. Unless you travel cross country a lot, I wouldn't be too concerned with an Element with 100K miles. Look around, they may not be pretty, but you'll see lots of older Hondas still on the roads.
With any used cars, I always take it to an independent mechanic of my choice for a completely inspection before buying. If a seller won't allow it, I'd walk, they probably know something about the car they don't want you to know...
The Element used the same 2.4L 4-cylinder and transmissions from the 2003-2007 Accord. I've known plenty of those Accords to go 250k+ miles without any major problems (with regular maintenance). I think that bodes well for a higher mileage Element.
To stay within your budget (and avoid added complexity), you may want to look for a FWD model instead of AWD.
When I worked at Honda many of us would compete to see who could rack up the most miles on one of those 2.4L engines. 300k was nothing to brag about,and it usually took over 400k to get anyone's attention. I would have absolutely no concerns buying a 150-200k mile Element if I could know the maintenance history. If it was taken to a dealer for all service, I could contact someone to look up the vin # for me and get all the details. But a lot of people have their local mechanics do their service so it's not in the network.
I'm seeing quite a few Elements for sale in SW Florida,just haven't found the one I'm comfortable with yet.
When I worked at Honda many of us would compete to see who could rack up the most miles on one of those 2.4L engines. 300k was nothing to brag about,and it usually took over 400k to get anyone's attention. I would have absolutely no concerns buying a 150-200k mile Element if I could know the maintenance history. If it was taken to a dealer for all service, I could contact someone to look up the vin # for me and get all the details. But a lot of people have their local mechanics do their service so it's not in the network.
I'm seeing quite a few Elements for sale in SW Florida,just haven't found the one I'm comfortable with yet.
Thanks
If you check one out, take a set of tools with you and see if they will let you remove the valve cover. It only takes a few minutes. I know there are reports of some K-series motors gouging into the intake cam. Other than that, as you know, they are a VERY solid motor. Just get one, change the oil, give it a valve adjustment and drive it for another couple hundred thousand miles.
Just bought a 2006 Element with the AWD. 117k miles and in excellent shape. 5k out the door. Love it. I work at Honda, and whenever we get one of these for a trade- in (which is rare), it sells the same day. Great stereo system, moon roof, and all the bells and whistles.
We have a guy in town that drives a 2003 Element with 486, 000 miles and has never had a mechanical problem other than reg. maintenance. Going on 1st road trip this weekend.
Just bought a 2006 Element with the AWD. 117k miles and in excellent shape. 5k out the door. Love it. I work at Honda, and whenever we get one of these for a trade- in (which is rare), it sells the same day. Great stereo system, moon roof, and all the bells and whistles.
We have a guy in town that drives a 2003 Element with 486, 000 miles and has never had a mechanical problem other than reg. maintenance. Going on 1st road trip this weekend.
Congrats on a good find. 5K is a steal for a good condition AWD Element.
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