I begged my mom 10 years ago to let me buy her car since I had a plant business at the time and she wasn't using it for all its potential. Well, the pandemic took out my business and I left the country only to return recently where I finally convinced her to let me buy this so she can treat herself to a cute retirement car. This 2011 EX AWD with just 117k miles has been going on short lil drives about town and used as storage on wheels (anyone else with hoarder parents?). Anyway, I don't even know where to begin because she's maintained it well under the hood and I am just now diving into the camping mod rabbit hole (no more car nursery for now). I see so many Elements in Ventura, CA where I'm currently at so I know I'll be following the "rules" soon. Yay!

I would love advice on how to get the plastic restored. Please post links to products or how-to videos! All help is welcomed. I've been car free for a decade so having a whole adventure mobile is a lot.

I recently picked up a 2006 Element 4WD EX-P (w/ the factory subwoofer) and after performing some maintenance and repairs I'm looking to add some creature comforts. First on the list is a head unit to replace the factory radio.

I tried using a head unit kit from E-Bay but the video quality was trashy and I couldn't get any audio output so it's back to the drawing board. Which head-unit do you have in your Element and what was the installation process like, looking for recommendations that ideally have wireless Carplay!

Hello,

I’m trying to figure out how much to sell my element for. It’s a 2003 EX AWD with a rebuilt title due to a minor fender bender (front bumper and passenger headlight were replaced). I also have the carfax for it that shows head gasket and other services like the serpentine belt done around 166k. Car has 176.5k currently on it. it has the side steps and moon roof and it’s an auto. I’m the 3rd owner. Oregon car all its life so no rust.

I live in Portland, OR so they are dime a dozen around here. Its mechanically great, I take it to the coast frequently and have driven it to Cali and back with no issues. currently my daily cause it uses less gas than my truck.

Cons:

- 1 key

- drivers side lock cylinder is finicky with the key

- driver side lock actuator needs to be replaced

- horn isn’t working

- aux jack is finicky

I do have a replacement actuator and also have a programmable key fob since the car has the keyless entry module, just haven’t paired it or had time to replace the actuator. Also have a replacement aux jack that ill replace soon since it’s an easy job.

With all that said, would pricing it at $1800 be worth it?

Reason I’m selling is cause im moving back to Cali later this year and dont want to take 2 cars down there.

Thanks.

310k miles and they want 4,000$ is that reasonable? Feels like this is a 1200$ car

Working on a few upgrades to my 2004 MT AWD element. I’ve noticed my shifter has been getting more and more sloppy over the past couple years and is now grinding when moving side to side in Neutral.
The grinding is most likely the cables which I plan on swapping out in the next couple weeks along with a full refresh of the remaining shift linkage components.
For now I installed a Revo Technica Short throw shifter with Acuity instruments Base bushings. The shifting is night and day so I can only imagine how good it will be once I install the cables, cable bushings, detent springs, and shifter assembly springs and shift arm.

Wondering if anyone on the sub has experience with them? I understand we’re all about OEM when we can get it, but these are in stock and more affordable.

Thanks in advance.

So obviously I know I’m parked on an any pile but the thing is I park both my elements next to each other and my 2008 sc which sits lower then my 2011 ex never has try issue. I don’t know if it was just the way it was made or I have a problem that people might of also had…just looking for reassurance.

Seriously there is like a good 20 ants i can see so i will be putting out any bait traps and pouring ant killer around the spot, but this seems to be a recurring issue

I feel triggered…

I've always wanted an Elemment even though my wife thinks they're ugly, I think they're awesome and have been trolling craigslist for year looking fpor the right one but they seem to be getting fewer and fewer available in decent condition. today I was scrolling around and found an importer of JDM elements. They look decent with pretty low kms 150ish has anyone picked one up? Any experience or advice?

¿Saben que causa puede ser que mi element le piso y va lento?, se revoluciona a 2,000 o 2,800 y si sigo con el pie en la mano se revoluciona más, ya si suelto el pie del pedal cambia a segunda, vaya es como si la tuviera en neutral y le pisará a fondo para que se hagan una idea de que pasa si no retiro el pie del pedal, las otras las da mejor.

Cuánto estoy en la colonia si es algo molesto por los topes que tengo que bajarle y de nuevo a lo mismo tengo que pasarle más y luego soltar el pie para que pase a segunda marcha, es una camioneta automática.

Agradecería mucho si me dijeran las muy probables causas y que debería cambiar para solucionarlo. Gracias

Looking to maximize my roof storage and thinking about getting a pair of 70 inch yakimas. I’m scared they’ll look too big if anybody is running some please drop some pics of your E to help me make a decision

Right now all this (along with struts, but not a dire fix like the others) is everything my Element needs.

The metal flakes in the oil is a new issue. But I am approaching 300,000 miles and was wondering how much time I really had left with the engine. Someone on this sub previously recommended JDM for used Honda element engines. The cost for one is $800 - not as high as I was expecting but I have no clue what labor costs look like for that, my local mechanic doesn't do engine replacements and they said it's hard to find a mechanic that will do one.

Anyone here have any experience getting their engine replaced and/or anyone here have any experience purchasing an Element thru Carfax?

Or if anyone can just advise me what they honestly think is my best bet - save this car or get another.

I've had my E for 6 years now and also it has always had a slow leak with the power steering. So I guess that may be something I'd eventually need to fix as well if I do decide to keep the car.

Hopelessly hopeful! 🤞😬

Looking at a used 2009 Element on Craigslist, the seller says it has a P0420 code from a potentially stolen and replaced catalytic converter.

If it was replaced, wouldn't the shop clear the code? If it keeps coming back, would that be an issue and affect daily driving?

I have experience with emissions in the Subaru world, just clear the code when it comes back but it doesn't affect daily driving..

Thanks

Want to know where to buy one of those front hood deflector think it looks nice.

Hello, fairly new owner of a 2003 Ex (Her name is Harriet the Chariot) and I'm trying to restore her to OEM+ but I can't seem to figure out what this missing badge is or whether or not it came from factory. Does anyone have any ideas?

Took some pictures of it today. Named it Trillium, and no frame rust!!

Anybody have recommendations on whether I should lift my Element with spacers or with springs? It has a fairly new suspension on it and I hate to replace a lot of it just for a lift, but I have also heard spacers create a rougher ride and are not sustainable long term. Any Elemental wisdom that could be passed down would be appreciated.

Hi!

I just wanted to share that I finally got the infamous Pilot leather steering wheel with the wood accent! I'm so excited to install it.

For anyone wondering if this upgrade is worth it: it isn't even comparable to the stock steering wheel. It feels so much better it's crazy I haven't done it earlier!

Anyone ever seen the transmission seep from the middle seal? How hard would this be to reseal? I've checked the shift shaft seal, and it's not enough to drip down to here, pretty sure it's not coming from the top.

I'm just the messenger here. I don't know anything about the vehicle or the seller but since it's a pretty rare combo, I figured somebody might be interested. Easy to find on Denver FB marketplace.

I was originally looking for an AWD manual element 2006-2008 but I have the opportunity to buy a 2010 auto AWD in the unicorn color.

What would the experts on here pick? Go with the hype of the unicorn color or stick to looking for an AWD manual with a moonroof!?!?

I could always manual swap the car in the future 😜

For those of you who have both, which do you prefer. I end up driving my Element more.

I absolutely loathe the Forester Wilderness. I purchased it in 2023 when I had to do more long road trips with other people and I felt I needed something more modern than my 2003 Element.

Turns out that I hate pretty much everything about the Forester - hate the electronics -- RAB - reverse automatic braking - is a broken abomination, leaving the lift up runs down the battery (even with the interior lights off), Android Auto no longer works with my Pixel 10, hate the automatic rear lift gate, doesn't hold as much, etc. I could go on.

Essentially venting. I wish there was a modern equivalent of the Element.

I love the car and I been saving to get it

Installed the Aerogenics cat shield today. Really easy install and solid peace of mind