Makin' the "Big Jump" to the Darkside!

[wangofree]

Having bought a 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid, our 2000 CRV SE has moved over to being MY CAR! My wife drives the HCH, and I get what I've always lusted after, the CRV. :D

The only problem is, both cars are paid for, so I owe zip on them, and I really love the way the CRV handles, it's really love at first sight. Life is simple. The problem is, I pass by a cool upscale used car dealer everyday, and I spotted a 2003 Element EX. At first I would just stop and look in the windows. Then I started doing some arithmetic. Then I mentioned to someone looking for a car that I "might" be willing to sell the CRV. Then we test drove the E and wife said "it's your car, do what you want". :P

Now I'm really falling for the E. I want to be able to "car camp" with it, since we love camping. I think this is much better suited for that activity. Plus it's comfy, looks cool, and is versatile.

Not too hot on the back door mechnism, the windshield "bomb", and the small hit on gas. But being as I only drive 10 miles to work roundtrip on rainy/snowy days when I can't bike, I can live with that.

I think I can get $13,000 for our 00 CRV SE. The dealer wants $14,580 for the E EX which comes with OEM roof rack, side steps, and factory installed fog lamps. Looking on eBay, this seems like a great price. The mileage on the V is 63k. The E has 43k on the odometer.

Does anyone have thoughts of encouragement or discouragement?

Mike

[wangofree]

Man this board is dead. :roll:

[jbarco]

I went the other way. I traded an 04 Element EX 4wd auto in on an 05 CRV SE. I chose to get rid of the Element because we were getting a 5th person in on our carpool. I also provide frequent transportation for my elderly mother and sister (who has MS) and they both had problems getting into my E's back seat.

I was really happy with the Element's versatility. I hauled shrubs, bikes, barrels, and just about anything that wouldn't leak or drip. I'm a little hesitant to do anything yet with the CRV and its leather interior. I'll have to break it in some day too, I guess.

You'll like the Element. The big differences I've noticed so far is the CRV get about 2 mpg better gas mileage and seems a little more comfortable riding on the highway with its slightly longer wheelbase.

JB

[wangofree]

Thanks JB. Looking forward to purchasing the E. I'm sure you'll enjoy the V. I'm torn on making this trade.

[bing]

$13K for a 2000 CR-V is a really good price. These cars sure hold their value well. Is the E EX a 4wd or 2wd? I think for less than $2K to upgrade to the E, it's a good deal because you get to drive a newer vehicle with more power.

However, the E isn't for everyone. The seats is a bit lower than your V. Some folks don't like the flip up seats. But if you like the look and can live with it being a 4 seater, it'll be a good buy as a trade up.

Let us know what you end up with.

B.

[wangofree]

Hey Bing,
Ex is 4 AWD, with factory roof rack and fog lamps. Man, I can't pass that up. Just 2 of us in the family, so after adding trailer hitch for bike rack, and transferring our Yakima box we're ready to go camping.

$13,000 is asking price on V. Will settle for $12,500, since I'm selling to a workmate.

Mike