Need Help With my Decision!!

[AcousticFrEEk]

I have been looking at buying a new car for a while and have done TONS of research and have it decided between two cars, a Honda Element (dont laugh), or an AWD Vibe. I was just wondering why I should choose the Vibe over the Element.BTY, I'm going to get a pretty good deal on the Vibe, there's a dealer in northern Idaho, that will deliver the car to my house and sells all there cars at invoice minus any rebates... but anyways thanks for the help.

[ragingfish]

I can't tell you much about the Element besides it being fugly. Never owned or drove a Honda, so I don't know how they drive. Hondas supposedly are known for their reliability, but I've owned and drove Pontiacs my whole life (and my parents have done the same).Keep in mind, you're getting Toyota quality here. Toyota has ousted DC and taken the #3 spot in the nation. There's a reason for that. Their products are reliable, fashionable, and excellent performers. The Element is listed on average as getting MPGs floating around the mid 20s. The AWD Vibe is rated at 26/31 (city/hwy). The Honda will give you a bit more power (160) vs AWD VIbe (123), but keep in mind that 160 is moving more weight too, so you'll probably break even in that department. Not sure why you pick the AWD, but if that's negotiable, go for the Base at 130 hp, or even the GT at a orgasmic 173...add lift to that, and it's one fantastic ride. Just wish I'd gotten one. Anyway, what specific things about the Element attract you, what about each do you like/dislike, then we can help sway you more!

[AcousticFrEEk]

thanks for the reply, i just like the versatility of the interior of the element, how the back seats can fold into the sides and how roomy it is, like cargo space and everything. i would get the awd vibe because idaho does get some snow in the winters and i snowboard like 3-4 times a week...(figure it'll help going up) so thanks again.

[ragingfish]

In terms of cargo capacity, the Element definitely wins hands down, with mid 70's in terms of cubic inches for cargo space. Vibe has mid 50's. Still a lot of space.Guess it depends on what you're gonna be hauling!!! Don't forget, Vibe can be hitched to a (very light) trailer, or you have the roof rack option too!

[jake75]

Seems as if AWD is important in Idaho and to your lifestyle so I would think that would be the clincher as I don't think the funky (not fugly) Honda Element is AWD. I can see owning an Element someday but I thought they were a bit overpriced and here it seems as if discounts or any other incentives are nil. Also, I heard there were some quality problems with the Element though that may be history by now.

[AKLGT]

ah, caldwell, eh? i went to school for 2 yrs in nampa at NW Nazarene.also, consider if you really like the suicide doors on the element. i had them on my tundra and grew to hate them with a passion. just a pain to have to open your door first!

[scherry2]

I can send you a GM certificate for a vibe if you would like, it will give you a GMS price + all rebates and incentives. email me at scherry2@comcast.net with your name and address and i can send one right out.

[Mavrik]

Go with the AWD Vibe, its more appearance friendly, a very sporty roomy car and you will have a lot of space for your snow gear.

[Fformula88]

You need to go drive both of these vehicles and see how you like them. Which one feels like its faster, rides better, handles better etc. Also, you have todecide if you want to live with the element's styling over the long haul. You want a good reason to pick the Vibe over the Element. That good deal your going to get on it. You should be able to get a very well equiped Vibe for a lot less than a similarly equipped Element. With the Toyota drivetrain, the Vibe should be the equal of the element in the reliability department. You'd only be giving up a few cubes of space, and seats that fold sideways instead of forward. With these two choices, I'd take the more stylish Vibe and a few extra $$ in my pocket. I just don't see the little bit of extra toom in the element to be worth having to drive a box or pay extra for it. But definately get what YOU want. If you don't your not going to be happy with it anyway. Good luck and have fun!

[AcousticFrEEk]

i just wanted to thank everyone in helping me with my decision....i called the dealer and told him i want a vibe, so he's driving down like 3 hours to find out what i want on it and everything..(think i'm gonna order it) ..so we'll see what happens!!

[Jahntassa]

Definitely a good decision. I, too, considered the Element as I was on my search for a vehicle. I knew I wanted the Vibe, but I wanted to check out the competition as well..The element has LOTS of storage space, and the versatility is awesome, but:I almost rolled it in my test drive. If you take corners with any amount of speed, don't do it in an Element.I was thrown off by the dash. When you get in..it's like.. DASH!! It's huge! And then the cavernous space behind you...felt wierd.The ugly factor I could get over, provided I dumped another howevermuch money into upgrading this and that...But you'll be impressed with the Vibe, it might not have trick-pony back seats, but it'll definitely haul!

[dsegundo]

I'm a goaltender when I play hockey and with the back seats folded down I can get my hockey bag in with plenty of room to spare...Oh and I've also got subs in the back too....btw my bag is 43"long by 20"x 20". I can't imagine how much more room you'd need. I can actually get two more friend's hockey bags but they're a little smaller and still have room for overnight bags...

[GT_03]

Never been a huge Honda fan, but i think if you took the element around a sharp turn, it would just tip. Wayyyy to boxy. The Vibe at least has some sleek style to it. And it has a Toyota motor, which is about as reliable as it gets.

[Fformula88]

Congrats on making your decision. You should be happy with it! Good luck on working with the dealer and getting your order in place! Enjoy!

[AKLGT]

Quote, originally posted by AcousticFrEEk »I have been looking at buying a new car for a while and have done TONS of research and have it decided between two cars, a Honda Element (dont laugh), or an AWD Vibe. I was just wondering why I should choose the Vibe over the Element.BTY, I'm going to get a pretty good deal on the Vibe, there's a dealer in northern Idaho, that will deliver the car to my house and sells all there cars at invoice minus any rebates... but anyways thanks for the help.you must be talking about dave smith auto in Kellogg, ID. They have awesome deals. tons of folks here buy from them, and then ship up or drive their vehicles back to AK. just wasn't cost effective or worth the wait for me. but good pick! you will like the vibe. make sure you get a CAI at the very least to help w/ hp/torque for getting up the mtns. where do you go snowboarding? bogus basin? sun valley?

[AcousticFrEEk]

actually the dealer is from salmon, idaho, phil hansen....but ive heard of the one from kellog also! i usually go up to bogus basin...if i have a lot of time ill drive up to brundage...its cool that someone else is familiar w/ the area!!