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Well folks, there’s going to be one more FJ Cruiser out there for one of you to buy. I just couldn’t wait any longer to get a reliable Do-It-All utility vehicle for a daily driver and the fact that the FJ Cruiser doesn’t have a rear tailgate, fold flat seats and flat floor has been really bumming me out, as well as, buying a pre-release first year production model. Honestly, what was Toyota thinking when they didn’t put a tailgate on this thing?
Anyway, I think Honda got the interior and rear hatch right on their Element. The Element is one of the most universal vehicles I have ever seen (much like my International Travelall with a flat floor, folding/removable rear seat and a TAILGATE!). The one thing I never really liked about the Honda Element is the funky gray plastic panels all over it, but in 2006 Honda offers the EX-P (“P”ainted side, front and rear panels) and the remaining plastic rockers, roof rails and bumpers are black. Much better looking!
Now I’d be the first to admit the Element is no “real” 4x4 like the FJC is supposed to be. It does have 4WD that kicks in when the front wheels break loose via a center clutch/transfer case system that transfers power to the rear wheels when needed. This should be helpful in snow, dirt and sand, but clearly not a true 4x4 off-road vehicle by any means. It wasn’t meant to be and I still have my 4x4 Travelall beast for that.
If you haven’t already guessed by now, I bought a 2006 Honda Element EX-P 4WD in Atomic Blue Metallic (new 2006 color). Standard features are top notch and the 6-speaker with sub-woofer stereo CD/MP3/XM is wonderful. It’s not just XM capable, but XM completely installed. That means it’s ready to go when you drive it home and the first three months are free.
Ended up getting about $2k of MSRP. That makes this loaded Element about $10K cheaper than a loaded FJC (if prices come in where we think they will?). Plus the Element has been out for a few years already and that makes me feel better. I may revisit the FJ Cruiser in about 2 ½ -3 years, but for now I am a real happy camper with my new Honda Element EX-P 4WD daily driver!!!
If you don’t need a “real” 4x4 vehicle, then I highly recommend taking a serious look at the Honda Element EX-P 4WD for it’s unequaled utility design and economy. But, if you want to do real 4x4ing, then stay the course…
So, there’s one more FJ Cruiser out there for one of you. Hope you get the loaded FJ Cruiser that I was going to buy (whenever they get them out
)
Cheers!
Anyway, I think Honda got the interior and rear hatch right on their Element. The Element is one of the most universal vehicles I have ever seen (much like my International Travelall with a flat floor, folding/removable rear seat and a TAILGATE!). The one thing I never really liked about the Honda Element is the funky gray plastic panels all over it, but in 2006 Honda offers the EX-P (“P”ainted side, front and rear panels) and the remaining plastic rockers, roof rails and bumpers are black. Much better looking!
Now I’d be the first to admit the Element is no “real” 4x4 like the FJC is supposed to be. It does have 4WD that kicks in when the front wheels break loose via a center clutch/transfer case system that transfers power to the rear wheels when needed. This should be helpful in snow, dirt and sand, but clearly not a true 4x4 off-road vehicle by any means. It wasn’t meant to be and I still have my 4x4 Travelall beast for that.
If you haven’t already guessed by now, I bought a 2006 Honda Element EX-P 4WD in Atomic Blue Metallic (new 2006 color). Standard features are top notch and the 6-speaker with sub-woofer stereo CD/MP3/XM is wonderful. It’s not just XM capable, but XM completely installed. That means it’s ready to go when you drive it home and the first three months are free.
Ended up getting about $2k of MSRP. That makes this loaded Element about $10K cheaper than a loaded FJC (if prices come in where we think they will?). Plus the Element has been out for a few years already and that makes me feel better. I may revisit the FJ Cruiser in about 2 ½ -3 years, but for now I am a real happy camper with my new Honda Element EX-P 4WD daily driver!!!
If you don’t need a “real” 4x4 vehicle, then I highly recommend taking a serious look at the Honda Element EX-P 4WD for it’s unequaled utility design and economy. But, if you want to do real 4x4ing, then stay the course…
So, there’s one more FJ Cruiser out there for one of you. Hope you get the loaded FJ Cruiser that I was going to buy (whenever they get them out
Cheers!