First I'm going to apologize for this being SO FRICKIN' LONG!!!
Ok, ok, ok. SO. I FINALLY pulled myself away from my busy little life and went to Honda to test drive both an Element and a CR-V. The verdict is in...
I LOVED the Element! I know some fellow BPOer's recommended the CR-V to me all the way, but I absolutely LOVED the Element!!! I think it's probably due to the fact that I prefer boxy, simple styles of vehicles versus curvy and fancy. I don't know. I did own a Jeep Wrangler once, and it's still my favorite vehicle I ever had (just not very practical being a 2 door). The Element on the other hand - is COMPLETELY practical for us!
Eric didn't come along, I went solo to see if I would even like it (or the CR-V) first. First of all (this is a bit silly) but when I walked into the dealership my name was on this big screen for my scheduled test drive time. Ya - it was corny (but) I liked it anyhow (ha ha - go figure). Ya, I am kinda corny too - so hey, what the heck?!
Then I went to reception and met the guy that I had booked my test drives with over the internet. TOTALLY nice guy, not the "creepy carsalesmen" type IN THE LEAST. The first thing he did was take me thru all the info on both the Element and CR-V. He showed me EVERYTHING from where the oil stick was, to how many different seat configurations there were. That took about a half hour...
Then onto the test drives. I tried both the automatic and manual transmissions in the Element. The auto was a noisy mess with no power, it really sucked - I hated it. The manual on the other hand (which is what my car is now) was the complete opposite! Quieter, zippy (I actually couldn't believe how zippy it was), handled just like a car - all around a completely different vehicle than the auto. He kept telling me to "really test it out" and I thought I did, but then he asked to drive. OMG - he drove that Element like a frickin' rally car, it was absolutely INSANE! From taking corners SUPER fast, to driving along a gravel washboard road FULL of potholes - it was awesome and I got to see what the Element can REALLY do!
I tried the CR-V's. I liked them, but not as much. Call me old-fashioned (and I'm not dissing anyone on BPO that has one) but they just were too much for me. Too many pretty things, not enough "easy" things like the Element (such as the Element's wash-out flooring and HUGE amount of space in the back for Kate). One major thing I liked better about the CR-V (and didn't like about the Element) is that the back windows on the Element only open like minivan windows (they push out), whereas the CR-V's are normal opening windows. But I think it would be manageable...
So then I priced one out with him, under no obligation what so ever. I was at the dealership for a total of 2 hours. Seriously, who does this when they're not guaranteed the sale? I was REALLY, REALLY impressed. I guess they're not the #1 Honda dealership in Canada for nothing. He was very personable, told me if I did choose to look further into getting the Element, to bring the hubby and the dog in to try it out with me. No pressure what so ever - he even suggested I go look around elsewhere too. He was just awesome. AWESOME.
BUT - there's bad news. Dad decided he can't afford my car afterall (thanks a lot Dad - you're the one who started all this)!!! I'm planning to see how much I would be able to get for my car on a trade-in. The only good thing is that I went into my current car's financing with really high payments to have it paid off faster, so I think (if I had to trade it in) I would be ok. But we'll see...
Price-wise to lease an Element this guy knocked off $1,500 bucks and added in some extras for FREE. Plus, at this specific dealership you get oil changes for free - ALWAYS - no fine print! The Honda Canada guideline for "dog damage on leased vehicles" was only applicable to severe damage (seat rips, things being bitten, etc). YES - I asked (and) read this info!!!
So we'll see how it works out, I'm trying to not get too excited as I really liked the Element. I could get the top of the line model, fully loaded - for $20 less a month than I'm paying for my car now...
Thanks for listening and thanks for all of your suggestions and advise BPO!!!