I would wait for the 2007 model year. The 2007 element will have side curtain airbags, slightly more power, and a 5 speed automatic transmission (if you drive auto). The car will handle better, be slightly faster, and have improved fuel economy. The new Element should hit dealerships in 2-3 months.I test drove an awd EX manual and was impressed with the handling. Since the front passengers sit fairly low, the driving is fairly carlike, and the interior packaging is pretty clever. Rear seat passengers sit high and you can fit skis under the rear seats without folding them up.Fuel economy is better than virtually any SUV but not in Honda Civic or even Accord territory. Expect mpg to be in the low 20's overall. It's essentially a box moving a lot of air around. There's also a fairly active online club where you can get lots of additional info. See below for the link.