Honda Car Forum

I can choose between a 2002 CRV with 78000 miles on it, or a 2005 Element with 30000 on it. Which car is better? I REALLY like the CRV, but is it worth getting one with that many miles on it? (It's what I can afford). Any info on visibility issues with the Element?Thanks.

As long as it was taken care the 78,000 miles on CRV should not be a concern. Go with your gut and pick the one you like.

If it was the new CRV, it would have been OK but in this case I think you should go for the Element.

the crv is a better vehicle,as long as its in real good shape and has been well maintained,id rather have it than the element any day,78 thousand is not a lot of miles for a Honda to have on it,so it should be ok,i think you,ll like i a lot better than you would the element,i know it will drive a lot better than the element will also,good luck on it.

Dodgeman, when was the last time you drove an Element? The Element drives wonderfully. As far as visibility goes, it has real good visibility. First of all they're build on the exact same platform, same engine, same suspension. They're both great vehicles, but I would go with the one that you like best. Keep in mind though that the CR-V is going to have a little better resale value down the road.

You would be better off with the CR-V. It has the capabilites of an SUV. The Element is better if you are the camping type, b/c the seats fold down, and make a complete bed. I would check with Consumer Reports, though both of them are recommended.

Considering that the Element is based on the CR-V drive train, I would go with the '05 Element.I know of one accident where a friend survived a hit from a much larger SUV and only needed some body work replacement. It's still in daily use. I'd say it's a safe vehicle for you and your loved ones.

AM A HONDA TECH IM GOING TO BUY AN 07 ELEMENT EX 5 SPEEDBOTH ARE NOT BAD CARS BOTH ARE EXCELLENT CARS ASK FOR THEIR SERVICE HISTORY RECORDS. LOOK A BODY DAMAGE. LISTEN TO SOUNDS OF MOTOR. GET A CARFAX REPORT. SEE HOW BOTH DRIVE ANYTHING FUNNY? VIBRATIONS? LET CAR WARM UP TO OPERATING TEMP BEFORE DRIVING. VIBRATIONS AT HIGHWAY SPEED OR VIBRATION WHILE BRAKING? SMOOTH TRANSMISSION SHIFTS? CHECK ALL FLUIDS COLOR AND CLEANLINESS. A/C AND HEAT BOTH WORK? UNEVEN TIRE WEAR? MISALIGNED STEERING WHEEL OR CAR PULLS TO SIDE WHILE DRIVING (ALIGNMENT ISSUES)? BODY DAMAGE? CHECK FOR ALL THESE PROBLEMSDONT BE AFRAID OF MILEAGE HONDAS ARE BUILT TO LAST FOREVER LITERALLY. BOTH ARE VERY AFFORDABLE/ CHEAP TO FIX AND MAINTAIN. BOTH HAVE GREAT SAFETY RATINGS. BOTH ARE OUT OF WARRANTY SO JUST LOOK CAUTIOUSLY YOU CANT GO BAD WITH EITHER CAR IF BOTH ARE GOOD IT JUST COMES DOWN TO WHICH ONE YOU LIKE MORE