Originally Posted by masi61

2004 Element FWD 5 speed manual here. Purchased new. It has 211 thousand miles on it now.

I can transport bikes inside but use the receiver hitch with a basic Thule rack which is handy for me to stage (last minute tire pressure check and cleaning) my bike prior to rides.

Love the concept. It is disappointing that I can't find enough love for the maintenance (have had some sub-par servicing over the years). I have an Ingen stainless cat back exhaust, and switched to 18" wheels that were originally for a Honda 5 door Accord (I can't think what that model is called). I also replaced the original motor mounts (4 motor mounts and one transmission mount) with urethane motor mounts. I am about to get my manual trans bushings replaced with aftermarket ones. I have replaced the struts and springs twice. The front end still has squeaks and random "thunk"ing noises over rough terrain. The 4 cylinder block I have heard is super robust and racers seek out these engines for self fabricated turbo or drag racing project engines.