I've been out of town - so I'm finally getting to pipe in on this thread.

I, too have an Element (2004). We love it! Mr. Fish (hubby) is a woodturner/woodworker so we are constantly picking up logs from interesting trees from the side of the road.

It's great for hauling the dogs around and the kids! We have 2 young children and have taken the Element of numerous long (multi-day) road trips and it still looks (almost) as good as new. I love being able to wipe everything down and being able to sweep it out! I have not yet taken the hose to it, but I'm dying to try it!

I've also transported 2 bikes in it (w/o kids) with no problem at all! You can fill the thing pretty much endlessly. We say it has a black hole generator.

Once you get in one - you'll love it!