I'm responding without reading the other responses, so there may be some duplication or contradiction here.

I just got an 07 Element in November. I don't like the gas mileage, because I was driving a 40 mpg diesel Beetle before this. No, you can't hose it out--there are a lot of electronics that could be damaged. But I do use a rag and a bucket to clean the floors after I vacuum. I don't like that it doesn't have an outside temperature gauge. It holds my bikes just fine. I will put a hitch on it so I can use my bike rack, too, but I don't really need it.

I'm not really, truly happy with the acceleration on the freeway. It's kind of sluggish, but I can adjust my driving to that. I don't regret buying it, though it doesn't have the sense of tradition or panache that the Beetle did!

OH! I see you got one already. Congratulations!

Karen