I looked at an Element and really liked it, but the increase in price (new) to get AWD was utterly insane (like $4k more than an Impreza) and the AWD at that time only came as an automatic. Grrr!

The Element is a very cool car for hauling stuff. Just be aware that the overlapping doors substitute for the "B" pillar in a crash. You don't have kids to worry about, so I don't imagine that'd be an issue.

I sure did like the Elements, though... but I have SKnot to consider!