back to the cars thread

[Starfish]

Well, I have an Element, and it is true that it does not get great mileage. Better than what I was driving before, though. And, since I travel and camp alone, I like being inside the rig. Also, in this climate of rain, it is nice to camp in the rain and be really snug inside, without all the soggy-tent-drying, etc. This thing is great in the snow, too, and with the space inside, I have found myself enjoying just going up for a day in the snow, knowing I can hang out in the back and warm up with full headroom, computer jack in the back, etc.

The bike and I can both "sleep" inside...and the bike fits great without taking any wheels off, and no need to lay it down, etc. And, I can sleep stretched full out with room to spare for myself, bike, and stuff, and still have room on top for kayak (which is part of the plan for this summer).

Since I do travel alone, and since that has sometimes made me use hotels more than I would like, I will save more than $400 on hotel costs this summer on one already-planned trip alone. And, for instance, tonight I am going camping to get out of town and relax, and with the forecast for rain, I don't know if I would bother if I was tent camping. But, definitely cheaper than renting a cabin on the coast for the night, for instance.

So, of course it all depends on the mix of attributes one wants/needs. I know you made this thread about mileage...just thought I'd chime in with some of the mitigating factors for my car choice.

[mimitabby]

Well, I have an Element, and it is true that it does not get great mileage. Better than what I was driving before, though. And, since I travel and camp alone, I like being inside the rig. Also, in this climate of rain, it is nice to camp in the rain and be really snug inside, without all the soggy-tent-drying, etc. This thing is great in the snow, too, and with the space inside, I have found myself enjoying just going up for a day in the snow, knowing I can hang out in the back and warm up with full headroom, computer jack in the back, etc.

The bike and I can both "sleep" inside...and the bike fits great without taking any wheels off, and no need to lay it down, etc. And, I can sleep stretched full out with room to spare for myself, bike, and stuff, and still have room on top for kayak (which is part of the plan for this summer).

Since I do travel alone, and since that has sometimes made me use hotels more than I would like, I will save more than $400 on hotel costs this summer on one already-planned trip alone. And, for instance, tonight I am going camping to get out of town and relax, and with the forecast for rain, I don't know if I would bother if I was tent camping. But, definitely cheaper than renting a cabin on the coast for the night, for instance.

So, of course it all depends on the mix of attributes one wants/needs. I know you made this thread about mileage...just thought I'd chime in with some of the mitigating factors for my car choice.

Thanks Starfish, I am appreciating all comments; that's why i started this thread.

[NoNo]

I used to have a MINI (don't even ask about it) but I now have the Mazda3 5 door. Perfect size. I can fit 2 bikes inside the car and still have a passenger up front. On the highway I easily get 30mpg, maybe more. Nice pick-up and handling, too.

[csr1210]

If you don't mind folding down the back seat (and stacking for more than one bike) our Pontiac Vibe gets 30+. We have a hitch rack for when we want to take more than one bike because I'm not that thrilled stacking or using all the cargo area for bikes on longer trips. It's definitely a love or hate car though! We have one in a screaming orange color and LOVE it!

[Pax]

Starfish - How tall are you? I like the Element but I'm wondering if, at 5'10", I can fit into one for sleeping.

[Aggie_Ama]

I have a Dodge Caliber and with the hatch rack it gets right around 25 mpg. Not a bad little car and cheap. Mine was loaded up for about $18k brand new and now the 2007s are technically 2 years old since they came out in April 2006. I can fit my bike in the back with the seats down and the wheel remove but not DH's. He is 6'2" so his frame is rather large. With 42k on the car my only complaint is it is a little loud. Otherwise it runs like a champ.

Our friend had a Scion, the first ones and he claimed to get 38 mpg. I test drove one and didn't mind it but wasn't in love.

[IFjane]

I guess it's all in our definition of good gas mileage. I traded in a truck on my Element. Had to fork mount bikes in the bed of the truck, still could only carry 3 people at the most (using the incredibly cramped and uncomfortable jump seat), and got a whopping 15 - 18 mpg.

My Element (2006 model bought used) gets 28 local and over 30 traveling. I can't complain. Roll in two bikes, bungee each to one of the "oh s**t" handles, throw in the rest of the gear and take off. I love it love it love it.

[Starfish]

Starfish - How tall are you? I like the Element but I'm wondering if, at 5'10", I can fit into one for sleeping.

I'm 5'6". You might try asking over at http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/index.php .There are a lot of guys on that forum who love to sleep in their Elements, and I have to believe that some of them are at least 5'10".

[Blueberry]

IFJane - How do you get 28-30 on your Element???

Mine has *never* seen more than 21. I still love it (and the ability to fit the bikes in is great... but the gas mileage sucks! Mine's a 2005 5 speed.

CA

[emily_in_nc]

IFJane - How do you get 28-30 on your Element???

Mine has *never* seen more than 21. I still love it (and the ability to fit the bikes in is great... but the gas mileage sucks! Mine's a 2005 5 speed.

CA

CA -- I noticed we got MUCH better gas mileage in my Element down in Florida (vacationing), because it's flat. I couldn't believe it. Instead of ~300 miles on a tank of gas, we were getting like 350 to 375. So terrain can make a difference. I have the '04 automatic.

I think even here in NC I get more like 23-25 mph, tho, so I am surprised you get even lower in a manual. Most of my driving is on the highway to and from work, tho, so that helps. Not much stop-start driving. Do you have a roof rack? That will hurt you. We have one, but only install it when we need to haul kayaks. Most of the time, greenie's sleek on top.

Emily

[IFjane]

IFJane - How do you get 28-30 on your Element???

Mine has *never* seen more than 21. I still love it (and the ability to fit the bikes in is great... but the gas mileage sucks! Mine's a 2005 5 speed.

CA

Carrie - I have no idea why it is so good when others are not. We live up next to the BR Mountains so we definitely do not drive on mostly flat roads. My Element is an automatic.

I used to regularly drive my truck 5 - 10 mph over the speed limit and for some reason after I got the Element I try not to exceed the speed limit at all. I live in the boonies and we tend to drive slowly on our back roads. My house is a mile from a paved road so the first/last mile of my commute average about 10 mph. That probably helps!

[Pax]

I'm 5'6". You might try asking over at http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/index.php .There are a lot of guys on that forum who love to sleep in their Elements, and I have to believe that some of them are at least 5'10".

Thanks, I'll check out the link.

[MomOnBike]

I'm reading this thread with interest, as DH & I both have big, honkin' long wheel base recumbents. Wheels on, think 6 feet or more long.

So far, the easiest way to transport the bikes is by simply riding them places, but time becomes a factor - like for out of state rides.

I'm sure a solution will come to me eventually...

[Tuckervill]

Starfish - How tall are you? I like the Element but I'm wondering if, at 5'10", I can fit into one for sleeping.

A twin size Coleman air mattress will fit in the back, if you push the seats all the way up. My 5'6" son and I sleep in the back of our Element together, but not with the air mattress, because it causes lumps in the wrong places.

Speaking of air mattresses--I saw some in the outdoor store that are designed for pick-up beds. I haven't found one for the Element, yet, but if I do I'll be buying one!


http://www.pickupspecialties.com/Tru...r_mattress.htm

Karen