back to the cars thread

[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

[Blueberry]

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

We have the cross bars (factory), but I don't recall that the mileage was any better before we had them installed. We don't leave the kayak holders on unless we have kayaks on top (and then we get about 14-15 mpg). We still got 21 on our trip to DC last winter (that's not as flat as Florida, but it's not a hilly drive either). Very strange. We're averaging 260 to a tank, which gets *really* annoying.

[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!

[Starfish]

I can't help but think the Element mileage is better at slower speeds, even in town or on hills, simply because of the aerodynamics. Think about how exponentially more we have to work to ride our bikes to go from 22 to 25mph, for instance...aerodynamics are more important the faster you go...

Note about the mattress for the element...check out Costco, and also that element owner's forum link I posted earlier...there was a great folding mattress thing that looked great, and that was at Costco. all reports are that it is more comfy than air mattress. I personally dislike air mattresses...much prefer a single futon.

[smilingcat]

I was so excited to see the smart car. then I was soo bummed about the gas milage?? I think I'm going to save for prius or civic hybrid.

I wish smart car could get 50mpg and cost that base cost of around $12,000.

But, I'm still going to take a look at smart car. Why can't I get a car with 60MPG. I don't care for 0 to 60 in 4 seconds or whatever but only gets 10MPG.

isn't mini diesel supposed to get good milage too?

smilingcat

[Blueberry]

IFJane-

It may be speeds. My commute is 70mph or you get run over But there is something about the E - it has slowed me down too. I just don't feel like hurrying - which is a good thing

It's nice to know there's hope Although, I wonder if the manual is geared for sport more than the auto, and therefore might get worse gas mileage....it's just a guess

CA

[jobob]

These folks manage to fit a tandem into a Honda Fit:

http://www.blayleys.com/articles/cars/index.htm

[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...

[7rider]

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...

Hmmmmmm.
Don't think the Honda Fit will work for you!

How 'bout a long-bed pickup with a cap? Won't get 25 mpg, but you could opt for a diesel.