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[Tuckervill]

I drove a diesel Beetle for a couple of years before it got swept up by the streetsweeper.

It was quiet, not loud. It got 40 mpg, or better if I obeyed the speed limit, which I rarely did. It had heated seats. It started even when it was cold. In really cold climates, they put anti-gel agent in the diesel, so that helps, too. It did NOT like to run out of diesel!

There are lots of diesel pumps--no not on every corner, but if you know where to look you can always find one. Whenever I traveled (and I did cross country a lot), I would try to determine which predominant local company carried diesel in that state, and then make sure to look for those stations. Lots of time the diesel nozzles are on the same stand with the gas pump and if you aren't looking for them you won't notice them. And, you can always wait in line with the big rigs in a pinch (although, sometimes the nozzle dispenses really really fast and you might spill).

I could carry three bikes on a hitch mounted Yakima rack. I frequently took the back seat out, inserted a custom-made platform that leveled everything out, and loaded my gear onto that. If you just had one bike, you could put the back seat down and roll the bike in through the hatch. You could stack two bikes, probably.

I loved all 4 of my Beetles, but I think I loved the diesel best--because of the miles per gallon.

BTW: My Element got really good mileage when I was in Maine for a week last September. I think it had to do with Maine's 50 mph speed limits, though.

Karen

[Aggie_Ama]

I drove a diesel Beetle for a couple of years before it got swept up by the streetsweeper.

It was quiet, not loud. It got 40 mpg, or better if I obeyed the speed limit, which I rarely did. It had heated seats. It started even when it was cold. In really cold climates, they put anti-gel agent in the diesel, so that helps, too. It did NOT like to run out of diesel!

There are lots of diesel pumps--no not on every corner, but if you know where to look you can always find one. Whenever I traveled (and I did cross country a lot), I would try to determine which predominant local company carried diesel in that state, and then make sure to look for those stations. Lots of time the diesel nozzles are on the same stand with the gas pump and if you aren't looking for them you won't notice them. And, you can always wait in line with the big rigs in a pinch (although, sometimes the nozzle dispenses really really fast and you might spill).

I could carry three bikes on a hitch mounted Yakima rack. I frequently took the back seat out, inserted a custom-made platform that leveled everything out, and loaded my gear onto that. If you just had one bike, you could put the back seat down and roll the bike in through the hatch. You could stack two bikes, probably.

I loved all 4 of my Beetles, but I think I loved the diesel best--because of the miles per gallon.

BTW: My Element got really good mileage when I was in Maine for a week last September. I think it had to do with Maine's 50 mph speed limits, though.

Karen

You make me long to trade in my Caliber on a diesel Beetle! I absolutely LOVED my leased '01 Beetle. DH and I felt we needed a somewhat family car (4 doors) when he had a single cab truck, so I didn't replace it with another Beetle. Now he wrecked his truck and has a quad cab, I don't need a four door! I really like my Caliber but there was just something about driving my little yellow Beetle.

[Blueberry]

Well...we answered that question...

We bought a pre-loved Santana Visa Tandem last night. There will be pictures once it goes to the shop for a once over. We took the element to pick it up. The passenger's side front seat slides up, and goes forward a little. So....we just barely managed to get the tandem in. No room for passengers (DH rode in the back with the bike). The only way to actually fit a tandem would be to put all of the right side seats in bed mode - but that means you'd have to be very careful about grease....

Just something to think about

[surgtech1956]

I wish there was something 4wd that was efficient. I had a loaner Dodge Caravan for a few days and that was great - on gas + the room.

[KnottedYet]

Surg - if you want AWD and acceptable (not great) mpg, try looking at Subaru. I get around 30 mpg with my Impreza. They go from 90-10 to 50-50, so you always have some power going to the rear wheels, that's why the mpg isn't fabulous. If you want 100-0 and 50-50 (with no gradations, and no LSD - so watch for windup on corners) take a look at the mid 1980's Subaru GL. There are still some around, but you'd have to get out of the salt to find one.

Jeep is doing a diesel, and their warrantee covers B100. Kind of expensive, though.

Last time I looked, the Element came with an AWD option. But only on the automatic, so that tossed the Element off my short list when I was car shopping.

[Starfish]

Last time I looked, the Element came with an AWD option. But only on the automatic, so that tossed the Element off my short list when I was car shopping.

Yep, I have the AWD AT. I also really bridled at buying an automatic. But, I have to say, I'm getting plenty used to it, and I have been VERY happy with how the AWD, with stock tires, performed last month up in the mountains with fresh snow, and also with compact, icy snow. Also, went camping on Friday night, and was reminded of how glad I am to have the head-clearance in the back for standing up (kind of) in the back. It makes a great "tent."

[KnottedYet]

I was very tempted by the Element, and went back to the Honda dealer a couple times. My 1987 Honda Accord hatchback was such a great car, great mileage and it could haul bikes and furniture with ease. Unfortunately, a tree fell on it and totalled it. I like Hondas.

[Blueberry]

Last time I looked, the Element came with an AWD option. But only on the automatic, so that tossed the Element off my short list when I was car shopping.

My 2005 Element is AWD and a 5 speed. I know they did make one in 2007. FWIW I refuse to drive anything that isn't a manual.

[KnottedYet]

My 2005 Element is AWD and a 5 speed. I know they did make one in 2007. FWIW I refuse to drive anything that isn't a manual.

Oh, man! If I'd've just waited a year I could've got one! (or at least test-driven it, maybe I should go test drive one anyway... hee hee!)

Edit: oh, yeah... look! http://automobiles.honda.com/element...Model=YH2738EW

[bluebug32]

Surg - if you want AWD and acceptable (not great) mpg, try looking at Subaru.

I have a '07 Subaru Outback Sport. I can easily fit a bike in the car (wheel on) and then two more on top. I seem to average 26-27mpg and a little less with bikes on the top, but I mainly do stop and go city driving. It's been a great car so far and tremendous in snow.