If I had to drive 50 miles every day for work, I wouldn't drive my Element. 23 MPG. (I have a Civic at my disposal, though.)

For all that other stuff, I'd definitely get an Element, though. I've rescued more than a few dogs around town and didn't worry a bit about carsickness or anything like that, because of the floor in E not being carpet. That was a definite drawback to the Forester.

However, finding an Element used at a price to justify not getting new was tough when I bought mine in 2006. I ended up getting a new one because they were only $1000 more than the used ones available.

If you do go with an Element, don't bother not getting AWD. The people I know without AWD regret not getting it.

Karen