TTagz

I've been driving the wife's Element while I'm "between cars". Its really not too bad to drive. And when the dogs got dirt all over the interior today, no big deal. 15 minutes wiping everything down and its all good again. I don't think I could drive it every day though.

kodeTT

how do you like it? was thinking of getting one for the wife or an A3...but leaning more towards the Element due to utilitarian purpose and reliability.

TTschwing

It's an EX AWD. I had considered an A3 and a few other cars, but it really came down to Value and initial outlay...We've had our CRX for 7 years and it cost an average of $1100/yr in Maintenance and depreciation for 110K miles....Can't hardly beat that. This, being the Wife car, I wanted that same reliability and low cost. Lots of improvements in the '07 including a 5 speed automatic, full side curtain airbags, built in XM, ESP etc... At $1K off MSRP it was a good buy and should be as cheap to keep as the CRV was..

kodeTT

not exactly sure about EX or LX or however they name the vehicles. but AWD is a requirement and so is reliability. and also, i think the gas mileage is much better as well.

TTschwing

EX is painted all one color, plus has some trim and content upgrades for not a lot of $$ more.....

kodeTT

but i sat in one and felt very utilitarian...and very basic.

i did like the open sky sunroof on the A3...plus, the power of the 3.2 with DSG.