New Car Hunt

[Greg_phpbb3_import1]

In case you didn't know, gas prices suck. So, sadly, I'm downgrading. After a day of looking and test driving cars, I realized how nice my car is. I've got to remember how I afforded it.
Regardless, I came across one feature on the Honda's that made me question why the entire doormouse society doesn't own Toyotas. Right there on the dash, it said it had Auto LSD. I think that would be a selling point for many but I don't know how that helps with the driver safety rating.

[El Dingo]

We just bought a 2008 Element.

MPG suxxors but we have 3 dogs.

Other than the MPG it's an awesome vehicle. The rear seats fold up and out the way for hauling lumber and plants (we do it more than you might think). The front seats fold down and make a bed. I bought the 'cabana' attachment that attaches to the back and makes the whole car into a tent/camper.

It's like owning a transformer.

[Greg_phpbb3_import1]

I test drove the Element today. I liked it, but it needed a few more creature comforts. Damn that Envoy. I'm hoping they'll make the Saturn Vue Hybrid quickly so I can switch.

For what it's worth. I liked the fold up seats. I liked the fact you can turn the seats into a bed. It just felt much too plastic on the inside. And it didn't have automatic LSD.

[Dr. Ivor Yeti]

My older bro bought an Element a couple years back (also avec La Cabana) and really loves it. City Car Share has some and I rented one last year for an evening and was pretty darn impressed with its capacity and comfort.

G-Man, you need *more* comfort than the Element? Does your Envoy come with a liveried foot-servant, tea-walla, and masseuse or something? That Element has everything you need: 4 wheels, 4 walls, roof, windows, motor...you need more?

[Greg_phpbb3_import1]

Anything with four wheels is a step up for you.
I like my million way adjustable seats. I like the rain activated windshield wipers. Six CD changer. Plus, if it doesn't have heated seats, it's a non-starter. Yes, I need some place for my fat ass. Plus, it's gutless. When I hit the gas, I wan my MPG to go to 2.

[thatguy]

It's not like it was full-featured...that Envoy didn't have Auto LSD...strictly manual.

I'd make a comment about riding around (sober) in the back seat of an old green sedan, cruising Foothill Blvd. while the driver and his co-pilot were using the manual LSD, but I don't want to incriminate/implicate any brother or other...

I have to say that as far as safety goes, everything seemed normal to me. It wasn't until a few years later that I became much more aware of the potential for that situation to have gone bad.

--tg

[El Dingo]

I decided to take the Element on a camping test-run.

3 days at Butano State Park near Pescadero.

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Space #16 is the one you want.