Buying, restoring, and selling a 2004 Honda Element AWD

[broccolihart]

Alex, your enthusiasm for restorative upgrades is commendable. I sure wish you were located in l.a.

[joseph]

I think what you are doing for the Element community is great! Restoring and putting these vehicles back on the road or in society is epic, salute!

[multisimple]

ill tell you right now. the buyer bought the best well maintained element in the world. props to the seller

[Taematoe]

I've been thinking about getting a honda element and this video was helpful. Thanks.

[SaycoPworrell]

Holy shit, I'm going to get those rear mount struts. Also, I had the P2647 VTEC issue. Went through a few solenoids (new and old) not working to clear that issue. What I did, and recommend doing, is prefilling the solenoid with the new oil (like what you do with your oil filter) to the top tapping to remove most air bubbles. When installing, quickly push on the head while also installing the 3 bolts. After that, had no issues.

[canuckfixit]

Great story! What made this a cinch to sell for $6k was that you had a rust-free southern car to start with. Also, you should put a dollar value on YOUR time then revisit the budget. Now, do it again with a typical northern car and see how it goes. 🤣😆

[johndodd]

maybe one of the best vids I have seen on what needs to be done to an Element when you get one .. I really like the way you show things, Great work .. well worth the watch for anyone thinking of buying one ...

[BCTCanadian]

Fun to watch, I highly recommend trying cerakote trim wipes/cubes for the exterior trim. I used it on my Ridgeline and it's +1 year and still looks amazing.

[AllenManor]

Watching this made me miss my E. Sold it 7 years ago to get an MDX and I wish I still had it.

[johnh]

Great Video. In depth on common issues with a fantastic commentary & explanations. Really liked your work around with the sockets to get the CV axle apart. The battery upgrade with tweaks made to the tray are a huge plus for that E or any similar vehicle. WATKINS GLEN !! AWESOME!! Your sister missed out on a vehicle that many ppl would camp overnight for. Makes me wanna do more maintenance to get ours as good as yours. 10/10. Nice job.

[krisknutson]

Thank you for the video. I just got a 2003 and this will help a lot.

[BuddhaPalm-jc]

The helping hands that helped others to reach a million miles distances. 🤙🏼

[adamcollins]

Great video! I'm in the process of restoring my Element

[albertrodriguez]

Tackling all those assignments amazing I was intimidated the whole time you got balls

[chkndnts]

You did a great job!

but

Adjust your mirrors out properly and the only blindzone you should have will be right next you. No stick-ons required. Also, the battery upgrade is very overhyped by the forums. It is the same battery used in all 2.4L Hondas...I used a quality 51R battery and it lasted me 6 years, starting through midwestern winters. If your battery won't crank in the winter, consider if you have not driven in a while you may need a tender during cold weather...getting a 'bigger' battery fixed the problem because it can drain for longer without issue. It does not mean the OEM battery is undersized.

Again great job. And good note about the ball joint needing splines.

[brandyb]

I love this video! I also bought an element to restore and make into a camper. You're video is so helpful!

[ferndog]

Lovely, utilitarian vehicle. Must, MUST check for MOLD in the floor. The marketing idiots spread the idea of garden hose spraying to quick clean. Actually, it was a recipe for mold and electronics failure. The underframe needs to be checked for rust if car lived in salt roads regions.

[thomaswolniak]

Thank you! Just bought my second Element after a 10 year hiatus and got a 2005 EX FWD in cargo Khaki. Stoked on the color even though it is not AWD. It is stuck in Limp mode after the small dealer replaced the VTEC solenoid with an aftermarket one. I should have got grabbed the original he removed. Going to get an OEM part this week and cross my fingers. Already cleaned all of the screens part of my the oil circulation system.

[bigoper]

I love it, thank you for making this video! YOU ARE AWESOME!!!
If possible, a list of items you've tested, and places you've gone to will be highly appreciated.

[johnantinora]

Great, great video my HE friend. Very clear instructions. My sister gave me her 2009 Element. I performed most task you did in this video except ball joints and rear control arms.

A video in how you pressed ball joint out and in would be helpful