Does the Honda Element have good resale value?
The Honda Element, a unique and boxy SUV, has a mixed reputation when it comes to resale value. While the Element is known for its reliability and practicality, its distinctive design and limited production run can impact its long-term value retention.
Factors Affecting the Honda Element's Resale Value
Several factors contribute to the Honda Element's resale value:
- Reliability and Durability: The Honda Element is renowned for its reliability and durability, which can help maintain its value over time. As a Honda product, the Element is known for its quality construction and dependable performance.,
- Unique Design: The Element's boxy, unconventional design sets it apart from more mainstream SUV models. While this unique styling appeals to some buyers, it may also limit the Element's appeal to a broader market, potentially impacting its resale value.
- Limited Production Run: The Honda Element was only produced for a relatively short period, from 2003 to 2011. This limited production run can contribute to the vehicle's scarcity and potentially increase its value for some buyers, but it also means there are fewer used models available on the market.
- Demand and Popularity: The Honda Element has a dedicated following, but it never achieved the same level of mainstream popularity as some of Honda's other SUV models. This can affect the overall demand for used Elements, which in turn impacts resale value.li>
Overall, the Honda Element's resale value is a mixed bag, with its reliability and durability helping to maintain value, but its unique design and limited production run potentially limiting its appeal to a broader market.
Typical Resale Values for the Honda Element
According to industry data, the Honda Element typically retains around 50-60% of its original value after 5 years of ownership. This is considered average to slightly below average for a compact SUV in the same class. Factors such as mileage, condition, and location can also significantly impact the resale value of a used Honda Element.,p>
In summary, the Honda Element's resale value is a balance of its strengths and weaknesses. While its reliability and durability help maintain value, its unique design and limited production run can be both a blessing and a curse when it comes to long-term value retention.
Which Honda model has the best resale value?
The Honda Fit typically holds its value best among all Honda models, retaining the highest percentage of its value over time. However, the Honda Civic and Honda CR-V are consistently top contenders for resale value across the brand, frequently winning awards from organizations like Kelley Blue Book. The Honda Accord also holds its value well, particularly in the midsize sedan category.
Models with the best resale value
- Honda Fit: Has the best resale value, retaining the highest percentage after five years.
- Honda Civic: A consistent performer in resale value, frequently winning awards in the compact car category.
- Honda CR-V: A top performer for resale value, particularly in the SUV and crossover segment.
- Honda Accord: Consistently ranks high for resale value in the midsize car category and is known for long-term durability.
- Other models: The Honda HR-V, Odyssey, and Ridgeline also have strong resale values within their respective categories.
Factors influencing resale value
- Reliability and dependability: Models like the Civic and Accord are known for long-term durability, making them desirable in the used market.
- Fuel efficiency: Vehicles that are more fuel-efficient often hold their value better due to lower running costs.
- Demand: High sales volumes, like that of the CR-V, can contribute to strong resale value as the models are in high demand.
- Cost of ownership: Lower maintenance and repair costs also make a vehicle more attractive to used car buyers.
Should I buy a used Honda Element?
Generally, though, the Element is a reliable and durable used car. Is a used Honda Element a good deal? A used Honda Element is absolutely a good deal, assuming it has been well cared for. According to CarGurus data, the average used Honda Element sold for just under $9,000 over the first half of 2025.
What are the disadvantages of the Honda Element?
Top Honda Element common problems include engine oil leaks, differential fluid breakdowns, unstable rear tailgates, and faulty door locks.
How long will a Honda Element last?
A Honda Element can last for 200,000 to 300,000 miles or more with proper maintenance, although the average lifespan is around 157,000 miles or 10.9 years. To achieve a longer life, regular maintenance, including timely fluid changes and inspections, is crucial to keep its engine and other systems in good condition.
Factors that affect lifespan
- Maintenance: Consistent and proactive maintenance, such as oil changes, transmission fluid replacement, and brake servicing, is key to longevity.
- Engine and transmission: The Element uses a durable timing chain-driven engine, but its 5-speed automatic transmission also requires regular fluid and filter changes to function well for a long time.
- Corrosion: In areas with snow and salt, rust can become a significant issue, potentially impacting the car's structural integrity and appearance.
- Wear and tear: As a vehicle reaches higher mileage, expect some components to wear out, requiring replacement. This can include things like ball joints, valve seals, and other parts of the suspension and engine.
How to extend its life
- Follow the maintenance schedule: Adhere to your Honda's recommended service schedule for oil changes, fluid flushes, and other regular inspections.
- Address minor issues promptly: Don't let small problems become bigger ones. Fix leaks or unusual sounds as soon as they appear.
- Consider long-term investment: If your Element has high mileage, you may need to invest in significant maintenance or rebuild work to keep it running well.
- Protect against rust: If you live in a salty environment, consider rust-proofing your vehicle to protect the chassis and other metal components.
