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FYI - if you do get a Honda Element don't wash the interior out with a hose: http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-...

(I am an Element owner - I have not hosed out my Element however)

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OTOH, even modern Jeeps are fine to wash out with a hose or leave in the rain. It seems weird, but there is even a drain plug under the carpet on each side. The only two components to watch out for are the clockspring in the steering wheel (which lasts about 50 miles on a Wrangler anyway) as well as whatever radio head unit came with the trim. Nothing else seems to care. It's awesome.

I've inadvertently driven mine with the top off in a persistent downpour, where I learned that (a) windshield wipers don't work on the inside, (b) wearing glasses presents an annoying set of challenges, (c) expect an especially wet left butt cheek from the tire flinging water past the fender at speed, and (d) other drivers will take pictures at traffic lights. Fun, though. Radio still worked and everything. Just drained it when I got home and let it dry in the sun. I bet your Element would do better than you think.

Yep, I've owned Jeeps (YJ, TJ) and regularly ran with no top/no doors. Rain gets in, pull plugs, rain goes out.

Also mud and deep water. But that's another story. :-)

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