Used Honda Element for Sale by Owner on Craigslist
Looking for a used Honda Element? CraigsCars searches every Craigslist city at once, so you can compare Honda Element listings from private sellers nationwide instead of browsing city by city. Below you will find live listings, the known weak points of the Element, and a checklist for your test drive.
Used Honda Element listings on Craigslist
Live results from Craigslist listings nationwide. Click a listing to open the original ad.
Loading listings…
What to check before buying a used Honda Element
- Test 4WD/AWD engagement and listen for grinding or binding in tight turns.
- Check every row of seats, power liftgate and rear HVAC.
- Look underneath for off-road scrapes and rust on the frame or subframe.
- Check the tow hitch: towing history means extra transmission and brake wear.
- Run a VIN history report and compare the mileage with the odometer and the condition of the pedals, steering wheel and seats.
- Make sure the title is in the seller's name, is not salvage/rebuilt (unless priced accordingly), and has no lien.
Honda reliability: what owners should know
Avoid 2001–2004 Civics and 2003–2004 Accord/Odyssey V6 models with automatic transmissions unless the transmission was replaced. Early CVTs need regular fluid changes. 2016–2018 Civic and CR-V 1.5L turbo engines can suffer oil dilution in cold climates. Check that timing belts were done on V6 models (every ~100,000 miles).
How to get a good price on a used Element
Compare several Honda Element listings with similar year and mileage before contacting sellers — searching all Craigslist cities at once gives you a realistic picture of the market. Private sellers usually leave 5–10% room to negotiate. Point to concrete issues (tires, brakes, upcoming services) found during inspection to justify your offer. See our full negotiation guide.
Other used Honda models
- Honda Civic
- Honda Accord
- Honda CR-V
- Honda Pilot
- Honda Odyssey
- Honda Fit
- Honda Ridgeline
- Honda HR-V
- Honda Insight
- Honda S2000
Find a used Element in your city
- Los Angeles, CA
- New York City, NY
- Chicago, IL
- Houston, TX
- Dallas, TX
- Phoenix, AZ
- San Antonio, TX
- San Diego, CA
- Philadelphia, PA
- Austin, TX
- Miami, FL
- Atlanta, GA
- Seattle, WA
- Denver, CO
- Sacramento, CA
- Portland, OR
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find a used Honda Element for sale by owner?
This page searches Craigslist listings from every US city for the Honda Element. Results include private sellers and dealers; look for "by owner" listings to avoid dealer fees.
What should I look out for on a used Honda Element?
Boxy, practical and beloved by campers and dog owners. Prices have climbed — clean ones sell quickly.
Is it safe to buy a Honda Element on Craigslist?
Yes, if you meet in a public place, verify the title and the seller's ID, never wire money or use gift cards, and get a pre-purchase inspection. Read our guide on avoiding Craigslist car scams for details.