Check out how roomy the Element's trunk area is. Your dog can stand up there, but it may not be long enough or wide enough for him to be comfortable. You may just have to suck up the gas cost. A lot of people are facing the pinch, and if you have no other options, then sometimes you just have to bite the bullet.
Whatever car you decide on, immediately buy a new K&N drop-in air filter and NGK iridium spark plugs for your new car. Both are very easy to install and may should be able to net you another 2 mpg. Just make sure those parts don't void any warranties. Dealers usually don't like people messing around with their own cars. Takes money out fo their pockets.
__________________
"I really like going fast. Just go off and meditate in the wind, you know? As corny as it sounds it works and feels good. It's a good way to just let the weight of the world off every once in a while...is this a big pose? I mean, yes this is a pose! I mean am I driving down the street to not get noticed in this thing? I mean rebellious is what this thing is I would say!!!" -James Hetfield
