Most people would probably reconsider their living arrangements after their workspace flooded three times, but one New York content creator decided to take things a little further. Rather than risk rebuilding his studio in the same location, he purchased a 16-year-old Honda Element with more than 220,000 miles and plans to turn it into a fully functional video production studio.
Paul Antill, a video producer and content creator for Tom’s Guide, explained that repeated flooding destroyed thousands of dollars’ worth of furniture and equipment and brought his video projects to a standstill. After discovering what he described as a serious plumbing issue and black mold, Antill decided his next studio needed something his previous workspace lacked: wheels.
However, finding the right vehicle proved considerably more difficult than simply browsing Facebook Marketplace and picking the first reasonably priced SUV. Antill wanted something spacious enough for filming equipment, compact enough for New York City streets, and inexpensive enough to leave room in his budget for modifications.
His search eventually led him to a bright orange 2010 Honda Element EX advertised for $6,500 in Virginia, approximately 350 miles from home. Despite its intimidating mileage, the vehicle appeared to offer exactly what he needed, although purchasing it would come with a few surprises of its own.
New York Creator Buys 220,000-Mile Honda Element After Searching for Weeks
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In an article published by Tom’s Guide, Antill explained that he initially considered larger vehicles such as the Ford Transit and Mercedes Sprinter before deciding they would be impractical for New York City parking. The Honda Element caught his attention because of its removable rear seats, spacious interior, and compact exterior dimensions, making it an appealing candidate for a mobile studio.
Unfortunately, finding an affordable example without serious mechanical or structural problems was another matter, as Antill inspected approximately a dozen Elements before finding one that met his expectations. Several suffered from significant rust, while others had neglected interiors or mechanical issues that made them unsuitable for a project he hoped would eventually travel far beyond city limits.
After discovering the 2010 Element on Facebook Marketplace, Antill flew to Virginia and inspected the vehicle with his father before agreeing to purchase it for $6,500. The SUV had accumulated exactly 220,306 miles, but its clean underbody and documented service history convinced him to take the gamble, with the ambitious goal of eventually reaching 500,000 miles.
Honda Element’s Check Engine Light Returns Before Owner Even Makes It Home
Unfortunately, the excitement of purchasing his future mobile studio didn’t last particularly long before the Honda reminded Antill that he had bought a 16-year-old vehicle. Approximately 30 minutes into his seven-hour drive home, the check engine light illuminated because of an oxygen sensor problem he had originally noticed during the test drive.
According to Antill, the dealership had attempted to resolve the issue before the purchase, but the replacement sensor wasn’t the correct original-equipment part, causing the warning to return. Although the shop offered to install the proper sensor if he returned, Antill wasn’t particularly interested in making another lengthy trip to Virginia, especially since the vehicle otherwise made it home without further trouble.
Despite the mechanical hiccup, Antill has already removed the rear seats, experimented with storage solutions, and begun equipping the Honda with a portable power station and solar equipment to support his cameras, drones, and laptop. His ongoing project, titled Finding My Element, will document the transformation of his $6,500 purchase into an off-grid production studio, proving that sometimes the answer to a flooded workspace might just be an aging orange Honda.