I tried doing that with an Xterra I had just bought. I immediately wished I had bought the element. I paid 21,250 and the best I could find for a trade-in was 17,500. So I couldn't stomach it. I ended up keeping the Xterra, and liking it quite a bit, especially since we just bought a camper trailer. The Xterra has a 6000# tow rating and is a lot heavier duty than the element but much worse on gas. The Element can only tow 1500 pounds, though it is a very good vehicle. In the end I don't regret the choice, but i do sometimes wish for the Element.