[PJ]

It all depends on how it was maintained.

I daily drive an EL, and like you said, the suspension isn't the greatest. The car feels like it's gonna crumble everytime you drive over slight bump lol. But it's not like you're gonna take it to the track or off-roading anyway. It's a solid A to B car with more little luxuries than a Civic. Sunroof, leather, heated seats, power everything.

However, if I could choose my DD again, I would go with a Mazda 3. Pretty much same price range, but they just feel like more solid cars, and have a bit more pep to the engine. If I didn't get such a ridiculously good deal on the EL, I would've gone with the Mazda.

As long as you maintain it properly, they should be fine. Parts for these cars are inexpensive and widely available anyway, so you can't really go wrong.