Replacing the Lift Supports is a very easy 5 minute job, you only need something like a flat head screwdriver to change the rear hatch struts and a helper or stick to hold open the liftgate. The lift supports for the Honda Element: http://amzn.to/1SOvJMO Make sure they are the right lift struts for your car before ordering!
These are the VW Beetle lift struts that some people use: http://amzn.to/1SOvwZX These lift supports supposedly give a few more inches of clearance when the liftgate is opened.
