I traded my 2003 Shoreline Mist Mettalic in on New Years Eve and picked up a new Tango Red Pearl. Once I saw it on the lot I had to have it. The dealer through the side steps, rear spoiler and fogs since mine had everything on it. They were going to give me the front bumper trim but because it was gray and didn't match the black trim, we did without. Still, they took off my new Bridgestone Dualers and put them on the new rims of the 2006 for me. I was able to stay at the same payment as my '03 and they gave me $15,500 for mine when I paid $17,800 for it in '03 when they first hit the dealerships. I feel pretty good about what I did. Now, all I have to do is get my windows tinted, rear bumper trim and hood deflector and I do plan to put the Xpel on the nose of the Element. Since it's painted, the Xpel will help with stone chips. Also known as the invisible bra.

Congrats! You got a heckuva deal on a beautiful E!

Thanks! I've only put 100 miles on it since I've been working my primary job, I haven't had time to really get in it and go. I love the (((XM))) and it's a dependable (Honda) car. Having had an Element since they came out, really wouldn't want anything else. My brother has a black one, 2005 and we drove it from Los Angeles to Indianapolis, starting on Dec. 15th and it took us 36hrs. We loved the ride and it was comfortable! I'd do it again and will. There now are about five Elements in my subdivision and we lost two at the onset do to a family move they had. Still the rest of us are holding down the Northeast side of Indy.

Here are a couple more shots.

Its still my favorite color!

:D Really like that color...very pretty.:D

Here are a couple more shots.

Awesome, beautiful, and congrats! :)

That is one sharp looking car. It's so rich. I just love the color. Congratulations.

You'll have to get the spoiler painted to match. I'm normally not a fan of painting the spoiler, but with all black body panels, I think the spoiler in that Tango Red Pearl would look bitchin'.

Thanks! That's why I went for it. I used to be a dark burgandy or maroon color car buyer but when I went away from GM I lost that option. When I saw this on the lot, my mind was totally blown away. I had my Shoreline Mist since '03 and I loved it. I did all my own mod's like the CyberWhites, spoiler and side steps just to name a few. I was most happy with it and didn't want to part with it but this was the exception for me. I had to have it. My brother and I hope and plan to have sunroofs cut in this spring on both of ours if they'll do us a deal to do them at the same time. We'll see but as is, I'm a happy camper!

Chozn4service. those Bridgestone Dualers are sweet tires. I've actually tested those tires on a road test course like 3yrs ago. Bridgestone was comparing there tires with Goodyear tires and I must say Bridgestone tops it off.:-D

Damn, I love that TRP! One more year to trade in my SSM- it will take me that long to decide between TRP and ABP!! more TRP owners, post your pics! :) :)

I didn't like the EX-Ps at first, but I have to admit that is one sweet ride, congrats! I'd hate to have to worry about that much paint though, I worry enough about the paint on mine ;-)

I got my Dualers as a replacement for my Wranglers which didn't last 19K. Fortunately there was no out of pocket expense to me and the dealership put these on my new wheels of the EX-P. The Dualers are much better in my opinion and they're rated for 60 or 65K. They are much more quieter, have a sure grip and I like the way they just fill up the wheel well so much so. It's definately a better looking tire as well. Truth be told, a rep from Goodyear told me that the Wrangler is a replacement tire and they would never have recommended it for an OEM tire.

I wasn't a fan of the painted panels either but I took a drive through my local dealer's lot (it's huge) on my way to get a haircut, and I love the '06 EX-P's. That Tango Red is sweeeet! I really like the silver too but I don't like the blue interior. The outside is silver and black so the inside should be too.

The Shoreline Mist I had previously was spotless! I never had any dings or dents in it and I had put the side body molding of a Honda Civic on it since it came pre-molded in SMM. I may do the same with this Tango if I can get the color pre-molded. I don't think I'll really have to worry about the paint though. Honda has vastly improved their painting skills compared to the domestic automakers in my opinion. I have thought about and made contact with a local installer on the Xpel for the front nose. I went to Xpel.com and they have the nose piece for the EX-P for $220. The local shop here said they would install it for less than $100. All it takes is some soap and water to put it on and it as a warranty not to yellow, fade or crack for five years. This is what I want to do to mine.

I wasn't really big on anything other than what I had until I saw guys painting their panels and they looked awesome when done. My only cocern was if I did it to my SMM would the paint stay on them? So when I started seeing self painted panels I made a conscience decision that if they were ever offered, I would consider the trade. I think I made out on my deal and they took in mine and sold it within three day's. I know they were asking $18,850 and I bought it for $17,800 new in 2003. Like I said, I had every option on it and it only 30,570 mile on it. I think who ever's rolling in it has a good car and I'll know it whenever I see it on the road.

The tango is a nice color and though it's a little out of character for me to have something or a color that say's "Here I am", I do like it. Had SMM been another option I may have went that way as well but I do like what I have. And yes, I do plan to have my spoiler painted the same color as the rest of the body. My brother wants his painted black and we have a friend who has a shop and we'll take them off and have him shoot them for us here soon.

I never had any dings or dents in it and I had put the side body molding of a Honda Civic on it since it came pre-molded in SMM. I may do the same with this Tango if I can get the color pre-molded.
You can also buy the side moldings by SportWing, that many other people have done for their E's as well. They are longer than the Civic ones and are made for the E. They color code the paint and paint them the same.

Went to Sportwing and saw the moldings. A little pricey but may have to go that route for peace of mind. How can you put a price on that?

I tried to talk my wife into keeping our '03 SMM since I had put so much into it with all the mod's and installs but she wanted an Accord. Needless to say, we are a Honda family. She had an Accord before we met eleven years ago. Now she picked up a sweet '03 Accord EX Coupe, loaded with all the bells and whistles! She's happy! It looks like a chick car and it reminds her of the platinum Lexus '06 SC300 coupe she got rid of a few years ago. My brother who's staying with us for the moment has the black one and everyone driving up and down the street, especially the other 4 Element owners are always looking in our drive way to see what's going on, especially with the Elements since they watched me add the side steps, fogs and other goodies to the SMM that we got rid of. Soon as I find a spot to paint my spoiler at a reasonable cost I'll pull it off and have them shoot it along with my brothers. We want them matching the color of the E's. I'm also going to find the Mrs. a rear spoiler for hers and have it installed. Anyway, thought I'd share the photo's of the Honda's in the household right now.

WHo's the 50???

I'm 5-O. My brother is also a retired Indiana State trooper of ten years. He then went to Los Angeles and worked for Santa Monica PD for 20 some years and retired from there. He just relocated back here in Indiana. I've been an Indiana trooper for for 26 years this year and could have retired last July, but I'm hanging on for a few more years (three) just to see what a new administration can bring, plus I need to pay for this new Element. I was half way done with the '03 when I stepped into this '06 Tango Red, so I need to hang on a little longer. I'm also a part time barber and have been for about two and half years. This will be my retirement occupation when I do hang up the holster but I'll keep the Baretta and the Glock!

Very nice pics, I saw the TPR in the showroom, the Burgundyish color was very deep and dark there, I like it better in your pictures!

Thanks! I saw it on the lot and really liked it. It looked a little darker on the lot than when I got it home. In fact, I was within the 72hr window to change my mind but my wife and brothre told me I was crazy especially since the dealership went through the trouble of putting my Bridgestones on this vehicle and tossed in the spoiler, fogs and side steps. I was going to opt for the Atomic Blue but now, I'm glad I stayed the course. The color is very rich and deep and Honda does an excellent job in painting and leaving very little orange peal to detect in the final finish. I think it's a keeper and to date, I've yet to see another TRP on the road. There are a couple of Kiwi's running around and I've seen one SOP but no Tango EX-P. One thing I can say, with the mods I did to the SMM I traded in, the person who got it has everything on it on the outside. I did keep my armrest, cargo cover, mats, iPod clip but I left the 4-door vent shades, leather Honda steering wheel wrap, hood deflector and of course the windows are tinted. I'm hoping I can get the locking gas cap rekeyed to my new keys. As it stands, I had an extra key to the SMM and I kept it to unlock the gas cap. If I can get it re-keyed I'll be set with it on this new ride. I plan to get some tint here in a few weeks and another leather leather wheel wrap. It's all good!

I finally got my rear spoiler painted to match the Tango Red Pearl. It's all good! The body shop I used only charged my brother and I $50 per unit to paint them. We took them off and I delivered them along with the paint codes. It makes a lot of sense to have this done. In my previous post the grey spoiler stands out like a sore thumb and just doesn't look right which is why the dealership didn't throw in the front bumper trim as a freebie as they did the spoiler, side steps and foglights. On my previous Element, the SMM the grey didn't look all that bad on that color, plus it matched the grill, bumpers and side steps. I'd still like to get the front bumper trim if it can be painted without pealing. I was told the oils in the plastic would come through and cause the paint to flake off. Anyway, we got this project done and I'm very satisfied with the job and the car. All I have left to do is get my window tint done and put the rear bumper trim on and front hood deflector.

Got my windows tinted on yesterday at WaxWerks here in Indy. Total cost for the two doors and a sunstrip across the windshield was $79.00. Really like the L@@K it gives the ride, a different look and profile over the stock look. Anyway, I'm still in that 3 day holding pattern of not rolling down the windows or cleaning them. Looks like the tint will be OK but if not they warranty the work and tint for life. All I have left to do is get my rear bumper trim and front hood deflector. Man, I'd love to have the front bumper trim that I had on my SMM Element but the grey doesn't hook up with the EX-P trim and it can't be painted where it would adhere permenantly. Bummer!

The grill piece you see is something I found on I-69 at the 4.4MM against the concrete divider wall. After issuing a ticket I was walking back to the car and I saw it laying there and I wondered what the heck it was. I immediatedly thought that it would look good in my lower grill opening on the Element, since just by eyeballing it looked to be the same size. As it turns out, it's slightly larger which gives me some room to play with and it has the same curvature as the opening. I plan to install it soon. I shot it with some flat black and it's ready to go. I'll use some wire ties and a small drill bit to put holes where needed when I did my gutter guard application on my previous Element. By the way, the grill came from a Toyota and in case anyone was wondering the part number it's:58112-21030. I figure what the hell, it didn't cost me a thing and if it works, great! Special thanks and shout out to the person that I stopped for speeding and putting me in that location at that time to get it. When we made the stop it was dark still but on the cusp of a rising sun. Just enough light for me to see it heading back to the car.

I can't imagine what Toyota product the grill came from but it's a perfect match for the lower section. Once done I'll do some more posting.

Man, I'd love to have the front bumper trim that I had on my SMM Element but the grey doesn't hook up with the EX-P trim and it can't be painted where it would adhere permenantly. Bummer!

Have you seen Empire's thread (http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=218320&postcount=1) about how he turned his grey panels black? Not sure if that would do what you're wanting, but it's an idea anyway.

I work for a PD too, non-comm though. :)

Nice TRP. Great minds think a like. Make sure that Xpel is 3M made (in SF they call it Clear Armor). The origin is a request made by the military to save their heli blades while in Dessert Storm. Besides just the front. Xpel should also be placed under the gas lid, door edges, rear door hatch, side fenders, door handles, and headlights/fogs.
Enjoy the E. Drive Hard.

Worktoy :)

chozn4service I don't see your EOC sticker !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So when I come out to Indy for the 500 Race, you may find that you have an Eoc Card on your car ( E ) . Lets get with the program !!

I know, I know. I just haven't had the time and I apologize! I've only got 140 miles on this thing and that's from the dealer to home, to the tint shop and two weekends around the N/E area. My mom has ALS and I haven't been really into getting a lot of things done for me. Her time grows nearer to the end, What little I've done has enabled me to keep my head clear through such difficult times but I will order it today and post it. Thanks for keepin' a brother in check!

Hey Dom.Five, I just spent the seven bucks for the chrome decal. Not sure how the chrome will look but I did it. You'd be proud! Anyway, thought I'd let you know and when it gets here I'll pick it, stick it, shoot it and post it!

Ooow ALS...That is not good, my friend had that, she started with slurred speech, and from there she went down hill, was placed in a walker, and slide down from there....Sorry to hear about that, it is not a good thing.

Hey Dom.Five, I just spent the seven bucks for the chrome decal. Not sure how the chrome will look but I did it. You'd be proud! Anyway, thought I'd let you know and when it gets here I'll pick it, stick it, shoot it and post it!

Don't forget to pick up a sticker from the "other forum" also, Dixon. :wink:

I lookled but didn't see one to order from there. Can you advise? I've been a memeber of both since 2003 when I first got an Element. I cool with the one from this site and will display it but I'm gonna have to view the other one and see how it's lookin'. I haven't seen anyone else sporting it either. Any pics?

Yeah, I ordered one when it first came out so I dunno if they still have them. Here's the link with the info and pics and you can always pm GatorGreg over there and see how you can get one. Hope that helps.

http://www.hondaelement.org/showthread.php?threadid=4778

Yea, I found it. I think I may have to pass on it. It's just too simple and plain! I mean I could get some letters and do that. On this site it has some style and substance! Not to knock the other sites decal. Thanks for the link!

i thought i wanted a black one, but i have decided that a tango red ex-p is my absolute favorite. dark enough, but without the incessant dirt problems (and swirl marks) associated with black. i've had a ton of black cars in my day and i've always said that black is the most beautiful color...one day a week.


on a side note, i have decided that i really like the wheels on the new ex-p---that little fact might save me a couple grand in upgrades...has anyone used lowering springs with stock wheels?

I know what you mean about black. My squad car is black and man it's hard to keep clean and I believe in a clean car. Between polishing my brass and leather, the car takes up a lot of time and it's a daily chore. I use good wax so it makes it easier for me but still. I like black when it's clean but other than that, it's a pain. I like the TRP for it's pearl like finish. It almost changes colors when you see it from different light and angles. Anyway, my brother has the NBP and he has his hands full keeping it together and he's single, no kids and goes through Mike's Carwash every other day at $13.00 a pop. He's always had black cars but having seen my TRP he said if he were in the market to get another one he would get the Element in TRP as I did.

Dang, I just found my new favorite color!!! I also wasn't a fan of the painted panels. I thought it just made the E look like it's trying to conform to every other car out there. Now I realize it's just jealousy that's inside me and now I want to trade in my '05. I haven't seen that color anywhere.

Yea, I've only seen one other one on the road here in Indianapolis, IN and the others are on dealership lots. Mine is the only one dressed the way it is and the picture I posted was an old one. Here are some more recent pics. I think the one posted in my previous post was back in February and these were taking this past April. There are a few more things I'd like to do to it like adding some AUX LED lighting inside under the dash and seats and I'd also like to add some white LED's in the rocker panels that would shine on the ground just under the side steps so at night you can see exactly where to step. Just little things to make it mine. Other than that, all I do is wax it, weekly whether I drive it or not. The more wax the deeper the shine.

Thanks for the pics, chozn. She's a real beauty!

I would have to agree with your brother! I like the TRP, but I like my panels too. Your E looks great

Done some updates since last posting on this thread. I sold my spoiler and bought the newer spoiler for the Element which comes painted to match, I have the front bumper cover painted in a latex plastic called landau black ready to install and I cleared out my headlights, though I plan to black them out like the '07 headlights. I also put on the '07 grill trim, added an aftermarket oil cap, side body molding and I installed the leather shift knob. I have but a few more things that I want to do, like painting the rings on the dash and instrument cluster Tango Red as well as the center dash surround. I more than likely will paint the disc brake calipers in red or black this spring. I pretty much have this ride the way that I want it. I do know it's the only one like it in Indy. I've only seen maybe two other TRP's running around and none of them have any outside modifications to them. Like my previous '03 Shoreline Mist Metallic Element that's running around Indy somewhere, these two would be the only ones here with all the accessories on them on the exterior.

Few more shots of the cleared headlights, leather shift knob etc.

Done some updates since last posting on this thread...

Lookin' good, chozn!

:) I don't know what is about this vehicle that makes you have the propensity to modify it. I mean the wife tells me she hasn't seen another one that looks as good as mine here in Indy, well, that was until Dancetiludrop drove his down in October, but still, even though I've done all this to it, I'm still thinking what else can be done, yet keeping it looking real. You know, not too BLING BLING!:twisted:
I want to keep it looking clean looking. Anyway, I think once I get the headlights blacked out, the front bumper trim on and the dash painted the way I want, I'll be done, I THINK?:confused: :confused: :confused: :| :shock: We'll see. Thanks for the compliments though!:D