[CocoaGoddess]

I just bought my 2009 Element in December, brand new.

But I'm seriously considering trading it in for either another '09 (if I can find one) or a 2010.

The reason? I bought one of the last 2009s in my state and got a great deal. As a result, I got my absolute last choice color, which was the CBP.

To be fair, the car is BEAUTIFUL and unbelievably sexy for about five minutes after it's been washed and waxed. But in a matter of hours, it's looking smudged and streaky all over again, and I really can't stand it. It hurts to look at it, and I spend so much time trying to get out those streaks and buffing out the fingerprints that my kids leave all over the car.

I just cannot imagine dealing with this for 10 years, which is how long I kept my CRV, and planned to keep this car. Having a black car is way more maintenance than I anticipated.

I will take a hit if I tried to trade it in so soon after buying it, but I just can't take the color. Am I crazy? Will the color dull in time and not be so hard maintenance? If so, I guess I can wait it out. I'm always scoping out other black vehicles, and they never look as grimy as my Element. Is it because it's still so new, or is it the kind of paint that Honda uses?

I'm so torn ....

 

[Jojo]

Yes, your crazy because you didn't get an orange one8)

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[CocoaGoddess]

Yes, your crazy because you didn't get an orange one8)

Oh man, don't I know it. OBP and CFM were my two top choices. It hurts to see them on the road, knowing that I should have one but couldn't swing it.

I figure if I get in there early enough, I might be able to get the car of my choice.

My husband would flip. Getting a new car less than a year after buying the first one is worse than leasing. :twisted:

 

[chefjames]

I just bought my 2009 Element in December, brand new.

But I'm seriously considering trading it in for either another '09 (if I can find one) or a 2010.

The reason? I bought one of the last 2009s in my state and got a great deal. As a result, I got my absolute last choice color, which was the CBP.

To be fair, the car is BEAUTIFUL and unbelievably sexy for about five minutes after it's been washed and waxed. But in a matter of hours, it's looking smudged and streaky all over again, and I really can't stand it. It hurts to look at it, and I spend so much time trying to get out those streaks and buffing out the fingerprints that my kids leave all over the car.

I just cannot imagine dealing with this for 10 years, which is how long I kept my CRV, and planned to keep this car. Having a black car is way more maintenance than I anticipated.

I will take a hit if I tried to trade it in so soon after buying it, but I just can't take the color. Am I crazy? Will the color dull in time and not be so hard maintenance? If so, I guess I can wait it out. I'm always scoping out other black vehicles, and they never look as grimy as my Element. Is it because it's still so new, or is it the kind of paint that Honda uses?

I'm so torn ....

Well, if you are going to keep the E for the next 10 years, I think def trade it in!!! Otherwise you might not be happy about it.

I drove by Pacific Honda on Convoy yesterday, and saw 3 2010's on their lot, perhaps you can stop by and take a look...not sure about the colors though...and quite a few Es on their used car lot as well.

James

 

[Mikement]

Two facts about black vehicles...

1) There's nothing better looking than a clean black car

2) there's no such thing as a clean black car

:lol: :lol: :lol:

That being said, I love black. Even when dirty they look cool. Matter of preference I guess. I don't think you're crazy to want to trade. Maybe you can get a good deal and be happy with the new color you choose. Clean your E up good if you go to trade it. Lots of people want black and you should have no trouble selling or trading it. E's are tough to find where I live so hopefully you'll find what you really want. Good luck.