I have to admit, I didn't know the E came with body-color panels. When the E first came out, I thought it was fairly horrid looking (sorry, but honest!). I find this true of most cars with large amounts of plastic paneling (RAV4, Subaru Brat, sure there are plenty more).
Then recently looking for a CUV/SUV, I discovered an Element with the painted panels (EX-P) and thought it looked pretty nice (ultimately, it was the one I bought, too!) Besides, I've always wanted an orange or yellow car - and that wouldn't look right on a Lexus 330 or 4Runner, now would it? lolol
I have since seen some E color configurations on here (like the woodsy green or some of the custom jobbies) that look pretty good with the plastic panels. But all and all, I am pretty happy with the painted panels. (I should go see if they are metal or plastic - I honestly have no idea).
Ironically, the car does have one BIG scratch on it... On the front left fender - where it 'should' be plastic lol Ohwell
