Should we buy a black minivan?

[MamaBearTeacher]

I am thinking of buying the base model of the Honda Odyssey but they told me it only comes in black or white. The next model up has other colors but all the extra features it comes with are things we actually don't want: a cup holder console between the 2 front seats that would block us from going to the back of the van easily to attend to our kids, which we like to do and we don't really use cup holders. It can be unscrewed and taken out if we want. Also, an extra seat which we would take out and then have to store in the basement because it would be harder to go in and out of the back seat and tethers for child seats and we don't use child seats anymore. I don't want to pay extra for things I won't use and don't want to store the seat in the basement. This model is $2000 more.

 

I had wanted a dark gray van. We live in an area with a long winter season with lots of snow and salt on the roads. I am worried white would rust very fast. The black looks nice but I am reading that it gets dirty very easily and it is hard to keep clean. Also, it is supposed to be 10 degrees hotter. I will end up spending more on air conditioning. DH is also worried that black is hard to see at night, especially from the side and therefore more prone to being hit. I hate making decisions! Our current van is 10 years old and we might keep this one long too.

Edited July 10, 2016 by MamaBearTeacher

[mom2scouts]

Years ago, we ended up buying a dark blue van because that was what was available on the lot for a good price. We found that it showed every bit of dirt. Dust, salt, mud, and water spots all showed. It was also hot in the summer. We vowed never to buy another dark colored vehicle. I showed dh this post and he said to tell you to go with the white.

[gardenmom5]

I would not buy a black car of any kind.

 

reduced visibility in the rain, increased heat gain on sunny days, less visibility at night . . . . no thanks.  I'd keep looking.

 

we live in a wet climate. before I bought my current van - I *really* started paying attention to what color cars I saw in all light conditions. from dark night (with and without street lights) to gray-rainy days, etc.  white.

 

eta: how would a white paint job rust faster than any other color paint job?  that makes no sense.

Edited July 10, 2016 by gardenmom5

[ashfern]

We have a black car and a white van. Both show the dirt so if you like to have a clean looking car don't get either color. The black does hold the heat which is horrible here in the south.

[purplejackmama]

I would never have a black vehicle.

 

ETA: I'm still trying to fathom not using your cup holders?! I have a cup in mine (or 3 ;) ) every single day.

Edited July 10, 2016 by purplejackmama

[sgo95]

Why did they say it only comes in black and white?  According to the website, the Odyssey LX comes in blue, red, two silvers, and white (no black).

[Carrie12345]

I can tell you that my white minivan began to rust a little bit around year 10 (around the wheel wells), and have to admit that I was horrible at rinsing salt/grime through our 6-8 month winters.

 

I bought another white minivan and take slightly better care of it. I'm not worried.

[MamaBearTeacher]

 

 

eta: how would a white paint job rust faster than any other color paint job? that makes no sense.

 

Sorry, I was unclear. It would not rust faster but the rust would show more or look worse.

[MamaBearTeacher]

Why did they say it only comes in black and white? According to the website, the Odyssey LX comes in blue, red, two silvers, and white (no black).

Hmm ... That is what the salesman said and that is what the glossy brochure he gave me says too.

[Lanny]

If you lived or traveled somewhere where the temperatures are hot (AZ, TX, FL and many other states) I guarantee you that the inside temperature of a vehicle that is Black is much higher than a vehicle that is White.  Where you live, that may not be a big factor.  What about the White  paint makes you think it would rust faster than Black paint?  GL with whatever you select. 

[sgo95]

Hmm ... That is what the salesman said and that is what the glossy brochure he gave me says too.

 

That just seems strange to me.  LX is the base model, right?

 

Here's one in silver: https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/673742997/overview/

 

Here's one in darker grey: https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/664833019/overview/

 

Here's one in blue: https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/662564354/overview/

 

Here's one in red: https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/659151123/overview/

[Katy]

Hmm ... That is what the salesman said and that is what the glossy brochure he gave me says too.

 

My guess is the dealership ordered a bunch in black and white for commercial clients.  Maybe the salesman is pushing what's on the lot, or maybe he knows that exactly what you want IS available elsewhere and he's lying to keep your commission.  A lot of commercial repair companies use minivans like that, and that is who the dealer bought them for.

 

Try the Honda website or a different dealer (with different ownership).   Last year we considered a Honda and after multiple salesmen lied repeatedly (in a way we could prove), we ended up getting something from a different dealership.

[MamaBearTeacher]

My guess is the dealership ordered a bunch in black and white for commercial clients. Maybe the salesman is pushing what's on the lot, or maybe he knows that exactly what you want IS available elsewhere and he's lying to keep your commission. A lot of commercial repair companies use minivans like that, and that is who the dealer bought them for.

 

Try the Honda website or a different dealer (with different ownership). Last year we considered a Honda and after multiple salesmen lied repeatedly (in a way we could prove), we ended up getting something from a different dealership.

Okay, I just figured it out. It has to do with where we live. This is what they make for where we live in the LX. The salesman and dealership have no control over this. If I want another color than black or white, I need to get the SE and pay a couple of thousand more. With all these comments I am thinking white is better.

Edited July 10, 2016 by MamaBearTeacher

[KungFuPanda]

Okay, I just figured it out. It has to do with where we live. This is what they make for where we live in the LX. The salesman and dealership have no control over this. If I want another color than black or white, I need to get the SE and pay a couple of thousand more. With all these comments I am thinking white is better.

How is this even a thing? They're shipping in ALL of the vehicles. None are made there. WHY would the color matter? I could see having to wait longer, but you shouldn't have to pay for it? Have you tried other dealers, or just told yours to call you when another color is available? They'll have no incentive to act if they believe you'll buy anyway, but miracles can happen if you're willing to walk or wait.

 

I actually have a white minivan. It's fine. The dirt doesn't show too bad. It definitely looks cleaner than darker vehicles. Even when it gets hot inside, it cools quickly when you open the side doors. I imagine that's true of any minivan.

[Katy]

No, the dealership ordered them specifically, so that's what they're pushing.

[Tap]

I have had both black and white.  I would go with white.  If you live in an area with lots of snow, I don't think having a white car increases visibility though. LOL

 

Is the model you are looking at an LX or a fleet van sold for commercial use?  That may factor in to why it is only available in black or white.  If they only have black or white available on the lot, that could be why they are saying those are the only colors available for that price.  They may be able to order another color, but the price may change.

[TammyinTN]

White...for sure.  The black will show dirt like crazy.

[gingersmom]

When I was growing up my father would buy any model of car as long as it was black :)

 

I almost bought a black Honda CR-V but my kids vetoed it. We went with dark blue instead.

[lynn]

I would get the color I want even if it is a bit more. You may find the cup holders come in handy and you may need that extra seat in a few years.

[Garga]

http://www.best-auto-detailing-tips.com/car-paint-colors.html

 

I have a black minivan and I don't think much about the dirt or the heat. I guess I just don't know any better. The last minivan was dark green so probably just about as hot.

 

I don't notice too much dirt on it, but I also don't much care about dirt. I run it through a car wash a few times a year.

 

When we get in the car, we open both sides of the van and the wind blows the heat away pretty well. But my street gets a steady stream of wind blowing down it almost all the time. We park so that the wind shoots right through the car. It does get hot, though, but since I've only owned red, dark green, or black cars, I can't really compare against white.

[Garga]

Oh, and I hate, hate, hate being cold in the winter. I like the idea that my black minivan is keeping me warmer in the winter than a white minivan. But that's just my personal preference. I finally bought a thick coat that goes all the way to my ankles and I wear a scarf and hat, so I don't get as cold as I used to. I could probably be happy in a white minivan with my thick, long coat.

[Veritaserum]

All of our vehicles were black until my van got totaled a few weeks ago. Now I have a medium blue van (which gets hot). We live where it snows in the winter and gets hot (90s+) in the summer. I didn't notice a significant difference in heat between the light gold van I had before and the black one I had next. Both got hot on a summer day. The black one did show dirt more, but that wasn't a big deal to me. I hate how white vehicles look. White is my least favorite vehicle color. I don't have any reason for that. I just hate it. So, in your shoes I'd pick the black one, but I'd probably pick the black one even with other color options.

[Rachel]

If the vehicle features aren't what you want, how much would it cost to have the van you want painted? What about buying from another dealership that can get the color you want?

 

(I've never bought a vehicle new so I've never actually chosen my car color.)

[staceyobu]

I had a black minivan that I loved. I live where it is SUPER hot in the summer. I never noticed it being hotter than any other car. But, maybe I can't tell the difference between 120 degrees and 140 degrees, kwim?

 

It was totaled in a wreck, but visibility of my vehicle was not a factor.

 

Now I have an ugly light gray van. I miss my black one.

Edited July 10, 2016 by staceyobu

[hornblower]

I wouldn't buy black, esp the Honda....  to my eye, they look much too much like a hearse. There's something about the styling of that rear window. Once I saw it as a hearse, I can't unsee it. 

But I'm totally biased because "white minivan" was my dream car for ages and I finally got to buy one a couple months ago.  I love white cars.  They don't show dirt & I believe they're safer too but I just love how bright they are. 

Do you live in a rust area? I ask because I've got a 99 burgundy (blegh) Sienna too and that thing has no rust on it. I just don't think these new cars rust much. For one thing, they're not even metal in many places.... 



 

[TranquilMind]

I would never buy black.  It looks dirty all the time, and it is hotter than blazes in the summer.

 

Unless they are giving it away, I want a light color.  The best color for us has turned out to be champagne colored, as it never shows dirt. 

[minuway]

I was the same way, I wanted the dark gray, but my husband hated it inexplicably. We went we with the white because it was there and we got a good deal. White is supposed to be great for resale (although we usually drive our cars into the ground) and also white is supposed to be safer (maybe they are more visible)? I don't find them hard to keep looking clean, although to be honest I'm not super particular about that. I get a car wash once a month kind of regardless.

[Veritaserum]

I had a black minivan that I loved. I live where it is SUPER hot in the summer. I never noticed it being hotter than any other car. But, maybe I can't tell the difference between 120 degrees and 140 degrees, kwim?

 

It was totaled in a wreck, but visibility of my vehicle was not a factor.

 

Now I have an ugly light gray van. I miss my black one.

I miss my black Sienna. I loved that van SO much. I got t-boned three weeks ago and my van was totaled. :( Now I have a blue Odyssey. It's a fine van, but I don't love it the way I loved my Sienna. Five years ago I ordered my Sienna new from the factory and deliberately chose black. No regrets on the color and I can't see how the color would have affected visibility. I was hit by someone turning left when she shouldn't have.

 

I think dark-colored seats have more of an impact than a dark-colored body. Dh has black vehicles with black seats. My lighter colored Odyssey has dark gray seats. Our rental vehicle was gray with black seats. My Sienna was black with light gray seats. The black Sienna with light seats didn't feel as hot as the lighter gray rental with black seats or the lighter blue Odyssey with dark gray seats. Dh's cars always feel hotter to me than my Sienna did, too.