I didn't want to spend a best price of $353 for an SE spare tire Hardcover for the "V".
I found out that the HONDA painted dark gray mettalic cover is only $100 + tax.  The local HONDA dealer matched the "net" best price and your dealer will or be very close, guarantee that on the dark gray hardcover.
 
HONDA PART NUMBER - 0U8U02-S10-100 Painted dark gray metallic hard cover
 
It appears the lettering on the normal SE hardcover is dark gray, goes well with the SE gold, white, black etc.  Naturally, the lettering doesn't work well with the dark gray cover matching the lettering.  It is my conclusion this is why the dark gray metallic is so much cheaper and the pre-2002 SE didn't come in dark gray.
 
EXCEPTIONAL Japanese HONDA QUALITY!!  and it completely covers the factory 205/70R-15 tire, easy to install too!!
I hated that vinyl cover and with winter coming didn't want to have to deal with heating and stretching it again!!
 
Pic included,
SALTMAN
http://www.BSALT.com 

Attachment: (image/jpeg) Vhardcover.jpg [not stored]

OPPS went U crazy in the part number, here is the correct part number for your HONDA dealer.

HONDA PART NUMBER - 08U02-S10-100 Painted dark gray metallic hard cover