When it comes to buying a car, one of the most critical decisions you have to make is choosing the right colour – so which car colour is best and why is it so important?
It might seem less important than other decisions you’ll be making when buying a car but in fact, choosing the right car colour can have a big impact on your vehicle’s resale value, sometimes adding as much as £2,000 to the value.
On the other hand, choosing the wrong colour can make selling your prized possession a real challenge. So if you’re wondering how to choose the best car colour and what to bear in mind, here’s everything you need to know to find something you love, and which will sell well in future.
Why is car colour so important to its resale value
Colour is not just a matter of personal preference; some are more popular and generally easier to sell, while others can actually detract from a car’s value.
This post aims to give an in-depth look at how different colours affect the desirability, and therefore the value, of used cars.
The best car colours to choose from
If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve picked out all the main car colours and what to consider when you’re choosing which car colour is best for your own.
Black
Black cars have a timeless appeal and look good on almost any vehicle. However, black cars are notoriously difficult to keep clean, showing dirt, dust, and scratches more easily than other colours.
This factor can deter some buyers, especially those looking for more budget-friendly options.
- Pros: Classic, sophisticated look; popular in luxury markets.
- Cons: High maintenance; less popular for cheaper cars.
Grey
Grey is a versatile colour that looks good on most cars. It’s easy to maintain and tends to hide dirt and scratches better than black.
Grey cars have a broad appeal and are generally well-received in the resale market.
- Pros: Low maintenance; wide appeal.
- Cons: Can be perceived as dull by some buyers.
Silver
Silver’s popularity has varied over the years, but it is currently making a comeback.
It is a colour that suits most vehicles, with a good balance between visibility and maintenance.
- Pros: Easy to keep clean; popular in mid-range markets.
- Cons: Trend-driven; may fall out of favour.
White
White was once a go-to colour for many buyers due to its clean and crisp appearance. However, its popularity has waned in recent years.
White cars are relatively easy to keep clean but can show road grime and dust.
- Pros: Clean, classic look; good for visibility.
- Cons: Decreasing popularity; shows dirt.
Blue
The shade of blue you choose has a huge impact on its resale value – not all blues are created equal when it comes to car colours.
Darker blues tend to be more appealing, while lighter shades might not be as popular. Blue cars have a unique charm and are generally well-received, though they are not typically the first choice for most buyers.
- Pros: Unique and attractive; darker shades preferred.
- Cons: Variable appeal; lighter shades less popular.
Green
Green cars, especially in darker shades, can look very attractive, but they are not a common choice.
Many buyers shy away from green, making it a risky choice if you’re concerned about resale value.
- Pros: Can be attractive in certain shades; good for specific niches like Land Rovers.
- Cons: Generally unpopular; harder to sell.
Red
Red is a bold colour that works exceptionally well on sports cars like Ferraris. For most other cars, however, it can be a bit tricky.
Red cars often attract attention but may not appeal to a wide range of buyers.
- Pros: Eye-catching; great for sports cars.
- Cons: Limited appeal; can be polarising.
Gold
Gold cars are a rare sight on the roads, and there’s a good reason for that.
Gold is a colour that generally does not fare well in the resale market. It is seen as outdated and can significantly reduce a car’s value.
- Pros: Unique; stands out.
- Cons: Very unpopular; greatly reduces resale value.
Expanding the Palette: are unusual car colours a good choice?
Yellow
Yellow cars hold their value exceptionally well. They are rare and often stand out, making them unexpectedly desirable in the resale market.
According to recent studies, yellow cars depreciate the least among all car colours, losing only about 13.5% of their value over three years (iSeeCars) (Clark Howard).
- Pros: High visibility; low depreciation.
- Cons: Bold choice; not everyone’s taste.
Orange
Like yellow, orange cars are unique and retain their value well. They are not very common, which makes them attractive to certain buyers (if you can find them).
Orange cars depreciate slightly more than yellow but still hold up well in the market (iSeeCars) (Money).
- Pros: Unique and eye-catching; good resale value.
- Cons: Bold choice; niche market appeal.
Brown
Brown is a more conservative choice and has seen a recent boost in popularity, especially for SUVs and larger vehicles when you’re considering which car colour is best.
Brown cars typically have moderate depreciation rates, making them a safer bet than more polarising colours like gold (iSeeCars) (Clark Howard).
- Pros: Neutral and earthy; decent resale value.
- Cons: Can be perceived as dull; variable appeal.
Which car colour is best? The facts
Let’s look at some data to back up these claims. According to a study by iSeeCars, certain colours can affect the time it takes to sell a car as well as the price you’ll get.
For example, cars in less popular colours can take up to 10 days longer to sell and might fetch prices up to 3% lower than similar models in more popular colours (Money).
You’ll also find that certain car colours are particularly popular (or unpopular) for different types of car, so your decision might be different if you’re buying a saloon rather than a hatchback.
Popular colours by car type
- Luxury Cars: Black, white, and grey dominate this market.
- Economy Cars: White and grey are common, with blue and red also popular.
- SUVs and Trucks: Silver, black, and white are the top choices.
The best car colour: practical considerations
Choosing the best car colour isn’t just a question of selling it on later, it has to suit your life now, so consider the climate and environment where you live as well.
For instance, lighter colours like white and silver are better suited for hot climates as they reflect sunlight and keep the car cooler.
Darker colours like black and dark blue might be more appropriate for cooler climates but will also require more frequent cleaning to keep them looking good.]
Personal Taste vs Resale Value
What car colour do you love most? While resale value is an important consideration, you shouldn’t completely ignore your own personal taste. After all you’ll be driving this car and living with it for some time – you don’t want your heart to sink every time you look at it.
So if you have a strong preference for a particular colour, it’s worth weighing the pros and cons. If you love gold cars and don’t mind the potential hit to resale value, go for it!
After all, you’ll be the one driving the car every day. Just be aware of the financial implications down the road when you’re choosing your car colour.
The Future of Car Colours
The automotive industry is always evolving, and colour trends are no exception. Advances in paint technology and changing consumer preferences mean that what’s popular today might not be tomorrow.
Keep an eye on emerging trends and consider how they might affect your car’s value in the future. Which car colour is best today might not be the same as the best car colour in a few years.
What is the best car colour to choose? The essentials
As we’ve seen, choosing the right colour for your car is more than just a matter of aesthetics.
It’s a decision that can have significant financial implications when it comes time to sell or trade in your vehicle. By understanding the impact of different colours on resale value, you can make a more informed choice and potentially save yourself a lot of hassle and money in the long run.
In summary:
- Black: Elegant but high maintenance.
- Grey: Versatile and easy to maintain.
- Silver: Making a comeback, generally well-received.
- White: Clean but less popular than before.
- Blue: Darker shades preferred, unique appeal.
- Green: Niche appeal, generally unpopular.
- Red: Bold, best for sports cars.
- Gold: Unpopular, significantly reduces value.
- Yellow: High visibility, low depreciation.
- Orange: Unique and eye-catching, good resale value.
- Brown: Neutral and earthy, decent resale value.
But always remember that while these guidelines can help you make a more informed decision, your personal preference is still crucial. After all, a car is an extension of your personality and should bring you joy every time you drive it.
For more insights and tips on buying and maintaining your car, stay tuned to our blog. Happy driving!