Picking a color when buying a new car is often a personal preference. Some like red for boldness, others classic black for elegance and sophistication. But beyond its look and feel, does a car’s color impact its resale value? The simple and short answer is yes—certain colors hold their value better than others.
Why Color Affects Resale Vehicle Value
Market Demand and Buyer Preferences
Classic white, silver, and black are popular car colors because of their wide appeal and classic allure. For many, these colors are also more practical as they are less likely to show dirt and minor scratches. Yellow or red cars appeal to niche groups but can limit demand. On the other hand, brighter or uncommon colors attract more specialized buyers, which can make them harder to resell quickly and potentially reduce their overall value.
Maintenance and Appearance
The color of a vehicle can affect its maintenance and overall aesthetic, which, in turn, can influence its resale price. Lighter colors, such as white or silver, generally better conceal dirt and scratches than darker tones, helping the car maintain a cleaner, more polished appearance over time. On the other hand, darker colors like black or navy are more likely to reveal dust and lighter blemishes, making imperfections easier to notice.
Geographic and Seasonal Trends
The geographic location and weather conditions can also influence color choices. For example, white vehicles are preferred in warm climates because they reflect sunlight and help keep the interior cooler. Warmer colors, such as red or orange, may be more popular in colder regions, where they are associated with feelings of warmth and energy.
Demand can vary with the seasons, as vibrant colors tend to be more popular in spring and summer, while darker tones are preferred in fall and winter.
Vehicle Color Trends: Best Car Colors for Resale Value
A study of over 1.2 million used-car listings found that yellow vehicles depreciate the least, with only a 24.0% loss over 3 years. Following the yellow, orange, and green cars, the other colors also maintain their value relatively well, with depreciation rates of 24.4% and 26.3%, respectively.
In contrast, more prevalent colors such as white and black exhibit higher depreciation rates, with white vehicles losing 32.1% and black vehicles 31.9% of their value during the same timeframe.
The research attributes this phenomenon to the greater availability of white and black cars in the used car market, which lowers their resale value. So, while common colors are timeless, easier to maintain, and have broad appeal, less popular ones like yellow, orange, or green can lead to a better resale value.
Worst Car Colors for Resale Value
Some vehicle colors are known to depreciate more quickly than others, primarily because of their limited popularity and niche appeal. Recent industry research indicates that colors such as gold, purple, orange, and brown consistently experience higher rates of depreciation than more favored colors.
For example, gold cars can depreciate by up to 34–35% over three years, making them among the least favorable for resale. Brown vehicles also perform poorly, with depreciation rates approaching 30%.
Purple vehicles tend to struggle as well, sometimes losing more than 40% of their value in the same timeframe. Although orange can occasionally perform well in specific niches, it typically lags behind more neutral colors in the wider market.
The primary factor contributing to the lower resale value of these colors is their limited attraction to the average consumer. While unique or uncommon colors might seem appealing, they usually draw a smaller audience, reducing the number of potential buyers. This “niche” attraction results in fewer individuals willing to pay a higher price for these cars in the used market, which in turn lowers their resale values.
Moreover, certain colors, such as gold or brown, may be associated with outdated trends or specific vehicle categories, further reducing demand. Unlike grey or silver cars, which are widely accepted and commonly available, gold and brown cars lack the widespread market acceptance necessary to retain value over time.
Specialty and Trend Colors: Neutral vs. Bold Car Colors
Vibrant colors often draw in a smaller, more targeted audience of buyers. Colors like bright red or yellow, or distinctive finishes like matte, tend to be very noticeable but may not attract the typical buyer who prefers a more neutral or traditional choice. As a result, these colors can limit a vehicle’s resale value and sometimes accelerate depreciation.
In some cases, choosing less common colors can increase a vehicle's resale value. Limited-edition sports or high-performance cars often feature exclusive colors that set them apart and appeal to collectors or enthusiasts. In these cases, a distinctive color can heighten demand and generate a resale premium, especially when combined with other rare attributes or a strong brand image.
Specific bright or custom shades on performance cars might become highly desirable, enabling owners to command higher prices in the used market. The important factor is that the color's exclusivity aligns with the vehicle’s overall attractiveness and market segment.
Tips for Buyers Choosing a Color with Resale in Mind
Stick to Neutral Colors for Mass Appeal
Selecting a neutral color, such as white, black, grey, or silver, is your safe bet. While trends and preferences can shift, neutral colors hardly go out of fashion. They’re not overly eye-catching, which makes them appealing to a wide range of buyers. When repairs or touch-ups are required, matching the paint is often simpler and more cost-effective. If you want to sell your car later with minimal loss, choosing a neutral color is a wise decision.
Consider the Vehicle Type
Using a vibrant or unique color can increase a sports car's appeal, making it more attractive to potential buyers. On the other hand, that same bright color could negatively impact resale value for a sedan or family SUV, as buyers prefer more neutral options.
Trucks and off-road vehicles often feature earth tones or vibrant, bold colors to align with their rugged aesthetic, appealing to an audience that values durability and adventure. High-end cars generally perform better in timeless, sophisticated colors. Before making a final decision, consider potential future buyers of your car and their color preferences.
Think Long-Term Trends
What appears trendy today may be out of style in a few years. Colors associated with pop culture, fashion, or novelty may eventually fade in appeal. Trends often move toward more timeless color schemes. Choosing colors with lasting popularity is wiser than chasing seasonal trends.
Choosing the Right Color for Value and Style
Color is more than personal expression. A thoughtfully selected color can increase a car’s appeal in the used market, whereas a daring or overly trendy shade may limit your buyer options and reduce your potential returns.
That said, your preferences are important. The best strategy is to find a middle ground: select a color you will like and live with for many years, while also considering resale value. If your preferred shade also retains good resale value, you benefit on both fronts. However, if you choose a less conventional color, you might have to accept a minor decrease in resale vehicle value.
In any case, understanding how color affects value allows you to make more informed choices rather than simply buying a car in a color you like.
