Resale values of cars are affected by car colours in the United Kingdom. Yet many factors, such as market trends, customer preferences, and the model itself, can vary the impact.
Never forget that we always speak with power. Our taste determines what cars are bought or made by manufacturers and affects supply as well as demand, among other things.
One thing that can change everything is colour. People’s perception of the state of a vehicle, its value on resale and even how much they like looking at it may be influenced by this one factor alone.
This could explain why some shades like grey, black or white tend to hold better prices when re-sold, but others might attract specific buyers who would pay more for them because it’s their favourite hue or anything else along those lines.
Most Popular Car Colors
The most common car colours in Britain are white, black and silver.
White – It looks clean and modern and hides dirt well, too.
Black—This shade has a very refined and sophisticated appearance; silver also gives off an understated sleekness if you prefer something less flashy.
Silver – Moreover, silver has a smooth contemporary vibe going on, which helps conceal imperfections, so it makes sense for manufacturers/owners alike as far as colours go.
Read here for the UK’s most preferred car colours.
How do you find out what colour your car is?
Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual or service history book and look for the colour code. If you don’t have these, check under the bonnet, in the glove box, under the driver’s door, or in the spare wheel well. Alternatively, contact the original dealership for the code.
Which shade of car should I avoid?
Choosing a respray colour is a personal decision that should reflect your unique taste and preferences. However, if you’re also considering the resale value or maintaining a classic look, it’s wise to avoid trendy colours that may polarised opinions.
In such cases, sticking to neutral colours like black, white, or silver can be a safe bet. Alternatively, you can choose a colour that complements your car’s design and aesthetics, ensuring a unique and personalised look.
What is the most popular car colour in the UK for resale value?
According to 2016 data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Trading (SMMT), grey accounts for 24.8% of all car sales across all industries.
Neutral colours such as white, black, and silver tend to have the highest resale value in the UK.
Buyers like these colours because they are versatile, timeless, and suitable for all tastes.
Additionally, these colours age well and do not go out of fashion quickly, which makes them a safe bet from a resale perspective.
While other colours may be attractive in their own way, cars that are either white, black or silver often fetch higher prices on used car lots due to their broad appeal and perceived desirability among shoppers.
Worst colours for car depreciation
In general, there are some general trends and considerations that should be kept in mind if you want to determine the absolute worst colours for car depreciation:
- Unusual or Polarising Colours
- Trendy Colours
- Unattractive Colour Combinations
What colour should I avoid?
There is minimal demand among car purchasers for cars in unusual colours like yellow, pink, gold, and purple, so these cars are unlikely to sell.
Will changing the colour of my car affect its resale value?
Yes – changing your car’s colour can potentially impact its resale value, but how much depends on different things:
Colour Popularity:
Some colours are higher in demand than others. For instance, neutral colours such as black, white, and silver are known to attract many buyers, while bright or uncommon colours appeal to a few.
Repaint Quality:
If done professionally using quality materials and workmanship, a professional paint job may have less impact on resale value than a cheap job that uses low-quality materials. Anything like uneven application signs, drips of paint, or mismatched colours can make the car appear less valuable.
Originality and Authenticity:
Most people who buy vehicles would prefer them to be in their original factory paint. This indicates that nothing much has been altered on them apart from what is necessary during the production process. Whenever one changes the colour of their vehicle, there comes an issue of whether some parts were repaired, thus raising doubt about accident involvement or even major modification, which can reduce its resale value.
Market Trends:
What people are ready to pay for at any given time greatly depends on fashion trends as well as consumer preferences in general, specifically related to automobiles.
Colours that are considered fashionable today might not be tomorrow, affecting their desirability among used car dealerships and, hence, lowering their prices.
Target Audience:
The impact of a colour change on resale value can vary depending on the preferences of the target audience. For example, a custom paint job in a trendy colour might appeal to enthusiasts or collectors but could deter more conservative buyers.
Ultimately, if you’re considering changing the colour of your car and are concerned about its potential impact on resale value, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully and perhaps consult with a professional appraiser or automotive expert for personalised advice based on your specific situation.
