How Car Colour Can Save You Money: Resale Value and Running Costs Explained
Published 27th of September 2012·Updated 12 April 2026
Reviewed by: Reviewed for accuracy April 2026
Choosing the right car colour can save you thousands of pounds over a vehicle's lifetime. Neutral colours such as white, silver, grey and black consistently hold their resale value better than bold or unusual shades. If you are buying a car on a tight budget or planning to sell one to raise money, colour is a practical financial consideration worth taking seriously.
Short Summary
White, silver, grey and black are the safest choices for resale value. According to data from car valuation specialists at CAP HPI, these four colours account for around 75 per cent of all used car sales in the UK.
Bold colours such as yellow, orange, green and purple depreciate faster because they appeal to a smaller pool of buyers. A car in an unusual colour can be worth 10 to 15 per cent less than the same model in silver or white.
If you are buying a car, choosing a popular colour gives you more flexibility to sell quickly if your finances change. If you are selling, knowing your colour's market appeal helps you set a realistic price and negotiate confidently.
Car colour affects insurance premiums in a minor and indirect way. Red cars are not more expensive to insure, despite the myth. However, some high-visibility colours can affect the perceived theft risk, which insurers occasionally factor in.
Which car colours hold their value best in the UK?
White and silver consistently top the charts for resale value. Black is close behind and suits most body styles. Grey has grown significantly in popularity over the past decade and now rivals white in many market segments.
According to data published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), grey overtook silver as one of the UK's most popular new car colours in recent years, meaning the used car market for grey vehicles is now well established.
| Colour | Resale Value Rating | Buyer Demand |
|---|---|---|
| White | Excellent | Very high |
| Silver | Excellent | Very high |
| Grey | Very good | High |
| Black | Very good | High |
| Blue | Good | Moderate |
| Red | Moderate | Moderate |
| Green | Below average | Low |
| Yellow / Orange | Poor | Low |
| Purple / Pink | Poor | Very low |
Which colours depreciate fastest?
Yellow, orange, green and purple depreciate fastest because they attract a niche audience. A buyer who loves a particular bold colour will find it; but if you need to sell quickly at a fair price, a non-standard colour can cost you significantly.
Specialist or limited-edition colours from manufacturers such as Ferrari or Porsche can be an exception. For mainstream cars from Ford, Vauxhall, Volkswagen or Toyota, unusual colours nearly always hurt resale value.
How much can colour affect a car's resale price?
Research by car valuation firm Glass's Guide and used car platform AutoTrader has shown that colour can affect a car's value by up to 20 per cent compared with the same model in a neutral shade. On a car worth £10,000, that is a difference of up to £2,000.
The effect is less pronounced on very new or very old cars. It matters most in the three-to-seven-year age bracket, where the used car market is most competitive and buyers have the most choice.
How to use colour knowledge when buying a car
If you are buying a car to minimise running costs and maximise future flexibility, choose white, silver or grey. These colours are easiest to sell and attract the widest range of buyers.
If you are buying on finance, the resale value matters because it affects any optional final payment (sometimes called a balloon payment) on a PCP deal. A car in a difficult colour may be worth less than the guaranteed future value figure, which can leave you in negative equity.
If you genuinely love a bold colour and plan to keep the car for many years, the resale penalty matters less. The key is to factor it into your decision rather than ignore it.
Can selling your car help you pay off debt?
If you own a car outright and need to raise cash quickly, selling it is one of the most straightforward options available. You avoid interest charges and debt entirely, which is always better than borrowing.
You can sell privately through AutoTrader or Facebook Marketplace for the highest price, or use a car buying service such as We Buy Any Car or Motorway for a faster sale at a slightly lower price. Always get at least three quotes before accepting an offer.
If you are thinking about a logbook loan (also called a V5 loan), be very cautious. These loans use your car as security, charge very high interest rates, and could result in you losing your vehicle if you cannot repay. The FCA has expressed concern about logbook loans. Free debt advice from StepChange or Citizens Advice is always worth seeking before taking this route.
FAQ
Does car colour really affect resale value?
Yes, significantly. Neutral colours such as white, silver and grey consistently sell faster and at higher prices than bold or unusual shades. On a mainstream family car, the difference can be £1,000 to £2,000 or more.
Is it true that red cars are more expensive to insure?
No. Car insurance premiums are based on the make, model, engine size, your driving history and where you live. Colour is not a rating factor for most UK insurers. The red-car myth has no basis in fact.
Which car colour is cheapest to maintain?
White and silver cars show scratches and minor damage less than dark colours such as black or navy, which show every mark and swirl. Light metallic colours also tend to be cheaper to touch up. Black requires more frequent cleaning to look presentable.
Should I choose a popular colour if I am buying on a PCP deal?
Yes. On a Personal Contract Purchase deal, the guaranteed minimum future value (GMFV) is set at the start. If your car's market value falls below the GMFV at the end of the term due to a difficult colour, you may be in negative equity. Choosing a popular colour reduces this risk.
What is the most popular car colour in the UK right now?
According to SMMT data, grey and white have been the most popular new car colours in the UK for several years. Silver remains popular in the used market. Black is consistently strong across most segments.
Is it worth respraying a car before selling it?
Rarely. A professional respray costs £1,000 to £3,000 and rarely adds equivalent value to a car's sale price. It is generally better to price the car correctly for its colour rather than spending money on a respray.