Buying a New Car? These 3 Colors Help It Hold Value Better Than the Rest
When you’re shopping for a new car, it’s easy to get caught up in performance, features, and tech upgrades. But there’s one decision that’s often overlooked—and it could seriously impact your wallet down the line. We’re talking about color. Believe it or not, the paint color you choose can affect your car resale value more than you might think. While personal taste plays a role, data shows that certain colors consistently fetch more money when it’s time to sell or trade in.
Little Things Impact Your Car Resale Value
1. Yellow: The Surprisingly Safe Bet
Yellow might not be the most popular choice at the dealership, but it’s one of the strongest performers in terms of car resale value. According to automotive industry reports, yellow vehicles tend to depreciate far less than others, especially among sports cars and compact models. One reason? Yellow cars are relatively rare, which helps them stand out in the used market. Their high visibility also appeals to safety-conscious buyers, which can subtly boost demand. If you’re open to a bold look and want to protect your investment, yellow might be worth a second glance.
2. Orange: The Bold Choice That Pays Off
Much like yellow, orange isn’t seen on every corner—but that’s exactly what helps it retain value. Orange cars are often tied to limited edition models or performance trims, making them more desirable to niche buyers. Their uniqueness reduces competition in the resale market, helping owners command higher prices when it’s time to sell. Orange is particularly popular in the SUV, crossover, and sports coupe segments, where personality counts. If you’re looking for something that makes a statement and protects your car resale value, orange is a smart, strategic choice.
3. Green: The Underrated Resale Contender
Green cars, especially in deeper or metallic shades, have made a comeback—and they’re gaining ground when it comes to holding car resale value. Historically, green was a hit-or-miss choice, but recent consumer trends toward nature-inspired colors have helped shift perceptions. Dark green hues now convey luxury, sophistication, and individuality. Because fewer automakers produce green as a default color, demand outpaces supply in the used market. If you want a color that’s stylish without being flashy, green could quietly save you money at trade-in time.
The Color You Skip Could Cost You More Than You Think
While these three colors hold their value well, others do just the opposite. Common shades like black, white, and silver might seem like safe bets, but their high supply saturates the market and pushes down prices. Cars in these colors often depreciate faster simply because they’re everywhere. Red and blue fall somewhere in the middle, depending on the model and trim. The takeaway? Choosing a unique yet tasteful color can give you an edge—and a fatter wallet—when it’s time to move on from your ride.
What color did you choose for your last car, and did it help or hurt your resale value? Share your experience in the comments—we’d love to hear which shades have (or haven’t) paid off for you!
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