Best Car to Buy Based on Color and Resale Value
Does Car Colour Affect Resale Value?
When shopping for a car, most buyers focus on make, model, mileage, and features. However, car colour also plays a meaningful role in resale value. Certain colours consistently attract more buyers, are easier to maintain, and move faster in the used car market. Others appeal to narrower audiences, which can affect pricing and how long a vehicle stays listed.
In Canada, Market Data shows that white remains the most popular car colour, while black and blue have grown steadily in demand. Meanwhile, silver has gradually declined in popularity. Interestingly, research also suggests that orange and yellow vehicles often depreciate less over time due to their lower supply—giving sellers more leverage when the right buyer comes along.
This guide breaks down how car colour influences resale value, which colours perform best (and worst) in the Canadian used car market, and how to choose a colour that balances personal style with long-term value.
How Car Colour Affects Resale Value
Car colour influences resale more than many buyers expect. Several factors determine whether a colour helps or hurts a vehicle’s future value:
- Market demand: Neutral colours like white, black, and gray appeal to the widest range of buyers and are easier to resell.
- Supply and competition: Common colours face more competition, while rare colours (such as orange or yellow) may command higher prices due to scarcity.
- Perceived style and image: Bright colours are often associated with sports cars or performance vehicles, boosting appeal in specific segments.
- Regional preferences: Climate and location matter—lighter colours are often preferred in warmer regions because they absorb less heat.
Colour isn’t just a cosmetic choice. It directly affects demand, pricing power, and how quickly a vehicle can be sold or traded in.
Best Car Colours for Resale Value in Canada
Some colours consistently outperform others when it comes time to sell. These shades attract more buyers and tend to retain value better over time:
- White: The safest and most popular choice in Canada. Easy to maintain, timeless in appearance, and always in demand.
- Black: Especially strong for luxury and executive vehicles, though it requires more upkeep due to visible dirt and scratches.
- Gray / Silver: Still considered practical and neutral, making it a reliable option for resale despite declining popularity.
- Blue: Growing in demand, particularly darker shades that offer a refined look without being as common as black or white.
- Orange and Yellow: Studies show these colours often depreciate less because of limited supply, giving sellers an edge in niche markets.
Neutral tones dominate overall, but bold colours can perform exceptionally well in the right vehicle category.
Worst Car Colours for Resale Value
Not all colours age equally in the used car market. Some tend to depreciate faster because they appeal to fewer buyers:
- Brown and Gold: Often viewed as outdated, resulting in lower demand and slower resale.
- Purple and Green: Unique but polarizing, which limits their appeal to the broader market.
- Bright Yellow and Orange (for mainstream vehicles): While strong for sports cars, these colours can be harder to resell for sedans and family-oriented models.
Choosing one of these colours doesn’t mean your car won’t sell—it may simply take longer or require more flexible pricing.
Choosing the Best Car Colour for Long-Term Value
Selecting the right car colour is about balancing personal taste with resale practicality. If long-term value matters, consider the following:
- Follow market trends: White, black, and blue continue to lead in Canadian demand.
- Assess competition: Rare colours may hold value but often require more patience to sell.
- Factor in maintenance: Dark colours show scratches and dirt more easily; lighter colours are generally lower-maintenance.
- Match colour to vehicle type: Performance cars benefit from bold colours, while sedans and SUVs typically resell better in neutral shades.
Making an informed colour choice can improve both ownership satisfaction and future resale outcomes.
Real-World Scenarios: How Car Colour Impacts Resale
Real-life examples show how colour directly affects pricing and buyer interest:
Selling a Car with a Unique Colour
Emma owns a bright yellow sports car and worries about resale. While demand is narrower, she learns that yellow sports cars depreciate less. By listing on enthusiast-focused platforms, she attracts the right buyers and secures a strong selling price.
Choosing a Colour for a Family SUV
David plans to trade in his SUV after five years. Although he likes a deep green model, local listings show white, black, and silver SUVs selling faster. He chooses a neutral colour to ensure easier resale later.
Trade-In Value Affected by Colour
Sophie trades in her brown sedan and receives a lower-than-expected offer. The dealer explains that brown vehicles take longer to sell. She decides to negotiate further and explore private-sale options.
Conclusion: The Smartest Colour Choice for Resale Value
While personal preference matters, car colour can significantly influence resale value. Neutral, high-demand colours consistently perform better in the used car market and provide stronger long-term value.
White remains the safest choice for resale, thanks to its popularity and ease of maintenance, while black and blue continue to gain traction. Buyers focused on resale value are best served by sticking with widely accepted colours.
Bold and unique colours can still pay off in niche markets—but they often require more patience. Ultimately, the best choice is one that balances style, practicality, and market demand.
