When buying a car, how carefully do you consider color options? This may seem like the most arbitrary and subjective of the many choices that you'll need to make until you think about resale value.

Popular Colors Sell and Resell Better

I was out driving with my husband the other day, and we happened to spot a Dodge Viper, a pretty impressive vehicle to come across in just everyday life. My husband's immediate response was just, "Whoa." Mine, on the other hand, was, "Ew. It's mustard yellow."

I mean, I probably won't be in the market for a Dodge Viper anytime soon, but if I am, I sure as heck won't be buying one in yellow, let alone mustard yellow. I just can't see forking over a LARGE amount of cash for a luxury sports car that looks like a sick bumblebee on wheels.

Apologies to anyone who happens to be a huge fan of mustard yellow vehicles. One person's favorite color is another person's condiment.

But, seriously, if you're putting a substantial amount of money into a car purchase, unless you're planning to keep that vehicle forever, you may want to select a color that is favorable for resale. Regardless of your personal preferences, you're much more likely to get a good price for your car at trade-in time if it's painted in a popular hue.

What Drivers Want Right Now

resale value
Autotrader recently named Metallic Black as the 2015 Car Color of the Year at New York Fashion Week's KIA STYLE360, and this choice makes sense. Metallic Black is shiny and trendy, but still safely in the neutral zone. And, according to executive editor at Autotrader, Brian Moody, "The slick, shiny nature of well-executed black paint can lend a classy or upscale vibe even to less expensive cars."
So, there's a good chance that if you buy a car in Metallic Black, that as long as you properly maintain the vehicle, it will retain enough popularity in the next few years to get you full (or close to full) market value for your car when you sell it or trade it in.

Playing it Safe with Color Options

When you are selecting your next vehicle, you could go with the color of the moment, or you can stick to a palette that is tried and true. Most experts recommend going with a color that is both popular AND neutral. Silver is always safe. Don't care for a silvery tone? Try black, white, gray, blue or beige.

And while some studies disagree, the popular opinion is that vehicles painted in neutral shades are pulled over for citations less frequently than flashier colored cars.

However, when all is said and done, if a candy apple red or, yes, even a mustard yellow paint job exponentially increases your driving enjoyment, you should go with your gut. Who knows? When it's time to look for a new way to express yourself through your car choice, you may be able to find a buyer who is just as passionate about being unique.

Financing Always Comes First

Before picking out that perfect color, it would be wise to get your financing in order. Auto Credit Express can help by connecting you with a dealer who will do everything possible in order to get you approved for an affordable auto loan. Even if your credit is damaged, our dealers can work with your situation.

Just fill out our fast and secure online application to get started today.