Which Car Colors Are Easiest to Resell?

If you’re buying a car that you plan to sell in a few years, the color can affect its resale value. White, black, gray, and silver are familiar choices with broad appeal, but they aren’t necessarily the colors that hold their value best. Recent used-car research has found that less common colors, particularly yellow, orange, and green, can retain more of their original value.

The best choice depends on the vehicle you’re buying. A bright yellow sports car may attract plenty of interested buyers, while that same color could appeal to a much smaller audience shopping for a family sedan. Before paying extra for a particular color, consider the make and model, local demand, and whether you’re getting a good deal on the vehicle itself.

Which Car Colors Hold Their Value Best?

According to an iSeeCars study of more than 1.2 million three-year-old used vehicles, yellow, orange, and green had the lowest average depreciation among the colors studied.

The study found the following average depreciation rates after three years:

• Yellow: 24.0%
• Orange: 24.4%
• Green: 26.3%
• Red: 29.8%
• Silver: 29.8%
• Gray: 30.5%
• Blue: 30.9%
• Black: 31.9%
• White: 32.1%

Across all colors included in the study, average depreciation was 31.0%. Gold had the highest average depreciation at 34.4%.

These figures describe the vehicles included in that research, not a guaranteed resale outcome for every car. The results also vary significantly by vehicle category. A color that performs well on a pickup truck or convertible may perform differently on a sedan or SUV.

It’s also important to distinguish between holding resale value and being easy to sell. A rare color might retain more value because relatively few examples are available to buyers who want it. That doesn’t necessarily mean it will attract the largest number of potential buyers or sell the fastest.

Are Black, White, Silver, and Gray Still Good Choices?

Neutral colors remain sensible choices when you’re concerned about finding a buyer later. They are common across many vehicle types and generally don’t depend on a particular fashion trend.

According to BASF’s 2025 automotive color report, white, black, gray, and silver continued to account for a substantial share of vehicle colors worldwide. Gray gained popularity globally, while white declined slightly.

However, popularity has a downside when it comes to resale value. Because so many vehicles are available in neutral colors, buyers may have more opportunities to compare similar cars and negotiate prices.

Black: Black is a familiar choice for sedans, SUVs, and luxury vehicles. It can look attractive when well maintained, although scratches, dust, and swirl marks may be especially noticeable on dark paint. Its popularity doesn’t guarantee stronger resale value.

White: White has broad appeal across many vehicle categories. It can also be practical in sunny climates because a lighter exterior generally absorbs less sunlight than a dark one. However, there isn’t sufficient evidence that white cars consistently achieve better resale prices specifically during summer months.

Silver and gray: Both are relatively understated choices that may appeal to buyers who don’t want an unusual color. Silver performed slightly better than average in the iSeeCars study, while gray was close to the overall average.

If you’re buying a mainstream family vehicle and want a color that won’t be especially polarizing, these neutral shades are reasonable options. Just don’t assume that choosing one will automatically increase its resale price.

Should You Avoid Red Cars?

There’s no good reason to rule out a red car simply because you intend to resell it someday.

Red cars have long been associated with two popular myths: that they cost more to insure and that police are more likely to stop them for speeding.

According to Progressive Insurance, vehicle color does not determine insurance premiums. Insurers consider factors such as the vehicle, driving history, location, and coverage instead. Progressive also notes that there isn’t conclusive evidence showing that red vehicles receive more traffic tickets because of their color.

In the iSeeCars resale study, red vehicles actually depreciated slightly less than the overall average after three years. That doesn’t mean red is the best choice for every vehicle, but it challenges the idea that a red car is automatically harder to resell or worth less.

Red can be especially appropriate for certain sporty models where buyers expect more expressive colors. For a practical family vehicle, the appeal may depend more heavily on the particular shade and the preferences of local buyers.

What About Yellow, Purple, and Other Unusual Colors?

Unusual colors can be a gamble, but they aren’t necessarily bad for resale.

Yellow is a particularly good example. Although it’s less common than white or black, it performed best in the iSeeCars three-year depreciation study. Orange and green also performed well.

One explanation is that relatively few vehicles are produced in those colors. If a particular model has a dedicated group of buyers who want a distinctive shade, limited availability can help support its used value.

However, that doesn’t mean every unusual color is a good investment. The results depend on the vehicle category, the shade, and buyer demand. Purple, for example, wasn’t included as a separate color in the study’s overall depreciation rankings, so there isn’t enough evidence from those results to recommend or reject it.

Trendy paint colors can also become less fashionable over time. A distinctive color that suits a performance car may be less appealing on a conservative luxury sedan. If you’re considering an unusual shade, look at used listings for the same make and model rather than assuming all bright colors behave alike.

Does Car Color Matter More Than Mileage and Condition?

For most car buyers, color should be one consideration rather than the deciding factor.

A vehicle’s age, mileage, mechanical condition, accident history, trim level, and market demand can all have a substantial influence on what someone is willing to pay for it. A well-maintained car with service records may be more appealing than a neglected vehicle in a supposedly desirable color.

For example, suppose you’re comparing two otherwise similar used cars. One is silver and costs $18,000, while the other is red and costs $17,000. If their condition, mileage, equipment, and history are genuinely comparable, the red car gives you an immediate $1,000 saving.

That doesn’t guarantee the red car will sell for the same amount later. But the silver car would need to recover that additional $1,000 through a higher eventual sale price just to offset the difference you paid upfront. The figures in this example are hypothetical, not estimates of current market prices.

This is why it can make financial sense to purchase a car in your second-choice color when the price is particularly attractive.

How to Choose a Car Color With Resale in Mind

If you already know you’re likely to sell or trade in your car within a few years, a little research before buying can help you avoid paying unnecessarily for a particular paint color.

• Compare the same make and model. Check used-car listings for vehicles with similar mileage, trim levels, condition, and model years. Differences in asking prices can suggest how particular colors are valued, although asking prices aren’t the same as completed sale prices.
• Consider the type of vehicle. Bright colors may have stronger appeal on sports cars and specialty models than on everyday family vehicles.
• Check the cost of optional paint. Manufacturers sometimes charge extra for metallic, pearl, or special-edition colors. Don’t assume that you’ll recover the additional cost when you sell.
• Think about the local market. Preferences can vary by region, and a color that’s popular nationally may not be especially desirable among buyers in your area.
• Keep the paint in good condition. Wash the vehicle appropriately, address paint damage when practical, and avoid modifications that could make the car less appealing to future buyers.
• Compare the entire purchase price. A substantial discount on a less popular color may be worth more than any potential resale advantage of a more desirable shade.

If you’re choosing between two equally priced vehicles in similar condition, color preference and likely resale appeal can help break the tie. But if one vehicle is significantly cheaper, better maintained, or better equipped, those advantages may matter much more than its paint color.

The smartest approach is to buy a car that meets your needs at a competitive price, choose a color you can live with, and take good care of it. Whether you prefer classic silver, practical white, or a bright red or yellow, there’s no single paint color that guarantees the best resale outcome for every vehicle.