Car expert reveals why you should nearly always buy a silver car - and colours to avoid

A line of different coloured cars
-Credit: (Image: Getty)


Motorists are being advised to think carefully about their car's colour, with grey emerging as the top choice for new car buyers and seen as a "safe" option that won't put off future purchasers of petrol, diesel, or electric vehicles.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) data indicates an impressive 509,000 grey cars were registered in 2023, accounting for 26.8 percent of all new cars on the roads last year.

Additionally, the popularity of grey has surged, witnessing a 22.6 percent increase in demand since 2022. Black and white follow as the second and third most popular colours, with over 385,000 black cars and 314,000 white cars registered respectively last year.

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Swansway Motor Group experts highlight the importance of colour choice in maintaining a car's resale value, reports the Express. They commented: "Choosing the right colour for your car can have an impact on its resale value. Although there are many colours to choose from, white, black, silver, blue, and red are the best choices if you want to hold your car's value.

"These colours are popular, timeless and can help your car stand out, making it easier to find a new owner." Remember that this is not an exact science, but it is a good guide to follow if you are looking to maximise the value of your car."

However, some colours may be less desirable, potentially affecting a vehicle's appeal to buyers and road users alike.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) suggests that vibrant hues may fall out of favour, potentially making them more difficult to sell in the future.

In 2023, registrations for green cars hit just over 53,000, with orange vehicles following at 16,677 and yellow models at 11,880.

Bronze completed the top 10 list, with a mere 6,350 cars registered in the UK, holding a scant 0.6 percent share of the market.

Colours like brown and gold have topped the charts for depreciating value, yet even popular shades such as silver, black, and white are not immune to a drop due to their commonality.

SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes has previously commented: " Car manufacturers have diligently expanded their offerings, with a huge selection of colour options available across hundreds of models and thousands of specification options."

He added: "The extensive variety allows drivers flexibility in choosing a tint that embodies their individuality and style."