When you buy a car, there are many decisions to make. You might think about the brand, model, fuel type, or even safety features. But one thing that many car buyers don’t think about is car colour. The shade you choose doesn’t just affect how stylish your car looks on the road—it can also make a big difference when it’s time to sell.
At JZ Motors, we’ve seen first-hand how colour plays a role in resale value. Some shades are in high demand and sell faster, while others struggle to attract buyers. In this article, we’ll explore why colour matters, which colours hold value better, and what you should consider if you’re planning to sell your used car in Melbourne.
Why Car Colour Impacts Resale Value
Car colour is not just about personal style. It affects buyer demand, practicality, and long-term appeal. Here’s why:
- Buyer psychology: Colours trigger emotions. White feels fresh and clean, black feels powerful, and red feels sporty. Buyers often choose based on these feelings.
- Market trends: Some colours never go out of style, while others come and go like fashion trends.
- Maintenance: Certain colours show scratches, dirt, and fading more easily, making them harder to keep looking new.
- Resale pool: A car in a popular shade appeals to more buyers, which means you can often sell it faster and at a higher price.
The Most Popular Car Colours in Australia
In Australia, a handful of colours dominate the used car market. These shades are considered “safe” because they appeal to a wide audience.
1. White
White is the most popular car colour across the country. It’s simple, modern, and works well with almost every car type. White also has practical advantages—it reflects sunlight, making it a great choice for hot Australian summers.
2. Black
Black has always been associated with style and luxury. Many people love black cars for their sleek, bold appearance. However, black can be harder to maintain, as scratches, dust, and swirl marks show up easily. Even so, black cars usually command strong resale value, especially for luxury vehicles.
3. Silver and Grey
Silver and grey are timeless shades that suit both small and large cars. These colours are also great for hiding dirt and minor scratches, which makes them appealing to busy families or business fleets. Because of their practicality, silver and grey cars usually sell quickly on the used market.
4. Blue
Blue, especially darker shades, is steadily growing in popularity. It’s stylish yet not too bold, striking the right balance for buyers who want something different but still practical.
Colours That May Hurt Resale Value
Not all colours perform equally well in resale. Bold, bright, or unusual shades often appeal to fewer buyers.
- Bright red: Sporty and eye-catching, but it doesn’t suit all car types. Hatchbacks and sports cars sell fine in red, but family cars and SUVs don’t.
- Yellow and orange: Fun and unique, but they are niche. These shades often sit longer on the market.
- Green and purple: Rare and distinctive, but not many buyers actively search for these colours.
Car Type vs Colour: Finding the Right Match
The effect of colour on resale value also depends on the type of car you’re selling.
- Small cars and hatchbacks: Bright colours like red, yellow, and blue can actually work well here, as younger buyers often prefer bold shades.
- Family cars and SUVs: Neutral colours such as white, grey, and silver sell faster. Families prioritise practicality and maintenance over style.
- Luxury cars: Black, white, and metallic tones increase the sense of prestige, boosting resale appeal.
- Commercial vehicles: White is the clear winner, as it looks professional and is easy to add business branding to.
- Climate and Location: Another Important Factor
Car colour preferences also change depending on the environment.
- Hot climates: White, silver, and other light colours are popular because they reflect heat better, keeping cars cooler. Cooler climates: Darker colours like black, dark grey, and navy blue are often more common since heat reflection isn’t a concern.
If you’re buying with resale in mind, consider your location and the preferences of local buyers.
Changing Colour Trends Over Time
Car colour trends shift with fashion, technology, and buyer preferences. What was once the most popular shade may become less desirable within a few years.
- Early 2000s – The Era of Silver: Silver was the global favourite for almost a decade. It gave cars a modern, futuristic look and was heavily promoted by manufacturers.
- 2010s – Rise of White and Black: White began dominating as car buyers associated it with cleanliness, simplicity, and modern design. Black, on the other hand, remained a strong choice for premium and luxury vehicles.
- Current Trends – White Still Leads: Today, white remains the top choice in Australia, followed by black, grey, and silver. These colours are considered safe bets for resale because they appeal to the widest group of buyers.
- Younger Buyers and Bold Shades: While older generations prefer neutral colours, younger buyers often experiment with red, blue, or even custom wraps. This is especially true in smaller cars and sporty models.
- Influence of Electric Vehicles: With the rise of EVs, manufacturers are experimenting with brighter and futuristic shades—like metallic blues and greens—to set them apart from traditional cars.
What’s important to remember is that classic shades (white, black, grey, silver) always stay in demand, even when bold colours come in and out of fashion. If you plan to sell your car within 3–5 years, choosing a neutral colour is a safer long-term investment.
Does Paint Condition Matter More Than Colour?
While car colour plays a role in resale value, many buyers care more about the overall condition of the paintwork than the actual shade. A well-maintained red car often sells faster than a white car with faded, scratched, or chipped paint.
Why Paint Condition Is So Important
- First Impressions Count: When buyers see a car for the first time, the paint is one of the first things they notice. Dull or damaged paint makes a car look older than it really is.
- Signals Car Care: A car with clean, polished paint often suggests that the owner has taken good care of the vehicle overall, including servicing and maintenance.
- Resale Price Impact: Buyers are willing to pay more for a car that looks newer and fresher, regardless of its colour.
- Protection Against Damage: Paint isn’t just cosmetic. It protects the car’s body from rust and corrosion. Damaged paint can lead to bigger (and more expensive) issues down the track.
Tips to Keep Your Paint Looking New
Maintaining your car’s paint is one of the easiest ways to protect resale value:
- Wash regularly: Use proper car shampoos and microfiber cloths instead of harsh brushes.
- Polish and wax: A good wax job at least twice a year keeps paint glossy and adds a protective layer.
- Protect from the sun: Whenever possible, park in the shade or use a car cover to prevent UV fading.
- Fix scratches early: Small scratches can be buffed out easily, but left untreated they may spread or rust.
- Avoid parking under trees: Sap, bird droppings, and falling branches can damage the finish.
- Consider paint protection: Ceramic coatings or professional paint protection films are popular with new car owners who plan to resell later.
Comparison: Neutral vs Bold Colours
| Factor | Neutral Colours (White, Black, Silver, Grey) | Bold Colours (Red, Yellow, Orange, Green) |
| Resale Demand | High – wider audience | Lower – limited audience |
| Maintenance | Easier – hides dirt and scratches | Harder – shows wear more quickly |
| Resale Price | Generally higher | Often lower, unless niche demand |
| Best Suited For | Families, luxury cars, business fleets | Sports cars, hatchbacks, younger buyers |
Final Thoughts
Car colour might not be the first thing you think about when buying a vehicle, but it has a big impact on resale value. If you want the best return when selling your used car, it’s smart to stick with classic shades that never go out of style.
At JZ Motors, we specialise in high-quality used cars in Melbourne. Whether you’re buying your next car or selling your current one, our team can guide you to make the best choice—not just for today, but for the future resale value as well.