The one important detail that can hurt your car’s resale value that everyone overlooks

The colour of your car can have a surprisingly large impact on its safety, comfort, maintenance costs, and even resale value.

This is according to Keagan Sloman, Head of Product at financial services provider The Unlimited, who noted that most consumers tend to choose the colour of their new vehicle based on their tastes, personality, availability, or what looks best on the showroom floor.

However, Sloman warned that this decision can follow motorists long after the keys have been handed over.

He said that consumers should look beyond personal preference when choosing a car colour, as it can influence the broader cost of ownership.

“Drivers often think about the make, model, features and monthly repayment, but colour can also affect the everyday realities of owning a vehicle.”

“It’s not about one colour being right and another wrong. It’s about understanding the practical trade-offs before making the decision.”

“From visibility and comfort to maintenance and resale appeal, the colour of your car isn’t something you should choose with your heart alone.”

How a car’s colour can affect ownership costs and resale value

One aspect of a vehicle’s colour is that it can improve safety in the right conditions.

Sloman noted that lighter-coloured cars are generally easier to spot in early morning mist, rainy weather, or at night, while darker models blend into the shadows more easily.

Other factors such as driver awareness, road conditions, maintenance, and proper use of headlights play a much larger role in preventing accidents, but colour is still something to consider when looking at vehicle safety.

Another everyday consideration is that lighter colours are less affected by South Africa’s hot climate.

Darker colours absorb more heat, while lighter shades reflect it, making a considerable difference when entering a car left in the sun.

If you usually park your vehicle somewhere that lacks overhead cover, picking a lighter colour is a smart move that will reduce the need to blast the air conditioning when you first get in.

Moving on to a more practical aspect, certain car colours are far easier to maintain and repair than others.

“Dark hues show dust, water spots, swirl marks and small scratches more clearly. Although they can look striking when clean, they usually need more regular upkeep to maintain that polished appearance,” said Sloman.

Lighter colours like silver and white are better at hiding dust and scratches. Additionally, it is easier for workshops to touch up these more common finishes.

Unique colours and special finishes like metallic flecks require a more intensive process involving colour matching and grading, which can lead to a more expensive repair bill.

The last point is that a car’s appearance can affect its resale value. Neutral finishes like white, black, silver, and grey have been popular for years because they are inoffensive and attract a wide range of buyers.

While a motorist may be tempted to buy a car with a bright paint job they like, the fact is that not everyone shares their tastes, and it will be harder to find a buyer down the line.

“Colour alone won’t determine resale value, but it can influence buyer preference and overall market appeal. In the end, a car that’s been cared for mechanically and cosmetically will generally be more attractive to buyers when the time comes to sell,” said Sloman.

“Managing minor cosmetic damage with Scratch and Dent cover, and unexpected mechanical issues with a good motor warranty, can help protect the vehicle’s appearance, performance and long-term value.”