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15 Shades of Car Colors that Depreciate Fast

Ever wonder why some car colors sell in a flash while others seem stuck forever? Turns out, the shade of your car can make or break its resale value! You might love your bold choice, but the market might not. So, understanding how color impacts value is key. Read on to find out which car …
Дмитрий Трепольский/Pexels

Ever wonder why some car colors sell in a flash while others seem stuck forever? Turns out, the shade of your car can make or break its resale value! You might love your bold choice, but the market might not. So, understanding how color impacts value is key. Read on to find out which car shades quickly depreciate in the market.

Brown

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What’s the worst car color for resale value? It’s brown! While it has fans, buyers often overlook this color because it is dull and unexciting. Many people prefer brighter and more colorful shades. If you are considering a brown car, be prepared for a stricter time to resell it. 

Gold

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In the past, gold had the reputation of being a luxurious color, but today, its popularity has decreased. Many consider gold outdated or tacky, so fewer buyers are interested in it. Because it’s less common in new cars, there’s less demand for it in the used car market.

Gray

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Choosing gray might feel like playing it safe, but it can sometimes fall into a middle ground where it’s not as exciting as other colors like red or universally appealing black or white color. Buyers looking for something that stands out might pass over a gray car for a luxurious-looking option.

Blue

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The resale value of blue cars depends on the shade. Darker blues often struggle in the market, while brighter shades tend to catch the eye of buyers. Blue is generally well-received and can help your car stand out. Blue vehicles typically lose about 22% of their value after three years. 

Copper

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While copper cars are stylish and unique, they often struggle with resale value because of maintenance challenges. Also, copper is a bold color that doesn’t appeal to everyone, and because it’s not a common choice, it limits your buyer pool. Many people shy away from unusual colors when shopping for used cars. 

Red

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Red cars are all about excitement and energy, and they catch the eye! However, they depreciate around 20.6% after three years. While red can attract attention and buyers, it still doesn’t hold as much value as black or white options. They can still be fun and appealing to those seeking something bold. 

Beige

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Choosing beige is a safe bet, but it can end up being forgettable. Many buyers consider it neutral, bland, and unexciting, which can hurt resale value. Cars in beige tend to sell for less and stay on the market longer because there’s simply less demand for such an ordinary color.

Pink

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Pink cars are considered one of the rarest car colors, partly because they have limited appeal. Pink cars are very niche, meaning when it’s time to resell, you might struggle to find a buyer who’s equally excited about the color. You’ll likely have to drop the price to attract any interest.

Maroon

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Though maroon has a classic, rich look, it’s not a popular color. It can feel dated, which is an unhelpful attribute for resale. That means your maroon car might sit on the market longer, and you would have to lower the price to find a buyer willing to take it off your hands.

Orange

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Are you thinking about an orange car? It’s a fun and energetic choice that makes you stand out. However, you should know that offloading at the resale market can be tricky. Not everyone wants a flashy car, and orange can be polarizing. Many buyers gravitate toward neutral shades.

Yellow

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If you want to turn heads, a bright yellow car is the way to go! Most buyers prefer more neutral or classic colors when purchasing a used car. Because yellow is so eye-catching, it doesn’t blend in as well with most buyers’ preferences. This can make selling a yellow vehicle more difficult. 

Lime Green

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Feeling adventurous and want to make a splash? Choosing lime green is fun for a short time. While some people love its funky, lively look, many shy away from such a loud color. Lime green cars cater to such a specific taste so not a lot of buyers will come through. 

Purple

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Maintenance can be tricky, as scratches and dents are more visible on vibrant colors like purple. Some buyers appreciate its unique flair, though many hesitate. With a depreciation rate of 13.9%, purple cars still provide a bold and distinctive look that can attract buyers who enjoy standing out.

Turquoise

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A color shade is beautiful to some but off-putting to others, but the turquoise car’s uniqueness limits its market appeal, and that’s not good news for resale. Turquoise is a rare color, and while eye-catching, it’s not an ordinary car choice, so you might find yourself in a tough spot when it’s time to sell.

Green

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Nature-inspired shades have a unique appeal, and green cars capture that vibe. Buyers who love a more earthy tone may find them charming. Green cars typically lose around 19.2% of their value over three years, performing better than many standard colors, but they still don’t rank among the best for resale value.

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