Video - How Does Color Choice Impact Resale Value for Used Cars?


Picking the right color can add up to extra money in your pocket when you go to sell or trade in your used car. Check out the Capital One Auto Navigator video above for more.

 When it comes to new car colors, there are many good choices. Some cost extra, some don't. One rule that's been true for many years is that more expensive brands and specific models have more color choices than a base model or a low-priced brand. Kia is the perfect example. 


Here's a 2027 Kia Telluride in an optional color choice, Terrain Brown -Photo by Kia USA


Color Options

I'm pretty sure Kia has been reading my diary; the evidence is that the new 2027 Kia Telluride is available in one of my favorite car colors of all time - Midnight Lake Blue. Jade Green and Terrain Brown are pretty spectacular, too. But it's not as easy as just picking a color - today, many new car colors cost extra. 

For example, Kia's Midnight Lake Blue is a no-cost option on the 2027 Kia Telluride EX. The Telluride EX is about a $45,000 three row SUV. However, Jade Green, Ebony Black, and Glacial White Pearl are all added cost options - $495 to be exact. Step up the X-Line EX, and extra colors are available: Wolf Gray, Terrain Brown (a khaki-like color), and a matte-finish version of that same color, to name a few. 

Ford has the Free Wheeling appearance package, and Toyota has cool colors for the Prius and their TRD trucks. 

Ultimately, picking a new car color isn't as simple as it used to be. If you're buying a base model, low-price car, then you'll just take what the dealer already has in stock - probably white, black, or silver. However, picking the right color can add money to the car's resale value when you go to sell it. 

Black, White, and Silver No More

I've noticed that plain colors like black, white, and silver typically sell more quickly, but a bright red, yellow, or orange can be worth more. Maybe not a bright red minivan, but a Mustang, Corvette, or a Miata - probably yes, much cooler. Often, special edition vehicles are done in bold colors, too, so it might be more than just the color itself. 


Ford's Free Wheeling package will make a modern or classic Ford SUV worth a little more. 

If you're the kind of new car buyer who doesn't lease and keeps your car for several years before getting a new vehicle, it might be worthwhile to get a bold color you can live with. Chances are, that bright, special edition, or unique package will put a little money back in your pocket down the road.

-Brian Moody

Check out more cool cars on Instagram


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