Q. We’re on the verge of purchasing a new Ford Puma, and I’m really hoping for a red one. My husband insists that the color will impact the resale value, suggesting we should opt for a neutral color like grey or silver, which I find quite unexciting. Is he correct, and how does this affect potential costs? JM, Colchester

A. It’s fantastic that you’re weighing all options before your purchase. Your husband is indeed correct that a vehicle’s color can affect its resale value, although the impact can vary significantly.

The effect largely depends on the car’s make and model. For instance, a brown Ferrari is unlikely to attract buyers, whereas the vibrant Racing Red, or Rosso Corsa, is highly desirable. In contrast, a Mercedes S-Class will generally appeal more with subtle colors like black or silver, as this model is often associated with business use.

For more commonplace vehicles, opting for a less conventional color like purple could decrease resale value. While exact figures can fluctuate, general estimates suggest:

• A reduction of 3 to 5 percent for colors that are uncommon but still have a niche market.
• A reduction of 5 to 15 percent for colors that are significantly unpopular and have limited buyer appeal.

Research indicates that grey, black, white, blue, and red are among the top five colors for cars in the UK. Therefore, selecting red should not adversely affect resale value.

Keep in mind, color trends do evolve, and any choice you make could become more or less popular as time passes.

Moreover, certain manufacturers may launch limited edition colors, which often turn out to be the most valuable and coveted vehicles in the market.

In the end, the car’s condition, mileage, and model will play a more critical role in determining its resale value. Ultimately, choosing a color you love is the most important aspect. Since cars are a significant investment second only to homes, personal satisfaction should be your priority. If red brings you joy, go ahead and choose it. Greg Carter, technical expert.