Photo by Jacob Morch from Pexels
When you’re trying to select a new car, or a used one, you might look at all kinds of statistics. You may want to know how that model does with more than 100,000 miles on it. You probably want to look at how it retains its resale value once it’s been on the road for longer than ten years.
When you’re car shopping, though, the vehicle’s color is one thing that might hardly cross your mind. As long as it’s the model you want and has indispensable features, color is an afterthought.
Maybe it shouldn’t be, at least from a lifestyle standpoint. The color car you drive might say more about you than you realize. Let’s look at five car colors and what they signify.
Black
There are far more black cars on the road than any other color. There are certainly some nice things about basic black. Black cars:
- Hide dirt and grime better than most lighter colors
- Hide rust better than lighter colors
- Conceal dents and dings better
However, there are also some things about black cars that aren’t so great. For instance, they seem to get in more accidents than other colors. A 20-year Australian study found that black cars are 47% more accident-prone than other popular colors.
That’s probably at least partially because you can’t see them as well at night. Still, few people are likely to object to buying a black car, so that should help with the resale value.
Grey Cars
On the surface, there’s nothing wrong with grey cars. Like black ones, you see a ton of them on the road. It’s worth considering that:
- They show dirt more than some darker colors
- They show rust more than darker colors as well
Most people don’t say anything too objectionable about a grey car. At the same time, they’re usually not too excited to buy one. For most people, it seems like settling.
A grey car is kind of like wearing an all-grey outfit. It’s drab. If you go with a grey car, it’s almost as though you’re trying to blend in.
If that is your personality, you’ll find nothing wrong with this choice. However, some individuals find grey to be the most boring vehicle color.
Red
Red is a divisive car color. Some people love it, while others wouldn’t ever want a red vehicle.
Some police officers admit they’re more likely to pull over a red car that’s speeding slightly versus a different vehicle that’s going at the same speed. They perceive red car owners as daredevils.
If you get a red vehicle, you want to stand out. If you want people to notice you, this is probably your best option.
Red is a passionate color, and also an angry one. If you get a red car, this signals that you are an emotional person, quick to laugh, or love.
Yellow
Yellow is a fun-loving color, and if you have a yellow car, it says that you’re ready to sneak out of work early and head to the beach. It signifies that you’re comfortable in your skin, and you’re a unique and exotic creature.
Much like red cars, not everyone will want a yellow vehicle, so that will impact the resale value. Also, yellow is another color where people can see dirt or damage very easily.
There are far fewer yellow cars on the road than black, grey, or white. Companies don’t make as many of them because the demand is nowhere near as high.
Blue
Blue could signify oceanic depths. Often, if you want a blue car, you’re a deep thinker.
You’re also reasonable and don’t let your emotions control you. In that respect, you’re the opposite of the red car driver.
Like black, blue cars conceal dirt well. Most people have no problem owning a blue car, though they like the darker blues more than the lighter shades. A Navy blue is probably a smarter choice than powder or baby blue.
There are plenty of other vehicle color options. Purple means you’re an individualist, and you crave unusual experiences. Green usually signifies a natural connection. Green vehicle drivers are always up for a walk in the woods.
Some people will discount what any of the colors mean, and they’ll focus strictly on modern vehicle features and performance. There’s nothing wrong with that. Just know that vehicle color does mean something, even if you don’t necessarily take the time to acknowledge it.