MOTORING NEWS - It's easy to get carried away with aesthetics when choosing a new car, but buying your next vehicle in your favourite colour could leave you with buyer's remorse.

This is according to Colin Morgan, director at used car retailer getWorth, who says that cars are equal parts emotion and practicality.

"If it will make a real difference to your enjoyment of the car and you're going to own it a while, then you should go with the option that makes you happy."

However, he points out that you should buy with your eyes open and consider the following before signing on the dotted line:

Maintenance and appearance
White and silver are more forgiving than other colours. They don't show dust and micro-scratches to the same extent darker tones do. There's also less washing, less polishing and less fading. In wet weather, though, road dirt and mud show up more against the lighter colours.

Visibility
Lighter colours are statistically safer because they stand out better against the road, scenery and other traffic.

Cost and availability
Metallic paint on new cars often costs extra. If you're very particular about colour when buying, you limit your options and might end up paying more than for a comparable neutral colour.

Repair
Matching and blending of colours by a panel beater takes a higher level of care and skill than a uniform white or silver. Exotic colours mean there is a higher risk of a repair not being up to scratch.

Resale value
The pool of buyers for more popular, neutral colours is larger, which normally means a stronger resale value. White and silver make up almost two thirds of new cars bought in 2017. 

There are proven trends in available data where certain colours attract a lower resale price. This is particularly true of more unusual colours, such as bronze.

Article: www.getworth.co.za

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