Used car buyers should steer clear of white vehicles, warns a motoring expert. Luke Chillingsworth, Cars Reporter for The Express, states that white is the worst colour for a motor, based on personal experience and industry data.
Why White Cars Are Problematic
Chillingsworth explains that white cars highlight dirt and grime, especially in winter when roads are filthy. Unlike darker colours, white does not camouflage mud, making the vehicle look unclean more frequently.
However, white cars are among the best at hiding dents and scratches due to their reflective nature, which obscures shadows. This can be deceptive when viewing online adverts, as imperfections may not be visible in photos.
Damage Statistics
Research from carVertical, seen exclusively by The Express, reveals that white cars have a 26.54% share of vehicles with damage records, second only to black cars at 27.18%. This suggests that sellers may conceal damage more easily on white cars.
Matas Buzelis, motoring expert at carVertical, commented: “Colour alone does not tell you whether a used car is good or bad, but these figures show that buyers should be careful about making assumptions. A black, white or grey car may look like a safe and conventional choice, but these are the colours most likely to appear with damage records in our data. There is no such thing as a ‘safe’ car.”
Resale Value
Despite these drawbacks, white cars hold value relatively well. Data from Carmoola shows that white vehicles retain 36% of their value after 10 years, matching red cars. Green and orange cars perform slightly better at 38%.
While white may appear calm and elegant, motorists might regret their choice due to the practical issues of dirt visibility and hidden damage. Expert advice suggests buyers should thoroughly inspect any white car before purchase.
