Which Car Colours Sell Faster in the UK Market?

Are you wondering which car colours sell faster in the UK market? Neutral tones like grey, black, blue, and white are generally considered safe and reliable options. However, the market is always moving, trends change, and what’s popular today might surprise you.

In this guide, you’ll find the latest trends, the most in-demand colours, and some practical advice that you shouldn’t miss out…

Key Takeaways

• Grey is the top choice among UK car buyers and has kept the crown for the 8th consecutive year.
• Turquoise is the least common colour on the road. Only 12 units were registered in 2025.
• Green surprisingly achieved the strongest growth within the top ten.
• Black recorded a substantial gain of 41,009 units in 2025. This is the highest volume for the colour since 2019.
• Cream cars surged by 741.6% to 3,215 units. Brown registrations likewise rose by 66.3%.
• White and red registrations fell by 9.0% and 14.5% respectively.
• Yellow and orange also saw reduced uptake levels.

7 Best Car Colours in the UK

Evaluating which car colour sells faster than others involves reviewing the actual data for car sales by colour. This section analyses the latest statistics from the SMMT to provide you with a clear picture of the market.

The formula applied here is simple: the colours that dominate new car sales across the UK’s leading brands represent the highest demand in the market. High demand translates to a quicker sale and better value.

Note: All statistics and figures cited reflect the most recent data available from the 2025 calendar year.

1. Grey

Grey takes the crown again in 2025. It remains the most popular colour choice in Britain for the 8th year in a row. Last year, 558,050 new grey cars were registered. This represents an increase of 2.7% to a record total, accounting for 27.6% of all registrations.

It is the dominant paint over most powertrains, albeit with some variation in specific categories. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) were an exception, however, as these were most commonly finished in black.

2. Black

Black secured second place with 464,369 new registrations. This is the highest volume since 2019 and an increase of 9.7% over the previous year. While grey overall is the top choice, black leads in the PHEV, executive and luxury segments, holding a total of 23% of the market share.

3. Blue

Blue finished in third place with 306,349 registrations, capturing 15.2% of the market. Compared to 2024, it saw a 0.21% market share increase. Blue is considered the nation’s top non-chromic choice. It is particularly dominating the small car segment. 

Together, these top three grey, black and blue account for 65.8% of all new cars on UK roads. Speaking of which, choosing one of these colours is generally a safe choice for maintaining value over time.

4. White

White reached fourth place with 13.1% of the market. It was the steepest volume fall of 2025, with registrations dropping by 9.0% to 265,462. It’s surprising to see the decline of the colour, which once dominated the market for five consecutive years between 2013 and 2017.

Commercial vehicles are the exception, however. White still dominates with 60.2% of the van market.

Despite these figures, white is still considered a solid choice among UK buyers.

5. Silver

Silver has made a triumphant return to the top five for the first time since 2014. With 6.3% of the market, it recorded its highest volume in years. 

This resurgence suggests a shift in buyer preference back toward classic metallic finishes, moving away from the flatter whites and solid tones that dominated the previous decade.

6. Red

Red occupies sixth place with only 5.8% of the market, which is its lowest share since 2005. Despite its historic popularity, red has struggled to compete with the rise of neutral palettes. 

It remains most popular on smaller hatchbacks and performance cars, but its overall volume continues to see a steady, multi-year decline.

7. Green

Green experienced a remarkable year, coming in seventh place overall in 2025. Volume rose by 46.3% with 99,793 registrations, which is the highest level seen since 2004. 

Registrations of green-tinted battery electric cars (BEVs) were particularly strong. These figures almost doubled, rising 95.2% compared to the previous year.

Is it Hard to Sell Speciality Car Colours in the UK?

Vibrant shades like Yellow, Orange, and Mauve collectively represent a tiny fraction of the UK market. 

Yellow and orange each hold approximately 0.5% share, while mauve trails at 0.3%.

Ranking at the very bottom of the palette, the trio of maroon, pink, and turquoise garnered just 342 registrations between them.

The rarity of these colours can make them more challenging to sell quickly. That said, with ExchangeMyCar, you can sell your car regardless of its colour.

Why General Colour Trends Might Not Apply to Your Specific Vehicle?

The figures mentioned above provide a general overview of the market. However, demand for a specific colour sometimes depends on the individual model.

Let’s understand this with some examples.

It is established that grey is overall the best-selling colour in the United Kingdom. However, in the case of Fiat, it’s interestingly white and red. In fact, they even started a campaign called “Operation No Grey.”

Another example is for van buyers, where white remains the top pick with 60.2% of new working vehicles recently. Grey and black follow in popularity, while only a single maroon van was registered during the same period.

A similar case can be made for sports cars as well. Demand in this segment is driven by brand prestige and model exclusivity. Most of the time you’ll see quirky colours on the road such as gold, orange and even pink.

The specific make, model, and brand remain critical factors in this context. Therefore, whenever buying, don’t just check the general colour trends but also review the specific model you’re choosing.

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Tips for Choosing the Best Colour for Your Car

Consider the following points before making your final decision:

• Stick to the monochrome palette if you prioritise resale value, as grey, black, and white have the broadest appeal among buyers.
• Go with silver or light grey if you prefer low maintenance, because these shades are excellent for hiding road salt, dust, and light scratches.
• Avoid solid black if you do not have time for frequent cleaning. It shows every swirl mark and water spot almost immediately.
• Think about the size of the vehicle before picking a bright colour. The reason being a vibrant yellow might suit a small hatchback rather than a large executive saloon.
• Prioritise visibility for safety by selecting lighter shades like white or silver. These are statistically easier for other drivers to spot in low-light conditions.
• Verify the specific popularity of colours for your chosen model elsewhere in the market. It ensures your choice aligns with what car enthusiasts expect from that brand.

Conclusion

The British automotive market remains firmly committed to a neutral palette, with grey, black, and blue continuing to dominate the roads.

You can, of course, pick whatever colour you like. However, before doing so, consider the fact that some are harder to sell than others. It is therefore recommended to choose a colour that won’t cause problems when selling later on. 

Anyway, even if your current car has an unpopular paint, there is no need to worry. ExchangeMyCar can still help you sell your vehicle, regardless of its colour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which car colours have the best resale value?

Neutral shades such as white, black, and grey are typically considered the best car colour for resale in the UK. These colours are consistently in high demand on the used market. Silver is likewise a strong choice for maintaining value due to its broad appeal and ease of maintenance.

Does changing the colour of a car devalue it?

Repainting a vehicle usually decreases its resale value. Original manufacturer paint is preferred by dealers and buyers for its superior corrosion resistance and longevity. A high-quality respray might be acceptable on an older or classic car, however.

What colour car has the lowest resale value?

Unpopular or dated colours such as brown, beige, and dark green often result in lower resale prices. Vibrant neon shades like lime green or bright pink also have a limited buyer pool. These colours can make a car much harder to sell on the mainstream market. However, you may still be able to find a buyer with Exchange My Car.

Does colour impact the value of your car?

Paint colour significantly impacts both the demand and the final sale price of a vehicle. Popular shades can add a small percentage to the value, whereas niche colours might reduce it. The right colour ensures the car remains attractive to the widest possible range of buyers.

How do I find out my car’s exact colour?Car

The exact paint code is typically found on a metal plate or sticker located inside the driver’s door pillar, the glovebox, or under the bonnet. This code is unique to the manufacturer’s specific shade. The vehicle handbook or service history should also contain this information.

Does car colour affect insurance prices?

A car’s factory colour does not directly influence insurance premiums in the United Kingdom. Insurers do not typically ask for the colour during the quote process. However, changing the colour via a custom paint job or vinyl wrap is considered a modification. This must be declared and may increase costs.

Are white cars cheaper?

Often, yes. For new cars, solid white is frequently the “standard” colour that comes at no extra cost, whereas metallic or pearlescent paints usually require a surcharge. In the used market, white cars are competitively priced because they are so common, but they also tend to hold their value well over time due to their high demand.