You care about getting the best return when you sell or trade your car, and color can quietly shave thousands from what you get back. You’ll learn which two eye-catching colors tend to scare off buyers and lower resale value, so you can avoid costly regret when choosing a paint job.
This article walks through how certain bold shades narrow your pool of potential buyers and make cars harder to sell, plus what that means for your wallet. Expect clear examples and practical takeaways that help you pick a color that keeps value, not chases trends.
Bright Yellow – Too flashy and niche, which limits buyer interest.

You’ll turn heads in a bright yellow car, but that attention doesn’t always help resale.
Many buyers prefer neutral tones, so your pool of interested buyers shrinks.
Insurance and fleet buyers shy away from uncommon colors, which can lower offers.
Data shows yellow retains value inconsistently compared with mainstream shades like white or gray (see iSeeCars).
Orange – Uncommon and often disliked, making resale tougher.
If you buy an orange car, expect a smaller buyer pool when you sell it. Fewer buyers means longer time on market and often lower offers.
Orange can work for niche buyers who want standout style, but those buyers are rare. Most shoppers prefer neutral colors that are easier to match and maintain.
Consider how orange affects perceived value for your model. Check market listings for similar orange cars to set realistic expectations.
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