Does Car Color Affect Resale Value? Here’s What Kenyan Buyers Need to Know

Does Car Color Affect Resale Value? Here’s What Kenyan Buyers Need to Know

When buying a car, most people focus on engine size, mileage, fuel type, or brand. But there’s one underrated detail that could affect how much you sell that car for in a few years: its color.

At Autobarn Limited, we’ve observed how car color plays a surprising role in resale trends, buyer preferences, and even maintenance costs in Kenya. Whether you’re looking to buy your first car or trade in your current one, here’s the truth about car color — and how it could affect your investment.

1. Popular Colors Hold Value Better

In the Kenyan market, white, silver, black, and grey consistently top the list of most preferred colors. Why?

1. White and silver are seen as clean, neutral, and practical
2. Black is associated with luxury and formality
3. Grey is popular in corporate and executive settings

These colors are easier to resell because they appeal to a broader audience.

 Bold colors like red, bright blue, yellow, or green may stand out — but can limit your potential buyers.

Pro tip: Planning to resell within 3–5 years? Stick to timeless neutrals.

2. Repainting Affects Perceived Value

Some car buyers repaint their cars to match their personal style — but in resale, a repainted car can raise red flags. Why?

1. Buyers worry it may have been in an accident
2. Poor-quality paint jobs wear quickly in Kenya’s climate
3. Insurance and NTSA records may not match the car’s current color

Stick with the original paint if you plan to resell. If you do repaint, always declare it and use professional auto body shops.

3. Some Colors Handle Kenya’s Climate Better

In sunny, dusty environments like Nairobi, Kitengela, or Mombasa, certain colors show dirt or heat more quickly:

1. Black cars heat up faster and show dust easily
2. White and silver cars reflect heat and hide light dirt better
3. Red and blue cars tend to fade faster due to UV exposure

This affects not just comfort — but how often your car needs cleaning, which influences how new it looks during resale.

 Protect your car color with ceramic coating or spray wax from The Detailers Zone to reduce fading.

4. Theft Risk and Color Visibility

Believe it or not, color can impact theft risk too. According to local traffic officers and auto security experts:

1. High-profile cars in black or red are more likely to be targeted
2. White, silver, or blue cars tend to blend in and are less attention-grabbing
3. Some colors also make it easier to spot damage or tampering

Choosing a more common, neutral color can add an extra layer of low-profile protection.

5. Used Car Buyers Are Color-Sensitive

When browsing used cars, buyers often filter by color — and if your car is too niche (like lime green or orange), it could take longer to sell or fetch a lower offer.

At Autobarn, we’ve found that white and silver cars sell up to 30% faster than unusual colors — especially among rideshare drivers and fleet buyers.

Quick resale = quicker return on your investment.

Final Take

Yes — car color really does matter, especially if you plan to resell your car within a few years. The safest bet is to go with neutral, popular colors that are easy to maintain and appeal to a wide market.

At Autobarn Limited, we stock a wide variety of colors — but we’re always here to help you choose the one that will bring you the best long-term value.

👉 Browse color-specific listings now at autobarn.co.ke 🎯 Want to keep your car color looking fresh? Ask about our paint protection packages from The Detailers Zone.