Car expert issues warning when choosing colour of your next vehicle

A car expert has warned that drivers should be careful when buying their next car as one innocuous choice could cost them hundreds of pounds.

Auto Express editor Paul Barker said that although choosing a colour for one’s new car was a subjective choice, it could have financial as well as aesthetic ramifications.

He explained that some, but not all car companies, sometimes charge customers certain rates for spraying their cars a certain colour.

This practice is not new, but in the world finance agreements, choosing a more expensive colour could have an impact on one’s monthly repayments.

Auto Express editor Paul Barker wrote in the magazine that using Nissan and Skoda as examples, Paul explained how the practice varies from company to company.

He explained: “It’s entirely likely that anyone shopping for a new Nissan Qashqai might also have a Skoda Karoq on their shortlist.

“Unless you want your Qashqai in red, you’ll need to budget another £745 above the list price to cover the paint, whereas you can have your Skoda in any one of five colours including a pearl finish and so-called Exclusive Meteor Grey completely free of charge.

“So, if you’re not having your Qashqai in red, the cost of this mid-size SUV has jumped up by £335 – and most likely more than £700 – versus the Skoda.”

What this means is that whilst the colour of a car may not impact how it handles or how big it is, for some motorists it could be the deciding factor in choosing whether or not to invest in that brand.

Paul went onto explain that Nissan aren’t the only ones who engage in this practice with SEAT, Maserati and others having different rules and pricing structures.

He concluded: “So whatever car you’re looking at, don’t get distracted by the shiny colours – and make sure you’re not in the dark about what your favourite shade will cost you.”

Meanwhile, drivers have also been warned about the dangers of buying a used car and the mistakes they should avoid making. This includes not doing basic checks on the vehicle before they part with their money.

A recent survey by AA Cars found that 79 percent purchased a used car without arranging a professional to inspect it first.

Speaking about the matter, Managing Director of AA Cars, James Hosking, warned: “Buying a used car is a major financial decision, so it’s concerning how many people aren’t ticking off even the most basic checks.

“Failing to thoroughly assess a car before buying it could mean missing warning signs that point to costly repairs down the line. It also makes it harder to know whether you’re getting good value for money.”