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Xavier Breath

(6,603 posts)
18. Do with it what you will, but here's what Copilot said when I asked why car colors are so boring:
Thu Feb 26, 2026, 01:33 PM
Yesterday

Its sources are in black.

Modern cars predominantly feature dull colors like black, white, and gray due to consumer preferences, dealer practices, and market dynamics.

Shift in Consumer Preferences
Over the years, consumer preferences have shifted towards neutral colors. Studies show that buyers often perceive these colors as safer and more appealing for resale. Neutral colors are less polarizing, making them a popular choice among consumers who want to ensure their vehicle appeals to a broader audience.
Consumer Guide Auto

Dealer Influence
Car dealerships play a significant role in the colors available on the market. Dealers tend to stock vehicles in colors that they believe will sell quickly, which often means opting for the most popular neutral shades. This practice is driven by the need to minimize inventory costs and avoid vehicles that may take longer to sell, such as those in less popular colors. As a result, manufacturers respond by producing fewer vibrant colors, leading to a cycle where dull colors dominate the market.
Consumer Guide Auto

Practical Considerations
There are practical reasons behind the preference for neutral colors. Lighter colors are generally easier to keep clean, as they do not show dirt and grime as easily as darker shades. Additionally, neutral colors can enhance a vehicle's resale value, as potential buyers often prefer these shades for their perceived safety and versatility.
MotorSnitch

Design Trends and Technology
The design process itself has also evolved, with many designers relying heavily on computer software. This reliance can lead to a homogenization of designs, resulting in cars that look similar and feature less creative color palettes. Designers may prioritize efficiency and marketability over bold aesthetics, contributing to the overall dullness of modern car colors.
Daily Mail

Conclusion
In summary, the prevalence of boring colors in modern cars can be attributed to a combination of consumer preferences for neutral shades, dealer practices that favor quick-selling colors, practical considerations regarding maintenance and resale value, and the influence of technology on car design. As a result, vibrant colors have become increasingly rare in the automotive market.


Sounds logical to me.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Paint manufacturers have lost the recipes for other colors dalton99a Yesterday #1
Several manufacturers charge extra for pretty paint spooky3 Yesterday #33
Maybe brightly-colored cars get targeted too often for traffic violations than more subdued-colored cars. Aristus Yesterday #2
That's my guess. Ritabert Yesterday #7
We have a bright red MX-5 Miata PCIntern Yesterday #48
And ebony interiors. Frasier Balzov Yesterday #3
I wanted a gray interior but it wasn't available--the black spooky3 Yesterday #34
Does the manufacturer... 2naSalit Yesterday #41
Not when I bought the car. Nt spooky3 Yesterday #44
Same here I had a gray interor in my last doc03 Yesterday #43
I have a black dog Bluestocking Yesterday #51
Way too hot!! My last car had a light grey interior and I loved it's lightness FemDemERA 22 hrs ago #59
I intentionally bought a turquoise car so I could find it in parking lots Ocelot II Yesterday #4
I have a red one and agree with you. Nt spooky3 Yesterday #35
From what I've been told, this has always been the norm in Memphis region SheltieLover Yesterday #5
+1. It's about color coordination - sky is gray, road is gray, car is gray dalton99a Yesterday #29
It's so humid here, the sky is always gray SheltieLover Yesterday #42
Mazda has the colors! Mopar151 Yesterday #52
Cool about Mazda! SheltieLover Yesterday #55
I think two main reasons Jerry2144 Yesterday #6
I have a white car. It's cooler in the sun and is fairly visible. Ritabert Yesterday #8
Mine is also white. Funny story.....coming out of the store, I swear there were 6 white SUV's all parked a kennedy Yesterday #10
They do all look alike. We have a carrier on top which helps. Ritabert Yesterday #12
I have a white SUV. Intractable Yesterday #53
True. Ritabert 23 hrs ago #57
The color of my car is... lame54 Yesterday #9
Nice color choice Lifeafter70 Yesterday #16
I had one painted Inferno Red Pearl. rsdsharp Yesterday #21
Wine underpants Yesterday #32
Colored Greg_In_SF Yesterday #11
I have two white cars. MineralMan Yesterday #13
If you're leasing a car, you get the cheap color. haele Yesterday #31
I'm guessing resale value and fleet purchases primarily. Torchlight Yesterday #14
I'll paint it any color as long as it's black - Henry Ford Brother Buzz Yesterday #15
There was more to it than that jmowreader Yesterday #40
I've been looking at buying a new car LogDog75 Yesterday #17
Do with it what you will, but here's what Copilot said when I asked why car colors are so boring: Xavier Breath Yesterday #18
"Lighter colors are generally easier to keep clean, as they do not show dirt and grime " EX500rider Yesterday #26
Flat gray is popular KT2000 Yesterday #19
I wanted a red car DBoon Yesterday #20
My car is burgandy senseandsensibility Yesterday #22
My car is red, and I will want that color for my future cars for the simple reason that other drivers SEE a red car. Sogo Yesterday #23
I have always had red cars oberle 21 hrs ago #61
People buy brightly colored cars when they are optimistic about the future... hunter Yesterday #24
No, that's hemlines. Hemlines go up or down with the stock market. JustABozoOnThisBus Yesterday #45
Least common denominators Jose Garcia Yesterday #25
It evolves Cirsium Yesterday #27
One color, one cost. bucolic_frolic Yesterday #28
A few reasons jmowreader Yesterday #30
Color is often more expensive, paint harder to match. flvegan Yesterday #36
Smoked paprika Lifeafter70 Yesterday #37
Seemed Cool at the Time? OC375 Yesterday #38
It really ForgedCrank Yesterday #39
More about the grayscaling of car colors LearnedHand Yesterday #46
Thanks for the links! raccoon 12 hrs ago #62
I have an Urban Gray Pearl Honda CRV. I really like doc03 Yesterday #47
Subaru Outback in Azurite Blue Pearl is what i have EX500rider Yesterday #49
Very pretty nt spooky3 Yesterday #50
"any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants, so long as it is black." Norrrm Yesterday #54
It's Not Cheaper ProfessorGAC Yesterday #56
I'll be in the market fora new car in the next year or so. If I keep it as long... 3catwoman3 22 hrs ago #58
I have a 15 Forester. VGNonly 9 hrs ago #63
I've had one Forester before my Hyundai, in the dark green color, which I really liked... 3catwoman3 7 hrs ago #64
Never thought it was a good idea canetoad 22 hrs ago #60
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