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Xavier Breath

(6,606 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
Thursday

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