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The start point for the best source of fleet information |
Henstock concludes that colour is actually something of an afterthought for most ex-fleet and lease buyers, adding that other factors come before it, but that the right shade will still make a difference even if the other factors are right.
"As used car buyers cannot specify the colour they want, they choose the best combination of model, specification, age, mileage and condition for their budget and get the most attractive colour they can. The message for fleets is choose a colour scheme that will attract buyers when you come to sell the car, rather than one that will have only a limited appeal."
The residual value expert's view
It's perhaps no surprise that Rupert Pontin, chief car editor at Glass's, agrees with fellow remarketing experts that "run-of-the-mill" colours are the most popular and the easiest to sell on.
"The pattern is largely consistent: metallic grey, metallic black, silver - colours that look smart for business and aren't going to be too 'out there'.
"White is also popular, but only on certain models like the BMW 1-series," says Pontin. "If people are going to choose white it tends to be on sporty or prestige cars, top-of-the-range models that can carry it off.
"The only real exceptions to this pattern are buzz colours - so one year everyone might want red, it remains popular for a while and then tails off."
He continues: "Quite simply, it comes back down to considering future values - standard, normal colours will get a better return later on, and so limiting colour options for fleet drivers will always be a wise idea."
Despite his advocacy of traditional shades and their knock-on benefits, he also believes there is merit in taking the occasional gamble and going for an alternative shade if you have a hunch that it might pay off.
"This is really all about fleets being prepared to take risks on niche models. When the Nissan Qashqai was launched it was a totally new concept, a crossover style, and fleets had to decide if it was worth the risk. Those who decided 'yes' did very well as the model was a roaring success."
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