Choosing the paint for your new pickup truck can be as strategic as it is aesthetic, especially when considering future resale value. Opting for a unique or special edition color over more traditional choices might not only set your vehicle apart but could also have a less obvious benefit: potentially higher resale value.
Examining Pickup Truck Depreciation Rates
On average, a pickup truck depreciates about 15.6% within the first three years, translating to a loss of approximately $7,786 in value, according to data from iSeeCars.com. This rate is notably better than the average vehicle, which depreciates 22.5% in the same timeframe. Pickup trucks are generally perceived as durable, which may contribute to their robust resale values. Notably, brands like Toyota, Jeep, and Honda typically see less depreciation thanks to their models’ enduring appeal and reliability.
Standard vs. Special Color Depreciation
While the most common truck colors—white, black, gray, and silver—are readily available on the used market, they generally do not command higher prices due to their ubiquity. For instance, white and gray trucks depreciate slightly below the average at 15.1%, whereas black trucks see a depreciation of 16.1%, and silver trucks depreciate the most at 16.5%. In contrast, less conventional colors like beige, orange, and green often depreciate much less due to their rarity and association with higher trim levels or special editions, making them more desirable.
The Best Colors for Resale Value
Surprisingly, beige trucks exhibit the lowest depreciation at only 7.9% over three years, followed by orange and green trucks, which depreciate at 10.9% and 11.6%, respectively. These colors are often linked to specific models known for their off-road capabilities, like the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and the Jeep Gladiator Mojave. The rarity of these hues, combined with their association with higher-spec models, tends to bolster their market value. On the other hand, while red and blue are slightly more common, they also depreciate less than the average, suggesting that even moderately unique colors can maintain their value better than the most typical shades.
Adding to the discussion, it’s important to remember that the unique appeal of certain colors can vary significantly based on the vehicle’s model and the market’s demand for specific features associated with these colors. If you’re drawn to a standout color like neon green or a vibrant orange, these choices might not only satisfy your aesthetic preferences but could also offer a better financial return when it’s time to sell or trade in your vehicle. Thus, when selecting your truck’s color, considering both personal taste and potential resale value could lead you to make a choice that is both satisfying and financially prudent.