While it’s well-known that high-end options such as upgraded audio systems or oversized alloy wheels can inflate the price of a new car, a less obvious cost is the paint colour itself.
Analysis by Auto Express found that for some mainstream models, buyers will be paying more than £700 over the base price just for choosing a colour that isn’t white or red.
Paul Barker, editor of Auto Express, said: “People assume the colour of their car is a cosmetic decision – but in today’s market, it can hit your wallet harder than you think.
“We’re seeing huge discrepancies in paint pricing between manufacturers, and they’re not always obvious at first glance. It’s catching people out – and can turn what should be a fun part of car buying into a bit of a nightmare.
“It’s entirely likely that anyone shopping for a new Nissan Qashqai might also have a Skoda Karoq on their shortlist, for example. 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.
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“Even the optional bright red or orange finishes are only £410. So, if you’re not having your Qashqai in red, the cost of this mid-size SUV has jumped up by at least £335 – and most likely more than £700 – versus the Skoda.”
Certain colours with premium car brands can cost even more. On a BMW X3, 26 paint options cost from £875 to more than £4,500.
Meanwhile, Audi only offers white as standard on the Q3, charging £575 for all other colours – or £4,000 for a custom finish.
Here are some other examples of paint pricing for new cars:
- Nissan Qashqai – only red is free, other colours are £745 extra
- Skoda Karoq – five free colours, but optional bright finishes (e.g., red/orange) cost £410
- Audi Q3 – only white is free, standard colours cost £575 and a custom finish £4,000
- BMW X3 – only white is free, optional colours cost from £875 to £4,585
- Ford Kuga – only white is free, other colours cost £800
- Vauxhall Grandland – only metallic black is free, other colours cost £650
