Buyers told 'shop around' as car colour could quietly add £4,500 to cost
While it's well known that high-end options such as upgraded audio systems or oversized alloy wheels can inflate the price, a less obvious – and often overlooked – cost is the paint colour itself. But analysis by Auto Express has 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.
'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,' said Paul Barker, Editor of Auto Express.
'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.'
Paint charges vary wildly between car makers, so if colour is a key consideration, Paul urges motorists to shop around.
'It's entirely likely that anyone shopping for a new Nissan Qashqai might also have a Skoda Karoq on their shortlist, for example,' said Paul, '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.
'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.'
Premium brands take it even further. On a BMW X3, 26 paint options cost from £875 to over £4,500, while Audi only offers white as standard on the Q3, charging £575 for all other colours – or a £4,000 for a custom finish. Even within the VW Group, there's inconsistency: SEAT lets you pick any colour free on the Ateca, while VW's Tiguan includes eight out of nine colours at no cost – yet Audi holds firm on its charges.
Paint pricing by model - what you'll really pay for colour
Nissan Qashqai - free colour, red only. other colours: £745 extra
Skoda Karoq - free colours, five options, including pearl-effect and exclusive meteor grey. optional bright finishes (e.g. red/orange): £410
Seat Ateca - all colours free of charge
Volkswagen Tiguan - free colours, 8 out of 9 options, 'exclusive' paint option: £1,310
Audi Q3 - free colour, white only, standard colours: £575, custom finish: £4,000
BMW X3 - free colour, white only, optional colours: £875 to £4,585
Ford Kuga -free colour, white only, other colours: £800
Vauxhall Grandland - free colour, metallic black, other colours: £650
Maserati Granturismo Folgore (premium model example) - optional matte paint: up to £18,000
'Colour should be about personal taste, not personal financial pain,' Barker said. 'In many cases, the price of paint can be the difference between a deal and a disappointment. And if you're financing the car, those costs stick with you every month for years.'
'Don't get dazzled by a glossy showroom finish,' Barker added. 'It might look great under the lights, but it could be hiding a serious hit to your budget. Understand what you're paying for – and don't let colour choice cloud your judgement.'
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