If I ever buy another new car, I’m sticking with boring silver or gray. They might not turn heads, but at least they don’t turn pink after five years...
Honestly, I used to think the same thing about red cars—always loved how they looked on the lot, but after a few years in the sun, it’s like they just give up. I manage a bunch of properties and see all kinds of cars parked outside year-round. The reds and blues always seem to fade first, while the silvers and grays just keep trucking along. Car covers are a pain, but if you’re stuck with full sun, even a cheap one can buy you some time. Still, I get it—sometimes convenience wins out over color.
I’ve noticed the same thing over the years—reds and blues just don’t hold up, especially on cars that sit outside all day. I had a tenant with a bright red sedan, and after about four summers, it looked almost orange. Meanwhile, the silver cars in the lot barely showed any change. I get why people like bold colors, but if you’re parking outside in full sun, it’s hard to beat the practicality of gray or silver. I’ve tried recommending waxes or covers, but honestly, most folks don’t want the hassle. Sometimes boring just makes sense.
I get the whole “practicality over pizzazz” thing, but I can’t help loving a car that actually stands out in a parking lot. My neighbor’s got a cherry red hatchback that’s faded a bit, sure, but it still looks way more interesting than the sea of gray and silver. Maybe it’s just me, but I’d rather have a little color—even if it means a sun-bleached roof after a few years. Besides, a faded red still beats “concrete gray” in my book...
Maybe it’s just me, but I’d rather have a little color—even if it means a sun-bleached roof after a few years.
I get where you’re coming from—color definitely makes a car pop in a crowded lot. From what I’ve seen, each brand tweaks their red to stand out or match their “identity,” but the downside is that some shades fade faster than others. If you’re set on a bold color, regular waxing and parking in the shade can help slow down that sun-bleaching. It’s not foolproof, but it does make a difference over time. Personally, I’d take a faded red over another gray sedan any day... just wish the paint held up better in the long run.
Red’s a tough one, honestly. I see it all the time—those bright reds look great at first, but after a few summers, the roof panels on cars start to chalk and fade, especially if the clear coat isn’t top notch. I’ve noticed some brands use different paint formulas, maybe to cut costs or just to stand out. Has anyone actually tried getting a faded roof repainted? Wondering if it holds up any better than the factory finish, or if it’s just a temporary fix...
