I get the nostalgia for those wild ’70s colors, but honestly, I don’t really miss them that much. My first car was a hand-me-down Civic in this weird pea green, and I swear it was impossible to keep clean—every bit of dust or pollen just stuck out. I actually like the more muted colors now, even if they’re a bit boring. At least when I park my gray SUV under a tree, I don’t have to worry about every little mark showing up.
About the reds, yeah, matching is a pain, but I think the new paints look better in person than in photos. My neighbor’s got a new Camry in that deep red Toyota does, and it looks amazing when the sun hits it—way more depth than the old single-stage stuff. Maybe it’s just me, but I’d rather have something subtle that ages well than a color that screams “1978” from across the parking lot.
Funny you mention the pea green—I had a ’79 Accord in a color my family called “split pea soup.” It was the kind of shade that looked like it belonged in a kitchen, not a driveway. I totally get what you mean about every speck of dust showing up. I swear, I could wash it and by the next morning it looked like I’d driven through a pollen storm. The muted colors today might not turn heads, but they’re way less stressful to keep looking decent.
The red thing is interesting. I’ve noticed what you’re talking about—every manufacturer seems to have their own “signature” red now. Some are almost burgundy, others are super bright, and then there’s that deep metallic look Toyota’s doing lately. I can’t help but wonder if it’s partly because of all the new paint tech. Back in the day, it was just single-stage paint, but now they’ve got all these fancy layers and pearl finishes. Do you think that’s why matching a panel after a repair is such a headache? I’ve seen neighbors get fender work done and the shade never quite matches under certain light.
I’m with you on subtlety aging better, though. A friend of mine has an old Mustang in that classic bright blue, and while it’s cool at car shows, it’s kind of loud for daily driving. My own ride is silver—maybe boring, but between tree sap, bird droppings, and the occasional muddy boot print from my kids, it hides just about everything.
Do you think we’ll ever see those wild colors make a comeback? Or is everyone just going to stick with grayscale and the occasional deep red? Sometimes I miss seeing more variety on the road, but then again... maybe I’m just getting old and practical about it all.
Do you think that’s why matching a panel after a repair is such a headache? I’ve seen neighbors get fender work done and the shade never quite matches under certain light.
You nailed it. All those fancy multi-stage paints look great until you have to fix a door ding or hail dent. I’ve seen “factory match” jobs that look perfect in the shade, then turn into a patchwork quilt under streetlights. The tech is cool, but it’s a nightmare for body shops (and insurance adjusters, trust me).
I’m with you on the silver—practical wins out most days. I used to have a black truck and it was like driving around with a giant “wash me” sign. Silver hides everything except maybe the worst scratches.
As for wild colors making a comeback... I’m skeptical. Seems like every time a brand tries something bold, it sits on the lot forever. People say they want fun colors, but then everyone buys gray or white. Maybe we’ll get another wave of weird greens or oranges if nostalgia kicks in, but I wouldn’t bet my deductible on it.
I get where you’re coming from, but I actually think bold colors might have a shot if manufacturers commit to them. My neighbor’s got a bright blue Kia and it turns heads—he says he waited months for that color. Maybe people are just tired of the same old grayscale lineup. The tricky part is resale value, though... wild colors can be a gamble if you plan to sell in a few years.
The tricky part is resale value, though... wild colors can be a gamble if you plan to sell in a few years.
That’s the kicker, isn’t it? My cousin bought a neon green hatchback once—looked like a tennis ball on wheels. He loved it, but when he tried to sell, nobody wanted it unless they were colorblind or had lost a bet. Still, I’d take that over another sea of silver sedans any day.
