Over 25% of brown Teslas were discounted at least 10% compared to the average Model S vehicle in the United States. — Image source: onlyusedtesla.com
BOSTON: Buying a shiny Tesla Model S in a subdued brown colour is a good way to save money, according to recent research on the value of new and used cars.
According to a study from US-based car search engine iSeeCars, brown versions of the US$75,000- (RM314,000) Tesla Model S are the most likely to be discounted by dealers, while red models are the least likely to be marked down.
On the used market, more than 25 per cent of brown Teslas were discounted at least 10 per cent compared to the average Model S vehicle.
The study analysed more than 4.1 million vehicles to find out which car colours are more likely to provide used car deals, defined as savings of 10 per cent or more off the market value. The research identified the car colours that provide the most and least deals.
"Tesla discontinued the colour (brown) in late 2014 because it wasn't popular, which explains why it is the most frequently discounted colour," said iSeeCars CEO Phong Ly.
White, silver, and red examples are the Model S colours that are the least likely to be discounted, said the experts.
"The most popular colour for the Model S is black, which is commonly associated with luxury and a favourite among luxury car shoppers,” said Ly.
The survey results apply to the US market, but brown is unpopular worldwide, according to the 2018 Global Automotive Popularity Report from paint supplier Axalta Coating Systems.
White followed by black and various shades of grey are the world's favourite car colours, with brown and beige shades finding favour in Russia, where 9 cent of buyers canvassed saying they would opt for the neutral shade.
