No matter how well a new car is taken care of, its value starts to depreciate as soon as it’s driven away from the lot. It’s obvious that things like mileage and condition affect the value, but color is another factor that can play a part in depreciation, especially, it seems, for certain Tesla Model Y colors.
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A recent study from NexusMedia, using insights from EasySearch, looked at value retention across ten of the best-selling cars in the U.S in five common colors. The research measured the difference between a car’s original MSRP and what it’s worth today.
Tesla’s Biggest Losers
Looking at the popular Model Y, three colors were identified as losing more than half of their value:
- Black Model Ys saw an average depreciation of 51.7% over five years.
- Silver Model Ys saw an average depreciation of 50.9%.
- Blue Model Ys saw an average depreciation of 50.4%.
All of these are above the national five-year average for 2025, which is 45.6%, according to NexusMedia.
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Colors That Hold Up Better
Not every Model Y has such a dramatic drop in value, however. The research shows that red and white tend to hold their value much better, with red Model Ys dropping just 3.23% of their value, and white falling only 0.83%. That’s a 50.8% difference between a black and a white Model Y, translating to thousands of dollars on cars that are otherwise nearly identical.
Other Vehicles That Struggled
The Tesla Model Y wasn’t the only car with high depreciation, although no other models lost 50% or more of their value. Red Ford F-150s lost 43.3% of their value and blue F-150s were close behind at 42.6%. Blue Nissan Rogues showed a value depreciation of 40%, black Ford F-150s lost 38.2% and white F-150s lost 36.9%.
Why Color Matters So Much
When it comes to choosing a car, color may well be a personal preference, but the research shows the impact it can have on resale value down the line. Whether it’s because some colors might show wear faster, are less popular with secondhand buyers or simply go out of style sooner, it’s interesting to see that certain shades have fewer takers on the used market.
The Bigger Picture for Tesla
Even within Tesla’s lineup, the difference is clear. CarEdge estimates the Model Y loses roughly 60% of its value in five years, while the Model S drops even more at 71%. Understanding these trends can make a big difference when looking at resale potential. Color, combined with model, can quietly cost — or save –thousands of dollars over the life of a car.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Tesla Owners: These Car Colors Lost Over 50% Value in 5 Years
