When it comes to this particular decision about that new car you've been contemplating, things are rarely ever just black or white.
Choosing the colour is just one of the many choices to be made when purchasing a new vehicle.
And not unlike major choices, such as make and model, it's one that speaks volumes.
A subdued hue versus a bright tone, for example, tells the world what kind of personality you've got or want to project.
It's also a decision often made with the heart versus the head.
According to the most recent statistics from PPG Industries, the company that tracks preferences in automotive colour choice world-wide, white leads the way at 25 per cent, with silver and black tied for second place at 18 per cent.
"Those colours are classic choices," says Lacey Elliott, car expert and spokesperson for autoTRADER.ca.
"And they're popular because people associate them with technology and the cutting edge. They're neutral and tend to look good in just about any light."
Colours of vehicles listed on autoTRADER. ca reflect global trends, with black, white, silver, grey and blue making up the top five, respectively.
Elliott adds that because white, silver and black have mass appeal, they may tend to sell quicker on the used vehicle market.
Other colours, such as red, blue and green, while less popular, may be more associated with specific makes or models.
"If it's a convertible or sports car, for example, people tend to think of those in more vibrant tones," she says, adding that resale should be something buyers think about at the outset.
"Car colour does impact residual value, which is why neutrals tend to fare better."
Insurance rates, contrary to urban myths, are not influenced by car colour, Elliott says.
"And if you are thinking about buying or selling, one tip is to browse through the over 400,000 listings on autoTRADER.ca for an idea of what's out there."
For more information, visit www.autoTRADER.ca www.newscanada.com