The colour of a car can make a difference to the price of a used car of between 10%, according to Cap Motor Research.

Cap says that while luxury extras are now an expectation rather than a hope for motorists, a good colour commands the most cash.

Daren Wiseman, Cap Black Book senior editor, said: "What used to be seen as executive level specs are becoming the norm on mainstream cars. The option lists are now full of traction control, tiptronic gearboxes and satellite navigation and in some cases these come as standard.

"This luxurious trend will undoubtedly continue to influence used car values but the difference between a good and bad colour can mean plus or minus 10% to a vehicle's resale price."

He said metallic reds and blues are conservative colours and stand the test of time better than fashionable ones, which do not hold their appeal indefinitely.

White or non-metallic 'doom blue' cars are unpopular.

"Silver cars have been in vogue in the new car market for some time, but this will inevitably lead to a glut of used ones in the future and an eventual reduction in the premiums they currently command," Mr Wiseman said.