CHOOSING the wrong colour could cost a fleet between £500 and £1,000 per vehicle, decision-makers were warned this week.

Buyers have to be focused on the retail market to ensure their cars will sell on the forecourt, so they should shy away from colours they do not think will sell. However, traditional favourites such as metallic blues and greys will continue to sell well. According to CAP Black Book, unpopular colours, such as white, 'doom' blue and brown, are quickly noticed because vehicles have to be put before bidders several times.

A spokesman for CAP said: 'This scenario tends to create a stand-off between buyers and sellers, with one side waiting for values to fall and the other holding out for the high bids they really want.'

Some vendors are, however, already beginning to adjust values back to help keep the market moving, but problems may arise if buyers keep expecting more discounting. The spokesman added: 'Because the market has been so buoyant we are not seeing values falling from an already low base. Rather, they are just falling into line with market dynamics.'