CAR OWNERS believe black is the colour if they want to impress their neighbours, it has been revealed.

AS MANY as 49% reckon that having a black-coloured car makes their vehicle seem more expensive, a survey by Auto Trader showed.

Cars considered a turn-off are yellow, purple and green ones, with only 3% in total thinking these are impressive hues.

The poll of 2,351 people also showed: :: 67% reckoned leather seats were the accessory most likely to improve the appearance of their car; :: 63% of those aged up to 24 regarded blue-tinted Xenon headlamps as a key accessory; :: Personalised number plates only appealed to 15%; :: 40% felt high mileage was the biggest factor that lowered a car's value; :: 40% would be tempted to sell their car if they found it was worth more than they expected: :: 5.5% would upgrade their car if they thought their neighbour's vehicle was worth more.

Auto Trader marketing director Matt Thompson said: "Whether consumers are looking to take advantage of extended scrappage schemes, or simply just want to keep up with their neighbours, there's never been a better time to think about selling a car.

"A lot of families in the UK could be sitting on a nest egg they don't know about."