What Car? Q&A - What colour of Mini should I choose?

Q: I plan to buy a new Mini One. I've heard that its resale value is affected by colour, so which colours should I consider and which should I avoid? Also, what are the essential options to add to the car, and is it worth waiting for the new model to come out at the end of the year?
David Hanstead, Essex

A: The Mini is renowned for its strong residual values - at around 70% of the initial value.

However, it is true that colour can affect the resale value of a car. In the Mini's case, colours best avoided include yellow and green.

You should also make sure that the car comes with air-conditioning and opt for the TLC pack, which covers the cost of servicing for five years or 50,000 miles for £150.

If you wait until nearer the launch of the new car, you could try asking for a discount on the current model, but Minis are in such demand that it may well not be worth the wait.