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More than 1.5 million people across the UK have admitted they would upgrade their car if they thought their neighbour's vehicle was worth more than theirs, according to a new poll by Auto Trader.

And, if you want your neighbours to think you've really gone up in the world, it's time to look more closely at the colour of your car.

Almost half of the population (or 49 per cent) think black is the colour to go for if you want to impress the neighbours and make your car seem more expensive.

The poll looked at categories including the importance of colour, what makes a car depreciate the most and whether consumers would be more tempted to sell their car if it was worth more than they thought.

Leather seats topped the list of extras, with 67 per cent of those polled saying it would add the most value in cars. DVD Players and personalised number plates trailed behind with 18 and 15 per cent respectively.

Just over two-thirds (68 per cent) of those polled believe they know the value of their vehicle, and 40 per cent would be tempted to sell their car if they discovered it was worth more than they originally thought.

When it comes to depreciation, 40 per cent think high mileage is the top contributor to loss of value. Other key factors are smoke coming out of the exhaust (22 per cent), customisation (16 per cent) and scratched paintwork (14 per cent).

Lastly, never underestimate the importance of smartening yourself up a bit if you're looking to sell your car. Three per cent of the population admit the look of a previous owner can affect the amount they're willing to pay for a car.

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