[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by OTownKnight

Tinted windows and a well working AC system are more important than exterior color of car. Black interior will attract more heat than light, but not much. Florida summers are brutal to all cars.

Precisely. I have factory-tinted windows (not black, more of a gray) with bronze color paint and a tan-colored leather interior. I have a garage at home but at work it sits outside and is fine after a minute with the a/c on. I find the leather no worse than cloth in my opinion. Several cars/SUVs now come with ventilated seats which might be worth looking into for those sensitive to hot seats.

[chiluvr1228]

I will never buy a white car. They are boring and there are too many of them. Makes it hard to spot your car in a parking lot. Come summer you will want a windshield shade or the steering wheel will be too hot to touch if you are not parked in a garage or the shade.


I've had black, silver, beige, red and blue cars. Never noticed much of a difference except the black one would get hotter to the touch on the outside but that doesn't matter much to me since I will be inside the car with the a/c on.

[bmw335xi]

Originally Posted by PBToast

Curious as we are planning to retire there. Wondering if people who live in Florida full time prefer to drive a white car with a light interior? Does it make a difference? Does a white car with a black interior matter? Or is it all the same temperature? Do you use foil window sun shades on your dash?

Just get your windows tinted and it doesn't matter. Honestly, most people have garages in Florida. I don't know anyone here that chooses a color based on how much hotter the car will be. If you park outside, it's going to be hot regardless, so choose what you like.

[ChuteTheMall]

Before you get aftermarket tinting, consider your night vision (is that a cop behind you?) and consider whether you'll drive thru other states which regulate tinting. Tinting can make it harder to see out. Cheap tinting really sucks, bubbles & peels.


I drive a white car with good factory tinting, light leather interior, I use foil sunshades often, have a shady carport, and whenever possible I seek out shade for parking (but beware of tree sap, roosting birds, curious bugs).


The moonroof is rarely opened, the sunroof is rarely opened, and the windows are rarely opened. Maybe briefly just to let out a bubble of greenhoused gasses after roasting in the sun. Bug free air conditioning is standard procedure.


The last 3 of my 4 Florida cars have been white. I played with other colors when I lived up north. White matters.