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Actually I find it more of a pita to keep the black carpeting and mats of my c5 cleaner than the ash grey of my Mercedes. The black shows every little spec of pebbles or debris that gets tracked in. Granted that actual dirt or mud may stain a light colored carpet more than it would a black carpet, but how often do you have such on your shoes when getting in. I usually shampoo my mats, black and red (2 sets for vette to change look when want to) and the grey ones at least once a summer and all look great after a number of years. The vette hybernates all winter and the Benz isn't much out either here in the frozen tundra aka Chicago, so snow, salt and slush is not an issue for me.
That said, if you really like the look and contrast of the grey you may want to reconsider...at least it's a good "problem" you need to ponder!