Tesla Cybertruck Trade-In Values Shock Buyers
▼ Summary
– Tesla now allows Cybertruck owners to trade in their vehicles, but they face significant depreciation, with rates as high as 45%.
– Two Cybertruck owners reported trade-in quotes showing 37-38% depreciation, with one losing $36,800 on a $127,000 Cyberbeast in eight months.
– Tesla initially banned resales to prevent scalping and maintain brand control, possibly delaying trade-ins amid backlash over Elon Musk’s political ties or quality issues.
– Trade-in values are typically lower than private-party sales, and EVs generally depreciate faster than other vehicles.
– Some EV brands can lose up to 50% of their value in the first year, according to industry reports.
Tesla Cybertruck owners are facing steep depreciation hits when attempting to trade in their vehicles, according to recent reports. For the first time since the electric pickup’s launch, Tesla has begun accepting trade-ins—but the numbers reveal a harsh reality for early adopters.
Industry data from CarGurus indicates Cybertrucks may lose up to 45% of their value in a short period. Real-world examples paint an even clearer picture: one owner who purchased a $100,000 all-wheel-drive model and drove nearly 20,000 miles received a trade-in offer of just $63,100—a 37% drop in value. Another buyer who splurged on a $127,000 Cyberbeast last September was quoted $78,200, marking a 38% loss in just eight months.
Tesla initially prohibited resales to curb scalping and maintain tighter control over distribution. This policy may have also delayed a flood of trade-ins from owners dissatisfied with ongoing quality concerns, including reports of malfunctioning accelerator pedals and loose interior trim. Additionally, some buyers may be distancing themselves from the brand due to Elon Musk’s polarizing public persona.
While trade-in values are traditionally lower than private sales, electric vehicles as a whole depreciate faster than gas-powered models. Industry analysts note that certain EV brands can shed half their value within the first year, making the Cybertruck’s rapid depreciation less surprising in context. Still, the figures serve as a sobering reminder for early adopters banking on strong resale potential.
(Source: TechCrunch)
