Tesla Cybertruck Trade-Ins Are Here – And the Numbers Are Brutal

Tesla has officially opened the door for Cybertruck trade-ins, but early adopters may be in for a shock. According to Inside EVs, the company is now permitting owners to trade in their futuristic electric pickups—but with depreciation rates as high as 45%, the financial hit is staggering.

ecent reports from CarGurus and firsthand accounts from owners reveal just how much value these stainless-steel trucks lose in just months. One Cybertruck owner who purchased a $100,000 all-wheel-drive 2024 model and drove it 19,623 miles was offered just $63,100—a 37% drop in value. Another owner who bought the $127,000 Cyberbeast last September received a $78,200 trade-in quote, amounting to a 38% loss in just eight months.

Why Did Tesla Initially Ban Cybertruck Resales?

Tesla originally prohibited owners from reselling their Cybertrucks shortly after delivery—a policy often used to prevent scalping of high-demand vehicles and maintain brand control. However, industry analysts speculate that Tesla may have also been trying to delay a wave of trade-ins driven by:

• Political backlash against Elon Musk’s high-profile alignment with the Trump administration
• Quality control issues, including reports of stuck accelerators, malfunctioning windshield wipers, and falling trim pieces
• Buyer’s remorse from early adopters facing the reality of owning a polarizing, first-generation EV

EVs Depreciate Fast – But Is the Cybertruck Worse?

While electric vehicles (EVs) generally lose value faster than gas-powered cars, the Cybertruck’s depreciation appears especially steep. Wired reports that some EVs can shed up to 50% of their value in the first year, but Tesla’s stainless-steel pickup seems to be following an even sharper curve.

Key Factors Driving the Cybertruck’s Rapid Depreciation:

✔ High Initial Price Tag – With some configurations exceeding $100,000, even a modest percentage drop means big dollar losses.
✔ Early Production Issues – Quality concerns may be scaring off secondhand buyers.
✔ Limited Market Appeal – The Cybertruck’s radical design isn’t for everyone, shrinking its resale pool.
✔ Tesla’s Trade-In Policy – Dealers typically offer less than private sales, compounding losses.

What Does This Mean for Future Cybertruck Owners?

For now, the Cybertruck remains a high-risk purchase for those concerned about resale value. However, Tesla could stabilize prices if it:

• Addresses quality control complaints
• Expands production to meet demand
• Introduces more affordable variants

The Bottom Line:

Tesla’s Cybertruck trade-in values are underwhelming, reinforcing concerns about EV depreciation and first-generation vehicle risks. While the truck remains a head-turning novelty, its long-term financial viability as an investment is questionable.

As Tesla continues rolling out its controversial pickup, the resale market will be a critical indicator of whether the Cybertruck is a flop or a long-term success. For now, early adopters are learning the hard way that cutting-edge tech often comes at a steep cost.