Tesla used car prices keep plumetting, dips below average used car

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Battery life and degradation

  • One early claim is that used EVs are “dead batteries”; most replies call this exaggerated.
  • Multiple commenters cite real-world data: many EV packs retain ~80–90% capacity after 200–250k miles; some Teslas over 300k miles; studies show ~2% capacity loss per year on average.
  • First‑gen Nissan Leafs are noted as a poor benchmark (air-cooled packs, no thermal management, small range leading to frequent full cycles).
  • Batteries degrade via both age and cycling; there’s debate whether calendar age or cycles dominate.
  • Battery health is measurable on many EVs (including Teslas), unlike ICE engine health, which relies on indirect tests and history.
  • Still, the high cost of pack replacement ($10–20k quoted for some Teslas) creates “concentrated risk” that scares used buyers, even if most packs last longer than the car’s economic life.

Maintenance, reliability, and repair risk

  • Pro‑EV side: far fewer moving parts, no engine/gearbox/timing belt/spark plugs; regenerative braking drastically reduces brake wear; maintenance can be mostly tires and a 12V battery.
  • Skeptical side: Teslas and other EVs can suffer from motors, inverters, chargers, and electronics failures; some anecdotes of EVs spending far more time at dealers than old ICE cars.
  • Tires may wear faster due to EV weight and instant torque; unused friction brakes can rust or seize if not exercised.
  • ICE longevity: some keep ICE cars 20–25 years with routine maintenance; others note modern vehicles are engineered for ~12 years/120k miles but often last much longer.

Pricing, depreciation, and market dynamics

  • The headline drop figure in the article is questioned; commenters say the chart shows ~18% YoY for Teslas, with 4.6% being only the last 90 days.
  • Several people report that “cheap” used Teslas in the US tend to have high mileage or issues; clean, low‑mile cars are still close to new prices. In Germany, some say they still can’t find genuinely cheap Model 3s.
  • EVs in general may depreciate faster due to rapid tech improvements and an early‑adopter market that churns every few years, flooding the 3‑year‑old segment.
  • Some argue used EVs are underpriced because buyers overestimate the impact of moderate range loss.

Brand, reputation, and media coverage

  • One thread says Tesla faces unusually harsh press (e.g., OTA “recalls” trumpeted as major defects); others respond that regulators treat all brands equally and Tesla’s software isn’t especially good.
  • Several comments argue Tesla’s resale is hurt by its CEO’s politics, Nazi‑style salutes, broken FSD promises, and general controversy; others claim this matters mainly to “chronically online” people, not typical buyers.
  • Surveys and protests are cited by some as evidence of a real reputational hit, especially in Europe.

Other EVs and evolving tech

  • BYD and various EU/Asian EVs are mentioned as credible or better‑built alternatives, though long‑term reliability is still unknown.
  • Rapid advances (LFP packs, new fast‑charge chemistries) make older EVs feel obsolete more quickly, which may further depress used prices.