Sell Your Tesla: A Practical and Ethical Guide
If you’ve been looking for a signal, here it is. It’s the moment to sell.
Whenever I mention to people that reviewing cars professionally is part of my job description, they often ask about Tesla. Over an extended period surpassing ten years now, Tesla has stood out as the unconventional newcomer captivating public interest beyond automotive circles. While traditional car manufacturers appeared conservative and uninteresting, Tesla emerged with a technology-driven approach and excitement. During the 2010s, their electric vehicles not only raised the standards but also led in design philosophy through user interfaces centered around screens.
As CEO and
majority shareholder
Elon Musk’s DOGE initiative has seemingly evolved into an unofficial extension of the right-wing Trump administration, but interest has significantly waned. Demonstrations against Tesla have emerged nationwide, with secondary-market prices plummeting. There has been growing pressure to exchange Teslas as well.
It’s time for me to conclusively address all those queries from unfamiliar people regarding Tesla: I believe they’re not a wise purchase, and I feel there’s a compelling argument to be made for selling anyTesla shares you currently hold.
The Argument Against a New Tesla Model
When Tesla initially released their first four mass-produced models – the full-sized luxurious sedan known as the Model S, the spacious Model X SUV with its distinctive gull-wing doors, the budget-friendly midsize sedan called the Model 3, and subsequently, the crossover model named the Model Y – these vehicles stood out prominently within the electric vehicle sector.
However, over the last five years, Tesla’s edge in competition has shrunk dramatically, going from an apparently insurmountable gap to barely noticeable. Upon the launch of the Tesla Model 3 in 2017, it became the all-time top-selling electric vehicle.
was the Nissan Leaf
That somewhat comical-looking, budget-friendly hatchback had an EPA-estimated range of 107 miles.
Then the Model
arrived
With an unprecedented maximum range of 310 miles, it stood out. For several years now, the Model Y has been the benchmark for crossovers in the worldwide electric vehicle market.
However, this lead has narrowed considerably today and now falls within the margin of error. To illustrate with a practical case, consider the farthest-reaching version of the
new 2025 Tesla Model Y
boasts an EPA-estimated range of 339 miles;
2025 Kia EV6
In its long-distance configuration, it should aim for 319 miles of range. Given that Tesla had, for several years, downplayed issues with its excessively optimistic in-car range estimates and employed unconventional testing methods,
raise its EPA estimates
, an additional 20 miles of range seems much less significant.
real-world tests by
Edmunds
, most Tesla vehicles did not achieve their EPA-estimated range, despite the fact that the majority of electric vehicles from other manufacturers met their estimates.
Edmunds
They surpassed their EPA estimates during testing.
Numerous other automotive companies are also ensuring the long-term viability of their electric vehicles—meanwhile, Tesla persists with largely unaltered designs. Every one of Tesla’s electric cars relies on 400-volt platforms, whereas competitors such as Hyundai, Kia, Volvo, Audi, Porsche, and several others have shifted towards more advanced architectures.
800-volt system
This indicates that they are capable of managing higher electrical loads simultaneously and charging faster. Adopting a lower-voltage system reduces costs for the company initially; however, it implies that their components will be more limited.
reach higher temperatures
During rapid charging or aggressive use, this results in additional deterioration of the battery and reduced range over time.
Tesla also boasts a somewhat checkered past when it comes to safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has
opened
several
probes
into Tesla, primarily because of its “Full Self-Driving” feature. The company’s associated “Autopilot” system has reportedly been connected to accidents resulting in 54 injuries and 14 fatalities, as stated.
one investigation
.
The firm’s latest offering, the Cybertruck, has encountered
several rounds of recalls
at figures significantly above the sector average. (The latest recall addressed a concern that the
Body panels would come loose while driving.
.) Furthermore, the difficulty in accessing physical door mechanisms on many Tesla models has also been cited as an issue.
in a variety
of high-profile
fatalities
Alarming as it may be, even with outstanding crash test scores, Teslas are part of deadly crashes more frequently than any other car brand,
approximately double the average rate
.
From a financial perspective, choosing between numerous other electric vehicles and Tesla still comes down to a toss-up. For instance, both the newly American-made Kia EV6 and the Tesla Model Y qualify for the complete $7,500 federal electric vehicle tax credit. Despite significant uncertainty surrounding the continuation of this incentive, as we write, the similarly equipped long-range version of the Kia is anticipated to cost just marginally less than itsTesla counterpart.
less expensive
, approximately $2,000 less. For each car model that Tesla currently produces, there are comparable models with similar price points.
Given the presence of U.S.-based electric vehicle manufacturers like Lucid and Rivian, along with entries from established brands such as Chevrolet, Cadillac, Ford, Jeep, RAM, and Dodge into theEV market, consumers have numerous domestically produced options for going electric without resorting to gasoline vehicles. From my perspective as an auto evaluator, it’s important to highlight that I’ve observed
Most electric vehicles on the market tend to be superior automobiles.
They provide a smoother ride, are more intuitive, and offer greater specialization across all levels of the market. In fact, I often recommend the EV6 to newcomers shopping for an affordably priced crossover.
Using the Tesla Supercharger network
more receptive to electric vehicles from brands other than Tesla
Indeed, it has never been simpler to bypass the Tesla dealership and explore other options.
What if there’s one in your garage at this very moment? Should you consider selling it?
The Practical Argument for Selling Your Tesla
The primary rationale for selling now is that Tesla vehicles are losing value rapidly, and their maintenance expenses may soon become exorbitantly high. Electric Vehicles (EVs) generally face weak resale values; however, this issue seems particularly pronounced with Teslas.
outpaced that trend
Over the last eighteen months, up until the inauguration, this was primarily due to the company employing robust discount strategies to clear new stock, along with significant utilization of large rental fleets.
Hertz is getting rid of tens of thousands of vehicles.
immediately available on the market.
The circumstances have deteriorated further following President Donald Trump’s victory in the re-election. Musk’s contribution of $290 million to Republican campaigns and his advisory position with the president have turned him into a focal point for backlash. Consequently, this has had a devastating impact on Tesla.
For many years, Tesla refrained from advertising its vehicles. Instead, they depended on recommendations, press attention, and Elon Musk’s extensive public profile, which positioned him as the face of Tesla in a manner unlike how Mary Barra is perceived at General Motors. Given that Musk holds the largest stake in Tesla and about one-third of his estimated $303 billion fortune comes from Tesla shares, the company has become inseparably linked with the tycoon. (This vast collection of
“I Purchased It Before He Lost His Mind” stickers
is evidence of that.)
Even though Musk holds right-wing beliefs, Tesla and electric vehicle owners
skew more Democratic
And they are more progressive than drivers of any other brand, which makes them more susceptible to abandoning their vehicles due to political pressure.
Edmunds
discovering that potential car purchasers are turning away from Tesla models more frequently these days—with only 1.8% of respondents currently considering a Tesla purchase versus 3.3% back in November. Even though Elon Musk may be gaining popularity amongst Republican voters, it is improbable that this shift will result in a significant influx of conservative buyers compensating for the declining interest; particularly since many Republicans remain disengaged from such trends.
vastly less likely
To purchase an electric vehicle as their next car.
Concerningly for current owners, as values collapse further, new Teslas will become comparatively worse deals. Due to Tesla’s direct-sales model, it has a much stronger incentive to move inventory than most other automakers, which makes further fire sale incentives likely—and risks creating a negative feedback loop.
Furthermore, for present owners, holding onto a Tesla that is losing value quickly might not turn out to be a sound financial decision.Tesla’s insurance costs have consistently been
well above average
, with premium payments amounting to approximately
Between a typical Aston Martin insurance policy and a standard Porsche insurance policy
This can be attributed to inadequate spare part availability, a scarcity of skilled technicians, and
complex repairs
.
As symbols of the Trump administration, Musk and Tesla have attracted significant attention, turning Teslas into frequent targets for vandalism. Insurers caution that this trend might lead to increased insurance premiums. Meanwhile, the U.S. Attorney General, Pam Bondi, has warned that vandals targeting Teslas could face serious consequences.
domestic terrorism charges
It is still uncertain whether she possesses the legal authority to take such action and if it would effectively curb vandalism. This is particularly true if Musk becomes involved with issues that deeply affect American politics, touching what could be referred to as the “third rail.”
He has threatened to cut Social Security.
.
If you intend to push your Tesla to its limits, even under such circumstances, maintaining it could prove harder compared to most other vehicles. Unlike many car manufacturers, Tesla has a high degree of vertical integration, producing numerous key components in-house. This reduces the availability of third-party replacement parts significantly.
The company’s direct-sales approach implies that if cost-cutting measures become necessary, there are no third-party dealerships representing multiple brands available to share the financial strain. The company must ensure sufficient car sales to maintain its owned outlets and service centers; otherwise, these facilities may have to be shut down. Continuous supply of parts and maintenance services relies heavily on the overall well-being of the business. Despite potential recovery in U.S. market sales, Tesla presently confronts significant challenges globally.
China
and
Europe
.
If this has persuaded you to sell, several competitors are actively encouraging Tesla owners to switch to their brands at present. Polestar is one such competitor.
offering $20,000 in discounts
For Tesla trade-ins with Polestar 3 lease agreements.
Lucid
is providing a $4,000 incentive to Tesla vehicle owners.
Nonetheless, I must acknowledge this: if you decide to trade in your Tesla at present, you’ll probably face significant depreciation loss due to how quickly these vehicles lose value. The situation seems poised to deteriorate further over time. Thus, it might be wiser to address the issue promptly rather than delay.
If this hasn’t persuaded you yet, though, there’s still my key point to consider.
The Ethical Argument for Switching to a Tesla
It seems Musk is an
aspiring oligarch
He bought one of the biggest social media platforms on the planet and transformed it into a
right-wing propaganda outlet
He subsequently invested $290 million in backing Republican candidates during the 2024 elections. This move probably doesn’t align with the typical political views of most Tesla owners, and the evident corruption occurring at the same time ought to be worrisome for everyone involved.
Since then, he has been awarded with
unprecedented direct support
For Tesla from the federal government, including an outrageously unscrupulous car sales pitch conducted by
Trump on the White House lawn
along with an FBI unit specifically focused on
securing Tesla vehicles against vandalism
.
He has turned his influence and riches into an advantage
unprecedented amount of access
, through his specialized advisory position to the president and “DOGE,” access has been granted to sensitive government information and funds. The unpredictable nature of DOGE is currently having an active adverse effect.
public employees’ experiences more taxing
. DOGE overstepped
any constitutional justification
to shut down the
humanitarian USAID organization
, potentially affecting tens of thousands of individuals and severely undermining America’s reputation internationally. The proposed reductions in IRS funding directed towards DOGE are anticipated to result in
amounts to a loss of $500 billion in revenue for the federal government
, rather than cost savings, this year alone. Musk has often spoken about the necessity of reducing welfare benefits, which he refers to as ”
the big one.
”
Musk has consistently promoted variations of
the Great Replacement Theory
, a
discredited extremist
He presents an outlook that recasts white supremacist ideas, portraying immigration as part of a scheme to undermine Western society. He thinks that contraception and abortion might lead to “the downfall of civilization.” He has shared posts online claiming that ”
Hitler didn’t murder millions
“. During Trump’s inaugural ceremony, he
performed a gesture
it appeared similar to a Nazi salute, and upon being questioned about it,
joked about Nazis
.
Many of his opinions are detestable to most Americans, and
He personally is extremely disliked.
Although some adjustments might potentially be achieved in the 2026 and 2028 elections, Musk and DOGE have progressed swiftly, making it probable that the federal government has already taken action.
permanently damaged
The quickest method to minimize the damage is by halting his actions swiftly. Given his status as an unelected and unanswerable “adviser,” the American public has limited options for redress.
Apart from Tesla, Musk’s impact primarily extends
stemmed from his wealth
About a third of Elon Musk’s $300 billion fortune comes directly from his holdings in Tesla stock. As a company that sells goods directly to consumers and controls both its distribution channels and service network, Tesla is particularly susceptible to broad-based product boycotts across both new and pre-owned vehicle markets. In fact, during the fourth quarter of 2024, one of the only segments within Tesla’s operations showing increased revenues was their servicing division. Consequently, avoiding purchases of new Teslas, discouraging others from buying them, and ceasing trade-ins can significantly affect the company’s immediate financial outlook as well as diminish Musk’s wealth considerably.
It is feasible that continuous pressure could severely harm the company and diminish Musk’s wealth and influence. Given the presence of other eco-friendly vehicles now available on the market, this situation could be exacerbated.
expanding market for electric vehicle reuse and recycling
For Teslas that ultimately become completely valueless, there are scarcely any drawbacks to swapping out your Tesla at this moment. By doing so, you can cease funding the globe’s wealthiest individual and his mission to reshape governance according to his vision. In turn, you may even halt his ambitions altogether.
If you’ve been looking for a signal, here it is. Now’s the time to sell.
Victoria Scott is an author, photographer, and automotive journalist who has contributed articles to various publications.
Motor1
,
Road & Track
,
Insider
,
The Drive
and other publications
She resides in Seattle with her spouse and their cat, Burt. She can often be found on
Bluesky
,
Patreon
, and her
personal website
.
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