What Tesla Owners Should Really Know in 2025

For years, Tesla owners and enthusiasts have praised the brand for its cutting-edge technology, exceptional performance, and surprisingly strong resale values. But as the electric vehicle (EV) market matures and more Teslas hit the used car market, questions about depreciation are becoming increasingly common.

If you're thinking about selling your Tesla, you might have heard a few things like, "Teslas don’t lose value like regular cars" or "Full Self-Driving (FSD) adds thousands to resale." But how much of that is still true in 2025?

In this article, we’re busting some of the biggest Tesla depreciation myths and explaining what owners really need to know before they sell.

Myth #1: "Teslas Don’t Depreciate Like Other Cars"

The Truth: It’s true that Teslas used to hold their value better than many petrol and diesel cars — especially when EVs were rare and demand outpaced supply. But in 2025, the market looks very different.

• More supply: Tesla’s production has ramped up massively, especially with Model Y and Model 3.
• More competition: New EVs from BMW, Hyundai, Mercedes, and others are pulling buyers away.
• Price drops: Tesla has slashed new vehicle prices in 2024 and 2025, pushing used car values down.

What it means for you: Teslas still tend to depreciate slower than many traditional cars — but they are not immune to market forces. If you’re considering selling, timing is crucial.

Myth #2: "Full Self-Driving (FSD) Increases Resale Value by Thousands"

The Truth: FSD used to be a major selling point. Today, the story is more complicated.

• FSD might not transfer if the car is resold via Tesla directly.
• Software locks can prevent FSD from benefiting the new buyer.
• Not every buyer sees FSD as worth a premium unless it's fully active.

What it means for you: FSD might add £300–£1,000 extra when selling privately or to a specialist, but not its full original cost. Set your expectations realistically.

Myth #3: "Mileage Doesn’t Matter on a Tesla"

The Truth: While Teslas are durable, mileage still impacts value:

• Cars over 60,000 miles are viewed differently than those under 30,000 miles.
• Battery health becomes a bigger concern at higher mileage.
• Warranty limits based on mileage affect buyer confidence.

What it means for you: If your Tesla is approaching a key mileage milestone, selling sooner may help preserve its value.

Myth #4: "Colour and Spec Don’t Affect Resale Value"

The Truth: Options and colour definitely influence resale value:

• Popular colours like white and black sell faster and often for more.
• Performance models and Long Range variants are more sought-after.
• Unusual colours or niche customisations can limit your pool of buyers.

What it means for you: Highlight desirable options when listing your Tesla, and price realistically if you have a more unique configuration.

Myth #5: "Waiting for a Better Market Will Get Me a Higher Price"

The Truth: Waiting too long can cost you more than you think.

• Tesla price cuts impact used values quickly.
• New technology releases make older models seem outdated faster.
• Depreciation accelerates as supply increases.

What it means for you: If you’re thinking about selling, acting sooner is usually the smarter financial move.

Final Thoughts: What Tesla Owners Should Really Know in 2025

Tesla ownership is unlike any other — these are not just cars, but high-tech machines constantly evolving through software updates. However, when it comes to depreciation, Teslas are still vehicles that are subject to basic market rules.

In 2025, smart Tesla owners will stay informed, monitor market trends, and sell strategically rather than wait and hope for a perfect market that may never arrive.

At SellTesla.com, we make selling your Tesla simple, fast, and fair. Get an instant offer today and discover how easy it can be to sell your Tesla with confidence!

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