If you've always dreamed of getting a Tesla without breaking the bank, now is (probably) the time. In one year, used Model Y prices have fallen by more than $6,000 in the United States, reaching around $30,000 this month, compared to more than $50,000 for similar models previously. A decline that has accelerated further since March 2023, with a drop of more than $20,000. This phenomenon is mainly occurring across the Atlantic, where used Teslas have become "good deals" for many buyers.
Increasingly strong competition
Furthermore, used Model 3s, even with high mileage, are now available for less than $15,000. In France, used Tesla prices are also following the trend observed in the United States.
After a difficult year for the brand, notably with a 63% drop in registrations at the start of 2025, the prices of the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y are now much more accessible. On sites like La Centrale, you can now find Model 3s for under 30,000 euros, and Model Ys for between 30,000 and 40,000 euros. Some 2020 models, even with high mileage, can even be had for less than 15,000 euros, an opportunity that many buyers are not hesitant to seize.
In short, if you haven't yet taken the plunge into electric, these prices are a real opportunity to buy a brand-name car. a more affordable price, especially for newcomers to the world of electric vehicles.
But why this drop in prices? First, we must mention the increase in competition in the electric vehicle sector. In 2025, used offers are multiplying, and it is becoming easier for consumers to find alternatives to Tesla. According to Davide Greene, an analyst at Cars.com, the number of used models increased by 31% year over year, with 76 different models on the market. electric vehicles in February 2025, compared to only 58 the previous year.
While Tesla remains a popular brand, other manufacturers are now offering equally attractive models. This gives consumers more choice, including the opportunity to look beyond Teslas and discover fresh designs and new technologies from other brands.
This partly explains why demand for used Teslas has decreased. Internet searches for the brand's used vehicles fell by 7% in February 2025 compared to the previous year, while those for other brands increased by 28%. And even Tesla models are spending longer in dealership parking lots, which wasn't the case a year ago, when they were selling faster than their competitors.
A real storm is hitting Tesla in 2025, fueled in part by Elon Musk and his antics. And this is affecting its image as well as its sales. In Europe, particularly in France, the brand saw its registrations drop by more than 45% in February, with even more severe declines at the beginning of the year. This phenomenon is also reflected in the used car market, where Model 3 and Model Y prices continue to fall.
Add to this Tesla's need to launch a more affordable model, around €25,000, and the brand risks facing a dilemma: either it lowers its prices to remain competitive, or it risks seeing its used car market collapse even further.
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