"Trade-ins for Cybertrucks are now being accepted by Tesla across the United States"
Tesla Cybertruck Trade-Ins: High Depreciation Rates and What to Expect
Tesla's Cybertruck, unveiled in 2023, has been on the market for about 20 months as of August 2025. Despite its unique design and innovative features, the Cybertruck has faced criticism for its polarizing aesthetics and practicality, which may have a negative impact on its resale value.
In the United States, Tesla has started accepting Cybertruck trade-ins, offering an option to transfer Full Self-Driving to the new vehicle. However, this offer does not apply if owners wish to purchase a different Tesla model. The trade-in offer is currently only available for the Foundation Series Cybertrucks.
Recently, Tesla launched the least expensive Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Cybertruck for US$69,990, and third-party platforms have offered used Cybertrucks with fewer than 10,000 miles for as low as $49,000. These low trade-in values have caused frustration among many Cybertruck owners, particularly given the original cost of the 2024 Cybertruck, which was $100,000.
It's important to note that Tesla's Cybertruck trade-ins are subject to relatively high depreciation rates, particularly within the first year. This is influenced by Tesla's rapid product updates, pricing strategies, and the competitive EV market. In fact, used Tesla vehicles can lose up to 25% of their value in the first year.
The Cybertruck's unique design and faltering sales might accelerate depreciation relative to other Tesla models. For instance, Tesla sales for the Cybertruck have significantly declined in 2025, with Q2 sales dropping by about 51% year-over-year to just 4,306 units.
Some third-party companies, such as Carvana, have reportedly offered lower trade-in values for the Cybertruck compared to Tesla's offer. However, business buyers may qualify for advantageous tax deductions (Section 179 + Bonus depreciation), which can influence purchase and trade strategies but does not directly affect retail depreciation rates.
In summary, while no exact figure for Cybertruck-specific depreciation is given yet, based on Tesla’s broader depreciation trends and current market dynamics, expect a depreciation loss around or above 25% in the first year, possibly more depending on model updates and market reception. The Cybertruck’s unique design and faltering sales might accelerate depreciation relative to other Tesla models.
[1] - Tesla Cybertruck Sales Drop by 51% in Q2 2025 [2] - Tesla Cybertruck Trade-Ins Now Available in the US [3] - Tesla's Rapid Depreciation: What to Expect [4] - Cybertruck's Polarizing Design and Practicality May Impact Resale Value [5] - Tax Deductions for Business Buyers of Heavy Pickup Trucks
- Due to its unique design and declining sales, the Cybertruck's depreciation rates could be higher than other electric vehicles in the first year, potentially surpassing the average 25% loss observed in Tesla's vehicle depreciation.
- In the realm of lifestyle and technology, the growing market for electric-vehicles, such as Tesla's Cybertruck, isn't just about owning a car but also about incorporating advanced tech and sustainable choices into one's life, with trade-ins and depreciation rates playing a significant role in the broader consumer experience.
