US Used Tesla Model S Prices Surpass New Car List
A 2013 Tesla Model S in the US is fetching used prices up to 20% higher than its original retail, driven by strong demand and limited supply.
Used Tesla Model S prices in the US have overtaken the cost of a new car, with some examples selling for as much as $99,734. This is according to data from iSeeCars.com, which analysed 45 million used car listings and identified the Model S as a rare case where used values exceed new list prices.
A new 2013 Model S originally retailed for $69,900 in its base specification, with the top version listed at $89,900. Buyers at launch were also eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit, which brought the effective price down to between $62,400 and $82,400 depending on specification. The average used price now sits about 20% above the original retail, a highly unusual situation for any mainstream car, let alone an electric vehicle.
Why are used Model S prices so high?
The main reason for the premium appears to be supply and demand. Tesla’s delivery times for new cars can stretch to several months, and some buyers are willing to pay extra to avoid the wait for a factory order. This is particularly true for buyers looking for a specific specification or those who want a car immediately. The Model S’s reputation for performance and technology, along with limited availability on the used market, has contributed to this price anomaly.
Contrast with other electric vehicles
The Tesla Model S is an outlier among electric cars. According to iSeeCars.com, used examples of the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf typically sell for 17% and 29% less than their original showroom prices, respectively. This is more in line with standard depreciation patterns for new cars, electric or otherwise.
- Chevrolet Volt: Used prices 17% below new
- Nissan Leaf: Used prices 29% below new
- Tesla Model S: Used prices 20% above new
Implications for buyers and the market
For buyers, the premium on used Model S cars means paying more for immediate delivery or specific configurations. For Tesla, the strong used values reinforce the brand’s desirability and could encourage more buyers to consider new orders, even with a wait. The situation also highlights the limited supply of used electric vehicles with long range and high performance, a gap that other manufacturers such as BMW are looking to address as they launch new models like the i3 and i8 in the US market.
The used Model S price phenomenon is a rare case in the US car market, reflecting both Tesla’s unique position and the early-stage dynamics of electric vehicle supply and demand.
