Should You Buy a Used Tesla or Another EV?

The used electric-vehicle market is evolving rapidly. As more automakers introduce electric models, Tesla is facing growing competition, especially as buyers become more price-conscious. According to Cars.com data as of March 2025, the used EV space has diversified significantly, and the price drop in used Teslas is only part of the story.

Related: What to Know Before Buying a Used Electric Car

Are Teslas Holding Value in the Used EV Market?

Used Teslas have seen prices decline a bit over the past year; the automaker’s average prices have dropped 8% year over year from March 2024 to March 2025. In contrast, prices for used EVs from other automakers have declined just 3% during the same period. For example, Cars.com data show the median price for used model-year 2020-23 Model 3s has dipped below $26,000 as of March 2025, down around $4,200 from March 2024. Meanwhile, the median price for 2020-23 Model Ys is just under $30,000, compared to just below $37,800 a year ago. This decline is partly driven by:

• Aging inventory: According to Cars.com data, the average age of used Teslas is 4.3 years with 44,000 miles on the odometer, compared to the average age of non-Tesla used EVs, which is 2.8 years old with 21,000 miles.
• Increased supply: As more older Teslas with higher mileage hit dealership lots, the automaker’s vehicles are flooding the used market. In fact, Tesla’s used inventory grew 20% year over year in Q1 2025 alone.
• Consumer fatigue: Used Teslas sat on lots five days longer year over year, for an average of 62 days, while vehicles from other EV brands stay on lots for an average of 68 days — three days faster year over year.

Non-Tesla EVs Gaining Ground

While Teslas still command attention, other automakers have caught up. The number of non-Tesla EV models in the used market jumped from 58 to 78 in just one year, a 34% increase, offering buyers greater choice than ever. In addition, used EVs like the Chevrolet Bolt EV, Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4 are competitive alternatives in terms of price, range and features.

• According to Cars.com data, model-year 2021-22 Chevrolet Bolt EVs have a median price of $16,791 as of March 2025, and they offer an EPA-rated 259 miles of range. Many Bolt EVs have had their batteries replaced due to a massive recall, as well, essentially giving those vehicles a second life.
• The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E is now dipping below $30,000; its median price is $26,142. The electric SUV often includes driver-assist features like BlueCruise.
• 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 is holding steady in the low $20,000s, with a median price of $21,935, offering practicality with European design.

What Buyers Should Consider

With used EV inventory growing, shoppers should look beyond just Tesla for deals and assess their priorities, which may include:

• Value retention: Teslas are depreciating faster due to sheer volume and shifting brand dynamics. Non-Tesla EVs may offer better price-to-feature value.
• Charging access: Tesla’s Supercharger network remains a major advantage, but many non-Tesla EVs are gaining compatibility via automaker-supplied adapters as Tesla opens its network.
• Warranties: Many EVs may still be under their factory warranties, depending on mileage and age. All EVs come with an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty that covers their batteries (in California and the states that follow its regulations, battery warranties are good for 10 years/150,000 miles), which can add peace of mind for older EVs.

Whether you’re eyeing a used Tesla or exploring alternatives, 2025 may be the best time yet to go electric, as there are more choices and decreasing prices.

More From Cars.com:

• Used Tesla Prices Are Dropping; Should Buyers Take Advantage or Buy An Alternative?
• High Interest Rates, Fewer Used Cars Make Affordability the Toughest Challenge of 2025
• Should You Buy a CPO Electric Car?
• Which EVs (and Buyers) Qualify for the Used Tax Credit?
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