After a challenging few weeks for Tesla, listings for used models have surged by 33%, according to Cox Automotive.
Used Tesla listings have increased by 33% so far this year, with at least one industry expert noting that CEO Elon Musk’s behavior continues to exert an “undeniable” influence on the brand. Analysts from Cox Automotive reported on Wednesday that, based on Autotrader data, Tesla listings climbed from around 8,500 at the start of 2025 to 11,515 by March 16. In contrast, other electric vehicle (EV) listings also rose during the same timeframe by 27% year-to-date, as mentioned by Stephanie Valdez Streaty, Cox Automotive’s director of industry insights, in their industry forecast. She indicated that Tesla’s share of used EV listings changed slightly by one point to 40% this year, implying that the increase in Tesla listings may be linked to enhanced product availability.
“It’s undeniable that Elon Musk is an influential factor whose actions are impacting the brand’s image and sales, and only time will tell if Tesla can successfully navigate this critical juncture and find a new engine for growth,” Streaty stated.
In recent months, Teslas and showrooms across the United States have experienced incidents of vandalism and attacks, sparked by Musk’s association with the White House DOGE office. This week, the FBI established a task force aimed at investigating and combating what they categorize as “acts of violence, vandalism, and domestic terrorism.”
Despite this, Tesla owners hoping to sell their EVs may not recover as much as they initially invested. Prices for used Teslas have seen a sharp decline over the past few years, with the average price of a used Tesla currently $10,000 lower than that of a non-Tesla electric car, according to data from the dealership website CarGurus.
Streaty commented that Tesla has been grappling with “significant challenges” since it thrust the EV market into the mainstream in 2020. Various factors—ranging from increased competition and an aging product lineup to economic conditions impacting consumers and controversies surrounding Elon Musk—have contributed to a downturn in the company’s US sales.
“We believe that, without a substantial shift in strategy to create new products with widespread appeal, Tesla’s peak as an automaker may be behind us,” she said.
Scott Oran, a former Tesla owner and real estate developer near Boston, previously shared with Business Insider that he decided to sell his Model 3 after Musk’s political actions made him feel “embarrassed” to drive it. “I think, unfortunately, through Elon Musk’s actions, he’s probably irrevocably damaged the Tesla brand,” Oran remarked.
Tesla has not yet responded to a request for comment from Business Insider as of Thursday
